Welcome back, Neighbors. This week I had the chance to sit down with Trey Hensley, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and one of the finest bluegrass guitarists on the scene today.
Trey was the 2023 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year and is already in the running for even more accolades this year including another Grammy nomination.
During our conversation, we cover a lot of ground. Trey shares how he balances the demands of life on the road as a professional touring musician with family life and being an active, engaged parent. He also opens up about his impressive guitar collection, some exciting collaborations he’s been working on, and his upcoming projects and tour dates for 2025.
If you’re a fan of bluegrass, great guitar work, or simply enjoy hearing stories from the road, this is an interview you don’t want to miss. Click the video to watch to listen to the audio on your favorite Podcast app.
Shaky Knees Festival 2025The Shaky Knees Festival returns to Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia, from September 19–21, 2025. Known for its diverse lineup of over 60 bands, Shaky Knees is a highlight of Atlanta’s music scene and a must-attend for fans of alternative rock, indie, and more.
Set in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park provides a beautiful backdrop for this large-scale festival, with the city skyline towering in the distance. While specific camping options aren’t listed, Atlanta offers an array of hotels, short-term rentals, and other lodging options nearby.
Shaky Knees typically draws tens of thousands of fans annually, and with a history of strong lineups and electric performances, it’s easy to see why. The lineup and ticket details haven’t been announced yet, but stay tuned—this is a festival to keep on your radar.
For updates and ticket information, visit shakykneesfestival.com.
Reggae Rise Up Arizona 2025The ever-popular Reggae Rise Up festival expands to Arizona in 2025, running from April 4–6 at Tempe Beach Park. Set along the Salt River, this festival brings together some of the best in reggae and hip-hop for three days of sun, music, and good vibes.
The lineup is already looking strong, with headliners including Damian Marley, Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Iration, SOJA, and Wiz Khalifa. Fans can also look forward to performances by Collie Buddz, Cypress Hill, HIRIE, Protoje, and many more.
While camping options haven’t been announced, Tempe offers a range of lodging options within easy reach of the venue. Tickets are on sale now, with multiple options ranging from general admission to VIP experiences.
For full details and to secure your tickets, head to reggaeriseup.com/arizona.
For fans of jam bands and classic rock, the Dark Star Jubilee is a festival you’ll want to circle on your calendar. Happening May 23–25, 2025, at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, this festival promises three days of incredible music and a community-centered atmosphere.
Headliners include Dark Star Orchestra, moe., and the Warren Haynes Band, with support from acts like Melvin Seals & JGB, Jennifer Hartswick, Daniel Donato, and Too Many Zooz. The lineup continues to highlight jam, rock, and roots influences, ensuring a mix of high-energy performances and deep musical exploration.
Legend Valley offers on-site camping options, along with nearby lodging for those who prefer a little more comfort. As always, the Dark Star Jubilee draws thousands of fans who share a love for the music and legacy of the Grateful Dead. For tickets and more information, visit the festival’s website at darkstarjubilee.com.
Thank you for tuning in each week and for helping grow this community. There are now thousands of you watching, listening, and sharing the Music Festivals Podcast, and I’m incredibly grateful. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to rate the show wherever you listen — it helps more festival lovers like you find the podcast.
Make sure to come back next week — I'll be talking with Katia (Pixie) Racine, lead singer for Pixie & the Party Grass Boys.
We jammed on all things whisky and winter, including their upcoming performances at WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat Springs, what's behind their new self-titled album and a new band member who will be in the fold for their 2025 tour. You'll also hear the story behind why the band's official theme song involves chickens.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d love to have you join The Neighborhood! This is the twice monthly email news letter that also gets you some exclusive insider content as well as discounts and deals only available in your email inbox.
You can also connect with me on Instagram @neighborn8fests or drop me an email with suggestions, new festival tips, or just to say “heyo.” If you see me out at a fest, don’t hesitate to come say hello—I’ll be the guy with a story or two to share.
I’ll leave you with this week with an amazing performance from The Vince Herman Band at Fall Hookahville 2024, held at J&M Ranch in Ansonia, Ohio from August 30th - September 1st, 2024.
The current lineup of the Vince Herman Band, assembled for their fall tour, included Vince Herman (guitar and lead vocals), Nathan Graham (upright bass), Dakota Holden (pedal steel), Ian Cory (banjo and fiddle), and Vince's son Silas Herman (mandolin and guitar), with Alex Johnson and Lawrence Nemenz alternating on drums for different segments of the tour. Silas's mandolin work on this solo is nothing short of stellar.
As always, I hope to be your camp neighbor soon...
Neighbor N8 : Nov 22, 2024 11:51:42 AM
We’re kicking off Season 2 of the Music Festivals Podcast with a packed show. I’ll share the latest news about pre-sales and ticket deals for...
Neighbor N8 : Oct 25, 2024 5:02:59 AM
Part 2 of my recap of the 3rd annual CaveFest at The Caverns in Grundy County, TN is live. You'll get to see the actual cave tour, talk learn about...
Neighbor N8 : Dec 6, 2024 6:07:27 AM
Hey Neighbors - welcome back! This week, we’re heading to Nashville to take a closer look at a startup platform that has potential make a big...
Neighbor N8