In this episode of 'Tales from the Green Room,' the hosts engage in an enlightening conversation - and history lesson -  with singer-songwriter, Cajun culture activists, and International recording artist, Zachary Richard. Richard first reflects on his deep ties with Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA  - playing and hanging with Huey Lewis and Bob Weir - before musing on his touring experiences and unique cross-cultural identity as both an American and  French Canadian artist. The interview was recorded in the green room at Chickie Wah Wah, a premier New Orleans music venue, just after Richards's set on the last day of JazzFest 2025, moments before his after-show at the club that evening.

The discussion delves into the historical and cultural impacts of the Acadian deportation and the preservation of French culture in Louisiana; while Richard recounts his career in music, his prolific work in both French and English, and his passion for children's literature and poetry. The episode offers a heartwarming look at Richard’s collaboration with his neuro-motor handicapped grandson on a musical project - his latest album Handicap Bonheur - and his hopes for cultural and linguistic preservation through nonprofit endeavors. Richard’s reflection on his  performance at Jazz Fest and his thoughts on American and French cultural intersections add depth to this rich dialogue on music, heritage, and identity.

Highlights

I'm the most American of the French Canadians and the most French of the Americans because I've been going across the border of Quebec, singing in French for 50 years. So, it's a little disheartening to see the tension between the United States and our friends to the north,  especially since I've spent most of my professional career singing in French and working in Quebec. But so goes it, and I’m still part of that culture…I'll be playing in Quebec this summer, which, which I really enjoy doing,  'cause it gets so hot in Louisiana.

-Zachary Richard on being part of both American and French-Canadian Cultures

To become a Canadian citizen, I have to swear an oath of allegiance to the king now. It  just struck me as something that I couldn't possibly imagine doing. Swearing an oath of allegiance to a British monarch when my ancestors had suffered so terribly from the fact that they had refused to sign such an allegiance.

-Zachary Richard on loyalty to his ancestors.

I was torn the United States, back in the nineties and  Sweetwater was our home, away from home, in the Bay Area. Sweetwater was so cool! Jeanie Patterson…. she was a real firecracker and we had a lot of fun with Jeanie and she was so welcoming. And the club was really a lot of fun to play because it was easy to pack. And Huey Lewis would come out, Bob Weir came out, and then we'd go and party at Bob's place. I can't remember too much about that, but I know it was good.

-Zachary Richard on his memories playing at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA

Links

https://www.zacharyrichard.com/en

Zachary’s Richard 2025 Album - Handicap Bonheur

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHlc29obilCk2CUD4n6Vs0w
https://chickiewahwah.com/\

https://sweetwatermusichall.org/

“Against The Tide” - Cajun People of Louisianaa Documentary

Contre vents, contre marees - by Zachary Richard

https://www.deezer.com/fr/artist/5977

Music In Episode

Zachary Richard - Who Stole My Monkey (Live on Letterman 1990)/Rare Tracks II - YouTube
Crawfish by Zachary Richard

Super-creative, virtuoso pianist, Holly Bowling joins the show in the first-ever podcast recorded in The Green Room at Garcia’s Chicago. Holly shares the etiology of her genre-crossing and improvisational style in between her two incredible debut appearances at this spectacular venue - playing the music of Phish and The Grateful Dead on solo piano! The episode delves into Holly’s classical training, influences, and balancing the dual aspects of meticulous arrangement and spontaneous performance in her work, highlighting her diverse approaches to both solo and collaborative concerts.

Holly fondly recalls with the hosts her time learning under Phil Lesh at Terrapin Crossroads and the impact it had on her musical career and relationships. The conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of Holly’s musical endeavors during the pandemic, uniquely recording while immersed in spectacular national landscapes (The Wilderness Sessions), and how she cleverly lured GreenSky Bluegrass into her world. Holly also provides a glimpse into her personal life, including her experiences as a mother and the musical talent of her young son, Ryland.

