Photos and Review by Steve Mack

The second weekend of every October, a community gathers on the banks of the Rockcastle River in the Daniel Boone National Forest … magic on the Rockcastle, also known as the Moonshiners Ball.  

By design, a small, family friendly music festival of 1,500 people … 3 1/2 days of relaxation, music, food, nature hikes, fun on the river and moonshine.

The 2025 music lineup was as stellar as the weather (70’s and sun during the day and an autumn crisp 50’s at night) … Margo Price, The Brothers Comatose, Pokey Lafarge, Kyle Tuttle. Cuba’s funk party Cimafunk, Texan’s Rattlesnake Milk and Kam Franklin, Cruz Contreras and Saxsquach … regional favorites Mama Said String Band, Them Lasses, Scott T Smith, Cody Lee Meece, Tyler Lance Walker Gill, Houseplant and more.

Host band the Blind Corn Liquor Pickers is always a highlight on Friday night and this year they proved to be the perfect setup for Scotland’s High Fade … a punk, funk, metal trio that welcomed artist’s at large Matt Fassas and Shannon Vetter for a set than had everyone buzzing all weekend long.

Saturday’s lineup might have been the most diverse ever with the uber talented Margo Price, Pokey Lafarge and Cuban funk artist Cimafunk keeping everyone on their feet throughout the night.

Hat’s off to the Monshiner’s Board and volunteers for yet another wonderful weekend on the river.

Until next year, Shine On!