Conversations with Calcaterra

Step into the world of Songbird Café a unique St. Louis listening experience modeled after the Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café. Ken sits down with Songbird founder and curator Steve St. Cyr to discuss some of Steve’s favorite moments from the past five years of Songbird Shows on the eve of the events sixth anniversary.

Check out what listeners have to say about this heartfelt event in a video created by Ken - https://youtu.be/PRbCZTTZgrE

Songbird Playlist featured in Conversations with Calcaterra

Morgan Nusbaum of Bruiser Queen – I’m Yours (May 2014) - http://bruiserqueenmusic.blogspot.com/

Brian Henneman of the Bottle Rockets - Monday Every Time I Turn Around (Oct. 2012) http://bottlerocketsmusic.com/

Pokey LaFarge - Far Away (Dec. 2014) - http://pokeylafarge.net/

Emily Wallace - Roller Coaster Man (Jan. 2015) - http://www.rawartists.org/emilywallace

The Henningsens - Jesus or a Bullet (Dec. 2015) - http://www.thehenningsens.com/

Kip Loui of Diesel Island - Shed a Little Light (Oct. 2016) - https://kiploui.bandcamp.com/

Marshall Chapman - Don’t Make Me Pregnant (Apr. 2014) - http://www.tallgirl.com/

Tommy Womack - Camping on Acid (Apr. 2014) - http://www.tommywomack.com/

Kyle Nachtigal - A Little Bit More (May 2017) - http://kylenachtigal.com/

Fairchild Band – Suffering Fools (Nov. 2014) - http://www.wearefairchild.com/

Stephanie Lambring – Coat of Pain (Mar. 2016) - https://soundcloud.com/stephanie-lambring

Elizabeth McQueen of Asleep at the Wheel – Mind of Men (Jan. 2013)

Brian Henneman – Misery and Gin (Oct. 2016) - http://bottlerocketsmusic.com/

Ken Calcaterra is proud to discuss the new venture with one of his mentors on this crossover episode with The Creative Stickup - https://soundcloud.com/jeffstevenscreative

Keep informed of upcoming Songbird events via http://songbird-stl.com/

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode. Sign up to our mailing list to receive a discount code for Blue Planet Eyewear products.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

Hobo Cane – Javier Mendoza performs as Hobo Cane. Check out his amazing music at - http://www.hobocane.com/

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

“Everybody knows us, the Molina brothers in the Major Leagues…this man, this dad we had was our Hall of Famer!” – Bengie Molina

“All of us were pulling for each other, and we battled our butts off out there! We wanted to be very special, we wanted to do it! Sometimes you don’t have that in the family – Bengie Molina on three brothers as World Series winning catchers.

“I think that’s why we made it to the big leagues because he sacrificed his own life for us.” - Bengie Molina on his father's dedication to little league.

Bengie Molina has accomplished a lot in his life as a major league baseball player; 2 World Series Championships, 2 Gold Gloves, has hit for the cycle, caught multiple CY Young seasons and as a catcher was the leader on many teams. Now retired he continues his father’s legacy of helping youth become better ball players and most importantly upstanding men.

Check out Bengie’s regular appearances on the Two Birds on a Bat Podcast - http://www.twobirdsonabat.com/

Bengie and his wife Jaime have set up a gofundme campaign to help a family friend. Please check it out.

https://www.gofundme.com/HudsonStonesBattle%E2%80%AC

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode. Sign up to our mailing list to receive a discount code for Blue Planet Eyewear products.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

Hobo Cane – The artist formally known as Javier Mendoza continues to craft mindful emotional tunes. His song Waiting from the album Step Into My Place opens up this episode. Check out his work at http://www.hobocane.com/

“Everybody knows us, the Molina brothers in the Major Leagues…this man, this dad we had was our Hall of Famer!” – Bengie Molina

“All of us were pulling for each other, and we battled our butts off out there! We wanted to be very special, we wanted to do it! Sometimes you don’t have that in the family – Bengie Molina on three brothers as World Series winning catchers.

“I think that’s why we made it to the big leagues because he sacrificed his own life for us.” - Bengie Molina on his father's dedication to little league.

Bengie Molina has accomplished a lot in his life as a major league baseball player; 2 World Series Championships, 2 Gold Gloves, has hit for the cycle, caught multiple CY Young seasons and as a catcher was the leader on many teams. Now retired he continues his father’s legacy of helping youth become better ball players and most importantly upstanding men.

