Road To Blue Ox
By Pert Near Sandstone
Road To Blue OxJun 17, 2023
Potluck String Band & Festival Guide - Road To Blue Ox
This is the last episode before the Blue Ox Music Festival gates open on Thursday June 22nd! As usual, we’ve treated this as a festival guide and include some helpful advice prior to arriving. Also, Justin meets up with Jimbo from the Potluck String Band. They chat about how Potluck navigated the bluegrass festival circuit as attendees to form what became their ensemble, leading them to build a home at Blue Ox as the stewards of the campground picking circle. Thanks for listening and see you very soon!
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Happy Hollow” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Washington’s March” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Late Night Pick” - The Potluck String band
“Annie Oakley” - The Potluck String band
More Information:
Potluckstringband.com
BlueOxMusicFestival.com
PertNearSandstone.com
Know Before You Go:
https://www.blueoxmusicfestival.com/2023/06/arrival-information-2023?
Cash-Or-Trade Ticket Exchange:
https://cashortrade.org/blue-ox-music-festival-tickets
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Big Richard - Road To Blue Ox
Bonnie, Joy and Eve from Big Richard called us from a campground in California while on the tour that leads them to the Blue Ox Festival mainstage. We talk with them about how the band was formed, their quick rise in the bluegrass scene, and the irony of their name. It was great to get to know them prior to their performance in a couple weeks! Nate and Justin also give some important tips and reminders to consider before heading out to the festival. Thanks for listening!
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Side Canyon (Live)” - Big Richard
“Down in the Willow Garden (Live)” - Big Richard
“Walls of Time” - Big Richard
More Information:
BigRichardBand.com
BlueOxMusicFestival.com
PertNearSandstone.com
Cash-Or-Trade Ticket Exchange:
https://cashortrade.org/blue-ox-music-festival-tickets
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Mike Gordon - Road To Blue Ox
Mike Gordon talks to Pert Near Sandstone’s Justin and Nate about the inspiration and process of recording his new album, “Flying Games,” and the band he’s bringing to the Blue Ox Mainstage. We cover a lot of ground with him that includes musical brain states, harnessing the muse, and the Integratron. We also listen to a couple of his new songs and share some pre-festival announcements. Thanks for listening!
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Tilting” - Mike Gordon
“Undone” - Mike Gordon
More Information:
BlueOxMusicFestival.com
PertNearSandstone.com
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Yasmin Williams - Road To Blue Ox
In this first and only vancast episode, join Nate, Justin and J as they tour Bowling Green, KY and discuss Blue Ox from the comfy confines of Pert Near’s tour van. The incredible guitarist, Yasmin Williams, talks to Nate and Justin about her musical origins and influences. They explore her unique approach to composing, current collaborations, forthcoming releases and more. Don’t miss Yasmin’s guitar workshop followed by her performance at the festival on Friday.
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone (Intro Music)
“Sunshowers” - Yasmin Williams
During the Interview:
"Midnight Sun (Live)" - Chuck Brown "Ain't Got No Sugar Baby Now" - Elizabeth Cotten
“Urban Driftwood” - Yasmin Williams (Outro Music)
More Information:
https://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com
BlueOxMusicFestival.com
PertNearSandstone.com
www.instagram.com/guitar.yaz/
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Kyle Tuttle - Road To Blue Ox
The Last Revel - Road To Blue Ox
Welcome back as we kick off a new season of the ‘Road To Blue Ox’ podcast! Thanks to The Last Revel for a great interview. We talk about their history and what led them to releasing “Live At The Blue Ox Music Festival.” Also in this episode, Justin and Nate discuss this year’s lineup along with other festival features and announcements. Thanks for tuning in!
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Blind In The Fray” - The Last Revel
“Engine Trouble” - The Last Revel
More Information:
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Ben Majeska (Armchair Boogie) - Road To Blue Ox
This is the last episode before the festival opens its gates! In this episode we interviewed Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie. If you haven’t seen Armchair play at the festival or in your town, take the opportunity. Certainly it seems appropriate that they have the word boogie in their name. We also listen to some music from The Last Revel, gush over Del McCoury and discuss some of the features you can expect at Blue Ox Music Festival ‘22. See you soon!
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“All Aboard” - Del McCoury Band
“Riding Horizons” - The Last Revel
“That Lovin’” - Armchair Boogie
“The Garden” - Armchair Boogie
More Information:
BlueOxMusicFestival.com
ArmchairBoogieMusic.com
PertNearSandstone.com
Ben Majeska’s IG: @musicbandguy
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Andrew Altman of Railroad Earth - Road To Blue Ox
In this episode Justin and Nate have a great chat with Andrew Altman of Railroad Earth and listen to a couple of their newly released songs. With only two months until festival gates open this June even the squirrels seem to be excited! We also feature music from Humbird’s latest release and Cedric Burnside’s recent Grammy Award winning album.
