🎷 In this captivating first installment of another epic two-parter, host Sara J. is joined by Baltimore-area jazz saxophonist Dan Wallace for a raw, real, and wide-ranging conversation—true to Dropped Among This Crowd form.

Things leap off with Dan sharing the absolutely fascinating story of local legend Daryl Davis—a blues pianist who, through conversation and courage, convinced dozens of white supremacist leaders to denounce their ideology and leave their hate groups behind.

From there, Dan reflects on the ironic tension of being a professional musician and how it sometimes interferes with actually making music. The conversation shifts to the evolving state of outdoor festivals, the economy, and environmental factors that may threaten their future entirely in the next 5–10 years.

Sara and Dan dive into jam bands, the undeniable magic of Red Rocks (and how it’s always freezing no matter the season), and his almost-career as an opera singer. He shares how a scroll through his now-vintage iPod Classic helped him pivot fully toward jazz saxophone—and what that shift looked like.

They also go back to the beginning: Dan’s childhood love of music, his beloved piano teacher Ms. Karen, and the lasting foundation she helped build. He talks about reconnecting with his elementary music teacher—who he now performs with—and shares how an administrative error almost cost him a spot at a performing arts middle school, until his mother’s persistence saved the day.

Dan recounts joining jazz band early in 7th grade, being introduced to Charlie Parker, the mix CD that changed his life, and working his way through the Charlie Parker Omnibook.

He also opens up about his social struggles growing up—and how being involved in music and starring in school musicals gave him a sense of belonging and helped him feel like maybe he wasn’t “the biggest weirdo in the world.”

Such a thoughtful and fun conversation—you won’t want to miss it.

🎧 Tune in next week for the compelling conclusion in Part Two!

More from this week's guest:

Sober (Tool) Dan Wallace and the 11th Hour: https://youtu.be/dH8GQyNB3Zc?si=RCG0J9EyPkxh_Lzc

"Terms and Conditions" by Dan Wallace and the 11th Hour: https://youtu.be/gJeGfIIvPK8?si=4W8g1HVGPTiyPKqE

Dan Wallace and the 11th Hour, a playlist on SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/hSxKIkPHDHIZYXJXLX

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Want to be a guest on the show? https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-a-guest-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Want to be a RoughGauge featured artist? Send an email to: [email protected]

Want to work with Sara? Book a one-on-one session to bring your music/media vision to life: https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/consulting-services-with-sara-j

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Want to hang out virtually? Join Sara and jD on Sunday nights on YouTube for Hip fan convos! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Curious about the October 4th Toronto event? https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

In this mid-summer solo episode, host Sara J checks in with listeners after a transformative few months both personally and professionally. She shares updates on DATC Media Company, upcoming collaborations, and exciting projects in the works—plus a little behind-the-scenes from a recent cross-border adventure.

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

🧭 Call to Action:

Want to be a guest on the show? https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-a-guest-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Want to be a RoughGauge featured artist? Send an email to: [email protected]

Want to work with Sara? Book a one-on-one session to bring your music/media vision to life: https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/consulting-services-with-sara-j

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Want to hang out virtually? Join Sara and jD on Sunday nights on YouTube for Hip fan convos! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Curious about the October 4th Toronto event? https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

“I’m a deep cuts person — the hits get you there, but the album cuts keep you.”

Perfectly timed for Canada Day, this episode wraps up Sara J and Darrin’s epic two-part conversation with a deep dive into their shared love for The Tragically Hip. Sara shares the recent rediscovery of a 2003 Gord Downie solo show in Buffalo, while Darrin traces how learning to code sparked his journey into archiving live music—starting with Boston indie band Wheat, and later expanding to The Spoons, Rheostatics, Bourbon Tabernacle Choir and of course, The Tragically Hip.

The two explore how last fall’s Hip docuseries inspired the now-thriving Hip archive (which—hard to believe—isn’t even a year old). Sara gushes about how she’s used the archive for numerous creative projects, and Darrin reflects on the generosity of tapers and the band's openness to live recording over the years.

They lovingly nerd out over stats and setlists—Darrin’s seen 129 of the ~180 Hip songs live across 34 shows—and talk about the live albums that shaped his listening, from Peter Gabriel’s Plays Live to Dire Straits’ Alchemy and Genesis’s Three Sides Live. And yes, they reveal their favorite Hip records—Sara’s pick? In Violet Light (of course).

From there, the conversation winds through Darrin’s time playing in his own band, Tempus Fugit, and how recording albums like Shallow Water Blackout reshaped the way he listens to music. (Highly recommended listening, by the way.)

