So Many Stories to Tell: Ed McGee on 30 Years of Hookahville

So Many Stories to Tell: Ed McGee on 30 Years of Hookahville

Author: Nate Riggs March 29, 2025 Duration: 1:14:13

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down for a evening conversation with one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Ed McGee. We talk a walk down memory lane to explore the rich 30 year history of this iconic music festival and Ed's own personal experiences surrounding Hookahville..

Ed reflects on his first Hookahville performance in 1994, sharing how he became part of the festival's origins and his initial connection with the band, ekoostik hookah. He shares more on his recent shows with One Under, detailing how the band overcame some unexpected challenges to deliver an incredible performance at last year's Lazy Jam 6 Music Festival.

Ed also shares some interesting things about his personal creative process as he discusses writing music for films, including the inspiration behind the 2023 single, "Last Good Knife." We wrap up with stories of Hookahville's past and raise a glass to good friends past.

Find Ed McGee 🎸

@edmcgee9594 

edmcgee.com


Find Ekoostik Hookah 🫠

ekoostik.com

Spotify


About Hookahville ⛺️

@ekoostikhookah3535 

hookahville.com


About Roost on the River 🔥

Roost on the River Preview Flyover Drone Footage

rotrmusic.com


Key Moments 🎙️

00:00 Tyler's Last-Minute Musical Switch

05:30 "Unforgettable Rehearsal Experience"

11:41 "Song Creation for Movie Credits"

17:46 "Songwriting for Movies: A Reflection"

25:34 Unexpected Job Interview at Party

26:29 Hookahville Memories with Heffe

35:07 Discovering Joy in Singing

38:55 Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary Reflection

44:53 Reunion Anxieties and Resolutions

49:11 Nostalgic Moment at Frontier Ranch

57:33 "Unity Through Rhythm and Art"

01:02:48 Intimate Music Festival Dynamics

01:07:03 Bobby Schindler's Role in Reunion

01:13:17 Exclusive Deals for Music Enthusiasts

01:13:55 Hookahville 60 Festival Preview


------------------------

Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC


Title Sequence Music Bed 🎧

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

hollybowling.com

Stream the set on Nugs


Closing Music Bed 🎧

Closing Music Bed Recording Credit: @‌Yxz3ss

Dragon fly eh2.0


------------------------

B-Roll Credits 🎥


B-Roll Credit: @‌musicfestivalspodcast

Lazy Jam 2024 - One Under - Sundial at Lazy Acres in Hartsville, IN (Friday 09.20.24)


B-Roll Credit: @‌coolnesscomplex

Fall Hookahville 9-01-2001 Buckeye Lake Music Center


B-Roll Credit: Brian Glass

Willie Nelson - Hookahville, May 2001 - Frontier Ranch, Columbus, Ohio


B-Roll Credit: Andy Sheppard / WireImage

Dr. John in London on July 18, 2012


B-Roll Credit: @‌ekoostikhookah3535

ekoostik hookah w/ Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead - Throwing Stones - Spring Hookahville 1999


B-Roll Credit: gratefuldeadmv

Grateful Dead - Estimated Prophet / Terrapin Station - 10/29/1980 - Radio City Music Hall


B-Roll Credit: Cincy Groove

Hookahville Returning to Frontier Ranch on Labor Day Weekend


B-Roll Credit: Facebook Video Archives

Live Clips from Hookahville - End of Summer Sessions 2015


B-Roll Credit: @‌tg420eh

Ekoostik Hookah - El Bandito


B-Roll Credit: @‌musicfestivalspodcast

NEW Venue for Hookahville 60 🐓 Get to Know Roost on the River in Newark, Ohio


B-Roll Credit: Facebook.com

Hookaheads Facebook Group


B-Roll Credit: @‌frozenmoonproductions

Sue Ellen & Jeff Hookahville, 2024


B-Roll Credit: @‌musicfestivalspodcast

Austin & The Syd Experience - "Mother" LIVE at Lazy Jam #6 - 09.21.24


B-Roll Credit: @‌iamavl

Jahman Brahman @ Asheville Music Hall 7-1-2016


B-Roll Credit: Ed MCGee Music on Facebook

Ed McGee livestream 2/26/21 Together & Everywhere


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#edmcgee #hookahville #MusicFestival #FestivalCulture #TimWalther #jsglive #NeighborN8 #LegendValley #hookahheads #FestivalCommunity #GratefulDead #MusicPodcast #LiveMusic #bobwier


Nate Riggs hosts Music Festivals Podcast, a weekly conversation for anyone who feels most at home in a field with a lineup and a schedule. This isn't just about dates and headliners, though. Instead, each episode feels like a backstage pass, built on genuine conversations with the people who make these events happen-from organizers and artists to the dedicated crews. You'll hear stories that never make it to the official recap videos and get practical advice that turns a good trip into an unforgettable one. The aim is to give you a richer understanding of the culture and logistics behind the scenes, whether you're a seasoned veteran mapping out your summer or someone curious about attending your first event. By focusing on these insider interviews and deep dives, the podcast helps you discover hidden gems and approach your next festival with a new perspective. Tune in for a regular dose of that community feeling and the detailed planning talk that fuels the journey between festivals.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 69

Music Festivals Podcast
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