Music Festivals Podcast

In this episode, Lovegrass Music Festival Executive Director Aimee Riegel of  @80ProofAlice  shares how a group of friends, musicians and volunteers transformed a bluegrass jam at Wilson State Park into a nonprofit festival supported by nearly 100 volunteers.We also preview the 2026 festival lineup, led by  @EastNashGrass  and  @johnnymullenax  , alongside The Debutants (@debutantsftw) and a diverse group of emerging regional artists. Aimee discusses Lovegrass’ commitment to artist discovery, its intimate and family-friendly atmosphere, instrument workshops, children’s activities, food vendors and the community that keeps the festival growing while preserving its grassroots character.Lovegrass Music Festival takes place August 6–8, 2026, at Wilson State Park in Kansas. Music Festivals Podcast will be there to bring you live performances, interviews and festival coverage throughout the weekend via our multistage festival live stream.💰 ————— 💰This Music Festivals Podcast Episode is Presented By:The 54th Walnut Valley FestivalAre you a fan of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic Music? Make a trip to the 54th Walnut Valley Festival & National Flatpicking Championships — September 16th - 20th in Winfield, KS.SAVE 25% on Tickets at checkout with code: MFPSAVEOffer Expires July 31, 2026Get the Deal 👉 https://bit.ly/MFP-WVFest💰 ————— 💰👧🏻 About the Guest: Aimee Riegel is the executive director and co-founder of Lovegrass Music Festival. She also plays bass and sings with 80 Proof Alice. @80ProofAlice  https://80proofalice.com🎧 About the FestivalLovegrass Music Festival brings bluegrass music, lakeside camping and a community together at Kansas’ beautiful Wilson State Park.https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com🏕️ About the VenueWilson State Park is a public recreation area found on the south shore of 9,000-acre Wilson Lake reservoir approximately 10 miles north of the city of Wilson in Russell County, Kansas🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @musicfestivalspodcastMusic Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com🙏 Support more Seasons of MFP with Your Donationshttps://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivals⏳ Key Moments00:00 Lovegrass Music Festival 2026 Preview02:34 Aimee Riegel’s Festival Background04:28 How Lovegrass Music Festival Began07:13 Building a Grassroots Kansas Festival09:59 Lovegrass 2026 Lineup Preview10:15 East Nash Grass and Johnny Mullenax13:40 Discovering Emerging Bluegrass Artists15:31 Lovegrass Food and Festival Vendors17:02 Family Activities and Kids’ Workshops19:10 Why Aimee Riegel Loves Lovegrass Music Festival🤝 Music Festivals Podcast is supported by AMAZING partners. If you're a fan of the show, please support them! 🙏DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comvidIQ - YouTube Software to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/mfp-discountCamp for Free with Harvest Hostshttps://www.harvesthosts.com/?refid=x...Rent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsyhttps://www.outdoorsy.com/invite/nate...#lovegrassfestival #musicfestivals #bluegrass #bluegrasslife #festivals #kansas #americana #jambands #festivalcamping

Lovegrass Music Festival has grown into one of Kansas’ most welcoming bluegrass gatherings, bringing live music, lakeside camping and a close-knit festival community to Wilson State Park. In this episode, longtime attendee Maggie Menhusen shares the fan’s perspective on what makes Lovegrass special and why she and her family return year after year.Lovegrass Music Festival takes place August 6–8, 2026, at Wilson State Park in Kansas. Music Festivals Podcast will be there to bring you live performances, interviews and festival coverage throughout the weekend.💰 ————— 💰This Music Festivals Podcast Episode is Presented By:The 54th Walnut Valley FestivalAre you a fan of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic Music? Make a trip to the 54th Walnut Valley Festival & National Flatpicking Championships — September 16th - 20th in Winfield, KS.SAVE 25% on Tickets at checkout with code: MFPSAVEOffer Expires July 31, 2026Get the Deal 👉 https://bit.ly/MFP-WVFest💰 ————— 💰👧🏻 About the Guest: Maggie Menhusen