HIGHLIGHTS

The whole point of playing music for other people is to connect emotionally.  It’s the sameness of the human experience… we're all human doing this life thing together. My favorite shows I've ever attended are the ones where there is that kind of emotional range and depth, whether it's total joy and ecstasy to shows where I have wept in public.
  

-Holly Bowling on how she uses the piano to evoke the emotions and feelings of an audience, much in the same way Jerry Garcia did with his guitar.

I’m really excited about it. Everyone's like, “you're doing a solo piano show, a quiet listening thing at Cervantes?” I'm like, yes. It's going to be amazing. We’re gonna totally turn the expectations upside down. It’s also a party.  My shows are a much more inward experience, so we’re going to drop a grand piano in there, put seats in, and transform it in a way that most people have never seen Cervantes.                                                 
-Holly Bowling on playing a show at the Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver on July 2, 2025, the night before Phish’s run in Boulder.

LINKS

https://www.hollybowling.com/

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

Holly Bowling Live Shows on nugs.net
https://garciaschicago.live/

HOLLY BOWLING SUMMER SHOWS (2025)

June 13-26: Northlands Music & Arts Festival, Swanzey, NH

June 22: Tower Theatre, Bend, OR

June 30: Alpenglow Concert Series, Crested Butte, CO
July 2: Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver, CO

July 3-6: High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA

July 17-18: SFJAZZ Center,  San Francisco, CA

July 20, 2025: Terrapin Road Show, San Rafael, CA

August 1-3: Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival, Kaslo, BC

August 9: (with Greensky Bluegrass), Grand Targhee Bluegrass Fest, Alta, WY

August 10: Re/Evolution Summerjam, Darrington, WA

September 20-21: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Annapolis, MD

MUSIC

Holly Bowling – The Wilderness Sessions, Live From The Salt Flats

In this engaging episode restaurateur, music promoter, and local legend  Chris 'Shaggy' Davis welcomes Tales From The Green Room and  listeners to  Day 2 of the 10th annual NOLA Crawfish Festival, a celebration that marries New Orleans' rich musical heritage with its vibrant culinary culture held at The Broadside New Orleans. The episode features an interview with rising star keyboard player/vocalist/singer song-writer, and band leader, 15-year-old River Eckert and his father, Jake Eckert. Father and son reflect on their musical journeys, from River's early days learning jazz and blues to Jake's extensive experience with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and his current gig with The New Orleans Suspects. The conversation, recorded after River's appearance at the NOLA Crawfish Festival and an hour before his next gig playing with George Porter, Jr., delves into the significance of familial legacy in New Orleans music, personal anecdotes about growing up around legendary musicians, and the impact of the city's supportive musical community. 

A special guest appearance by Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars and Crawfish Fest stalwart) adds to the rich tapestry of stories, illustrating the unique cultural ecosystem of New Orleans, with Luther revealing the secret to his improvisational skills.  Additionally, Shaggy shares his personal history, from boiling crawfish in his backyard to founding Crawfish King (the episode’s presenting sponsor along with Cochon King BBQ), and offers insight into the festival's evolution and his friendship with Dave Matthews.

Episode Photo Gallery by Chris Applebaum Images – 4/29/25 at The Crawfish Festival, Including Photos from Episode 33 with The Rumble and an upcoming episode with Joe Marcinek and Rick King (NOLA Dead Funk Summit)

HIGHLIGHTS

 To be honest, what I do, what I really get paid to do at the highest level and what I did with Phil Lesh, or what I did with the Black Crowes, or whatever, like high end, high octane stuff, fearless improvisation, I learned at The Maple Leaf. . Johnny (Vidacovich) and George (Porter) taught me how to roll…I'd show up with songs and set lists, but they didn't want that man. They didn't even want songs. They just wanted to improvise for two full sets. And it would scare me to death. But I learned how to do it, man. And that's the real juice.I have a huge debt to the  New Orleans culture.                                                                                                   
-Luther Dickinson on his relationship with New Orleans

 It's not ever annoying to hang out with older people because they're the ones with the knowledge. I'm my age and my generation's the one who's learning in the present moment. So when I'm around all those guys, it's just I soak up any information that I can possibly get. 

