Illinois Drifter Podcast

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

One of the Midwest’s most experienced concertgoers, Angela Winters, joined me to talk about Margo Price, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, the Gregg Allman documentary and, of course, the Black Crowes.

The conversation begins with Margo Price’s outstanding performance at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn — it’s a special place to Angela! — before moving to Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams, the Greg Allman documentary, and some amazing Black Crowes stories, including Angela’s experience attending the Cabin Fever recording sessions at Levon Helm Studios.

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:18 – Intro: Angela Winters joins the podcast

00:38 – Fitzgerald’s: why it’s one of the Midwest’s great music venues

01:20 – Angela’s history with Fitzgerald’s, including getting married there

03:25 – Outdoor shows at Fitzgerald’s

04:27 – First impressions of Margo Price

06:33 – Margo Price’s outstanding band and Logan Ledger

08:00 – Highlights from Margo’s performance

10:03 – Politics, personality and authenticity in Margo Price’s music

11:09 – The intimate atmosphere of the show

13:09 – Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams at Northerly Island

14:36 – Lucinda Williams’ latest album and current band

16:43 – What it’s like seeing Bob Dylan in 2026

20:38 – Dylan’s ever-changing setlists and approach to performing

22:50 – Greg Allman documentary discussion

27:46 – Angela’s unforgettable backstage Allman Brothers / New Earth Mud story

30:46 – Black Crowes memories: Cabin Fever sessions and Levon Helm Studios

35:29 – Favorite Black Crowes eras and shows

36:34 – Thoughts on the current Crowes lineup

37:22 – Chris and Rich Robinson’s reunion and longevity

38:00 – The one question Angela would ask Chris and Rich Robinson

39:24 – Outro

📖 For more Allmans

Gregg Allman’s revealing biography, My Cross to Bear, can be found here.: https://shop.thebighousemuseum.com/products/gregg-allman-my-cross-to-bear

Galadrielle Allman’s riveting book about her father, Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman, can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Please-Be-Me-Father-Allman/dp/1400068940

😮 Coming soon

Did you like the Crowes talk? There’s much more coming!

🎵 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

Illinois Drifter East Coast correspondent Jim Hennessy returns to compare notes after we both attended Marcus King shows on the same tour — Jim in Washington, D.C., and me near St. Louis.

We discussed how King’s live show has evolved, the band’s current lineup, the heavy emphasis on Darling Blue and No Room for Blue, and how the same tour can produce very different moments from city to city.

They also talk about opener Penelope Road, Marcus’ growing confidence as a songwriter and performer, and speculate about where his music may head next.

We ended by talking about the upcoming State of Amorica meetup at the Black Crowes’ show near Indianapolis, and Jim’s plans to see the Steepwater Band.

⏱ Episode Timeline

Marcus King – Comparing Two Shows with Jim Hennessy

00:19 – Intro: Jim Hennessy returns to the podcast

00:42 – Why compare two Marcus King shows from the same tour?

01:20 – Jim’s history with Marcus King and discovering his music

02:24 – Justin’s Marcus King journey and previous shows

03:36 – Washington, D.C.’s Anthem venue and Marcus’ draw there

06:07 – Comparing The Anthem and The Factory in St. Louis

09:54 – Opener Penelope Road: first impressions

12:09 – Marcus King’s evolving live band and changing sound

15:09 – How the new Darling Blue / No Room for Blue songs translate live

18:17 – Covers: Bob Seger in St. Louis vs. Chuck Brown in Washington

24:31 – Why Marcus is leaning heavily on new material

26:55 – Marcus’ storytelling between songs

27:38 – Songs they hoped to hear but didn’t

29:57 – What’s next for Marcus King?

32:26 – State of Amorica / Indianapolis Black Crowes meetup preview

34:56 – Jim plans to catch Steepwater Band

35:59 – Outro

🎵 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

No. 1 concert buddy Shawn Hillman joined me to recap a road trip to Cincinnati for The Black Crowes’ Southern Hospitality Tour, featuring Whiskey Myers and Southall at Riverbend Music Center.

