Crossroads Acoustic Fest founder says he doesn’t want it to get too big

EPISODE DROP!!!!

A new episode of Roots Music Rambler is live and this week we’re talking to Shawn Busby from the @crossroadsacousticfest which takes place April 24-25 in Seymour, Indiana. Shawn told us its a small, boutique festival with multiple listening rooms rather than big stages.

He told us he doesn’t want to get too much bigger than he already is.

Hear more about the festival, how Shawn and his brother came to start it, how he picks acts and more. PLUS get a discount on tickets just for watching or listening to the episode. (A discount code is in there.)

Find it now on the RMR YouTube channel (@rootsmusicrambler) at rootsmusicrambler.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

#crossroadsacousticfest #crossroadsacoustic #songwriterfestivals #musicfestivals #americanamusic

The Story Behind Crossroads Acoustic Fest (and an Exclusive Ticket Discount)

When Roots Music Rambler did our 2025 year-in-review episode, Frank told us her favorite music festival last year was the Crossroads Acoustic Fest in Seymour, Ind. She’s going again this year (and has convinced Falls to come as well). It takes place April 24-25 and features wonderful singer-songwriters and Americana acts like John R. Miller, Jason Eady, The Tillers, Thunder and Rain and more. Friends of the show Magnolia Boulevard (see Maggie Noelle on Episode 49) and Emily Jamerson (Episode 64).

Crossroads started as a small house concert series after Shawn Busby and his brother attended the 30a Songwriter’s Festival in Florida several years ago. They came home to Seymour and started hosting house concerts. The event has grown into a 400-500 person ticketed event with multiple listening room venues in walkable downtown Seymour.

Busby joined us on Roots Music Rambler to talk more about the history of the event, what his hopes are for its growth, this year’s lineup and what it takes to put together an event like Crossroads Acoustic Fest.

AND … Busby shared a 20% discount code toward the end of the episode which is helpful since the early bird prices have expired, so listen and get a ticket discount!

Frank and Falls also tout the show’s choice for 2025 Song of the Year as Tyler Childers’s “Bitin’List” won the Grammy for Country Song of the Year and share some interesting Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices this week: One for a Loretta Lynn and Jack White collaboration. The other is a new cover song from West Virginia-based fiddle phenom Philip Bowen.

Get 20% off your ticket to Crossroads Acoustic Fest when you use the code RAMBLER on checkout.

Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.

Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.

Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler.

Notes and links:
Crossroads Acoustic Fest Online – https://www.crossroadsacousticfest.com/
Crossroads Acoustic Fest on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crossroadsacousticfest
The Roots Music Rambler Store – https://rootsmusicrambler.com/store
Roots Music Rambler on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@rootsmusicrambler
Roots Music Rambler on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rootsmusicrambler/
Roots Music Rambler on TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@rootsmusicrambleon
Roots Music Rambler on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RootsMusicRambler
Jason Falls on Instagram – https://instagram.com/jasonfalls
Jason Falls on TikTok – https://tiktok.com/@thejasonfalls
Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/workmomtravels/

Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices
Portland, Oregon by Loretta Lynn and Jack White on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtAcWuu2jv0
Philip Bowen’s cover of Have You Ever Seen The Rain on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/0IsHQ5tjSRIcB3oHcOs0OB?si=89968dc82afc4233

Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts.

Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 – Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association.