In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, recorded backstage at the 2025 High Sierra Music Festival, the hosts sit down with veteran film producer, director, and music supervisor, Jonathan McHugh. Jonathan shares his experiences growing up in New Orleans, starting in college radio at WTUL, and his journey through the music and film industries leading to his current role as Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar and Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola University New Orleans.

The conversation delves into his time working on documentaries and music supervision projects, including his work with the artist Avery Helman (aka “Ismay”) and the film/podcast Finding Lucinda. Reflecting on the intersections of live music, film, and storytelling, Jonathan also addresses the importance of fostering community in music festivals, engaging younger audiences, and supporting emerging artists.

This fun and insightful interview captures Jonathan McHugh’s vibrant personality with rich dialogue highlighting his decades-long career, mentorship, and passion for music, film, and education.

HIGHLIGHTS

“Younger music has to seep in more — you gotta book more of those acts. They have the disposable income; they’ll camp, they’ll go.”
 – Jonathan McHugh on engaging new festival audiences

“It’s payback time — I owe Dave for every step of the way.”
 – Jonathan McHugh on mentorship and early career guidance by Dave Margulies, (Co-Producer, High Sierra Music)

LINKS

Jonathan McHugh – Faculty Profile at Loyola University New Orleans
 cmm.loyno.edu

Finding Lucinda - Film and Podcast - https://www.findinglucindafilm.com/
 

The Pure Band -Pure Rehearsal-Lucinda Williams- can’t let it go-https://youtu.be/t64_WYZFwt0?si=oiHAJx7kPc3L2Ew-

Crooked-Truckin Kingofthecastle7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIL-E_wCzK8&list=RDtIL-E_wCzK8&start_radio=1

High Sierra Music Festival
 Official Website -https://www.highsierramusic.com/

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