-River Eckert on being 15 and hanging out with older guys in the music scene

There's a lot of music in the family.My great-grandmother and great grandfather.My great grandmother was a well-known vaudeville musician, And they were really menstrual types and well known at the time, Goldie Green and Bart Green and that was way back, silent movies, you know. Every department store, every function. That was before sound and movies. So they kind of got going like that. I tracked my grandmother all around and learned that lifestyle. My grandmother said to me before she passed, she said, you know, you got the blessing and the curse!

-Jake Eckert on growing up in a musical family.

I started just having backyard boils outside of the fairgrounds. I was close with all the New Orleans musicians. I'm lucky to call 'em friends.  So I used to say, hey,come play in this backyard…do a cheap ticket, all you can eat, crawfish kind of thing. And we'd get anyone from Anders Osborne to George Porter. It was just always cool. Put food and music together. It's kind of my jam.

-Chris “Shaggy” Davis on the origins of the NOLA Crawfish Festival

LINKS

https://www.rivereckert.com/
River Eckert YouTube Playlist

https://neworleanssuspects.com/

https://www.facebook.com/nolacrawfishfestival

https://www.lutherdickinson.com/

https://broadsidenola.com/

https://www.mapleleafbar.com/

MUSIC

Stack-A-Lee | River Eckert - with George Porter Jr, Terence Higgins, and John Fohl

River Eckert Music YouTube Channel

The Black Crowes LIVE: Luther Dickinson's 'Ozone Mama' Solo on a Dubreuille Classic 
livedownloads  YouTube Channel          

Polytoxic w Jake Eckert "Do What You Gotta Do" 4/14/2012 @ Quixotes 400 Watt Room, Denver
Wspanicbrad YouTube Channel

SPONSOR LINKS

NOLA Crawfish King – Seafood & Catering
Cochon King BBQ

Special thanks to Luther Dickinson, Nick Burlison & Chris Applebaum/Applebaum Images

Join hosts Tami Larson and Dennis Strazulo as they dive into the vibrant atmosphere of JazzFest 2025, with this episode recorded at The Broadside in New Orleans during the 10th Annual Crawfish Festival. In this episode, the first of several generated from JazzFest, the focus is on the experiences of the captivating, modern New Orleans funk band, The Rumble, authors of  a sound they dub "New Orleans Mardi Gras Funk!" Special guest co-host, Wally Ingram, joins the first part of the episode, engaging with The Rumble's co-founder and soulful guitarist, Ari Teitel and its super talented keyboard player, Andriu  “Yano” Yanovski, as they reflect on their hard working paths to success as Grammy nominated musicians. The conversation flips to Ari, Andriu and the hosts delving into Wally’s storied journey playing with the likes of Timbuk 3, David Lindley, Sherly Crow, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Crowded House, George Clinton, and David Nelson, making Wally a  beloved percussionist/drummer across music genres. As these remarkable artists muse about their influences and mentors, Wally shares stories of his role as mentor for his bass-playing daughter Lydia’s friend, Paolo Pesce and his rising band, Great Big Cow, while exuding praise and respect for the New Orleans music scene and much more!

Ari and Andriu visit with Tales From  The Green Room fresh off their set with The Gangsters of Love, performing the music of Johnny “Guitar” Watson on the opening day of the  Crawfish Festival. When not playing with The Rumble you can catch Ari playing with Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk and Andriu jamming with David Shaw of The Revivalists, or sitting in with a myriad of ensembles around The Crescent City and across the USA.  The duo also make up the-thirds of the sensational improv band, AX3.