Check out Bengie’s regular appearances on the Two Birds on a Bat Podcast - http://www.twobirdsonabat.com/

Bengie and his wife Jaime have set up a gofundme campaign to help a family friend. Please check it out.

https://www.gofundme.com/HudsonStonesBattle%E2%80%AC

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode. Sign up to our mailing list to receive a discount code for Blue Planet Eyewear products.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

Hobo Cane – The artist formally known as Javier Mendoza continues to craft mindful emotional tunes. His song Waiting from the album Step Into My Place opens up this episode. Check out his work at http://www.hobocane.com/

“We’re going to raise hell…responsibly! – Jeff Stevens (Entrepreneur/Creative) – Well Being Brewing Company

“Because of the speed of communication the standard of perfection really isn’t there. It’s more about trying shit! – Jeff Stevens (Entrepreneur/Creative) – Well Being Brewing Company

Jeff Stevens is one of the forces behind America’s first non-alcoholic craft brewery. The longtime advertising creative has teamed up with St. Louis’ O’fallon Brewery to fully brew the beer and then gently remove the alcohol. This is a fascinating journey of a creative turned entrepreneur and Jeff is excited to create his brands via his company The Well Being Brewing Company.

Ken Calcaterra is proud to discuss the new venture with one of his mentors on this crossover episode with The Creative Stickup - https://soundcloud.com/jeffstevenscreative

You can learn more Jeff’s experiences as a creative via http://jeffstevenscreative.com/ and feel free to email him to land a spot on his podcast The Creative Stickup - [email protected]

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode. Sign up to our mailing list to receive a discount code for Blue Planet Eyewear products.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

Hobo Cane – The artist formally known as Javier Mendoza continues to craft mindful emotional tunes. His song Waiting from the album Step Into My Place opens up this episode. Check out his work at

http://www.hobocane.com/

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

“Music along with love is probably the most powerful force in the universe and I think it has the power to change lives!!!” – Connor Weinstein (Singer/Guitarist) – Next Door to the Moon

“The most meaningful aspect of being a musician is making an emotional connection with someone who hears your song!” – Connor Weinstein (Singer/Guitarist) – Next Door to the Moon

“How can you convince a whole consumer audience to go backwards and buy music when they have access to it for free?” – Connor Weinstein (Singer/Guitarist) – Next Door to the Moon

What is the best way for a budding musicians to make their start? Connor Weinstein of the indie band Next Door to the Moon shares some tips for up and coming musicians/bands and converses about his parents influence on his musical tastes and how working in the family business (Blue Planet Eyewear - https://shopblueplaneteyewear.com/) has helped him hone is social media skills to effectively promote his musical endeavors.

Connor is the father of a three year old daughter and resides in Los Angeles. He describes his music as “if Blink 182 and The 1975 had a baby. For inspiration Connor is currently streaming the bands Nightdriver, Busted, McFly and The Main. Next door to the Moon’s current single is “Can’t Quit It.”

Can’t Quit It Video - https://youtu.be/4Bq6fG56R00

Follow Next Door to the Moon on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ndttm/

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode. Sign up to our mailing list to receive a discount code for Blue Planet Eyewear products.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

Hobo Cane – The artist formally known as Javier Mendoza continues to craft mindful emotional tunes. Check out his work at http://www.hobocane.com/

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

“The theory behind it all is to shine a light on the St. Louis music scene. I’m of the mentality that if one succeeds we all benefit.” – Shane Presley – Rock Paper Podcast

“People hit me up all the time…how do I do a podcast? I want to do it and I’m like, do it! Grab a mic and do it and have some fun.” – Shane Presley – Rock Paper Podcast

How does a city develop a successful music scene? It’s takes people like Shane Presley who is beyond passionate concerning St. Louis musicians and comedians. The first quote states it all and Shane is working hard to introduce his listeners to the entertainers who make St. Louis rock.

This is a special crossover episode with the first episode on Shane's show - http://www.rockpaperpodcast.com/episodes/episode-413-ken-calcaterra/

Shane is in the process of promoting his 3rd Annual Rock Paper Podcast Birthday show https://www.facebook.com/events/436915049989767/ and continues to put out a calendar highlighting a nights entertainment offerings. This episode of the podcast is a crossover with Rock Paper Podcast #413. Check both out and learn more about Ken Calcaterra and Shane Presley. Follow them both on social media.

https://rockpaperpodcast.com/

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

Hobo Cane – The show is launched with the song “Gold” by this incredible artist. Check out his work at http://www.hobocane.com/

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

“Life is collecting experiences and that’s literally my job!” – Tony Rehagen - Journalist

“I think that the definition of success is when work becomes fun and a lot of people never get to experience that. I feel extremely fortunate that I have.” – Tony Rehagen - Journalist

Is what we know as print journalism dying in the age of the internet? Has the digital age shortened our attention span to the point where most people won’t sit down to read a long form article?