The conversation covers the venue, the crowd, first impressions of Whiskey Myers, and what may have been one of the strongest Black Crowes performances either has seen since the band’s reunion.

Along the way, we discuss setlists, band chemistry, the impact of new members like bassist Mark “Muddy” Dutton, and why this current era of the Crowes feels different — all you have to do is hear them on “Thorn’s Progress” to know it’s true.

Remember to reach out if you’re going to be at either the Indianapolis or St. Louis shows. I’d love to see you!

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:22 – Intro: Shawn returns and the concert buddy rankings

01:08 – Black Crowes history, show count and Southern Hospitality Tour overview

02:42 – First impressions of Riverbend Music Center

04:10 – Comparing Riverbend to Tinley Park, Maryland Heights and Ravinia

06:06 – Amphitheater design, parking and summer show realities

08:18 – Lawn tickets, empty seats and overzealous security guards

10:43 – Finding a viewing spot on the lawn

11:15 – Crowd makeup: Black Crowes fans vs Whiskey Myers fans

13:06 – Missing opener Southall and first impressions

13:35 – Whiskey Myers: Shawn's first experience with the band

16:13 – Justin's take on Whiskey Myers and their audience appeal

18:20 – Turning attention to The Black Crowes

18:43 – Why this may be the best Crowes show since the reunion

20:00 – Chris and Rich's current chemistry and comfort level

22:40 – New blood in the band and Muddy Dutton's impact

24:18 – The "Thorn in My Pride" / "Thorn's Progress" jam discussion

27:18 – Setlist thoughts and balancing old vs new material

29:24 – Looking ahead to Indianapolis and St. Louis shows

31:19 – Why it's a fun time to be a Crowes fan

32:26 – Final thoughts on Whiskey Myers

33:27 – Shawn plugs State of Amorica

33:48 – Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews discussion

34:49 – Outro

✅ Check out

👉If you’re not familiar with the State of Amorica Podcast, check out why I love it so much and then go listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-amorica-a-black-crowes-podcast/id1463302176

👉The Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews Podcast is a must for music lovers. Check out the episodes I’ve appeared on (Johnny Blue Skies, Passage du Desir; Larkin Poe, Bloom; Mofro, Lochloosa), and a back library that will keep you busy for months: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ridiculous-rock-record-reviews/id1266169765

🎵 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

Thanks for reading Illinois Drifter! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Steepwater Band guitarist Eric Saylors joined the Illinois Drifter Podcast for a conversation about his musical roots, years on the road and finding a long-term home in one of the Midwest’s great blues-rock bands.

From growing up in small-town Indiana around bluegrass and country music to touring nationally with Healing Sixes and eventually joining Steepwater Band, Saylors reflects on nearly three decades of life in working rock bands.

The conversation also dives into the upcoming Steepwater album, the band’s writing process, memorable jams with artists like Marc Ford and Luther Dickinson, and the realities of balancing music, work and family life.

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:20 – Intro: getting to know Eric Saylors beyond the stage

01:07 – Growing up in Bunker Hill, Indiana

02:10 – Early musical influences: country, bluegrass & his father’s guitar playing

03:36 – First real band: Wanted

05:40 – Henry Lee Summer years & early touring lessons

09:23 – Joining Healing Sixes & working with Jason Bonham

11:30 – Touring years, New York recording sessions & Kevin Shirley

13:27 – First meeting the Steepwater guys through shared gigs

15:28 – Telling Steepwater: “If there’s ever a fourth guy…”

17:04 – Joining the band with no rehearsal

18:44 – Finding his role alongside Jeff Massey

20:01 – Learning the Steepwater catalog & adapting parts live

21:15 – Realizing the chemistry worked

23:22 – Balancing Steepwater with work and family life

25:26 – Long-term life in touring bands

25:54 – Memorable sit-ins & playing with Marc Ford

27:17 – “Whoa” moments: backstage with Warren Haynes, Rich Robinson & Marc Ford

28:45 – Excitement around the upcoming Steepwater album

29:06 – How the new material differs from recent records

31:32 – Soundcheck riffs, writing process & road inspiration

33:06 – Relearning the new songs for live performance

34:17 – How Steepwater writes and develops material together

35:19 – Closing thoughts & future conversations

35:39 – Outro

✅ Check out

For all things Steepwater Band, go to steepwaterband.com.