To close, things turn tender and deeply personal. Darrin shares the one show he regrets missing, flipping the question to Sara J—who opens up about the loss of her father, how it distanced her from music and The Hip for years, and the unexpected ways that reconnecting through the docuseries, working with jD from TTH Top Forty Countdown, and a whole lot of healing brought her full circle.

Where you can find this week's guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrincappe/

The Hip Archive: https://www.thehiparchive.com/index2.shtml

Have a show to contribute? Send an email: [email protected]

Bourbon Tabernacle Choir: https://www.bourbontabernaclechoir.com

The Indie Music Archive: https://www.theindiemusicarchive.com

Good. Gone. Dead.: https://www.goodgonedead.rheostaticslive.com

Rheostatics Live Archive: https://www.rheostaticslive.com

Tempus Fugit: https://www.fugitland.ca

Thomas Trio And The Red Albino: https://www.thomastrioandtheredalbino.com

Wheat Music Archive: https://www.thiswheat.com

Northern Wish - A Canadian's Perspective on Music: https://www.northernwish.com/category/genesis/

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

In part one of this epic two-part conversation, Darrin and Sara J dive deep into a rich and winding musical landscape.

They explore the power of thoughtful feedback—from trusted sources—and how it can support the musicians in your life, and the importance of staying open to it yourself.

Darrin reflects on his lifelong love affair with music, tracing it back to the nostalgic albums his parents played—records that have become part of his DNA. Born at a time when some of the most iconic music was not only being released but also performed live, Darrin walks us through his musical journey: 
From 70's prog rock to '80s new wave (and how one inspired the other) to his very first album purchase (which he still owns!) to a concert calendar that's still stacked decades later.

He shares stories from his first live show—The Who in October 1982 at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium—complete with a rare Joe Jackson opening set (thanks to The Clash playing SNL that night instead). The night would later be memorialized in a photo inside the sleeve of Jackson's 80/86 live album.

We talk local shows, backstage moments, and what it's like to catch bands just before they hit their upward trajectory.


He also opens up about the raw masculine energy of early Tragically Hip shows, the role music plays in connecting with his kids, and a few of the music websites he contributes to (more on that in Part Two!).

You’ll also hear the origin story behind the lyric:
 “Everyone has their breaking point—with me it's spiders, with you it’s me.” and its connection to the 1977 sci-fi film—"The People That Time Forgot"

We covered a lot, but there's still more ground to explore—don’t miss Part Two next week!

Where you can find this week's guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrincappe/

The Hip Archive: https://www.thehiparchive.com/index2.shtml

Northern Wish - A Canadian's Perspective on Music: https://www.northernwish.com/category/genesis/

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

In the conclusion of Sara J's epic two-part conversation with RoughGauge’s Featured Artist for June 2025, Marc Shapiro, we pick up right where we left off—diving back into the gear talk and Marc’s love for integrating the Jake blade into his setup.

Marc shares what makes the Jake blade a standout addition to his arsenal, and how RoughGauge’s legendary customer service ensured every detail was custom-fit—right down to accommodating his unique whammy bar setup and left-handed play style. From there, we explore how this custom Wilkinson build has seamlessly become a part of his sound, even making its way into the DNA of songs in his catalog.

The conversation flows into what’s next in Marc’s musical worlds, Infinite Drift and Greasy Hands, as he offers a sneak peek at upcoming happenings—including a pig roast on Saturday, September 13th, and what promises to be a legendary Halloween shindig.

We also dig into the heartbeat of the Baltimore music scene—from its deep jazz roots and iconic P-Funk residency to its thriving punk, metal, and Baltimore club communities. Marc paints a picture of a city rich in musical diversity, community spirit, and inclusive energy.

Then we shift focus to Marc’s passion for concert photography—how it sparked while writing for his college paper, the moment he realized he could get a photo pass, and how that led to a journey from point-and-shoot beginnings to capturing iconic artists. He reflects on the highs and lows of the craft, the beauty of small venues, and staying grounded in the love for local music.

We wrap with a powerful reflection on creative balance—the importance of stillness and nothingness, and the ever-evolving dance of moving forward, even if slowly.

Read Marc’s Featured Artist Q&A: https://www.roughgaugellc.com/featured-artists

Where you can find this week's guest:

Greasy Hands:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greasyhandsband/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreasyHandsBand

Infinite Drift:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitedriftband/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562600499050

Marc Shapiro Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcshapiromedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcShapiroMedia

Would you or someone you know like to be a RoughGauge Featured Artist? Send an email to [email protected]

All things RoughGauge and Jake Blade: roughgaugellc.com (use my promo code Saraj10 to get 10% off on your order)

Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast Episode 228: A Conversation with Austin Davey & Mark Benjamin from RoughGauge LLC: https://droppedamongthiscrowdpod.simplecast.com/episodes/a-conversation-with-austin-davey-mark-benjamin-from-roughgauge-llc

Find RoughGauge on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roughgaugellc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoughGauge

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoughGaugeLLC

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

In this part one of another epic two-parter, Sara J is joined by the RoughGauge June 2025 featured artist, Marc Shapiro.

