Seeing Them Live

In this episode on Seeing Them Live, Charles shares one of his ticket stub stories taken from the pages of his book, Ticket Stub Stories:  A Memoir of Live Music’. This story details his experience at a Nirvana concert in October 1993. Charles recounts the second show of a Nirvana concert he attended where the band, upset by a critical review in the Chicago Tribune, did not perform their hit 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' Discover how Kurt Cobain's frustration led to a memorable, albeit puzzling, night for fans, and learn how an intriguing interview with the Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune, may have subtly influenced Kurt Cobain's behavior and actions at the concert.

BANDS: MEGG, Nirvana, The Used, U2

VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Chicago

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In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' Charles interviews Zach Paradis, a Cleveland-born artist now based in Los Angeles, known for blending pop, hip hop, and R&B influences. Zach discusses the overwhelming success of a viral video he did with Crash Adams, which garnered millions of views across various platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. He delves into his early music experiences, including his first concert at a music festival called Alive and his best concert experience seeing Allen Stone at the Grog Shop in Cleveland.

Zach also recounts his career beginnings at Reach Records in Atlanta, working as a recording engineer, and how that shaped his musical journey. He reveals that he transitioned from attempting to rap to finding his true voice in singing, which he has been developing since. Zach mentions various collaborations with other artists and highlights how these partnerships have significantly influenced his career.

He discusses his recent release 'Hurricane,' a song that explores the idea of finding calm amidst life's chaos. Zach reflects on the different interpretations of the song by listeners, highlighting the subjective nature of music. Finally, Zach talks about his current tour, his upcoming debut album, and his plans to continue producing and releasing new music.

BANDS: Alive, Allen Stone, Benny, Chris Jameson, Crash Adams, Drake, Future, Jalen Sean, Kevin Chung, Migos, Roy Woods, Tadashi, WHATUPRG.

VENUES:  Clay's Park, Grog Shop, Hotel Cafe, Phillips Arena, Shuba's Tavern, Subterranean.

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In this interview episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles interviews singer BB from BB & The Honey. BB is an American singer and songwriter who has been an integral part of the Chicago music scene for 20 years.  Audiences say her voice is a blend of Brandy Carlisle, Janice Joplin, Patsy Klein, Stevie Nicks, and Amelda May. Her powerful interpretations range from blues, funk, soul, classic country to jazz, rockabilly, and classic rock. BB & the Honey have released a new EP of original songs called Reckless Heart, which is available on all major streaming platforms.

BB reminisces about her first concert at age five, seeing Sean Cassidy at Navy Pier in Chicago, and shares memorable concert experiences with Mumford and Sons, contrasting them with a lackluster performance by Bob Dylan she attended in the early 90s. 

She discusses a formative experience in her music career when she and a friend were invited to join Arise Records after singing 'Amazing Grace' in a Chicago subway. This fortuitous event laid the groundwork for BB's extensive music journey, performing with various bands and writing a wide range of musical genres from blues, funk, soul, classic country, to jazz and rock. 

The episode also dives into BB’s musical projects, from her early involvement with hip hop group Schmoov and the Family to later bands like Super D, The Jesters, and Seeking Wonderland. BB elaborates on how she transitioned into learning the piano during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to contribute more dynamically to her current band. BB & The Honey recently released a new EP called 'Reckless Heart,' comprising four original songs. The interview touches on the practicalities of their live performances, noting the flexibility in band size depending on the venue. BB delves into the recording process of the EP, aiming to capture the live energy of their performances. The episode wraps up with BB talking about their upcoming release party, their ongoing music journey, and where fans can find their music and live performance updates.