The backstage banter continues as the hosts chat it up with other members of The Rumble - leader and co-founder Chief Joseph Boudreaux, Jr., trumpet player Aurelien "Sunpie" Barnes, bassist TJ Norris, and  inspirational drummer Trenton O’Neal -  moments before they hit the stage on day two of Crawfish Fest. The artists explore the band’s formation, intentional approach, and dynamic performances. The band members also delve into their cultural and musical heritage with engaging anecdotes, industry insights, and a celebration of New Orleans' rich musical tradition. This episode captures the essence of The Rumble's journey and their undeniable impact on New Orleans music and beyond!

Catch The Rumble at High Sierra Music Festival 2025 July 3-6!

Episode Photo Gallery by Chris Applebaum Images – 4/28/25
Episode Photo Gallery by Chris Applebaum Images – 4/29/25

Highlights

There's something about the groove here. It's different. I kind of always say I don't trust a drummer who hasn't spent some time in New Orleans. Yeah. I mean, it's just, it's in the air. You feel it, you're so spoiled down here, man. It's just amazing. It’s unifying too!

-Wally Ingram praising the New Orleans music scene

 Detroit's got such a rich musical tradition, and I had a chance to come up under a lot of the greats and people like Ralph Armstrong, who played with Mahavishnu Orchestra and got a chance to play with Allan Barnes, sax player from Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds. I had great teachers like Rodney Whitaker, the great upright bass player in Detroit. So I got a strong foundation in blues bebop, R&B, and then played in church and also in Michigan there was a strong jam band community, so I was kind of always in and out of that.

-Ari Teitel on learning from the greats in his home state of Michigan

It opens you up. You stay open for the moments, for those times when you might go off script. But that's where the magic is. That's the sauce. Those are the moments I freaking live for. You're on the edge, you don't know what's gonna happen, and then you come up. Especially if I were playing with like Wally or Andrew, I'm confident in that unknown. It will present a lot of opportunities for some great moments, and  in those moments you discover some new musical ground and then everybody shares a smile.

-Ari Teitel on how his jazz training opens him up to magical musical moments

When I was 19, I met Clyde Stubblefield. in Madison, Wisconsin. A friend of mine brought him to see me play, and I met him and I asked him if he teaches lessons. He goes, no, no man, just play. Just come down every Monday night. I’m at this club. Just come down. So I would go down there and watch him play. Just like what you guys were talking about. And he would say, oh yeah, you're that guy. A drummer, okay, you're up next set. And you'd have to just sit in with his band, which is a full R&B band with horns and they'd be like, oh shit. Clyde's got another drummer. Shit. So you'd have to sit in with his band and hold your own. He was very open to that. And we became great friends his whole life and we played together a lot.

-Wally Ingram on learning from legendary James Brown drummer, Clyde Stubblefield

I was at the show seeing Robert Randolph when I was 11 years old. My dad got everybody in the section to point at me…this kid, this kid! So he calls me up. I played for two minutes and then his guitar tech came to usher me off. Like, okay, that was it. Good job buddy. And then Rob Randolph waved him off, and said, no, no, no, he's staying up. So I  played a whole 20 minutes with him. He lifted me up. Yeah. Put me on top of a chair. I didn't know it was happening, my legs were flailing!

-Ari Teitel reflecting on his big moment on stage with Robert Randolph at age 11

 I didn't really know the function of a keyboard in a band fully until I heard about Ray Charles and heard what he did for the first time. I had never played a Rhodes piano. It felt insane the first time I played one. It was Ray Charles really that opened my mind. And then it was like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. And that was cool with my parents 'cause they were classically proficient. But then it started to deepen. Then you, obviously, learn about Miles Davis

In this episode of 'Tales from the Green Room,' we welcome the band Spafford in the green room at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA to discuss their origins, musical influences, and journey. The conversation covers the genesis of their unique band name, evolving from 'Officious Tortfeasor' to 'Spafford,' inspired by a close friend. Members, Brian Moss, Nick Tkachyk, Corey Schechtman, and Shon Gordon share personal anecdotes about their musical backgrounds, influences from legends like the Grateful Dead, and their approach to blending multiple genres seamlessly. They also delve into their experiences with sobriety on tour, maintaining family lives, and the significance of performing at iconic venues like Sweetwater. Additionally, the band reflects on their growth and success, largely credited to their dedicated fan community, the Spaffnerds, and serendipitous opportunities that propelled them into the national spotlight. All the while, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson marvel at their first experience listening to the band and becoming instant fans!