For more about Doug Henthorn and Healing Sixes, go to doughenthorn.com.

🎵 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

I was back at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington to see James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review on Friday, April 24. I knew McMurtry’s music going in, but I didn’t really know what to expect live.

In this solo episode of the podcast, I break down the night — from the venue, to the crowd, to the opener, BettySoo, who plays a unique dual role on this tour.

I love that the band has been playing with McMurtry for years, I love that the bass player’s name is Cornbread, and I love that there were stickers of Cornbread (Michael Traylor), along with guitarist Tim Holt and drummer Daren Hess.

But what I loved most was an unexpected moment when McMurtry and BettySoo stepped in front of the mics to serenade an appreciative audience. I’m still in awe.

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:22 – Intro: solo episode & return to Castle Theatre

01:00 – Discovering James McMurtry & getting into his catalog

02:45 – Castle Theatre setup, favorite standing spot & sound discussion

03:30 – Crowd size, vibe & Castle comparisons

05:10 – Crowd energy: engaged fans vs chatty back section

06:15 – Merch stand overview (vinyl, posters, stickers)

07:00 – BettySoo opening set & dual role (opener + merch)

08:30 – Opening set impressions (quiet, intimate, uneven energy)

09:30 – McMurtry joins opener → energy shift

10:00 – Full band performance: tight, polished, album-accurate sound

10:45 – McMurtry storytelling & “Black Dog and the Wandering Boy”

11:30 – Emotional peak: “Blackberry Winter” front-of-stage performance

12:15 – Crowd reaction & standout concert moment

12:45 – Overall show takeaway: unique, organic, DIY feel

13:10 – Why taking chances on unfamiliar artists pays off

13:30 – Closing thoughts & recommendation

🎵 Music Credit

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

You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here:

https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu

I was trying to think of the name of the first song I ever heard by Gov’t Mule, then they opened the show with it — complete with someone in an Uncle Sam outfit holding signs.

It was the kind of moment that makes going to see live music special, and why I don’t mind going to shows alone. It had been about six months since I’d been to a show by myself— this one felt worth breaking the streak for.

Larkin Poe opening for Gov’t Mule at The Factory in St. Louis is about as strong a lineup as you’re going to find, and I wasn’t missing it.

It also seemed like a fitting time to introduce the first solo episode of Illinois Drifter. Here’s a look at what the episode covers:

⏱ Timestamps

00:16 – Intro: first solo concert in six months

01:00 – Larkin Poe familiarity and recent listening

02:00 – Govt Mule background and Allman Brothers connection

03:30 – The Factory venue overview

05:00 – Crowd behavior and standing vs sitting

06:30 – Meeting a fellow concertgoer

07:30 – Phone use and concert etiquette rant

10:00 – Merch experience and pricing thoughts

12:30 – Larkin Poe live performance breakdown

15:00 – Govt Mule set: tone and highlights

17:00 – 420 nod: “Don’t Step on the Grass, Sam”

18:30 – Band performance and musicianship

20:30 – Larkin Poe joins for “Sugaree” (highlight moment)

21:30 – Encore: “Soulshine” and crowd reaction

22:30 – Final thoughts on venue and crowd

23:00 – Outro and upcoming shows

✅ Check out

👉 To find Gov’t Mule live shows, including the show from The Factory, go to nugs.net. Streaming takes a subscription, but you can buy and download shows without a subscription.

👉 Are you a stander or a sitter? Check out more of my thoughts here.

🎵 Music Credit

Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song:

* “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme)

You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here:

Thanks for reading Illinois Drifter! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Singer-songwriter Edward David Anderson joins the Illinois Drifter Podcast ahead of a show at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn with Backyard Tire Fire and Steepwater Band.

