As soon as I stepped onto the grass at Jackson Gore Village, I could feel it, the buzz, the heartbeat, the sense that something good was about to unfold. Music on the Mountain 2025 wasn’t just a festival; it was a living, breathing celebration of recovery, connection, and music that moved people from the inside out.
I was there as the videographer, camera in hand, lens trained on the stories unfolding all around me. From the first note, the vibe was electric. The weather? Perfect, at least for the first half. Blue skies, warm sun, and an audience full of energy and gratitude. People danced barefoot in the grass, friends reunited with big hugs, and everywhere I turned, there was a face worth filming.
Working alongside Brett Bagley, we set out to capture more than just performances—we wanted voices. Brett interviewed attendees between sets while I stayed behind the lens, catching every laugh, pause, and unexpected tear. People weren’t just there for music they were there to celebrate recovery, support a movement, and be fully present.
The lineup was stacked: The Divided Sky All-Stars featuring Anders Osborne, Karina Rykman, Daniel Donato, Natalie Cressman, Ray Paczkowski, and Russ Lawton brought a raw, soulful energy that was impossible to look away from. Sun Ra Arkestra was as otherworldly as expected, and Soule Monde delivered grooves that had everyone moving. Even local singer-songwriter Evan Jennison opened the day with a heartfelt set that gave the crowd early chills.
Tying the whole experience together was Dave Manheim of the Dopey Podcast, who MC’ed the day with a perfect balance of humor, honesty, and heart. His presence brought warmth and relatability, and for many in the crowd, his story and the stories he shares felt like a lifeline. He wasn’t just announcing bands; he was holding space for something bigger.
Then the clouds rolled in.
But instead of shutting the party down, the festival pivoted. Everything moved indoors, and suddenly it wasn’t just a music festival it was a gathering. The lights dimmed, the sound got tighter, and the show became something deeper. Intimate. Personal.
Inside, I had the chance to film from just feet away as artists connected directly with the audience. No big barriers, no massive stage distances just real humans playing for real humans. You could feel it in every note and see it in every close-up. People swayed shoulder-to-shoulder, eyes closed, soaking it in like it was church.
The transition from big open sky to cozy indoor set gave the day a natural rhythm high energy followed by deep reflection. As a videographer, that shift was gold. Outside, I was chasing motion and color. Inside, I was capturing quiet emotion, stolen glances, the kind of moments that don’t need words.
By the end of the night, my shoes were wrecked, my shoulders sore, and my camera roll full of moments I knew would matter. Music on the Mountain wasn’t just about the music it was about showing up. For each other, for ourselves, for the cause.
And being behind the camera for that? Total privilege.
Gear Used
Camera: Sony a1 / 24-70mm / 200-600mm
Links for all of Jay’s commonly used photo gear!