Tony Rehagen answers these questions! Tony is a freelance writer who travels throughout the United States to spend time with subjects who will be featured in narrative journalism stories. His work has appeared in Men’s Health, ESPN The Magazine, GQ, Pacific Standard, USA Today, Atlanta, Indianapolis Monthly and St. Louis Magazine where he is a contributing editor. He is a five-time finalist for the City and Regional Magazine Association Writer of the Year award. He was anthologized in the book Next Wave: America’s New Generation of Great Literary Journalists.

https://tonyrehagen.com/

https://www.stlmag.com/longform/pokey-lafarge/

http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/features/white-space/

Tony recommends the following books – Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery, Darktown by Thomas Mullen and The Lost City of Z by David Grann

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Hobo Cane – The show is launched with the song “Gold” by this incredible artist. Check out his work at http://www.hobocane.com/

Dr. Mark Holland – http://chiroandrehab.com/ and http://www.mystlouischiropractor.com/

John Webster, Fine Artist – http://johnwebsterpenandink.com/

American Mallard – A start-up company focusing on improving the experience of DIY painting! Riccardo Hayes has invented an ergonomic paint brush. To check out a demo please email [email protected]

“If you want to build a fan base do it by caring about that fanbase!” – Ryan Gaughan, Among Criminals – La Capitana

“Holding yourself accountable to other people is the best muscle to start holding yourself accountable! – Ryan Gaughan, Among Criminals – La Capitana

How many musicians do you know who would consider turning down a record deal to teach kids?

This statement illustrates the character of Ryan Gaughan who spent the first half of 2017 in Los Angeles teaching kids with “learning disabilities” music to help foster their overall education.

Ryan a native of Philadelphia, PA is a member of the bands Among Criminals and La Capitana with his creative partner Stef Emery. He frequently tours Europe and has had music placed in television shows.

http://www.amongcriminals.com/

https://amongcriminals.bandcamp.com/

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – www.chiroandrehab.com and www.mystlouischiropractor.com – 636.946.7777

John Webster, Fine Artist – www.johnwebsterpenandink.com

American Mallard Paint Brushes

“If you want to build a fan base do it by caring about that fanbase!” – Ryan Gaughan, Among Criminals – La Capitana

“Holding yourself accountable to other people is the best muscle to start holding yourself accountable! – Ryan Gaughan, Among Criminals – La Capitana

How many musicians do you know who would consider turning down a record deal to teach kids?

This statement illustrates the character of Ryan Gaughan who spent the first half of 2017 in Los Angeles teaching kids with “learning disabilities” music to help foster their overall education.

Ryan a native of Philadelphia, PA is a member of the bands Among Criminals and La Capitana with his creative partner Stef Emery. He frequently tours Europe and has had music placed in television shows.

http://www.amongcriminals.com/

https://amongcriminals.bandcamp.com/

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – www.chiroandrehab.com and www.mystlouischiropractor.com – 636.946.7777

John Webster, Fine Artist – www.johnwebsterpenandink.com

American Mallard Paint Brushes

Art is one’s legacy. When we create art a piece of our soul is infused in the work and when we leave this planet it remains for others to cherish our energy.

Jimmy Smith affectionately known as Jimmy Buckets based on his prowess behind a drum kit (and sometimes plastic construction buckets) left this world in February of 2017 due to reported heart failure. In this episode of Conversations with Calcaterra, Ken is joined by Jimmy’s bandmates from Nervous Pudding; Josh Lawson (guitar), John Nicholas (drums), Dave Shelton (bass) and Jordan McCallister (bass) to celebrate the life of their former front man and discuss their shared adventures and art.

Jimmy “Buckets” Smith – Celebration of Life - https://www.facebook.com/events/706777942817676/

Nervous Pudding “Time” Music Video - https://youtu.be/LQAHy2GfWOg

See photos of the boys with Jimmy from a shoot with Ken for publicity of their album “Breaking the Mold” - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kencalcaterra/albums/72157679657152394

Visit Ken @ www.kencalcaterra.com and on various social media outlets and please share and comment on this episode.

Special Thanks to show sponsors:

Dr. Mark Holland – www.chiroandrehab.com and www.mystlouischiropractor.com – 636.946.7777

Ben Sturgell – www.bensturgell.com

Kevin Blomenkamp – Master Jeweler – 314.346.6498 – [email protected] - https://youtu.be/SpUTZ6D7Alo

Dales Music – 314.895.3403 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWfJ70-SmUY