Links

Spafford Official Website
Spafford - Mad World (Tears For Fears) | 1/14/24 | Pembroke, MA
Sweetwater Music Hall 

Celebrating 50 Years+ of Sweetwater Music Hall with Tommy Castro!

Tales From The Green Room redux!  In Mount Tam Media's first drop of it's “one from the vault” series of never released episodes -recorded during Sweetwater Music Hall's 50th Anniversary celebration in Nov. 2022 -  host Dennis Strazulo sits down with legendary blues musician, Tommy Castro.  Castro reminisces about his deep connections with the iconic venue, including early gigs, significant milestones, and memorable performances alongside notable musicians like Bonnie Raitt and John Lee Hooker. The conversation also highlights the return of long-time saxophonist Keith Crossan for the anniversary gig and the venue's rich history under the stewardship of Jeanie Patterson and now Maria Hoppe. Tune in for an engaging trip down memory lane and insights into the vibrant music scene at Sweetwater.

This timeless episode is released on the day of Tommy Castro & The Painkillers'  return to Sweetwater celebrating their chart topping new album “Closer To The Bone" - proving the star of Castro is also timeless!

Follow Tales From The Green Room on Instagram

Music

Tommy Castro And The Painkillers - Closer To The Bone

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=928828868796614
https://tcastro.bandcamp.com/album/closer-to-the-bone

Links

https://www.tommycastro.com/
https://sweetwatermusichall.org/

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHhcjAPSWEE/?hl=en

In this episode of "Tales From The Green Room" Sam Grisman Project mainstays Max Flansburg and Chris English visit with hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson backstage at Terrapin Crossroads' Sunday Day Dream Vol. 4 in San Rafael, CA. Max Flansburg shares his experience of visiting California for the first time, his musical beginnings in the Finger Lakes region, and joins the roster of stellar guitar players marveling at the mystical encounters surrounding their playing of Jerry Garcia's iconic Alligator Stratocaster, with his own jaw-dropping story! Percussionist extraordinaire Chris English reflects on his rich musical background rooted in a family of pastors, delves into the background of the formation of SGP and describes the emotions of band leader Sam Grisman as he prepared to step in for the ailing Phil Lesh with the day's headliners moments after the interview.  Both guests describe the magic moment from the night before when Billy Strings joined the band during their show at the UC Theater in Berkeley along with long-time friend and cross-genre violinist, Alex Hargreaves -  adding an exciting twist to the backstage tales told by these fine musicians. It's a perfect warm up for anyone planning to catch SGP shows as they tour the country,  and a chance for listeners who have already heard this must-see band to learn more about two of its extraordinary members. Listen and you'll want to hang out with them!

Music

Dawg Funk

Sam Grisman Project

Links

https://www.samgrismanproject.net/

https://www.dirtyblanket.net/

 https://chrishollywoodenglish.com/

 https://www.sundaydaydream.com/

 https://www.alexhargreaves.net/

 https://www.billystrings.com/

 https://peter-rowan.com/

In an insightful discussion on the "Tales from the Green Room" podcast, Reed Mathis provides host Dennis Strazulo and listeners with a detailed preview of his upcoming podcast series “The Gifts of Improvising” which debuts January 29, 2025 on the Osiris Media Podcast Network. Reed opens the door to a new, profound exploration of the role and challenge of artists as they navigate improvising the music of their heroes and legends, analyzed in detail during discussions with fellow musicians throughout 12 introspective episodes. Reed delves into the dynamics of the jam band scene and the authenticity of spontaneous musical creation. 

