Songs & Stories

Show Notes

On this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby welcomes Grammy-winning bluegrass icon Laurie Lewis for an intimate conversation about her latest album, Trees. Laurie shares insights into creating music without her longtime collaborator, Tom Rozum, and how her songs' themes of loss and hope are interwoven.

The discussion includes stories behind tracks like Just a Little Ways Down the Road and Rock the Pain Away, as well as her love for physical media as a meaningful way to connect with listeners.

Laurie also previews her December 1st performance at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato, her plans for a 2025 album release, and reflects on her enduring passion for storytelling through bluegrass, folk, and Americana music. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring conversation with one of bluegrass’s most beloved voices.

Guest Information

Laurie Lewis

Catch Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands live at the Hop Monk Tavern on December 1st. Get your tickets here.

Call-To-Action

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with fellow music lovers!

Episode Takeaways

1.    Laurie Lewis’s journey through loss and resilience in her music.

2.   The evolution of her sound and connection to the natural world.

3.   Why physical albums remain a vital part of her creative process.

4.   A sneak peek into her 2025 album, tentatively titled Wheel of Life.

Hashtags

#LaurieLewis #BluegrassMusic #BackstageSonoma #TreesAlbum #AmericanaMusic #FolkMusic #HopMonkTavern

Episode Description:

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with Jimmie Herrod, the sensational vocalist celebrated for his breathtaking performances and unique artistry. Known for his work with Pink Martini and his memorable run on America’s Got Talent, Jimmie shares personal insights into his journey as a musician, his creative process, and the transformative power of jazz.

Listeners will get an exclusive glimpse into Jimmie’s upcoming projects, including his highly anticipated show at SFJAZZ, and his reflections on authenticity in music. From poignant anecdotes to his advice for aspiring artists, this episode delivers inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the world of contemporary jazz.

Guest Information:

Jimmie Herrod
Jimmie Herrod is a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter blending jazz, pop, and soul into a truly mesmerizing sound. Rising to fame as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, he is also a longtime member of the global music ensemble Pink Martini. With his theatrical presence and unparalleled vocal range, Jimmie continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Don’t miss Jimmie Herrod live!
Catch him performing at SFJAZZ. Get your tickets here: SFJAZZ Tickets

Call-To-Action:

Love what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on YouTube and Apple Podcasts for exclusive interviews with today’s most exciting musicians. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast with your fellow music lovers!

Episode Takeaways:

Hashtags:

#JimmieHerrod #BackstageSonoma #JazzMusic #PinkMartini #SFJAZZ #AmericasGotTalent #LiveMusic #PodcastInterview

Show Notes: In this inspiring episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby welcomes jazz and blues vocalist Marina Crouse for an intimate conversation about her musical journey, her passion for honoring jazz greats like Ernestine Anderson, and how she connects with audiences through her soulful performances. Marina shares her thoughts on preserving jazz traditions while adding her unique voice to the genre.

Guest Information:
Marina Crouse
A captivating jazz and blues vocalist, Marina Crouse is known for her rich tone, heartfelt delivery, and passion for the timeless artistry of the jazz greats. Whether interpreting classics or exploring new musical territory, Marina’s voice leaves a lasting impression on her audiences.

Catch Marina live at SFJAZZ as she celebrates Ernestine Anderson's music: ⁠Tickets are here.

Episode Takeaways:

Call-To-Action:
Enjoy the conversation? Don’t forget to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform for more behind-the-scenes stories from the music world. Leave us a review—it helps more music lovers find the show!

Hashtags:
#BackstageSonoma #MarinaCrouse #JazzVocalist #JazzLegends #SFJAZZ #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #JazzTradition

Show Notes 

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Bradley Adams from Birmingham, Alabama. Known for his signature Americana sound that wraps listeners in a warm embrace, Peter discusses the inspiration behind his soulful music, insights into his side project Down Like Silver, and an exciting new album in the works. 

As a special treat, Peter previews what fans can expect at his upcoming performance at HopMonk Tavern in Novato. Tune in to catch all this and more, accompanied by the heartfelt song "My Arms Were Always Around You" from his 2017 album A Face Like Mine.

Guest Information:

Links:

Episode Takeaways:

Call-To-Action: Subscribe to Backstage Sonoma for in-depth conversations with your favorite musicians. Please leave us a review and share this episode with your friends!

Social Media and Contact Information:

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #PeterBradleyAdams #AmericanaMusic #LiveMusic #HopMonkTavernNovato #MusicInterview #SingerSongwriter

Show Notes: In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Eric McDonald, the guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist from the acclaimed folk trio Kalos. 

With their unique blend of Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, and North American music traditions, Kalos redefines contemporary folk. Eric discusses their latest album, Headland, dives into the stories behind standout tracks like "Fare Thee Well" and "Fanny Vanilla," and previews their upcoming performance at the Raven Theatre in Healdsburg. 

Listeners are treated to insights into Kalos’ creative process, the band's evolution, and what makes their live shows unforgettable. 

This episode kicks off with the captivating tune "Grasshopper Spiff" from Headland.

Guest Information:

Episode Takeaways:

Call-To-Action: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more fascinating musical stories to the airwaves. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Social Media and Contact Information:

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #KalosMusic #FolkTraditions #LiveMusic #HeadlandAlbum #EricMcDonald #PodcastInterviews #RavenPerformingArts #FolkFusion #MusicInsights

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby interviews singer-songwriter Jeffrey Martin, known for his profoundly moving storytelling and soulful folk sound. 