From his early days in Illinois to touring the country and eventually scaling back to focus on family and creative fulfillment, Anderson shares a candid look at 30 years as an independent musician.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation that includes how I first discovered EDA, the origins and evolution of Backyard Tire Fire, why he never chased the traditional “music industry” path, moving to rural Wisconsin and embracing small-town life, the impact of family and fatherhood on his career, the “Let It Shine” documentary and much, much more, inclucing — of course — some Black Crowes discussion to finish.

✅ Check out

👉 For tickets to the Steepwater/Backyard Tire Fire show at FitzGeralds, go here: Tickets

👉 You can watch the outstanding documentary on Edward David Anderson, “Let It Shine” on YouTube here:

👉 For everything else EDA, including Backyard Tire Fire, go to Anderson’s website: https://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:19 – Intro: discovering EDA at Danenberger Family Vineyards

02:41 – Background on Backyard Tire Fire & musical style

04:23 – Bloomington-Normal years, early band life & meeting his wife

05:05 – Intro to FitzGerald’s show with Steepwater Band

05:39 – Moving to Wisconsin & life in the Driftless region

08:15 – Illinois roots & importance of Chicago scene

09:55 – Fitzgerald’s as a key venue

10:22 – Why he never fully chased Nashville/industry path

12:44 – Touring life: “46 states” era

14:03 – Pandemic shift & rediscovering home life

15:49 – Havana, Illinois & creative inspiration (Still the River)

16:15 – Let It Shine documentary & unexpected impact

18:00 – Music as legacy for his daughter

20:27 – Work-life balance & scaling back touring

23:29 – Current lifestyle: fewer shows, more intention

25:45 – Evolution from 200+ shows/year to ~30/year

26:52 – Learning to play & early musical development

29:32 – Growth as a songwriter over time

31:49 – Industry realities & staying motivated

34:37 – Challenges of the music business & mental toll

36:00 – Early career break: record deal & Brother Jed

38:47 – Backyard Tire Fire rise & touring years

40:55 – Reuniting Backyard Tire Fire

43:30 – Current lineup & band chemistry

45:49 – New album (with Steve Berlin)

47:18 – Recording process & what to expect

49:49 – FitzGerald’s show preview & Steepwater collaboration

51:47 – Solo work & Black Dirt Revival trio

54:04 – Other projects (Dead band, local gigs, etc.)

57:04 – Grateful Dead influence & musical evolution

59:09 – Managing multiple projects & creative fulfillment

01:01:16 – Closing thoughts on current phase of career

01:01:47 – Outro

🎵 Music Credit

Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their songs:

“We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme)

“Sweet Vermillion” (bumper music)

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

Music writer and author Tim Cain joins the Illinois Drifter Podcast to talk about a recent Steely Dan tribute show at Danenberger Family Vineyards — the Brooklyn Charmers — and dive deep into Tim's books and his famous Beatles song rankings list, which will be the subject of his next book.

Justin and Tim revisit their long history — from newsroom colleagues to shared music obsessives. We break down what was great about the Brooklyn Charmers, what wasn't, why Steely Dan rules, and how personal experience shape the way we experience music — a theme for both of us in our content.

Think of Tim and Justin as the Velvet Underground of music writing: They don't necessarily have a lot of readers, but those who do read them want to start their own Substack.

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:16 – Intro: meeting Tim Cain & early music influence

02:40 – The Mark Lewisohn Beatles book story

03:27 – Bringing Tim on/relationship background

03:50 – Steely Dan tribute show setup (Brooklyn Charmers)

04:52 – Danenberger venue first impressions

05:23 – The “dogs at the show” experience

06:19 – Crowd size, vibe & Central Illinois unpredictability

07:23 – The Brooklyn Charmers breakdown (Colin Paterik/Survivor connection)

08:49 – How well the band recreates Steely Dan’s sound

09:44 – Musicianship: guitars, sax & overall band performance

10:52 – Criticism: bass too loud/too busy

12:10 – Guitar work & subtle performance strengths

12:41 – Setlist discussion begins (“Night by Night” opener)

13:11 – Tribute band philosophy: deep cuts vs hits

14:10 – Pink Floyd tribute tangent (when it doesn’t work)