BANDS: BB & the Honey, Bob Dylan, C&C Music Factory, Chicago, Full Moon Vixen, Groove X, Kris Kross, Lucinda Williams, Modern Day Romeos, Mumford and Sons, Poi Dog Pondering, Santana, Sean Cassidy, Seeking Wonderland, Stock Boy, Super D, The Dead, The Jesters, ZZ Top

VENUES: Abbey Pub, Alpine Valley, Bacon Fest, beer fest in Kenosha, Baker House, Crystal Lake, Dole Mansion, Double Door, Goose Island, Hard Rock Cafe, Lake Como, Lou's Lounge, Mars Resort, Naperville, Navy Pier, Riviera, Riviera in Chicago, Ryman, Ryman Theater, Ryman Theatre, Sean Cassidy concert, Subterranean, Tinley Park, Walworth County Fair

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This episode features an interview with the artist MEGG, who combines her love for pop music with her punk rock background to create a unique sound for a diverse audience of tomboys, romantics, and misfits. Born and raised in LA's South Bay, MEGG has achieved significant milestones such as performing at Dodgers Stadium, headlining at Saint Rocke Music Venue, and opening for bands like The Used. This summer, she will be playing at Van's Warp Tour in Long Beach, California.

The conversation begins with MEGG recalling her first concert experience, a Madonna show, attended with her parents and a friend, which left a lasting impression on her as a child. They discuss various best concerts she has attended, including performances by Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliot. This inspires MEGG to share how these experiences shaped her musical career, leading her to attend the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and later the University of Southern California's Popular Music Performance Program.

MEGG recounts forming several bands along the way, including Runway MMC with her friends, supported by her mother's visionary clothing line idea, and Party for One, a pop-punk band she started with her buddies from USC. MEGG's career took significant turns with these projects, growing from performing at college parties to headline venues like Saint Rocke. MEGG delves further into pivotal moments such as playing the Musink Tattoo Music Festival, opening for The Used, and the journey to secure a spot at Warped Tour 2025. 

MEGG's experiences exhibit her resilience and dedication to her craft amidst various challenges and the evolving music industry landscape. Towards the end of the interview, MEGG discusses her musical influences, her recent single releases, and plans for upcoming projects, such as an EP to be released in the fall following her performances at Warped Tour. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to her musical style while being versatile across different genres. As an added treat, the interview includes a live acoustic rendition of MEGG’s 'The Hangover Song.'

BANDS: Blink 182, Every Time I Die, Fleetwood Mac, Guns N Roses, Hot Water Music, Mumford and Sons, Nirvana, No Doubt, Paramore, Pennywise, Pennywise, Spice Girls, Sum 41, Taking Back Sunday, The Used, Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, Tomorrow's Bad Seeds

VENUES:

 Break Room, Dodger Stadium, Forum, Musink Tattoo Music Festival, Redwood Bar, Saint Rocke, Staples Center, Warped Tour.

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This episode features Benny, a musician and producer who performs under the name Muted Circus. Benny, originally from Orange County, California, is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. He spent seven years in Tokyo, Japan, and attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. The discussion starts with Benny sharing the story of his first rock concert at the age of 13, where he saw The Get Up Kids in a small, intimate venue in his hometown. This concert sparked his lifelong passion for live music, leading him to attend concerts frequently, including during his college years and time in Japan. Benny reminisces about the DIY music scene of Orange County in the '90s and shares anecdotes about attending shows with his older brother and friends. He also recalls a memorable yet disappointing encounter with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth during a concert in Tokyo, juxtaposing it with a positive experience meeting Marty Friedman, a former Megadeth guitarist.

The conversation then shifts towards Benny's musical project, Muted Circus, a deeply personal undertaking inspired by the death of his father. The project comprises 10 EPs with 50 songs, each featuring his father's visual artwork on the covers. Benny explains how creating this music helped him process his grief and reflect on his relationship with his father. He delves into the themes explored in his music, often revolving around the impact of his parents on his life. Benny shares the challenges and emotional journey of writing and recording these songs over several years. He also introspects on the nuances of live vs. recorded music and the emotional resonance that well-produced music can often deliver.

