Salina311 speaks with the Salina native about collaboration, creativity, and his return to the festival spotlight
Saturday night at the Smoky Hill River Festival offered something a little different. As the sun began to set and the Eric Stein Stage lit up, Salina native Cash Hollistah curated and led a unique musical performance: a live mixtape featuring a lineup of artists from across genres—hip-hop, R&B, country, rock, and jazz—many of whom had never performed together before. And none of it was rehearsed.
“To be able to bring the mixtape idea to the main stage, at a prime time during the festival no less, was major,” Hollistah said. “Bringing in artists from different genres—seasoned vets, up-and-comers, hometown favorites, out-of-towners who had never performed in Salina before... with no practice? And to have it go well? Can't ask for anything better.”
This marked the second year for his live mixtape format at the festival. The first took place on a smaller stage in 2024. The response to that debut earned the concept a return—this time, with a broader audience and higher visibility.
A Lifelong Connection to Music
Cash Hollistah’s background is rooted in music. He began performing in the late 1980s with his family’s gospel group, The Curtis Family, touring churches and local events throughout Kansas.
“My dad played bass—he was with a Kansas R&B/Funk band called The Shampells in the ’70s. My mom was a singer, and her side of the family has a strong gospel lineage. I also play drums.”
He transitioned into hip-hop in the mid-1990s, joining the Tulsa-based rap group Mass Reality from 1998 to 2002 before launching a solo career. In addition to performing, he has also worked as a DJ for more than a decade.
In total, he’s spent over 30 years in music, with more than two decades of appearances at the Smoky Hill River Festival.
Behind the Mixtape Concept
The idea for a live mixtape performance came from both national and local influences. Hollistah cites The Roots—known for their versatility and their own festival, The Roots Picnic—and Wichita DJ Carbon, who had previously developed a similar concept at Wichita Riverfest.
“I had a period where I was getting bored with performing, and I wanted to do something different,” Hollistah said. “I thought, ‘What if I did a live mixtape, but took the curveball elements of the old radio show and put those together?’ From there, I took it to Sarah [Keck], and she was down, and it went from there.”
He’s referring to Cash Hollistah’s Block Party, a local radio show he hosted with DJ Carbon that blended classic hits with unexpected mashups. That spirit carried into Saturday’s performance.
Local Collaboration
This year’s performance featured fellow Salina musician Jaron Bell, a country gospel artist and worship leader whose profile continues to rise on the national stage.
“I’ve known Jaron since 2014, from working together with the now-defunct Salina Bombers,” Hollistah said. “I think we've always admired each other's musical efforts.”
While the two had talked about working together in the past, this performance marked their first formal collaboration. “Once there's a track that speaks to us, we’ll make something happen,” he added.
Bell, known for blending country melodies with faith-driven lyrics, recently signed a record deal with CDX Records, distributed globally by Sony Orchard—placing him alongside artists like Kelsea Ballerini and T-Pain. His breakout moment came in 2024, when a surge in social media views pushed his music videos past 8.5 million views. His single “Letter to Jesus” alone has seen over 300,000 views in the past 90 days.
His next track, “See Him Someday,” is currently in production and is expected to benefit from national playlist placements, expanded radio play, and more live appearances. For both artists, their shared performance at the Smoky Hill River Festival was a moment of homegrown talent coming full circle—on stage and in sync.
Jaron Bell – Salina Country Gospel Artist Live at Smoky Hill River Festival '25
A Festival Staple
Hollistah served on the Smoky Hill River Festival Entertainment Committee from 2014 to 2024 and said he’s always appreciated the event’s ability to introduce something new.
“Honestly, the opportunity to discover something new,” he said when asked what stands out about the festival. “Whether it’s a new music act or visual artist, or something like watching a live painting come to life.”
This year, three of the artists in the mixtape lineup noted it was the largest audience they had ever performed in front of.
“So that’s a cool feeling to be able to provide,” Hollistah said.
Acknowledging the Team
Hollistah was quick to credit those who made the performance possible.
“Thanks to Sarah Keck of Salina Arts & Humanities, who let me work out this crazy idea in my head, allowing it to be a part of the festival the past two years,” he said. “Titan Sound and the Eric Stein Stage crew for providing great sound and backline, and dealing with so many moving parts. To all of the artists who appeared on the mixtape, my DJ, DJ Bearfoot, and my drummer, August Phileger—aka ‘Snoop Augie Aug.’ Special thanks to Brandon Draper of Drum Safari, who hopped on percussion and drums as well.”
“Big thanks to Salina Arts & Humanities. Having been an A&H commissioner in the past, I understand the countless hours of work behind the scenes to make the festival go off without a hitch every year.”
Looking Ahead
Hollistah’s schedule remains full in the weeks following the festival. He’ll be DJing at R&B in the Park this Friday, June 20, at Oakdale Park, joining Rudy Love & The Encore and DJ Detroit. On July 5, he’ll lead the Daddy Bud Day community block party at Pacific Park—an event named in honor of his grandfather, John “Daddy Bud” Curtis Sr.
The long-term goal, he says, is to have the park renamed Curtis Park.
“It’s free for the community to attend,” he said.
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The mixtape performance was more than a set list. It was the result of years of experience, collaboration, and local support—built by someone who’s never lost touch with the place he came from. For Cash Hollistah, the River Festival isn’t just a gig. It’s part of his story.