Previously connected with iconic projects like Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and Tea Leaf Green, and with artists including Steve Kimock, Billy Strings, and Bill Kreutzmann, Reed shares the conception and evolution of his podcast with refreshing candor and excitement - describing it not merely as an exploration of improvisation but as a spotlight on the reenactment versus innovation debate within music. Listen as Reed challenges the norm of merely quoting musical heroes and urges a portrayal of personal truth through music. The essence of his message is about fostering a space where musicians are encouraged to "play themselves," offering a raw reflection of their true, creative essence rather than adhering strictly to established templates.

The soon to be released series features an impressive roster of musicians, each bringing their unique experiences and insights to light, including: Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Steve Kimmock, Adam McDougald, and Jay Lane taking a deep dive into musical philosophies and personal anecdotes that reveal much about these beloved names in music.

“The Gifts of Improvising” also includes a touching homage to Phil Lesh, featuring reflections from Natalie Cressman, Elliot Peck, and Grahame Lesh - a moving tribute to Lesh’s indelible impact on both Mathis’s own career and the broader music landscape. 

Enjoy this discussion as Reed muses about the art and joy of truly improvising in anticipation of his podcast release.

Links

https://www.instagram.com/reedmathis/

https://www.facebook.com/reed.mathis.5/

http://www.youtube.com/@reedmathis4623

https://www.osirispod.com/podcasts/

Music

LazyLightning55a YouTube Channel:
Reed Mathis’ Electric Beethoven - 10/26/16 - MP Williamsburg

Photo by Stefanie Atkinson Schwartz 

The Journey and Legacy of Sweetwater's Uncelebrated Icon - An Interview with the late Austin de Lone

In this interview, which took place in October 2022 before Mount Tam Media launched its Tales From The Green Room podcast, Austin de Lone sits down with host Dennis Strazulo to discuss his rich musical journey and his pivotal involvement with Sweetwater Music Hall, as the venue approached its 50th Anniversary. This is the raw recording of Dennis's visit with Austin for the purpose of writing a feature story on Austin for Mt. Tam Media's Mill Valley Living Magazine to celebrate that event. With Austin's recent passing, the recorded conversation was re-purposed to release as this special podcast episode, honoring Austin's lasting legacy.

Moving to Sweetwater in the early 1970s, Austin recounts the creation and rise of his band Eggs Over Easy, their unexpected London ventures working with Chas Chandler (The Animals, Producer and Manager for Jimi Hendrix), recording at the famed Olympics Studio, and the birth of the pub rock scene. He also discusses the transformation of Sweetwater into a cornerstone of the local music scene, brining the venue to national fame as he worked with John Goddard of Village Music and Sweetwater's beloved owner, Jeannie Patterson, highlighting key interactions with notable musicians like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and so many more.  The conversation transitions into Austin's personal efforts in starting the Prader-Willi California Foundation in response to his son's condition. This story captures the essence of a musician's enduring influence on his community and provides insight into the historical and emotional layers of Sweetwater’s musical heritage.

Links

Mill Valley Living October 2022 Feature Story on Austin de Lone

Sweetwater Music Hall Website - History 

Link to Tales From The Green Room Episode 27 Photography Gallery 

In this bonus episode of Tales from the Green Room, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson interview Jack Barton of Jack Barton Entertainment, discussing the behind the scenes operations running Grateful Guitars Foundation. Jack delves into his involvement with Grateful Guitars, sharing insights into its charitable work, including supporting music programs in schools and donating instruments to musicians. The conversation covers Jack's collaboration with Andy Logan, the notable moments from the 2023 Grateful Guitars benefit that are the subject of Tales From The Green Room's Episode 27, and the importance of music in education and community building. Jack provides valuable insights for young musicians trying to succeed in the industry, drawing from his many years experience as an artist manager. The episode also highlights personal anecdotes and connections with various musicians, including Jackie Greene, Alex Jordan, David Hidalgo, Steve Berlin and Bella Rayne, making it a must-listen for fans of music philanthropy and the vibrant jam band community.

Jack Barton Entertainment Website