https://www.facebook.com/maggie.balesmenhusen🎧 About the FestivalLovegrass Music Festival brings bluegrass music, lakeside camping and a community together at Kansas’ beautiful Wilson State Park.https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com🏕️ About the VenueWilson State Park is a public recreation area found on the south shore of 9,000-acre Wilson Lake reservoir approximately 10 miles north of the city of Wilson in RussInside Kansas Festivals: The Lovegrass Music Festival 2026 Fan Experience
ell County, Kansas🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE on YourTube @musicfestivalspodcastMusic Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com🙏 Support more Seasons of MFP with Your Donationshttps://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivals⏳ Key Moments00:00 Meet longtime Lovegrass attendee Maggie Menhusen00:40 Maggie’s connection to Lovegrass and the Kansas festivals02:22 Growing up with the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield03:56 Why Kansas bluegrass festivals offer more than traditional04:53 The importance of camping, community and campground pickin05:49 How Maggie prepares for a music festival07:03 Thoughts on today’s music festival crowds and fan behavior09:41 Why smaller, grassroots festivals offer a different experience10:09 How Lovegrass creates an intimate atmosphere11:15 Maggie’s history with Lovegrass Music Festival11:53 Why Maggie returns to Lovegrass every year12:11 The history of live music on the water at Wilson Lake13:01 Lovegrass as a meeting place for friends and family13:34 The welcoming atmosphere around festival picking circles15:34 The Lovegrass camping experience and its friendly neighbors16:36 Why the festival crowd feels “just about right”17:08 Cooking and sharing meals at cam18:43 A longtime attendee’s review of the Lovegrass VIP experience19:55 The grassroots organization’s investment in its musical lineup20:17 Lovegrass 2026 dates, location and live-stream information🤝 Music Festivals Podcast is supported by AMAZING partners. If you're a fan of the show, please support them! 🙏DLaw Coffee CompanyFlorida Sand Music RanchThe Will McLean FoundationvidIQ - YouTube Software to grow your channel faster! 🚀Camp for Free with Harvest HostsRent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsy#lovegrassfestival #musicfestivals #bluegrass #bluegrasslife #festivals #kansas #americana #jambands #festivalcamping

Grassfire Festival 2026 brought another unforgettable weekend of music, camping, and community to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, and in this episode Neighbor Nate is joined by special guest co-host Whisky Drinks Jeff of The Whiskey Drinks to break down everything that made this year's festival special.

From standout performances and campground culture to Jeff's perspective as both a performer and festival veteran, this recap captures why Grassfire continues to be one of Ohio's favorite grassroots music festivals.

We also cover some of the biggest headlines in this week's music festival news, including Jake Cinninger's departure from Umphrey's McGee after 26 years, a discussion about Hulaween 2026, updates from the Music Festivals Podcast summer tour, and a look ahead at what's coming next from festivals across the country.

💰 ————— 💰

This Music Festivals Podcast Episode is Presented By:

The 54th Walnut Valley Festival

Are you a fan of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic Music? Make a trip to the 54th Walnut Valley Festival & National Flatpicking Championships — September 16th - 20th in Winfield, KS.

SAVE 25% on Tickets at checkout with code: MFPSAVE

Offer Expires July 31, 2026

Get the Deal 👉 https://bit.ly/MFP-WVFest

💰 ————— 💰

👧🏻 About the Guest: Whisky Drinks Jeff & The Whiskey Drinks

https://thewhiskeydrinks.com

🎧 About the Festival

Grassfire Festival is an annual family-friendly music festival celebrating bluegrass, Americana, jamgrass and roots music at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio.

https://nlqp.com

🏕️ About the Venue

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park is one of the Midwest's most unique festival destinations, featuring legendary camping, natural swimming quarries, hiking trails and a year-round schedule of live music festivals.

https://nlqp.com

🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube for more videos @musicfestivalspodcast

Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com

🙏 Support more Seasons of MFP with Your Donations

buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivalspodcast

⏳ Key Moments

00:00:03 Welcome & Introducing Whisky Drinks Jeff

00:00:23 Grassfire Festival 2026 Recap Begins

00:00:36 Jake Cinninger Leaves Umphrey's McGee

00:00:47 Hulaween 2026 Discussion Preview

00:01:02 Walnut Valley Festival Sponsor Spotlight

00:03:30 Grassfire Festival Highlights & Performances

00:12:00 Campground Culture at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

00:18:30 Jake Cinninger's Legacy with Umphrey's McGee

00:24:30 Hulaween 2026 News & Discussion

00:29:30 Music Festivals Podcast Summer Tour Updates

00:33:55 Final Thoughts & Upcoming Episodes

🤝 Music Festivals Podcast is supported by AMAZING partners. If you're a fan of the show, please support them! 🙏

DLaw Coffee Company

https://dlawcoffee.com

Florida Sand Music Ranch

https://floridasandmusicranch.com

The Will McLean Foundation

https://willmclean.com

vidIQ - YouTube Software to grow your channel faster! 🚀

https://vidiq.com/mfp-discount

Camp for Free with Harvest Hosts

Become a Host

Sign Up for Free Overnight Boondocking

Rent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsy

https://bit.ly/MFP-outdoorsy

#GrassfireFestival #MusicFestivalNews #NelsonLedges #TheWhiskeyDrinks #UmphreysMcGee #JakeCinninger #Hulaween #Bluegrass #Americana #JamBands #FestivalCamping

As the winner of the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest, Rachel Sumner returns to Telluride in 2026 for her first performance on the festival's legendary Main Stage. In this conversation, she shares the remarkable journey from volunteering at the festival years ago to becoming one of the most talked-about emerging artists in contemporary bluegrass and Americana.

We also dive into her new EP, Yodelay, recorded at Colorado's renowned eTown Studios as part of her Telluride prize package. Rachel discusses the stories behind the songs, her fascination with forgotten history, and how traditional cowboy music, labor movements, and thoughtful songwriting all come together in one of the year's most compelling new acoustic releases.

💰 ————— 💰

This Music Festivals Podcast Episode is Presented By:
 The 54th Walnut Valley Festival Are you a fan of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic Music?


Make a trip to the 54th Walnut Valley Festival & National Flatpicking Championships — September 16th - 20th in Winfield, KS

SAVE 25% on Tickets at checkout with code: MFPSAVE

Offer Expires July 31st 2026Get the Deal 👉https://bit.ly/MFP-WVFest

💰 ————— 💰

👧🏻 About the Guest: Rachel Sumner

https://rachelsumnermusic.com

🎧 About the Festival

Telluride Bluegrass Festival is one of the world's premier bluegrass, Americana, folk, and roots music festivals. https://bluegrass.com/telluride

🏕️ About the VenueTelluride Town Park is an iconic mountain festival venue nestled in the heart of historic Telluride, Colorado. https://www.telluride-co.gov/193/Town-Park🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE @musicfestivalspodcast Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com🙏 Support more Seasons of MFP with Your Donationshttps://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivalspodcast🤝 Music Festivals Podcast is supported by AMAZING partners. If you're a fan of the show, please support them! 🙏

DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comvidIQ - YouTube Software to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/mfp-discountCamp fro Free with Harvest Hostshttps://www.harvesthosts.com/?refid=xsqi9zsxRent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsyhttps://www.outdoorsy.com/invite/nater980046

_____

#telluride #bluegrass #bluegrassfestival #bluegrassroots #bluegrassmusic #americana #interviews #interview

