Despite a few months of doubt, ekoostik hookah did indeed host its fall Hookahville Labor Day weekend in Thornville, Ohio. On Friday, the group offered two sets, inviting violinist Ed Caner onstage for a handful of songs including Haired Boy, Athens County, Carousel, Blackwater and Keepin Time. During the groups encore Vince Herman, who appeared at Hookahville with his Great American Taxi, also emerged for Bound to Ride. Collaborations continued on Hookahvilles second night, with Oakhurst banjoist Zach Daniels and guitarist Adam ‘Tarzano’ Smith joining in at various points throughout the groups set.

A night later, Garrettsville, OHs Nelson Ledges Quarry Park also hosted the Flashback Festival. Anchored by Dark Star Orchestra, the multi-band gathering featured a number of tribute acts, as well as Johnny Neel-bolstered version of the Chef Dave Band. Rob Barraco played keyboards with Dark Star Orchestra throughout its four sets, including the groups first take on Bye and Bye.