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Pink Moon For John Prine” - Humbird
“Keep On Pushing” - Cedric Burnside
“Come and Go Moon” - Railroad Earth
“It’s So Good” - Railroad Earth
More Information:
BlueOxMusicFestival.com
https://Railroad.Earth/
PertNearSandstone.com
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Digital and live recorded lap steel guitar: Nate Sipe. Written and Edited by: Justin Bruhn and Nate Sipe. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Daniel Donato - Road To Blue Ox
We are back with another podcast season leading up to the Blue Ox Music Festival on June 23-25, 2022! Justin was able to catch the “Master of the Telecaster” for a great interview before his performance in Minneapolis. Nate and Justin discuss this year’s line up and listen to a song from Riddy Arman. Thanks for listening!
Featured Music:
“Stay All Night” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Old Maid’s Draw” - Riddy Arman
“Peace of Mind” - Pert Near Sandstone
“Justice” - Daniel Donato
“Why You Been Gone So Long” - Daniel Donato
More Information:
Blueoxmusicfestival.com
Pertnearsandstone.com
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written and Edited by: Justin Bruhn and Nate Sipe. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Shakey Graves - Road To Blue Ox
We are right around the corner from the gates opening! Nate and Justin check in with new information as we near this year's festival. This month on the podcast we speak with Austin based singer songwriter about recording and getting back on the road. Music from Sunny War is featured.
Featured Music:
Shakey Graves - “The Recipe.”
Sunny War - “Mama's Milk."
Pert Near Sandstone - “Stay All Night.”
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written and Edited by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone.
***Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters - Road To Blue Ox
Greetings! The Road to Blue Ox continues. On this episode, Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters joins us! We discuss the recent return to live performances and touring as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic. Chris explores the Dusters’ origins and factors influencing the trajectory of bluegrass and acoustic music today and we highlight a tune from their new Bill Monroe Tribute album. Nate and Justin recap their first shows back after the forced dormancy, feature some music by this year’s festival instrument workshop instructors, The High 48s, and also from the winners of our virtual band contest, The Foxgloves.
Featured Music:
Chris Pandolfi - “Cloud Valley” & “The Silver Droplet,” from ‘Trance Banjo.’
The Infamous Stringdusters - “My Sweet Blue Eyed Darlin’,” from ‘A Tribute To Bill Monroe.’
The High 48s - “How Many Times (Live),” from ‘Wham! Bam! Thank You Braham!’
The Foxgloves - “Unhinged,” from ‘Foxgloves.'
Pert Near Sandstone - “Stay All Night” from ‘Out On A Spree.’
For More information:
Chris Pandolfi’s podcast, ‘Inside The Musician’s Brain’: chrispandolfi.com.
The High 48s: thehigh48s.com.
The Foxgloves: thefoxgloves.com.
pertnearsandstone.com & blueoxmusicfestival.com.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com. Written and Edited by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. **Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Max Graham Tribute - Road To Blue Ox
This is a special episode dedicated entirely to the memory and celebration of our friend and colleague, Max Graham. Several of his closest musical friends spoke to us or sent messages to create this tribute. We hope this will help the community who will miss him dearly grieve his loss, and for those who didn’t know him personally to gain a fuller appreciation of his life and legacy. If you feel compelled to contribute to his legacy fund, visit: HelpTheGrahams.com
Features songs on this episode, from Kind Country:
"Mountains"
"The Real Deal"
"Hard Times"
"Boxcar Brown"
More Kind Country music: KindCountryBand.com
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Justin Bruhn, Nate Sipe, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Justin Bruhn and Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Nora Brown - Road To Blue Ox
In this episode Nate and Justin speak with Nora Brown from her home in Brooklyn. The future of old-time banjo is in great hands with her. We have the pleasure of giving an exclusive first listen to a single from the Henhouse Prowlers’ upcoming album, ‘The Departure’ to be released on March 28th! Other news of the Blue Ox Music Festival is detailed herein. It is with sadness that we also remember our friend Max Graham of the band Kind Country who passed recently. Thanks for listening.
Featured Music on this episode:
Nora Brown: “Buck Creek Girls”, “Darling Cora”, “Jay Gould’s Daughter”.
Kind Country: “Hard Times”.
