Podcast Open Mic

Podcast Open Mic

By Lorenzo RaffaMusic
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Podcast Open Mic episodes

  • POM 36 Bellatrix “House of Little Loving”

     Bellatrix is a talented trio of women who craft original songs that blend bluesy, soulful melodies, folksy finesse, tight harmonies, and smart lyrics. This new ensemble has been wowing audiences at their shows in Portland and surrounding areas.


     In August 2016, three songwriters came together through the magic of Craigslist to meet over craft brews. The result was Bellatrix, a new trio of women from different parts of the country that has gone on to create an alchemy of thoughtful lyrics, haunting melodies, and intoxicating harmonies. Named after the female warrior star in the constellation Orion, Bellatrix enchants audiences with their rich songwriting, distinct blend of voices, and unique instrumentation: the band plays a constantly shifting combination of cajon, autoharp, keys, flute, electric guitar, mouth trumpet, and more! These three ladies feel thankful to have made a deep connection with each other through music and harmony of spirit, and greatly enjoy sharing their musical kinship with audiences in Maine and beyond. 

    12 min
  • POM 39 AFRiCAN DunDADA and James Swaka “Talking S*** with a Couple of Black Guys and a Very White Guy”
    It’s been a huge year for the rapper, activist, and visionary who goes by African Dundada. Hailing from Pajok, South Sudan, the Portland artist has upped his game considerably in 2017, repping the upstart intercultural organization Portland Culture Exchange and hosting fundraiser concerts for immigrant communities and youth. To Afri, the art of making music is inseparable from activism. “I want to help as many people as I can,” he said during an appearance on WMPG’s New Mainers Speak recently. Blurring reggae, dancehall, rap and native South Sudanese music, AFRiCAN DUNDADA is a true Maine artist, and credits his move to the state for teaching him how to rap.

    .James was born in South Sudan and was orphaned at age three.  He was raised in Uganda at his aunt's Catholic mission school where he learned English.  At 15 he went to Kenya's refugee camp where he got documents to come the the USA.  He arrived in 1995 as a 16 year old.
    After three years of working and going to school he heard about a "utopian" society--the US military.  He joined the Marine Corps where he served as a helicopter mechanic from 1998-2006. His buddies loved his stories and thought he was funny and encouraged him to become a comedian. 
    Now James does stand up comedy at Empire and other area open mic and comedy nights.  He values contributing to community because he feels he was raised by the community and wants to offer something back. He is also a worker, father, husband, landlord, and friend to many and lives in the Biddeford area.  The subtitle of James's podcast on wmpg.org is “Talking S*** with Two Black Guys.” Each episode will feature James and another Black person having a conversation about culture, diversity and humor.
    19 min
  • P)M 39 AFRiCAN DunDADA and James Swaka “Talking S*** with a Couple of Black Guys and a Very White Guy”
    It’s been a huge year for the rapper, activist, and visionary who goes by African Dundada. Hailing from Pajok, South Sudan, the Portland artist has upped his game considerably in 2017, repping the upstart intercultural organization Portland Culture Exchange and hosting fundraiser concerts for immigrant communities and youth. To Afri, the art of making music is inseparable from activism. “I want to help as many people as I can,” he said during an appearance on WMPG’s New Mainers Speak recently. Blurring reggae, dancehall, rap and native South Sudanese music, AFRiCAN DUNDADA is a true Maine artist, and credits his move to the state for teaching him how to rap.

    .James was born in South Sudan and was orphaned at age three.  He was raised in Uganda at his aunt's Catholic mission school where he learned English.  At 15 he went to Kenya's refugee camp where he got documents to come the the USA.  He arrived in 1995 as a 16 year old.
    After three years of working and going to school he heard about a "utopian" society--the US military.  He joined the Marine Corps where he served as a helicopter mechanic from 1998-2006. His buddies loved his stories and thought he was funny and encouraged him to become a comedian. 
    Now James does stand up comedy at Empire and other area open mic and comedy nights.  He values contributing to community because he feels he was raised by the community and wants to offer something back. He is also a worker, father, husband, landlord, and friend to many and lives in the Biddeford area.  The subtitle of James's podcast on wmpg.org is “Talking S*** with Two Black Guys.” Each episode will feature James and another Black person having a conversation about culture, diversity and humor.
    19 min
  • POM 38 Get Him Johnny “Wicked”

    Get Him Johnny is powered by the ardent duo, Megan & Paul. A couple that has been together for 20+ years, they’ve only begun playing music together in the last three. Their songs can be described as a juxtaposition of simple and complex, with a lyric-centric core. Lyrics and melody drive the simple chord structure behind most of their songs. If you ask Paul what the most important thing to pay attention to while listening, he’ll say “listen to the words, listen to the sounds those words make, absorb the meaning behind them”. Songwriters that sowed the seeds of creativity for GHJ include: David Byrne, Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Thom Yorke, Tom Waits, among many other favorites. Their musical thrust consists of acoustic guitar and ukulele, but you’ll also hear mandolin, bass, harmonica, cajon, keyboard, kazoo, and even some spoons in the mix. GHJ’s two self-released albums, Splinters & Stumps, and Standing Near Moss were mixed and mastered by Paul in their home studio. Get Him Johnny can be listened to and purchased at Apple Music, ITunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp and on their website at www.gethimjohnny.com. You can watch them play on Youtube and Facebook. 

    10 min
  • POM 35 Todd Glacy "Instrument of Love"

    Todd Glacy is a creative explorer who describes himself as an Enlightenment Advocate, promoter of peace and an Instigator of Joy. As the creator of Sacred Sound and Living he travels extensively as a speaker, musician and workshop facilitator sharing his passion for empowering people to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Learn more at www.toddglacy.com

    14 min
  • POM 35 Todd Glacy “Instrument of Love”

    Todd Glacy is a creative explorer who describes himself as an Enlightenment Advocate, promoter of peace and an Instigator of Joy. As the creator of Sacred Sound and Living he travels extensively as a speaker, musician and workshop facilitator sharing his passion for empowering people to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Learn more at www.toddglacy.com

    14 min
  • POM 33 Isaac Kinzambi "Africa Wetu"

    Isaac Kinzambi the founder of the theory “Dream-Time-Motion” for human development.  He is the founder and CEO of Dream Time Motion Institute with mission information and transformation organizing trainings and mentorship for young leaders in pthe rivate and public sector in  French, Englis,h and Portuguese in Europe and Africa since 2009.  Isaac is also an author (The Impossible is Possible), a gospel singer, a radio and TV personality, Soccer Analyst Chiormaster, Worshipship Leader, Songwriter, Actor, and Poet.  He is the father of four daughters Esther,  Sabina, Elsie, and Worship.

    12 min

About Podcast Open Mic

From the publisher's feed

Part of the WMPG.org podcasts, Lorenzo presents original artists performing original songs with a bit of original talk. Enjoy!