Episodes 13-24

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Mike Regner Mandolinist for Bluegrass band Strings Beyond Description

Episode 013

Mike Regner 

Strings Beyond Description

Bluegrass is alive and well thanks to today's guest,  Mike Regnier, mandolinist with the band Strings Beyond Description.  He and the members of his band have been entertaining adoring fans across Chicagoland since 2015.  If you love Alison Krauss and Billy Strings, you'll like today's guest.

Kevin Friend Chicago band Mammoth 20/20 and 21 Summers

Episode 014

Kevin Friend

Mammoth - 20/20 /21 summers

From playing Jesus in Godspell to running for mayor to performing with the heavy hitters in rock, this guest has done them all.  Kevin Friend has some amazing stories to tell from his days with Mammoth, to the present.  I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did recording it.

Doug Lins Bluegrass music Hot Sauce Scoville Scale

Episode 015

Doug Lins

Musician /Hot Sauce Maker

What happens when bluegrass and country music collide with hot sauce? You'll find out because my guest this time is Doug Lins, a very skilled musician from Chicagoland and also a skilled hot sauce maker.

Glenn Shilstone Santa Cruz California musician

Episode 016

Glenn Shilstone 

The Shilstone Band

Episode 016 - Today's guest is a rocker from Santa Cruz, California. It's Glenn Shilstone of the Shilstone Band

Michael Supe Granda bassist for Ozark Mountain Daredevils and part time Santa Claus

Episode 017

Michael "Supe" Granda

Ozark Mountain Daredevils

In this episode, I reconnect with an old friend who's even busier this time of year.  Because when he's not touring with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, he's a professional Santa.  He even has a book about being Santa.  He's my dear friend "Supe" Granda and he knows if you've been naughty or nice.

Guitarist Gary Hoey Ho Ho Hoey

Episode 018

Gary Hoey

Guitarist

The holiday season wouldn't be the same without the Christmas music of rocker Gary Hoey.  After 25 years of Ho Ho Hoey, he's still rocking the holidays. Gary discusses his Christmas tour and we share a lot of great memories.   

Point of note. Gary and I recorded this a few weeks ago. His sister, whom we mention during the interview, passed away last night, Nov 27. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gary and his family.

Chicago Blues Artist Derek Caruso and his band Blues Fuze

Episode 019

Derek Caruso/ Blues Fuze

Chicago Blues Guitarist

Blues music is alive and well when you have a talented musician like today's guest in the area.  I had the great honor of hearing Derek Caruso and his band the Blues Fuze at a fundraiser and when he started playing everybody took notice.  I think you'll like what you hear. 

Author Bob Wilber Public Relations NHRA

Episode 020

Bob Wilber

Author

In this episode, I'll introduce you to a friend of mine, who grew up the son of a professional baseball player.  Bob Wilber is a jack of many many sports trades including baseball, soccer, and NHRA drag racing.  Now an author with his second book and a thousand great stories he's truly Someone You Should Know. 

Children's Author Tracy Watland

Episode 021

Tracy Watland

Author of Children's Books

Books make excellent Christmas gifts, especially for kids.  Today's guest is a longtime friend, who has several children's books published and more in the works.  Please welcome Tracy Watland.

Chad Clifford lead singer for the Crawpuppies and the MegaBeatles

Episode 022

Chad Clifford

Crawpuppies / MegaBeatles

The Crawpuppies are one of Northern Indiana's most popular bands. Their leader, Chad Clifford joins me this time to talk about the Crawpuppies, the Mega Beatles,  Digital Hair, his solo work, and his music store on this episode.   Chad also talks bout a Magical Musical Tour he and his wife went on in 2022, checking out many of the haunts of the Beatles that culminated with him performing a set at the legendary Cavern Club.  Be sure to tune into this episode, it's a good one, I guarantee.

Marty Mardirosian M&R Rush Chicago musicians

Episode 023

Marty Mardirosian

M&R Rush

Chicago is home to many amazing local rock bands. The first time I heard of this band was in 1980, I was in the US Air Force living in North Carolina, and missing Chicagoland.  A friend of mine sent me an album called "Chicago Rocks Volume One" from The Loop FM 98.  Their anthemic tribute to my favorite city, "Rock and Roll Chicago" is still one of my favorites today. The band is M&R Rush and from that band, my guest is a founding father and the "M" in M&R Rush, Marty Mardirosian.

Heywood Banks singer comedian Toast

Episode 024

Heywood Banks

Comedian

Comedian Heywood Banks has been a friend of mine since my Someone You Should Know program aired in the late 90's on the All Star Radio Network.  His good clean comedy and funny songs have been featured on the Bob & Tom Show for decades and he has played to thousands of happy comedy club patrons.  Heywood has an album, just in time for Christmas called New Holiday Standards.

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