Derek McElwee and Adam Dodson sit down with Austin Mounce, Colby Petro, Adam Keith and Ezra Major of Southgate. The band talks about getting together, winning Battle of the Barn, finding its sound, promoting independent music and supporting local venues. The conversation includes acoustic performances and a closing look at Southgate's upcoming plans.

Recorded September 22, 2026.

Southgate: https://linktr.ee/southgate.band

RHYPH: https://linktr.ee/rhyph

Derek McElwee and Adam Dodson welcome Five Below Band’s Dave Medley to look back on Phoenix Fest at Bluegrass Barrel House. They revisit the bands, Dave sitting in with Rhythm Phoenix, the sound and musical choices, and the stories that made the day memorable.

The conversation includes keyboards and collaboration, the bell story, chili cook-off banter, talk boxes, the Lexington Music Awards, and Phoenix Fest’s community fundraising and merchandise.

Originally recorded September 15, 2026. Show dates discussed are historical references to that recording date.

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Episode 26 of Catching FIRE with RHYPH goes all-in on everything Phoenix Fest.

Raela Phoenix, co-owner of Bluegrass Barrel House, and Cody Begley, general manager of BBH, join Cody Stone and Austin McDonald from The A/C UNIT. Derek McElwee and Adam Dodson host the live conversation about building a six-band festival day, running the room, stage transitions, what fans should expect, and the community behind Phoenix Fest.

Phoenix Fest is Saturday, September 12 at Bluegrass Barrel House, 701 E Irvine St, Richmond, Kentucky. Live music runs 2:00 PM–midnight:

• Crown n Spurs — 2:00–3:00 PM

• A/C Unit — 3:30–4:30 PM

• Filthy but Fine — 5:00–6:00 PM

• Dalton Dailey Band — 6:30–7:30 PM

• 5 Below Band — 8:00–9:30 PM

• Rhythm Phoenix — 10:00 PM–midnight

Episode 26 Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1146384174566141/

Phoenix Fest event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1657303385373418/

RHYPH links: https://linktr.ee/rhyph

Chapters

0:00 Phoenix Fest lineup, charities and event details

1:49 How The A/C UNIT began

5:08 Their first gig at Walmart and the Free Bird story

7:46 Bluegrass, mountain gospel and musical influences

9:13 Playing requests and the Free Bird debate

13:25 Festival-day plans and arrival details

14:19 Phoenix Fest shirts supporting vets and pets

16:18 Previewing the six-band lineup

21:08 Weather plan and complete performance schedule

22:50 Rock Rebellion and The A/C UNIT's venue circuit

26:27 Shawn Black, five below band and supporting musicians

29:37 Choosing music versus a conventional career

31:19 Audience logistics: seating, pets and house rules

33:47 Football at BBH during Phoenix Fest

37:33 Upcoming A/C UNIT shows and band links

38:21 The A/C UNIT's fiery promo videos

40:33 September 11 pre-festival party

42:01 Phoenix Fest recap, donations and local charities

46:44 Original music, recording and releasing songs

53:18 Rapid-fire questions with Cody and Austin

1:02:14 Closing thoughts and the meaning of Phoenix Fest