Blue Ox Music Festival Podcast

Pert Near Sandstone’s Nate Sipe and Justin Bruhn host ‘The Road to Blue Ox’ Podcast series in anticipation of the Blue Ox Music Festival. They interview Blue Ox Music Festival artists, play music from the year’s lineup and discuss features of the 3-day outdoor festival. Listen to get an idea of what to expect and get excited for the year’s event which takes place annually at The Pines Music Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

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.

Season 6 – Episode 4: Featuring Molly Tuttle

(June 2024)

This is the last episode of the season just days before the 10th anniversary of The Blue Ox Festival! Welcoming her back to Blue Ox for her 3rd-ish time, Nate & Justin were thrilled to have a conversation with Molly Tuttle about the development of her music and the formation of Golden Highway. It was a great chat preceded by some event updates. Thanks for listening and very soon we’ll see you in The Pines!

Featured Music on this episode: “The Waiting Days” , “Summer Skies (background)”– Pert Near Sandstone, “Side Saddle”, “Down Home Dispensary”, “The First Time I Fell in Love” – Molly Tuttle

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 6 – Episode 3: Featuring Art Stevenson

(May 2024)

Anyone familiar with Wisconsin bluegrass knows of our guest, Art Stevenson. He has been keeping traditional bluegrass going in the region for 30 years with his band, High Water. Nate and Justin had a great chat with him about his musical development, his show on WORT community radio, and his own involvement with festival organizing. We are excited to hear them perform on Saturday, June 29th on Blue Ox’s Saloon Stage.

Featured Music on this episode: “The Waiting Days” – Pert Near Sandstone, “Sawmill Town”, “Handsome Molly”, “California Cottonfields”– Art Stevenson and High Water.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 6 – Episode 2: Featuring Lindsay Lou

(April 2024)

Lindsay Lou joins us from her home in Nashville, TN for an in-depth conversation about her new album, Queen of Time. She will be performing at Blue OX on Thursday 6/27. We listen to a song from the band contest winner, Emmy Woods and the Red Pine Ramblers. Nate and Justin also discuss a couple new festival features.

Featured Music on this episode: “The Waiting Days” – Pert Near Sandstone, “Million Miles Per Hour” – Emmy Woods and the Red Pine Ramblers, “Queen of Time”, “Nothing Else Matters”, “Love Calls”– Lindsay Lou.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 6 – Episode 1: Featuring Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon & The High Hawks

(February 2024)

Nate and Justin of Pert Near Sandstone are back with a new season of the Road to Blue Ox Podcast! They kick off this season by interviewing Mr. Festival himself, Vince Herman, of Leftover Salmon and The High Hawks.

A few festival news highlights and announcements are also discussed as we look forward to celebrating the 10th year of the Blue Ox Music Festival this June 27-29 in Eau Claire, WI. Thanks for listening!

You can catch Leftover Salmon and The High Hawks at Blue Ox 2024 on Thursday, June 27th!

Featured Music on this episode: “The Waiting Days” – Pert Near Sandstone, “Verde River” – Kassi Valazza, “Waterbound” – The Tan and Sober Gentlemen, “Somewhere South” – The High Hawks, “Flying” – Vince Herman

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 5 – Episode 6: Featuring The Potluck String Band

(June 2023) This is the last episode before the Blue Ox Festival gates officially open on Thursday June 22nd. As usual we’ve treated this as a festival guide and included 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.

The Potluck String Band will perform at Blue Ox on Friday, June 23rd on the Backwoods Stage.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: “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

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 5 – Episode 5: Featuring Big Richard

(June 2023) Bonnie, Joy and Eve from Big Richard called Nate and Justin, of Pert Near Sandstone from a campground in California while on the tour that leads them to the Blue Ox Festival mainstage. Nate and Justin 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 discuss some important tips and reminders to consider before heading out to the festival. Thanks for listening!

Big Richard will perform at Blue Ox on Saturday, June 24th

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” Big Richard – “Side Canyon (Live)” & “Walls of Time”. Mike Gordon – “Down in the Willow Garden (Live)”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 5 – Episode 4: Featuring Mike Gordon

(June 2023) 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 main stage. They cover a lot of ground with him that includes musical brain states, harnessing the muse, and the integration. We also listen to a couple of his new songs and share some pre-festival announcements. Thanks for listening.

Mike Gordon will perform at Blue Ox on Friday, June 23rd.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” Mike Gordon – “Tilting.” & “Undone”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 5 – Episode 3: Featuring Yasmin Williams

(May 2023) Join Justin, Nate and J on this first vancast episode as they tour Bowling Green, KY and discuss Blue Ox from the comfy confines of Per Near’s tour van. This special vancast episode includes an interview with the incredible guitarist Yasmin Williams about her musical origins and influences. They explore her unique approach to composing, current collaborations, forthcoming releases and more.

Don’t miss Yasmin’s performance at the festival on Friday, June 23rd.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” Yasmin Williams – “Sunshowers.” & “Urban Driftwood”. Chuck Brown – “Midnight Sun (Live)”, Elizabeth Cotten – “Ain’t Got No Sugar Baby”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 5 – Episode 2: Featuring Kyle Tuttle

(March 2023) Kyle Tuttle joined Nate and Justin on the road as he was traveling, not on tour, yet still called in from the van! They had a great chat about his musical background and his many varied collaborations that continue onto the Blue Ox main stage this June. We listen to some of his recordings and also a song from the band competition winners, The Spine Stealers, who will be joining Blue Ox this year on the Backwoods Stage. Thanks for listening!