Marc takes us through his influences and how Slash and Appetite for Destruction played a major role. Marc shares his love for digging into his favorite guitar player’s heroes, going down a rabbit hole that includes a dive into how John Frusciante has a lot of Hendrix in his playing.

Marc shares the eclecticness of what he listens to, and how watching MTV after school when he was younger did good things for his musical palate. They talk about having the guitar player spirit, the perhaps controversial thought of minimal notes, and how sometimes more is said within the silence. Marc gives a peek into what he’s listening to currently and the music he’s loving that’s coming out of Australia. Marc talks about his passion for following the lineage of a sound, and the evolution of guitar playing and music. The duo gets into music biographies, ones they’ve read, and what’s next on their list.

Marc talks about getting his first guitar when he was ten, followed by his first electric a year later, and knowing that being a musician was his dream once he started playing. He relives elementary school, singing and performing ’90s grunge tunes at talent shows and back-to-school night.

Marc recalls playing in his older brother’s band, and at his bar mitzvah party, an evening that would include Marc crowd surfing. He shares the experience of throwing a music festival - The Rez Ball with his band The Rez, the year he sprained his ankle right before he was about to play two sets, which also happened to be the same summer he played at Warped Tour. Marc shares how he found himself playing with his current projects, Greasy Hands and Infinite Drift.

Lefties unite! Marc elaborates on what it’s like playing left-handed, the advantages and disadvantages, and the joy of finding a leftie guitar out in the wild. He introduces us to his ride or die guitars and the others in his arsenal.

And so much more. Buckle up — this one’s a journey you don’t want to miss!

Read Marc’s Featured Artist Q&A: https://www.roughgaugellc.com/featured-artists

Where you can find this week's guest:

Greasy Hands:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greasyhandsband/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreasyHandsBand

Infinite Drift:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitedriftband/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562600499050

Marc Shapiro Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcshapiromedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcShapiroMedia

Would you or someone you know like to be a RoughGauge Featured Artist? Send an email to [email protected]

All things RoughGauge and Jake Blade: roughgaugellc.com (use my promo code Saraj10 to get 10% off on your order)

Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast Episode 228: A Conversation with Austin Davey & Mark Benjamin from RoughGauge LLC: https://droppedamongthiscrowdpod.simplecast.com/episodes/a-conversation-with-austin-davey-mark-benjamin-from-roughgauge-llc

Find RoughGauge on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roughgaugellc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoughGauge

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoughGaugeLLC

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

In the thrilling conclusion of Sara J’s deep dive with Kirk, the two pick up right where they left off—unpacking the heart and soul behind Discovering Downie, an 11-part passion project from Dewvre Podcasts & Such, exploring the solo work of Gord Downie, the legendary frontman of The Tragically Hip.

Kirk shares how the series, which just celebrated its first anniversary, sparked not just insight but connection, bringing together four strangers whose shared love for Downie’s artistry led them on an unforgettable journey, culminating in a meaningful trip to the band's hometown, Kingston, ON, and a special fundraising event.

The episode also weaves in a thoughtful discussion on making a difference in the world—however you can—and nerds out on all things gear, guitars, and amps. Music lovers, storytellers, and dreamers alike—this one’s for you.

Where you can find this week's guest:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/gorddowniepod/

https://www.instagram.com/kirklanemusic/

https://www.instagram.com/thedarryls/

https://www.instagram.com/soulsistoriespod/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/discoveringdownie

https://www.facebook.com/thedarrylsband

https://www.facebook.com/soulsistoriespodcast/

https://www.thedarrylsband.com

https://www.youtube.com/@thedarrylsband9501

A Discovering Downie Tour of Kingston: https://youtu.be/zbH6AA9sSko?si=IvHU_SRi-kkCmRE9

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/
Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

https://mahaffayamplifiers.com

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by musician, podcast host, and producer Kirk Lane for an epic two-part episode you won’t want to miss.

In Part One, Sara and Kirk dive deep into the idea of finding your "inner fame," the wisdom of Linda Wolf’s book Tribute, and Kirk's love for the Grateful Dead. They chat about the magic of seeing shows at The Sphere, the spark that led Kirk to pick up a guitar, and his journey through his first originals band.

Kirk shares stories from the thousands of shows he’s seen live (seriously, it’s a lot) and how that shaped his musical DNA. He also opens up about his debut solo album From the Kirkyard—how revisiting old songs now has given them new life, and how they've sparked fresh inspiration.