From being an English teacher to becoming a full-time musician, Jeffrey shares his creative process and stories behind some of his most compelling songs, such as “Garden,” "Red Station Wagon," and "Lost Dog." 

Jeffrey’s latest album, Thank God We Left the Garden, recorded in a hand-built shack, exemplifies raw, honest music with a profound connection to nature. Listen in as Jeffrey discusses his inspirations, songwriting journey, and upcoming performance at the Sweetwater Music Hall.

Timestamps:

Guest Information:

Links and Resources:

Call-To-Action: Don’t forget to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform! Leave a review and share this episode with fellow music lovers. Follow us for more inspiring conversations with artists who bring stories to life through their songs.

Social Media and Contact Information:

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Watch-horst, guitarist and vocalist for Yellowwood Junction. 

Formed in San Francisco in 1993, this six-piece band has captivated audiences with their sophisticated adult alternative rock sound, blending Steely Dan’s complexity with singer-songwriter melodies. 

Yellowwood Junction built its reputation by touring extensively across the Western U.S., earning acclaim as one of the Bay Area’s most promising unsigned bands in the mid-1990s and sharing stages with acts like Train.

Coming up in today’s conversation, we’ll explore the band’s unique musical evolution, the stories behind their fan-favorite tracks like “Fade to Blue” and “After Today,” and what fans can expect at their upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. 

Key Takeaways:

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Links:

Relevant Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #YellowwoodJunction #LiveMusic #BayAreaBands #SweetwaterMusicHall #AlternativeRock #IndieMusic #MusicInterviews #BayAreaMusicScene

Tune in to experience the compelling stories behind the music and get a sneak peek of what’s next for this timeless Bay Area band!

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with David Noble, the talented guitarist and vocalist from the San Francisco-based band Wreckless Strangers. 

Known for their distinctive "Bay Area Gumbo" style—a seamless blend of blues, rock, Americana, and funk—Wreckless Strangers brings a unique flavor to the region’s rich musical landscape. 

David shares insights into the making of their new EP , Blue Sky Fantasy, produced by the acclaimed four-time Grammy-winning producer Dave Way, and discusses their upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall. The conversation also highlights the band's dynamic songwriting, collaborative spirit, and musical roots that tie into the San Francisco tradition.

Links:

Top Takeaways:

1.    The Creation of "Blue Sky Fantasy": Noble discusses the inspiration and collaborative process behind their EP, produced by Dave Way.

2.   Musical Heritage and Influence: Wreckless Strangers pay homage to the San Francisco rock and roll legacy through innovative songwriting and live performances.

3.   Upcoming Show Details: Insights into what fans can expect from their show at Sweetwater Music Hall, including special guest appearances.

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #WrecklessStrangers #BlueSkyFantasy #SweetwaterMusicHall #BayAreaMusic #DavidNoble #LiveMusic #MusicInterviews #AmericanaRock #Podcast

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby interviews acclaimed singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke about her creative journey, the evolution of her music, and the fearless reinvention that defines her career. 

Known for blending folk, rock, and pop with poignant, literate lyrics, Jonatha shares insights into her songwriting process, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the inspiration behind her latest projects. With wit and honesty, she reflects on the power of vulnerability in her art and how she's embraced change over the years to keep her music fresh and relevant.

Key Takeaways:

Sound Bites:

·  "The inspiration was unearthing some songs that maybe had not gotten very much attention when they first came out." – On the Sweetwater Sessions album.

·  "I have a lot that has been pent up... I'm so excited to get back to writing Jonatha songs." – About her upcoming 2025 album.

·  "I want my voice and my guitar... to be really at the center of it. Anything else has to really earn its keep." – On her new, more intimate recording approach.

·  "I started it with the first line, 'I spent all the money,' because I was raised in a very religious family and loved the story of the prodigal son." – On writing Prodigal Daughter.

·  "It's the journey of this young girl who figures out how to save the day... and it's all on the shoulders of this 12-year-old girl." – On her song I'll Try.

·  "We're gonna need each other. We're gonna need love, kindness, consideration, humor, and beautiful music." – On what fans can expect at her live shows.

Links:

Suggested Hashtags: #JonathaBrooke #BackstageSonoma #Songwriting #MusicReinvention #SingerSongwriter #IndependentArtist #Storytelling #PodcastInterview

 Episode Description: Join Steven Roby for a captivating episode as he interviews the renowned guitarist and vocalist Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz of ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra). 

Lebo shares his musical journey, from picking up a guitar at age 13 to collaborating with legends like Bob Weir and the late Phil Lesh. Discover the stories behind standout tracks such as “Try,” “Undertow,” and “I Wanna Feel It,” and get a sneak peek into what’s in store for his 50th birthday bash at Sweetwater Music Hall.

Key Takeaways:

Sound Bites:

Event Details:

Connect with Lebo:

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #LeboMusic #ALO #JamBand #SweetwaterMusicHall #Improvisation #PhilLesh #LiveMusic #RockAndRoll #MusicInterview #50thBirthdayBash

Tune in for inspiring stories and music that captivates—only on Backstage Sonoma!