During the interview, Benny performs 'Disconnection,' a song from his final EP in the Muted Circus series. The song captures the sentiment of final phone calls with a loved one and reflects Benny's extensive relationship with his father through daily check-ins on the phone. The episode concludes with Benny discussing his future plans for more music releases under different projects and emphasizing the therapeutic power of music in processing complex emotions. Listeners can explore Benny's work on platforms like Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

BANDS: No Doubt, The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Real Big Fish, Gwen and Eric Stefani, Megadeth, NSYNC, Metallica, Slayer, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine.

VENUES: Makuhari Messe (Japan), Koos Cafe, The Chain Reaction, Madison Square Garden.

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The podcast episode features Jesse Rifkin, the owner of Walk on the Wildside Tours NYC, a music history walking tour company in New York City, and the author of the book 'This Must Be the Place: Music, Community, and Vanishing Spaces in New York City.' Rifkin shares his background, including his consultancy roles as a pop music historian and his 12 years as a touring musician. They discuss his first concert experience, watching Bob Dylan with Ani DiFranco as the opening act at the Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, and the interesting intersections his life has had with notable music historians like Alan Lomax.

Rifkin recounts his experience attending a unique U2 concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, highlighting how seeing a globally famous band in an intimate venue was a surreal and memorable experience. He emphasizes the different dimensions of enjoying massive arena shows versus small, underground music scenes. He talks about his favorite bands, particularly Akron Family and other experimental groups, often performing at DIY venues like Silent Barn and emphasizing how these experiences felt more personal and impactful.

The conversation shifts to Jesse’s walking tours, which often focus on the punk and post-punk scenes in NYC, featuring iconic sites like CBGB. He discusses the importance of understanding the human and local context behind legendary music and bands, offering a more tangible and relatable connection to this history. His tours aim to demystify the grandiosity of famous musicians by highlighting their humble beginnings in intimate settings.

Finally, Jesse talks about his book and its evolution from his extensive tours and Instagram presence, which caught the attention of his editor in 2019. He details the content of the book, which spans 60 years of music history, categorizing different NYC music scenes, and offers practical insights into creating community-driven music venues. Jesse’s mission is to show that music and performance spaces can be accessible and transformative, urging people to see the possibility within DIY approaches to music and community building.

BANDS: Akron Family, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys, Blondie, Bob Dylan, Castanets, The Cure, Elephant 6 Recording Company, Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynard, Neutral Milk Hotel, New York Dolls, Olivia Tremor Control, Patti Smith, Ramones, Sonic Youth, Talking Heads, U2, Velvet Underground, Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice, Woods.

VENUES: 171A, Apollo Theater, Bowery Ballroom, CBGB, Death by Audio, Jelly NYC, Silent Barn, Tonic, Uncle Paulie's, Wolf Trap.

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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, we are thrilled to have Jose Rivera, founder, manager, and lead vocalist of the band Five Guys Named Moe. Jose shares his extraordinary journey from a budding musician to a prolific performer. He narrates how his fascination with the trumpet began in his early childhood and flourished during his time as a section leader and soloist for the United States Marine Corps. Jose describes his experiences performing before U.S. Presidents and numerous heads of state from 1972 to 1977.

He shares captivating anecdotes about sharing stages with trumpet legends like Doc Severinsen and Al Hirt, and his early inspirations such as Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, and Bill Chase. One particularly memorable story includes a chance encounter with Chase the night before he left for Marine Corps basic training, which solidified his passion for high register trumpet playing. Jose also talks about the devastating impact of the plane crash in 1974 that tragically ended the lives of several members of the band Chase, and the emotional 40-year reunion concert that followed, filled with nostalgia and respect for the members who were lost. 

Jose reflects on his post-Marine Corps life and the formation of Five Guys Named Moe in 1988. The band quickly gained popularity with their unique style and vibrant performances, playing at numerous gigs across the Midwest every year. Jose's attention to professionalism and the importance of band dynamics and promotions are evident as he speaks about managing the band over the years. The impact of the Moe Heads, the band's loyal fans, is also a testament to their ongoing success. 