Get ready for deep cuts, musical rabbit holes, and a whole lot of heart.

Where you can find this week's guest:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kirklanemusic/

https://www.instagram.com/thedarryls/

https://www.instagram.com/soulsistoriespod/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thedarrylsband

https://www.facebook.com/soulsistoriespodcast/

https://www.thedarrylsband.com

https://www.youtube.com/@thedarrylsband9501

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
https://datcmediacompany.com
https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia
https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
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This week on the show, Sara J. sits down with RoughGauge’s May 2025 Featured Artist, Ben Kays.

They dive into the guitarists who’ve shaped his sound, the pros and cons of being a left-handed player, and the rhythm guitarist he turns to for inspiration. Ben opens up about his songwriting process, the emotional and mental role music plays in his life, and what it means to be a well-rounded musician.

He shares how his dad influenced his journey into guitar playing and gigging, and reveals the first solo he ever learned. Ben also brings in “The Falcon,” a custom-built guitar by the Slovak company Magic Attic, and tells the story behind its creation.

The conversation turns to his band The Textures, their set at SummerCamp Music Festival (the very first festival he ever attended), and the seasonal energy woven through their new album Perennials—out now.

And yes, they get into the infamous Jake Blade—why he’ll never go back to a traditional whammy bar, and how it adds color to his playing.

It’s a thoughtful, dynamic, and deeply musical conversation you won’t want to miss.

Where you can find this week's guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetextures.official/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetexturesband

Webiste: https://www.thetexturesband.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetextures7474

You can read his Q&A mentioned in this episode and more here: https://www.roughgaugellc.com/featured-artists

Magic Attic Guitars: https://magicatticguitars.com

"How Music Works" - David Byrne: https://amzn.to/44p238F

Would you or someone you know like to be a RoughGauge Featured Artist? Send an email to [email protected]

All things RoughGauge and Jake Blade: roughgaugellc.com (use my promo code Saraj10 to get 10% off on your order)

Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast Episode 228: A Conversation with Austin Davey & Mark Benjamin from RoughGauge LLC: https://droppedamongthiscrowdpod.simplecast.com/episodes/a-conversation-with-austin-davey-mark-benjamin-from-roughgauge-llc

Find RoughGauge on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roughgaugellc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoughGauge

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoughGaugeLLC

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

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Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
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This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by Canadian woodworker and artist Ashley Dawes, the creative force behind Willow & Ash Designs.

Ashley shares how she unexpectedly found her way into woodworking, how life as part of a military family shaped her journey, and what draws her to a craft that demands such precision and patience. She also opens up about the therapeutic power of woodworking and how it has become more than just a creative outlet.

In this inspiring conversation, Ashley discusses:

• The origin story behind Willow & Ash Designs — including what inspired the name
• How her business has evolved alongside her life, especially while navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship
• The deep connection she has with her work, how her children inspire her, and what it means to have a relationship with your business
• The joys and challenges of small business ownership: setting boundaries, pricing your work with confidence, and the critical role time management plays in success

Ashley also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the most meaningful piece she's ever made — a show-stopping guitar stand she created for this year’s Scroll Saw competition, inspired by the music of The Tragically Hip. From a confusing sketch no one understood to a stunning final piece that took over 50 hours to complete, she walks us through the intricate design and the four songs that are part of the build.

We also talk about:

• How her recent move to Kingston, Ontario, sparked the final vision for the guitar stand
• What it feels like to be the conduit for creative ideas waiting to come through
• Her shop playlist, her least favorite project, and how recent global shifts have impacted her as a Canadian small business owner, especially with her U.S. customers

This episode is a real, heartfelt look at what it takes to build something you love through patience, creativity, and staying connected to your craft as life evolves.

Where you can find this week's guest:

Website: https://www.willowashdesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowashdesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowashdesigns/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@willowashdesigns

Read the blog post mentioned in this conversation: https://ontariobuilt.blogspot.com/2025/04/willow-ash-designs-where-woodworking.html?m=1

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Join us for "Sunday Evening Jam"! https://www.youtube.com/@dewvre1974

Get your early bird tickets for "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-hip-for-als-tickets-1137838598879?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3OiQE1P_UgOCfqBQK6pp8HQofDQaOXoVIPqxtgaXltv481zOuDOeDB6Q8_aem_JBfNSyaAXNOGEAt-NZAQoQ

Want to donate or sponsor "A Celebration of The Hip for ALS" on October 4th? Send an email with the subject "fundraiser" to: [email protected]

Let's Collab! https://datcmediacompany.com/collab-opportunties-1

Follow DATC Media:
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Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:
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Email: [email protected]
Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd": https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:
https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/
https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/