Discover why the 54th Walnut Valley Festival has become one of America's most beloved acoustic music, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and Celtic music festivals. In this episode, Neighbor N8 sits down with Executive Director Bart Redford to explore the festival's rich history — from the unique "Land Rush" to the legendary National Flat-Picking Championships, world-class instrument contests, campground jam sessions, workshops, family programming, and the 2026 artist lineup.If you're looking for a world-class acoustic music festival experience, this conversation offers an inside look at what makes Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, a go-to destination for your next festival.👨🏻‍🦰 About the GuestBart Redford — Executive DirectorWalnut Valley Festivalhttp://facebook.com/bart.redford🎧 About the Festivalhttps://www.wvfest.com/entertainers/https://www.wvfest.com/camping-info/https://www.instagram.com/walnutvalleyfestivalhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064391181340https://www.youtube.com/@UCs9mAFDYm8zMn-cNlq1ZWPg 🎟️ SAVE 25% on Tickets at checkout with code: MFPSAVE 🎟️https://bit.ly/MFP-WVFest🏕️ About the Venuehttps://www.wvfest.com/fairgrounds-mapWinfield Fairgrounds1105 W. 9th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE @musicfestivalspodcast Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com🙏 Support more Seasons of MFP with Your Donationshttps://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivalspodcast⏳ Key Moments00:00 – Welcome and introduction to the 54th Walnut Valley Festival00:58 – The history of Walnut Valley Festival and its founding in 197202:38 – Festival evolution to Americana, folk, Celtic, and acoustic music03:27 – The famous Land Rush, and longtime camping traditions04:18 – Exploring the festival's four performance stages06:33 – Workshops, educational programs, and family-friendly activities08:30 – Highlights from the 2026 Walnut Valley Festival lineup11:45 – Inside the National Flat-Picking Championships13:50 – Experiencing the campground jams and picks15:32 – Ticket discounts and how to save with promo code MFPSAVE16:14 – Festival dates, tickets, and planning your visit to Winfield, KS🤝 Music Festivals Podcast is supported by AMAZING partners like:DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comvidIQ - YouTube Software to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/mfp-discountCamp fro Free with Harvest Hostshttps://www.harvesthosts.com/?refid=xsqi9zsxRent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsyhttps://www.outdoorsy.com/invite/nater980046

What was Electric Forest 2026 really like? In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I'm joined by Whiskey Drinks Jeff who has just returned from Rothbury, Michigan to break down one of the year's most talked-about EDM festivals. We discuss the incredible art installations, iconic spaces like the Observatory and Grand Artique, standout performances, camping culture, and the unique community that continues to make Electric Forest a bucket-list experience.We also explore difficult conversations that followed the festival, including publicly reported incidents involving thefts, assaults, domestic violence and other criminal "opportunist" activity, along with the tragic discovery of a deceased newborn infant that drew national attention. This is an honest discussion about safety at large festivals, event operations, and what attendees need to understand about their responsibilities as festival neighbors.👨🏻‍🦰 About the GuestWhisky Drinks Jeff is a member of the Whisky Drinks, and Ohio-based bluegrass and jam band.https://thewhiskeydrinks.com/home🎧 About the Festivalhttps://www.electricforest.com/🏕️ About the VenueDouble JJ Report, Rothbury, MIhttps://doublejj.com/🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE @musicfestivalspodcast Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com]🙏 Support more Seasons of MFP with Your Donationshttps://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivalspodcast🤝 Music Festivals Podcast is supported by AMAZING partners like:DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comvidIQ - YouTube Software to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/mfp-discountCamp fro Free with Harvest Hostshttps://www.harvesthosts.com/?refid=xsqi9zsxRent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsyhttps://www.outdoorsy.com/invite/nater980046

Join my conversation with Patrick Newton, Stateb Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party as we discuss their grassroots effort to build a movement based on values, start up culture and community action at music festivals.You'll get updates on where the party stands today, learn about their involvement at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance in Pittsboro, NC, and, if you're pissed off about how the current political system works, you'll take a few easy things you can do to support change.💃🏽 About the Festival👱🏻‍♂️ About Patrick🇺🇸 About the NC Forward Party:https://www.ncforwardparty.com/values🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @musicfestivalspodcast Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 🙏 Presented by:DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comGet vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/mfp-discountSupport the Channel:https://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivalspodcast_____#politicalparties #grassrootsfestival #grassroots #grassrootsmovements #northcarolina #forward #forwardparty #politics #voting #votingrights #politicalaction #MusicFestivalsPodcast #FestivalCamping #festivalseason #festivallife #festivalculture #festivalvibes #festivalvibes2026