Henhouse Prowlers: “Short Branch Saloon”.
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit: “If It Takes A Lifetime”.
Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night”.
More Information on content from this episode: NoraBrownMusic.com / HelpTheGrahams.com / HenhouseProwlers.com / BlueOxMusicFestival.com / PertNearSandstone.com
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @pertnearsandstone, @blueoxmusicfestival
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Pert Near Sandstone and The Blue Ox Music Festival. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Lissie - Road To Blue Ox
Welcome back! In this episode we had a great conversation with Lissie, singer/songwriter and veteran of the indie music scene who joined us from her farm in northeastern Iowa. We talked about her midwestern roots, existing as social media guinea pigs, enjoying winter, and popcorn. We also play some music from other artists that are joining us at the festival this August 19-21. Make some popcorn, sit back, and thanks for listening.
Featured Music on this episode:
Lissie: “Oh Mississippi”, “When I’m Alone”, “Best Days.”
Katey Bellville: “Where The Soul of Man Never Dies.”
Julian Davis and the Situation: "Somewhere Lonely."
John Stickley Trio: "Future Ghost."
Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night”, “Little Birdie.”
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Pert Near Sandstone and The Blue Ox Music Festival. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @pertnearsandstone, @blueoxmusicfestival
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Good Morning Bedlam - Road To Blue Ox
Starting 2021 by looking to August, Justin and Nate talk about the lineup for this year’s festival and then discuss their favorite albums from 2020. A few new additions to the festival are covered and then we have a great chat with local Minneapolis band, Good Morning Bedlam. We talked with them about their development into playing folk music, what they’ve been doing during this past year, and closely explored the beautiful album artwork for ‘Like Kings.’ Their spirit for performance and songwriting is refreshing and we are eager to see them live this summer. Also, we cannot wait to be back to the Whispering Pines with all of you!
Featured Music:
Molly Tuttle - “Something On Your Mind”
Short Round Stringband - “Free Little Birds”
Good Morning Bedlam - “Enough”, “The Haunting”
Pert Near Sandstone - “Stay All Night”, “Summer Skies”
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Justin Bruhn & Nate Sipe. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Granades- Road To Blue Ox
Nate and Justin are thrilled to bring you another episode this season with a virtual Blue Ox Music Festival on the near horizon! It was a salve for the spirit to chat with Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades who also provides a couple of their unreleased songs for us. We hope this will find you well as we virtually stretch out in the grass of the Whispering Pines Campground. Watch the event live on Aug 28 & 29, 2020 or archived thereafter on YouTube and Facebook.
Featured Music:
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades - “Cheyenne”, “The Devil’s Trash”.
Armchair Boogie - “All My Friends”.
Chicken Wire Empire - “Joe Eddy (Live)”.
Pert Near Sandstone “Stay All Night”, "Last of Callahan", “Ruben’s Train”.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Lillie Mae - Road To Blue Ox
We are back with some current information preceding the festival. Nate took a Mexican vacation which prompted a discussion of marine biology. Justin ventured into his own uncharted territory while interviewing his new favorite musician, Lillie Mae, who will be performing at Blue Ox this year.
Featured Music:
Charley Crockett “In The Night”
Lillie Mae “A Golden Year”
Pert Near Sandstone “Stay All Night”, “Fishing Reel”
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Jerry Douglas - Road To Blue Ox
Welcome back to the Road To Blue Ox Podcast! We are well on our way heading toward the 6th annual Blue Ox Music Festival this June 11-13, 2020. Nate and Justin are back to tell you what’s new and highlight some of the artists joining us this year. After getting to jam with Jerry Douglas recently, we caught up with him and had a great chat about chickens mostly, but also Japan and a bit about music.
Featured Music on this Episode:
Arkansauce : “Time, Tears and Money”.
Legendary Shack Shakers: “After You’ve Gone”.
Jerry Douglas Band: “On A Monday”.
Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night”, “Needle & Thread”.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Them Coulee Boys & Festival Guide - Road To Blue Ox
The final episode of Road To Blue Ox before the gates open!
We sat down with Them Coulee Boys' brothers Soren and Jens Staff to talk about their musical evolution. They also give us a hint at what it's like being based in Eau Claire, which has become an artistic hub of the region, aside from being the home of Blue Ox.
The Festival season is here! Nate and Justin discuss what to expect as you arrive and what features and amenities to keep in mind throughout the weekend. We Introduce the instrument workshop instructors and sample music from other artists who will be performing this year. Excitement is in the air and we can't wait to join you at the Whispering Pines Campground for the 5th annual Blue Ox Music Festival!
