This week on The What Podcast, we take a field trip to The Caverns in Pelham, TN — a music venue like no other. Located just 20 minutes from Bonnaroo's Farm, The Caverns offers an extraordinary experience, hosting shows underground in a breathtaking cave and on a sprawling outdoor amphitheater.

We sit down with Todd Mayo, the visionary behind The Caverns, to uncover its remarkable story. From serendipitous beginnings to becoming one of Tennessee’s most captivating entertainment landmarks, Todd shares insights from his journey, including highlights from his new book, Caveman Chronicles. Whether you're a music enthusiast or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes challenges of running an independent venue, don't miss this deep dive episode!

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:09:51) Interview with Todd Mayo
(01:33:18) Outro

We are still unpacking last week's conversation with Brad and Cory from C3 about what to expect for Bonnaroo 2025. Lots of new information on changes and improvements for next year, and of course we've got to take a guess at who they are hinting at for headliners.

In addition to all the Bonnaroo info, we take a look at some of the recent news about When We Were Young Festival, and Chappell Roan's SNL performance. What's got you most excited for Bonnaroo 2025? Leave us a comment below and subscribe to The What Podcast for the latest festival news and info!

Join the Discord for early access to episodes!

Photo By: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:59) Chappell Roan on SNL
(00:14:36) When We Were Young
(00:19:01) Unpacking last week's episode
(00:27:06) Thursday/Sunday headliners
(00:32:40) Where in the Woods and EDM
(00:35:35) Transition from AC/Superfly to C3
(00:49:00) Final thoughts on changes
(00:51:06) Our guesses for headliners
(00:57:00) Outro

Could comedy make a comeback at Bonnaroo in 2025? Expanded camping options, or even a two-weekend event? This week on The What Podcast, we dive deep with Bonnaroo insiders Festival Director Brad Parker and Marketing Manager Cory Smith from C3 Presents. They share exclusive insights into what worked in 2024, what fans loved, and the exciting changes planned for 2025. If you're a Bonnaroovian, you won’t want to miss this one!

And, of course, it wouldn't be Bonnaroo without a diverse lineup. Brad and Cory hint at what fans can expect — from EDM headliners to legacy acts — and talk about the balancing act of booking artists that honor Bonnaroo's roots while offering the "best in the streets" to appeal to any fan, regardless of genre.

Join the Discord for early access to episodes!

Photo By: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:29) Beat in Nashville
(00:07:08) This week's guests
(00:15:19) Russ in a music video
(00:16:37) Interview with Brad and Cory
(00:18:14) Bonnaroo 2024 feedback
(00:31:15) Grading last year's festival
(00:35:12) Focusing on community
(00:37:42) C3 revolutionized the industry
(00:42:45) Lessons learned
(00:25:53) Tuesday entry
(00:53:09) Lineup talk
(01:08:58) Bonnaroo census
(01:14:47) Teasing things for Bonnaroo 2025
(01:18:39) Chappell Roan
(01:25:51) GWAR
(01:28:14) Brad's tweet
(01:29:35) Changes for Bonnaroo 2025
(01:37:20) Who stage
(01:38:02) Final thoughts
(01:39:37) Outro

It's been five years since Exit 111 took place on our beloved Farm in Manchester, featuring heavy-hitting acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, and Guns N' Roses. Bryan Stone attended with Taco, while Barry made a visit to check it out. The hosts reflect on the festival's surprising gun policy and discuss how things have changed since then. Will Great Stage Park ever host another festival like this?

In more recent news, we explore Sand in My Boots, a new festival headlined by Morgan Wallen in Gulf Shores, AL, which replaces the long-running and beloved Hangout Festival. Hulaween is also on the horizon in Florida.

Find The What Podcast on X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord!

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:32) Exit 111
(00:24:43) CaveFest
(00:27:23) Hangout Fest
(00:38:05) Hulaween
(00:43:13) Outro

We conclude our coverage of South Star 2024 this week with an exclusive peek behind the curtain into how the festival came together in such a short period of time, and the long-term vision the city has for it. Despite the hurricane weather and Sunday's cancellation, the event was a huge success for the city. Matt Mandrella is Huntsville's Music Officer, quite possibly the first person in the country to hold a municipal position dedicated to developing and improving the musical culture for a city. "Huntsville is working to develop its music infrastructure, including attracting industry professionals and improving music education in schools," Matt tells us.

Matt also explains the reasons why Huntsville wanted to host a regional music festival, what commitments the city made when working with C3 Presents to bring the event to life, and the shockingly short timeline they had to complete it when the decision was made to move it up a year from 2025 to 2024. Beyond South Star though, Huntsville believes that music is a critical component to the city's growth and quality of life. Matt takes us on a deeper dive into the plans Huntsville has to bring in more artistic talent, including grants and incentives bands can receive for touring and creating music. It's a fascinating conversation behind the scenes you won't want to miss!

Donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts here

Photo by: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:11:54) Interview with Matt Mandrella
(01:09:26) Outro

We continue the South Star Festival conversation this week with Jim Striker, who ran bars and clubs in Chattanooga for over 20 years before getting into music promotion. Jim was there with his wife on Saturday for South Star, and shares his experience rocking out to Tom Morello despite the muddy and rainy weather.

Elsewhere in the episode, Bryan Stone tries to get Oasis tickets and we discuss the latest news about Chappell Roan cancelling some of her upcoming festival appearances and concerts amid her rising success.

Donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts here

Photo by: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:56) Recapping South Star
(00:15:08) Bryan's Oasis tickets
(00:19:11) Chappell Roan cancelling shows
(00:21:46) Interview with Jim Striker
(01:04:33) Outro

Hurricane Helene has made a big impact on the Southeast, and while we're all grateful to be safe, our weekend took an unexpected turn. The inaugural South Star Festival in Huntsville, AL came and went, but it was shorter and muddier than we had planned. Despite the setbacks, was it worth the trip?

After Sunday's cancellation, we sat down with Daniel and Sharla, Evan Bonnaroo, Chloe, and Shaina to chat about 'Couch Star,' and reflect on how we felt lucky to have even one day of the festival—and even luckier to experience a mid-year Bonnaroo reunion.

Photo by: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:10:46) Interview
(00:49:29) Outro

It's the week of South Star Music Festival, and Barry and Bryan are gearing up to head to Huntsville, while Russ, unfortunately, has to miss out due to a wedding. To make matters worse, the news that Tom Morello is replacing Jane's Addiction only deepens his FOMO. Thanks to The What Podcast's roving correspondent Trevin, the trio also gets some insight into the Bourbon and Beyond festival, which took place this past weekend in Louisville, KY.

Finally, the episode dives into the heart of the discussion: how algorithms are reshaping the festival experience. Are festivalgoers still discovering new music at large events like Bonnaroo, or are they just attending for their favorite headliners?

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:19) South Star updates
(00:14:16) Bourbon and Beyond
(00:26:53) Algorithms are hurting music festivals
(00:52:06) Outro