16:24 – First set highlights & overall performance feel

18:04 – Playing Aja live & complexity of Steely Dan music

19:38 – Favorite Steely Dan albums & catalog discussion

20:58 – Evolution of Steely Dan’s sound over time

22:31 – Jammy ending & live interpretation vs original band

23:21 – Wrapping show thoughts/social media tangent

24:18 – Classic rock’s staying power & generational appeal

25:43 – Music in commercials & cultural recycling

26:11 – Tim Cain as an author (book discussion begins)

28:33 – How Can You Not Hear That & writing about music

30:25 – The second book & Beatles list origin

33:20 – Bands left off (Buzzcocks, Easybeats)

34:11 – Beatles ranking project discussion

36:19 – Ranking controversy & why lists work

38:23 – Favorite Beatles songs & changing perspectives

39:40 – “Hey Jude” conversation & re-evaluation

42:10 – Timeline for new book

42:48 – Outro

📚 Tim's Books

Here are Amazon links to buy Tim Cain's books:

Decatur Celebration: A History of the World's Fair of the Prairie

How Can You Not Hear That?

How Can You Listen to That?

✅ Check out

👉 Find everything Brooklyn Charmers at brooklyncharmers.com and on Facebook.

👉 For more on Danenberger Family Vineyards, including upcoming shows, go to: danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com or their Facebook page.

🎵 Music Credit

Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their songs:

“We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme)

“Sweet Vermillion” (bumper music)

You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here:

https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu

Boone Froggett of the band Otis joins the Illinois Drifter Podcast to talk about building a blues-rock band from the ground up — from small venues in Kentucky to touring across the U.S. and Europe.

After first connecting at the Backroom Listening Lounge in Riverton, Illinois, Justin and Boone dive into the band’s origins, influences and evolution, along with the realities of life as an independent musician.

Here's a breakdown of the episode:

⏱ Episode Timeline

00:23 – Intro: discovering Otis at Backroom Listening Lounge

02:00 – Welcoming Boone & the Riverton venue experience

02:37 – First impressions of the Backroom Listening Lounge

03:30 – Boone’s musical upbringing in Kentucky

05:41 – Kentucky Headhunters influence & early exposure to music

06:26 – Personal connection to the Headhunters

08:21 – How Otis formed from a cover band background

10:28 – Naming the band (Greg Martin & Otis origin story)

12:34 – Debut album honoring bluesman John Brim

14:20 – Learning to arrange songs & discovering blues roots

18:17 – Billy Gibbons discovers Otis

21:24 – Developing identity before touring

22:43 – Eyes of the Sun album & early momentum

25:37 – Touring Europe vs the U.S. blues-rock scene

27:07 – 2020: band changes, pandemic & cancer diagnosis

30:10 – Surgery, recovery & impact on Boone’s voice

32:31 – Working with the Headhunters during recovery

34:16 – Thyroid cancer details & timeline

35:29 – First time singing again after surgery

37:20 – Decision to rebuild Otis

40:01 – Finding the new lineup (Alex & Dale)

42:37 – Band chemistry, improvisation & live philosophy

46:59 – New music & traction of “Wicked”

48:03 – How “Wicked” was created (influences & groove)

51:51 – Bringing “Wicked” to the live show

53:54 – Other singles & plans for a full album

55:29 – Challenges of making an album as an independent band

57:43 – Touring, word-of-mouth & building a fanbase

59:02 – “You either love Otis or haven’t heard them”

59:57 – What’s next: touring & future plans

01:02:26 – Kentucky Headhunters today

01:04:35 – Future idea: deep dive into Headhunters catalog

01:05:16 – Outro

✅ Check this out

👉 For more on Otis, check out their website at theotisband.com, and on Facebook.

👉 For more on the Backfroom Listening Lounge, check out their website at thebackroomlounge.com, and Facebook.

👉 Go to the Kentucky Headhunters Facebook page here: facebook.com/kentuckyheadhunters/

🎵 Music Credit

Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their songs:

“We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme)

“Sweet Vermillion” (bumper music)

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