Jose underscores the hard work, dedication, and strategic planning required to sustain a band’s longevity in the competitive music industry. As an experienced musician, he offers valuable insights about balancing artistic integrity with crowd-pleasing performances and the reciprocal importance of venue support in promoting events. By mingling with fans and maintaining a professional band practice, Jose ensures that Five Guys Named Moe remains a staple of vibrant live music in the Midwest.

BANDS: Al Hirt, Bill Chase, Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Blues Brothers, Chicago, Chase, Doc Severinsen, Five Guys Named Moe, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, Lovecraft, The Kind, United States Marine Corps

VENUES: CD and Me, Cousins, North and Maple, Tailgaters, Ballydoyle, Buddy Pals, Q Bar, Poplar Creek, Superdome

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Jamie James, guitarist, singer, and songwriter, joins Charles on Seeing Them Live to discuss his musical journey and new album Straight Up, released on Oglio Records.

Jamie reflects on his early musical influences, growing up in Woodstock, Ontario, and his transition from aspiring hockey player to musician after a knee injury. He shares how he taught himself guitar on a damaged acoustic and recalls receiving his first real guitar as a Christmas gift in 1966. 

The conversation turns to Jamie’s formative concert experiences, including seeing Tommy James and the Shondells, Deep Purple, Sly and the Family Stone, The Who, and an early performance by Queen in a small London club. Jamie describes how these shows influenced his approach to live performance. 

He recounts his time in the 1970s rock scene, playing with various bands before joining the New Steppenwolf in 1977. After leaving the New Steppenwolf, Jamie formed The Kingbees, an ‘80s rockabilly trio that gained a cult following.

A favorable review in LA Weekly helped them gain popularity, attracting large crowds to their shows. He discusses their unique rockabilly-inspired style, which predated the Stray Cats and MTV, and his personal shift toward a Buddy Holly-influenced guitar approach. Jamie also shares anecdotes about the LA music scene, recalling interactions with The Blasters and Blackie Dammett, father of Anthony Kiedis, who became an informal emcee for The Kingbees. 

Additionally, he recounts signing with RSO Records in 1980, initially seeing little success until their song My Mistake gained radio traction in Detroit. This newfound exposure led to major performance opportunities, including a replacement slot at the Toledo Speedway Jam alongside ZZ Top, AC/DC, and Sammy Hagar; a wild gig that took an unexpected turn involving a whiskey bottle that injured an audience member.

After the Kingbees disbanded in 1981, Jamie pursued a solo career, but his EP failed to resonate with him. A chance encounter with actor Harry Dean Stanton at a July 4th gathering led to a close friendship and musical collaboration that lasted for years. Jamie formed a band with Stanton, regularly performing at The Lighthouse and The Mint. Later, he connected with actor Dennis Quaid, leading to the formation of The Sharks, a band that endured for nearly 20 years.

A severe health scare in 2020 prompted Jamie to recommit to songwriting, leading to the creation of new music during the Covid pandemic. Despite financial challenges, his bandmates were eventually drawn in by the strength of his songs, paving the way for his latest album, Ain’t No Big Thing (https://oglio.com/).

Jamie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an enduring love for making music.

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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles Berman interviews Giuliana Funkhauser, a transdisciplinary artist known for her innovative blend of digital code and synthesized audio to create immersive art installations. Giuliana, based on the U.S. East Coast, completed her graduate studies at the San Francisco Art Institute, concentrating on art and technology, with a particular interest in sound synthesis. Besides her artistic endeavors, she teaches courses on data sonification and video game development. Her collaborative projects include working with musical artist Elizabeth Verosa and visual artist Alison Tannenhaus, performing excerpts from their EP '2021' in events such as the 2022 New England Synthesizer Festival. Additionally, Verosa and Funkhauser's track is featured in the Rewoven Transmissions collection, a remix of Cathode Raytube's works.

