Roots Rising: Inside the Newgrass Festival

Ep. 425

This week on No Simple Road, we’re stepping straight into the heart of Pacific Northwest bluegrass culture with the amazing organizers of the Newgrass Festival in Newberg, Oregon, joined by our dear friends Christian DeBenedetti and Rachel Bonnett of Newgrass Fest as well as Joe Suskind and Crystal Lariza of the band Never Come Down! If you’ve ever wondered how a festival becomes a living, breathing community—or what it takes to keep the spirit of roots music evolving—this episode is going to light you up.

Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the folks behind Newberg’s newest musical gathering to talk about the festival’s origin story, the passion that fuels it, and the vision for creating a space where tradition and innovation dance together. We explore the challenges and joys of building a festival from the ground up, cultivating a family vibe, and weaving music into the cultural fabric of a small Oregon town.

Joe and Crystal of Never Come Down share their own journey with the festival, what it means to be part of this musical renaissance, and how the bluegrass and newgrass scenes continue to push boundaries while staying rooted in soul and storytelling. From songwriting and touring to nurturing community and supporting upcoming artists, their perspective brings heart and depth to the conversation.

Together, we dig into the magic of gatherings, the power of collaboration, and the way live music creates connection that lasts far beyond the final note.

If you love bluegrass, newgrass, festival culture, or the PNW music scene, this episode is a beautiful, behind-the-scenes ride into the people who make the music happen.

For tickets and info head to: ⁠www.newgrassfest.com⁠

Follow Newgrass on IG ⁠@newgrassfest⁠

Follow Never Come Down on IG ⁠@nevercomedownband⁠

Follow Wolves and People Brewing on IG ⁠@wolvesandpeople⁠

Measuring Moments With Natalie Brooke

Ep. 424

This week the No Simple Road Family welcomes the incredible Natalie Brooke — keyboard wizard, powerhouse vocalist, bandleader, and radiant force in the jam / funk / fusion universe! Natalie joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple to talk about her journey through music, creativity, self-discovery, and what it means to show up fully as yourself both on and off the stage.

We get into the early sparks that ignited her musical fire, the teachers and bands that shaped her sound, and how she found her own voice as a performer in a scene that’s always evolving. Natalie opens up about the magic of improvisation, channeling energy through her keys, and the deep trust it takes to step out into the unknown every night in front of a live audience.

But this conversation isn't just about music — it’s about growth, empowerment, and remembering why we create in the first place. Natalie shares how she stays grounded while touring, how collaboration fuels her spirit, and how she keeps music fun, playful, and deeply connected to joy.

Together, we explore the community that forms around live music, how art becomes a language for the soul, and the ways in which sound can bring us home to ourselves.

Head over to https: ⁠nataliebrookemusic.com⁠ for tour info and more and follow her on IG ⁠@noodlybrooke