Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Dead Winter Carpenters

An interview I did with lead singer Jesse Dunn of the Dead Winter Carpenters about the release of their new EP "Sinners 'n' Freaks." Dead Winter Carpenters are a band from North Lake Tahoe, and they have made a name for themselves as an outstanding live act. Their most recent release showcases their talent as performers and songwriters. Enjoy!

Sally Jaye and Brian Wright of Cafe Rooster Records

An interview I did about the new album by Brian Wright and the SneakUps as well as the label in general. We discussed their bands, the new Patreon, and how the COVID shutdown has effected things in the music industry. 

Lindsay Lou

Lindsay Lou has been making soulful, poignant music for the last decade.  Lou’s gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer demand the listener’s attention. Her singing floats over the masterful playing and deep groove of her band with both a fierce intensity and a tender intimacy.

Della Mae

My interview with Celia from the band Della Mae. We talked about their music, touring the Middle East with a program for the State Department, and the social inspiration behind their most recent record. 

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering 2020

Leftover Salmon

The band Leftover Salmon has been a stalwart in the “jam band” scene since the early 1990s. Formed in Colorado, the group has released as many as 13 albums and toured extensively all over the world. There influences are myriad. Their playing ability and inventiveness in live performance have made them a celebrated music festival act. I had a chance to chat with Drew Emmitt about their most recent record “Show Me Something Higher” as well as their show coming up at the Crystal Bay Club at Lake Tahoe on Friday March 6 and the Warfield Theater in San Francisco on March 7.

Brandon Vedder (Strange Negotiations Documentary)

David Bazan has been making heartfelt, honest, and genuine music for over twenty years now. I first began following him in the early 2000s when he was playing with the band Pedro the Lion. I was instantly drawn to the deliberate and intriguing guitar playing, his intense and thoughtful lyrics, and an overall vibe that was, and still is, incredibly unique. I was an Evangelical Christian, as was David Bazan. Over the last twenty or so years, my faith journey has paralleled his in many ways. I have followed him and found inspiration in his questions and his unswerving honesty.
Last year Brandon Vedder released a film he had been working on for a number of years called “Strange Negotiations.” Brandon followed Dave around the country on tour and shot video of his fans asking faith-related questions and his responses. I had a chance to chat with Brandon about the film, Dave’s music, and the state of politics and religion in America. It’s a film that deals with these profound and difficult issues with a sense of fairness and openness that is rare.

Dom Flemons

Dom Flemons is an American singer/songwriter who has been recording albums and touring for the last 15 years. He rose to prominence with the African-American string band the Carolina Chocolate drops. Since then he has continued to work on musical and historical projects. His most recent album is the Grammy Award nominated “Black Cowboys.” The album tells the story of lesser known historical figures, people of color who helped settle the West. The album contains a pamphlet written by Dom that tells the background and stories of these prolific figures. I had a chance to chat with him recently about his album, and the history he has been uncovering over the last few years.

I See Hawks In LA

On January 11, the band I See Hawks in LA will play a date in Silver City, Nevada. The funky Silver City School House is a well-suited venue to see and hear a group revered as one of the best psychedelic, alt country bands working today. The Hawks are well-seasoned in the studio and on the road and have recorded eight albums over nearly 20 years of gigging. For a clear look ahead, Nevada Capital News musical arts correspondent Will Houk spoke with founding member Paul Lacques. The show begins at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00. The Silver City School House is located at 385 High Street Silver City, Nevada 89428. Proceeds will benefit the Silver City Historic Preservation Society.

California Honeydrops

Over the past ten years, the Oakland-based California Honeydrops have recorded seven successful albums but the Honeydrops have a well-established reputation for dynamic and memorable live performances. The 11 piece ensemble is known for a rootsy, jazzy, funky, “New Orleans Vibe,” but there’s more to the story. I recently had a chance to chat with the band’s sax player Johnny Bones about the band and its ability to ignite a live audience.