Giuliana's shares how she got introduced to music and her unique concert experiences, ranging from middle school outings to witnessing legendary bands like Everclear, Judas Priest, and Iggy Pop. She recounts attending the Radio 104 Fest and vividly describes how Everclear was not her favorite but ended up being the main act she saw due to time restrictions. A humorous and memorable moment emerges from a misunderstanding that led to her attending a performance by Mono of Japan instead of the expected European band Mono, a life-changing encounter that profoundly influenced her musical tastes

Giuliana also narrates her experiences at the Halloween Industrial Music Fest during Hurricane Sandy, where she saw numerous notable acts like Author & Punisher and Theologian in an incredibly intense, weather-challenged environment. Her story culminates in recounting the remarkable Sunn O show, a visceral and intense performance where the sheer power of the sound and visuals led to a memorable audience connection.

Throughout the discussion, Giuliana elaborates on her creative process, revealing how she and her collaborators use data sonification and visual cues to guide their live performances and improvisations. Listeners are invited to explore Giuliana's work further on her website  gfunkhouser.com and through various platforms like Bandcamp that feature her recordings.

BANDS: Animals, Author and Punisher, Big Brave, Bohemia, Butthole Surfers, Candlebox, Cathode Ray Tube, Cracker, David Linton, Dead Voices on Air, Dear Woman, Dishwalla, Everclear, Flock of Seagulls, Freeze Pop, Go Go's, Harpy, Iggy pop, Inkanti, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, King Gizzard, Lady Purge, Local H, Lush, Mogwai, Mono, Otto von Schirach, Police, Semisonic, Snowbeasts, Stabbing Westward, Sunn, The Pretenders, Theologian, Tony the Floyd Dementia, Uriah Heep

VENUES:

 Club X, Radio 104 Fest

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In this conversation, John Dominguez, co-founder and chief strategist of Songbird Collective, discusses his extensive background in music and his initiative within the Metaverse aimed at creating immersive and collaborative environments for artists. Songbird Collective has facilitated over 1000 live concerts in the Metaverse, allowing artists to showcase their work, even during the pandemic when live music was largely inaccessible. The initiative has also opened new revenue streams for musicians through NFTs and virtual performances, providing a unique and innovative way to engage with global audiences. 

He recalls the exciting early days of music exploration via the internet in the mid-90s, highlighting moments when he discovered influential music essays and participated in emerging online music communities. One of his notable memories includes attending his first concert, an NWA show in 1989, where he experienced both the thrill and cultural impact of live hip-hop music. He reminisces about various concert experiences, including attending Kings of Leon at Johnny Depp's Viper Room and the Troubadour in Los Angeles, and describes the unique atmosphere of historical music venues. He also recalls his experience attending the Tibetan Freedom Concert in 1996.

Dominguez also values personal interactions with musicians, sharing stories about his early online exchanges and meetings with avant-garde musicians Nels Cline and Joe Baiza. Despite the modern shift towards digital music consumption, Dominguez advocates for the irreplaceable magic of live performances and encourages music enthusiasts to support local independent shows. In wrapping up, he stresses how vital it is for fans to support smaller live music venues, highlighting how these spaces provide essential platforms for artists and memorable experiences for audiences. Dominguez's dedication to music culture and innovation through Songbird Collective exemplifies the evolving landscape of live music and virtual experiences.

BANDS: Aerosmith, Beastie Boys, Ben Steller, Creeper Lagoon, Dr. Dre, Fontaine's DC, Ice Cube, Jet, John Lee Hooker, Killers, Kings of Leon, Mud Honey, New Jack's Swing, No Doubt, NWA, Oasis, On the Speakers, Ornette Coleman, Pavement, Pixies, Porno for Pyros, Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Stooges, Tribe Called Quest

VENUES: Celebrity Theater, Constellation Room, Castaic Lake, El Rancho Grande, Johnny Depp's Viper Room, Observatory, Rainbow, Roxy, Salt Shed, Troubadour, Mr. T's Bowl

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