Watch Kyle Tuttle’s performance with Rainbow Girls on the main stage at Blue Ox on Friday June 23rd.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” The Spine Stealers – “Waffle House.” Kyle Tuttle w/Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – “Dire Wolf.” Kyle Tuttle with Lindsay Lou – “Mountains in the Mist“.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 5 – Episode 1: Featuring The Last Revel

(February 2023) Welcome back as we kick off a new season of the ‘Road to Blue Ox’ podcast.

Episode 1 features an interview with returning fan favorites The Last Revel. Nate Sipe and Justin Bruhn of Pert Near Sandstone talk with the band 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!

You can catch The Last Revel (and maybe some new music by the band) at Blue Ox 2023 on Thursday, June 22nd.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” The Last Revel – “Blind in the Fray” & “Engine Trouble”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 4 – Episode 3: Featuring Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie

(June 2022) This is the last episode before the festival official opens its gates on Thursday June 23rd. In this episode Justin and Nate interview Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie. If you haven’t seen Armchair play at the festival or in your town, then you’re in for a treat. Certainly it seems appropriate that they have the word boogie in their name. We also feature music from The Last Revel who will be performing a late night slot on the Backwoods Stage this year, gush over Del McCoury and discuss some of the features you can expect at Blue Ox 2022. See you soon!

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” Del McCoury- “All Aboard“. The Last Revel – “Riding Horizons“. Armchair Boogie – “That Lovin'” & “The Garden”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 4 – Episode 2: Featuring Andrew Altman of Railroad Earth

(April 2022) 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 excited! We also feature music from Humbird’s latest release and Cedric Burnside’s recent Grammy Award winning album.

Railroad Earth will be headlining Blue Ox on Thursday, June 23rd. Tickets: HERE

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” Humbird – “Pink Moon for John Prine“. Cedric Burnside – “Keep On Pushing“. Railroad Earth – “Come and Go Moon” & “It’s So Good”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 4 – Episode 1: Featuring Daniel Donato

(March 2022) 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”, Daniel Donato, for a great interview before his performance in Minneapolis. Nate and Justin discuss this year’s lineup and listen to songs from Riddy Arman.

You can catch Daniel Donato at Blue Ox on Thursday, June 23rd. 3-day, 2-day and 1-day Saturday passes available HERE

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.” Riddy Arman – “Old Maid’s Draw“. Pert Near Sandstone – “Piece of Mind“. Daniel Donato – “Justice” & “Why You Been Gone So Long”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 3 – Episode 6: Featuring Shakey Graves

(July 2021) We are right around the corner from the gates opening for Blue Ox 2021! This month on the podcast Nate and Justin of Pert Near Sandstone talk with Austin based singer songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia ‘Shakey Graves’ about recording and getting back on the road.

You can catch Shakey Graves at Blue Ox on Saturday August 21^st. 3-day, 2-day and 1-day Saturday passes available HERE

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: Shakey Graves – “The Recipe“. Sunny War – “Mama’s Milk“. Pert Near Sandstone: “Stay All Night.”

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 3 – Episode 5: Featuring Chris Pandolfi

(June 2021) 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 winner of our virtual band contest, The Foxgloves.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode: 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.’

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 3 – Episode 4: A Tribute to Max Graham

(April 2021) 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 Nate and Justin of Pert Near Sandstone 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

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music on this episode from Kind Country: “Boxcar Brown”, “Mountains”, “The Real Deal” and “Hard Times”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 3 – Episode 3: Featuring Nora Brown

(March 2021) In this episode Nate and Justin of Pert Near Sandstone talk with Nora Brown from her home in Brooklyn. The future of old-time banjo is in great hands with her. They also have the pleasure of giving us 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. It is with sadness that we also remember our friend Max Graham of the band Kind Country who passed recently.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

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.”

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 3 – Episode 2: Featuring Lissie

(Feb. 2021) 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.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

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”

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 3 – Episode 1: Featuring Good Morning Bedlam

(Jan. 2021) 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 they have a great chat with local Minneapolis band, Good Morning Bedlam. Nate and Justin 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.’

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured music: Molly Tuttle “Something On Your Mind“, Short Round Stringband “Free Little Birds“, Good Morning Bedlam “Enough“, “The Haunting” and Pert Near Sandstone “Stay All Night“, “Summer Skies“.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 2 – Episode 3: Featuring Adam Greuel

(Aug. 2020) It’s been long while, but Nate and Justin of Pert Near Sandstone are back with another virtual Blue Ox on the horizon. They chat with Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and talk about the upcoming Campout in the Pines event which will also be streamed for free as “Live from the Pines” on Facebook & YouTube.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

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”, “Ruben’s Train“

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 2 – Episode 2: Featuring Lillie Mae

(Feb. 2020) Here it is, episode two of the Road to Blue Ox Podcast. Justin and Nate 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.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

Featured Music: Charley Crockett “In The Night”, Lillie Mae “A Golden Year”, Pert Near Sandstone “Stay All Night” & “Fishing Reel”

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.

Season 2 – Episode 1: Jerry Douglas

(Jan. 2020) 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.

Available on the following streaming services: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts

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”.

**Permission was obtained for all music used in this episode.