What makes a music festival in Mexico feel so different from one in the United States? This week on The What Podcast, Barry and Bryan talk with Ricardo Gómez from OCESA, the promoter behind Mexico City's massive Corona Capital Festival. Ricardo shares how Mexican festival culture compares to the U.S., from the unmatched passion of Mexican fans and the emotional connection they have with artists, to how sponsorships help keep ticket prices affordable without compromising the experience.

The conversation goes deep into the logistics of building a large-scale event in Mexico City, including lineup curation, routing challenges, and the economics of booking international headliners. For Bonnaroo and music festival fans alike, it's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how live music thrives south of the border, and what American festivals could learn from the energy, community, and creativity that define Mexico's biggest music festivals.

Listen to this week's episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:44) Interview with Ricardo Gómez of OCESA

(00:48:50) Wrap-up

(00:53:24) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

ticketmaster.com.mx

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
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The What Podcast is on location at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee for CaveFest 2025, just down the road from Bonnaroo! Barry couldn't make it this week, so our friend Beth Thorpe steps in to co-host. We talk about our experience at the festival, why CaveFest is more than just bluegrass, and how an independent venue like The Caverns runs differently from Live Nation's Bonnaroo. Plus, we get a full cave tour with the owner himself! Could CaveFest be the most magical small festival in the Southeast? Does it give Bonnaroo a run for its money when comparing vibes?

But that’s not all, we also cover the latest music and festival news. We speculate on Bonnaroo's radio silence over the past few months and what it might mean for the festival next year. Nine Inch Nails' Future Ruins Festival has been cancelled, Rush announces a surprise 2026 tour, and we share some hot takes on Taylor Swift’s new album.

Listen to this week's episode with our coverage of CaveFest 2025 here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:33) Bonnaroo updates and speculation

(00:06:09) Nine Inch Nails festival cancelled

(00:08:41) Rush tour announced

(00:12:42) Taylor Swift's new record

(00:24:20) Bonnaroo merch

(00:27:11) CaveFest Coverage

(00:52:33) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Radiohead, Oasis & Nine Inch Nails: The 90s Rock Revival Taking Over Festivals

Taylor Swift vs. Pixies - Actually Romantic/Where Is My Mind Mashup

Wood Brothers: Luckiest Man

Radiohead Vs. The Hollies

How The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination

Caveman Chronicles by Todd Mayo on Amazon

Thumbnail photo by: Elizabeth Thorpe

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
Other music provided by Midist

The beloved Moon River Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee is setting sail - literally! In this episode of The What Podcast, hosts Barry Courter and Bryan Stone sit down with Drew Holcomb, founder of Moon River, and Jeff Cuellar, CEO of Sixthman, to talk about the bold decision to move the festival from the banks of the Tennessee River to a cruise ship at sea. They discuss the challenges that made the Chattanooga version unsustainable, the emotional weight behind that choice, and why "Moon River at Sea" could be the next evolution of boutique music festivals.

From weather risks and financial realities to the excitement of an immersive fan experience on the ocean, this conversation goes deep into what it takes to produce a modern festival in a changing world. Drew shares personal insight into what Moon River meant to him and the city, while Jeff explains how Sixthman plans to bring that same community spirit to the high seas.

Listen to this week's episode with Drew and Jeff here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:55) Moon River at Sea with Drew and Jeff

(01:04:44) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Bonnaroo Gumbo

Saving Moon River: How the Festival Overcame a Sunday Rainout

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
Other music provided by Midist