Featured Music on This episode:
Infamous Stringdusters - “Sun Rise”.
The Woods - “White Lines and Neon Signs”.
Barbaro - “Cold Stack”.
Dead South - “Delirium,” “Boots”.
Pokey LaFarge - “Devil Ain’t Lazy”.
Larry Keel - “Love”
Them Coulee Boys - “5’6 Monument”.
Pert Near Sandstone - Stay All Night”, “Elzic’s Farewell”.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Sarah Shook - Road To Blue Ox
Sarah Shook calls in from her home in Chapel Hill, NC to talk with us about touring life, being a mother and a band leader, and embracing the success of her music which she calls traditional country with a punk rock element. It was a fun conversation where she praises Milwaukee as her favorite stop on tour! We are really looking forward to seeing her perform at the festival, and dancing along.
Nate and Justin discuss other new features of the festival and play music from the bluegrass legends joining us this year, including Peter Rowan and Jerry Douglas.
Featured Music on this Episode:
Sarah Shook - "Good As Gold", "What It Takes".
Earls of Leicester w/ Jerry Douglas - "I'll Go Stepping Too".
Peter Rowan - "Can't You Hear Me Calling".
Punch Brothers - “Three Dots and a Dash”.
Pert Near Sandstone - "Stay All Night", “Old Joe Clark”, “Maggie Dear”.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com & www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Ronnie McCoury - Road To Blue Ox
Nate and Justin met up with Ronnie McCoury in Lutsen, Minnesota where he captivated us with stories of his musical journey that led to The Travelin’ McCourys. Congratulations to them for winning the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album of 2018!
We talk about some of the camping options on the grounds, reminding attendees about the festival shuttle that runs from the hotels in Eau Claire, and feature songs from artists joining us at Blue Ox this year. This episode also has the exciting announcement of the Late Night Backwoods Stage line-up. We are gearing up and counting down the days. Thanks for joining us along the way!
Featured Music on this episode:
Charlie Parr - “Over the Red Cedar”.
Billy Strings - “On The Line”.
Dusty Heart - “Wild Whispers” Travelin' McCourys - “I Live on a Battlefield”.
Pert Near Sandstone - “Stay All Night”, “Sonny’s Rag”, “Liza Jane”.
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe. For More information: www.blueoxmusicfestival.com & www.pertnearsandstone.com
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Sam Bush - Road To Blue Ox
In this episode we talk to the inimitable Sam Bush. He discusses his upcoming single and music video release, as well as the recent documentary on his life, contribution, and influence called "Revival". Sam also recalls stories from a career which spans the development of music festivals as we know them today. Thanks to "The Paul Bunyan of Blue Ox" for taking the time to chat with us!
We are also joined by Cara Martner, the hospitality manager for Blue Ox. She gives us a glimpse of what it’s like behind the scenes during the festival weekend and shares her great perspective on this music community. Nate and Justin share memories about repeating Blue Ox Festival artists Del McCourry and Jeff Austin. We spin some music from them and also The Lowest Pair, who are joining us this year again. Thanks for listening!
Featured music on this episode:
The Lowest Pair -"Keweenaw Flower" .
Jeff Austin Band - "Run Down" .
Del McCourry Band - "All Aboard".
Sam Bush - "Apple Blossom" and "Circles Around Me".
Pert Near Sandstone - "Stay All Night", "Appalachian Girl" and "Crossroads".
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe.
For More information: www.pertnearsandstone.com, www.blueoxmusicfestival.com.
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.
Dave Simonett of Trampled By Turtles - Road To Blue Ox
Welcome to the debut episode of Road To Blue Ox! Dave Simonett of Trampled By Turtles chatted with us about songwriting, his musical origins, and love of the outdoors. Don't miss Justin's lightning round of questions at the revealing end of the interview. Thanks for the strong coffee, Dave!
We also talked about Pert Near's involvement with the creation of the Blue Ox Music Festival and discussed some new features you can expect this year.
Featured music on this episode:
Trampled By Turtles - "The Middle".
The Traveling McCoury's - "Cumberland Blues".
Billy Strings - "Dos Banjos".
Pert Near Sandstone - "Stay All Night".
We are interested to know what you would like to hear on future episodes and any helpful feedback. Send a message to: RoadToBlueOx@gmail.com.
Written by: Nate Sipe & Justin Bruhn. Produced by: Nate Sipe, Justin Bruhn, and Pert Near Sandstone. Recorded and edited by: Nate Sipe. www.pertnearsandstone.com
**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.