Join Neighbor Nate as he sits down with promoter Stacy Sinclair for a preview of the 2026 Watermelon Pickers' Fest in Berryville, Virginia.In this episode, we discuss the festival's unique community, camping culture, late-night jams, workshops, contests, and what attendees can expect at one of the Mid-Atlantic's favorite bluegrass and roots music gatherings.🎻 About the Festival🏕️ About the Venue👀 Nearby Attractions🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE @musicfestivalspodcast Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/🙏 Presented by:DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comSupport the Channel:https://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestiva...

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For this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I'm joined by Peace, Love & Vans Co-Founder Zach Daudert to get a quick preview their upcoming #vanlife #festival in Spanish Peaks Country, CO at the beautiful Hummingbird Ranch.🚐 Follow Peace Love & VansWebsite: https://www.peacelovevans.com/overvie...YouTube: @PeaceLoveVansFestivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Instagram:   / peacelovevans  🏕️ Check out the Venuehttps://hummingbirdranch.co/#MusicFestivals #JamBands #FestivalNews #SummerCamp #ShakoriHills #Bluegrass #LiveMusic #FestivalCulture #MusicFestivalsPodcast🎥 About Music Festivals Podcast:We produce festival documentaries, live streams, and interviews exploring the culture, community, and science behind live music.👉 Subscribe for more:    / @musicfestivalspodcast  👉 Get your festival covered: ⁠https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/fre...🙏 Supported by:Florida Sand Music Ranch – https://floridasandmusicranch.com

The Will McLean Foundation – https://willmclean.comDLaw Coffee Company – https://dlawcoffeecompany.com#MusicFestivals

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#JamBands #FestivalNews #SummerCamp #ShakoriHills #Bluegrass #LiveMusic #FestivalCulture #MusicFestivalsPodcast #MusicFestival #LiveMusic #musicfestivals #musicfestivalseason #musicfestivalvibes #festivalseason #festivallife #musicfestivaltour #musicfestivals2026 #rvlife #rvlifeontheroad

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In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, we sit down with Madison, WI-based poet, writer, and artist Adam Pergmeant of Flow Poetry for a conversation that travels well beyond the page. Adam shares the story behind his creative work, the influences that shaped his unique voice, and how poetry, music, and community intersect in his life.We also dive into his unforgettable experience joining the 2014 50th Anniversary Going Further Tour where Zane Kesey (son of the famous author and psychedelic pioneer Ken Kesey) took the ’47 bus on a massive 50th-anniversary cross-country tour retracing the original Prankster route.🎥 About the Going Further Tour Film @GoingFurthurFilm  👱🏻‍♂️ About Flow Poetry — Adam Pergmeant https://www.facebook.com/Flowpoetryhttps://flowpoetry.bandcamp.com/https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/flowpoetry🔔 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE @musicfestivalspodcast Music Festivals Podcast is touring the country in 2026, bringing you festival previews, recaps, documentaries, interviews, and live streams from music communities across America. Book us to visit your festival for a recap episode, festival documentary or Festival Live Streams 👉 https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/🙏 Presented by:DLaw Coffee Companyhttps://dlawcoffee.comFlorida Sand Music Ranchhttps://floridasandmusicranch.comThe Will McLean Foundationhttps://willmclean.comGet vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/mfp-discountSupport the Channel:https://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestivalspodcastCamp fro Free with Harvest Hostshttps://www.harvesthosts.com/?refid=xsqi9zsxRent a Camper for Your Next Festival with Outdoorsyhttps://www.outdoorsy.com/invite/nater980046_____#poetry #poetrylovers #poetrycommunity #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #flow #goingfurther #further #merryprankster #MusicFestivalsPodcast #FestivalCamping #festivalseason #festivallife #festivalculture #festivalvibes #festivalvibes2026