When the word “meet-up” started getting thrown around for the Indianapolis stop of the Black Crowes’ Southern Hospitality tour, I was excited — that’s Illinois Drifter territory!

But then the excitement just kept growing as more people got involved. Illinois Drifter All-Stars Shawn Hillman and Jim Hennessy were the first to sign on, followed by our friends from the State of Amorica and Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews podcasts, both of which Shawn co-hosts.

Then, about a week before the show, we found out we’d be meeting Black Crowes founding members Chris and Rich Robinson before the concert.

Along with Shawn and Jim, I’m joined by State of Amorica/R4 producer Jason Doncis, State of Amorica’s Justin Frey, and R4 legends Ray Perme and Lou Fugaro for a lively conversation about a weekend none of us will ever forget. We all met on the internet because we love music, and somehow that led to hanging out with Chris and Rich Robinson. It’s a pretty great story about what can happen when a shared passion brings people together.

I had the shortest trip — about three hours from Decatur. Add a couple more for Shawn and Justin from the Chicago area, longer drives for Jason from Michigan and Jim from Maryland, and flights for Ray from Texas and Lou from New Jersey. Though, for a while, it looked like Lou might become an Indianapolis resident when New Jersey refused to take him back.

This crossover episode also appears on the State of Amorica and Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews Patreon feeds.

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:55 – Welcome and introductions

03:58 – How the Indianapolis gathering came together

06:11 – Ruoff Music Center (Deer Creek) impressions

09:28 – The meet-and-greet begins

15:24 – Judy steals the show

18:48 – Debating “The Seeker” with Chris and Rich

21:02 – Setlists, songwriting and band stories

21:56 – Group photos and memorable moments

24:02 – Why the Robinson brothers left such a great impression

29:10 – Southall and Whiskey Myers

33:26 – Black Crowes take the stage

37:27 – Setlist highlights and Three Snakes surprises

44:26 – Chris Robinson’s voice and the current lineup

53:03 – Sleepy Bear Campground adventures

59:27 – What’s next for State of Amorica and R4

1:08:29 – Illinois Drifter outro

🎵 For more State of Amorica and R4

✅You can find the State of Amorica podcast here. Also, read why I love the podcast so much here.

✅You can find the Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews podcast here.

🎵 Music Credit

Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme.

You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com