Songs & Stories

Show Notes

In this episode, Backstage Sonoma host Steve Roby delves into the world of viral ukulele sensation Feng E. From his early start at age five to becoming a global musical force, Feng E shares the story behind his rise to fame. The conversation explores his unique blend of genres on the ukulele, the creative process behind some of his standout compositions, and the mentorship he's received from guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel. As Feng E embarks on his first U.S. tour, he reflects on how performing live constantly sparks new ideas and allows him to connect deeply with audiences.

Highlights

Feng E talks about how he started playing ukulele at six due to concerns about his finger strength, only to fall in love with performing after his first competition.

Discussion on the unique sound and feel of the ukulele compared to the guitar, including how Feng E designed his signature ukulele model with Enya Music.

Insight into his creative process behind original compositions like Stalker in the Shadow and 8 Plus.

Feng E shares his experience performing Classical Gas alongside guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, who has deeply influenced his style and approach to music.

Preview of Feng E’s upcoming first U.S. tour, with Bay Area and Sacramento shows.

Featured Songs

“Stalker in the Shadow” is Feng E's original composition, with a captivating melody and intricate energy.

“8 Plus” – A playful, harmonic-driven piece inspired by Feng E’s love of technology.

Upcoming Show

Feng E will perform at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on September 18. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at thefreight.org.

Follow Feng E

YouTube: Feng E

Instagram: @fengeofficial

Social Media Hashtags

#BackstageSonoma #FengEMusic #UkuleleProdigy #LiveMusic #FreightAndSalvage #BayAreaMusic #SteveRobyInterviews

Show Notes

Highlights:

Pete Floyd's Formation: Pete Delaney shares how the pandemic inspired the formation of the tribute band Pete Floyd alongside Pete Hale, who profoundly loves Pink Floyd’s music.

- Band Lineup: The group features a powerhouse lineup of local musicians, including saxophonist Alex Garcia, keyboardist Bob McBain, bassist Toby Tyler, drummer Sean Englund, vocalist Paige Clem, vocalist and guitarist Teal Collins, and guitarist Pete Hale, each adding unique depth to the performances.

- The Music: Pete Delaney discusses their approach to covering Pink Floyd's extensive catalog, focusing on albums like Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall, blending live elements from iconic performances.

Visual Experience: Pete Floyd offers a full visual experience, complete with coordinated lighting designed by its new lighting director, adding a dynamic visual component to its live shows.

- Special Moments: Delaney recalls memorable performances, including their third show at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma and the incredible energy felt during the "Comfortably Numb" performance at The Chapel in San Francisco.

- Upcoming Shows: The band will perform at Sebastiana Theater on Friday, September 20th, with a special laser light show. They are also preparing a 50th-anniversary tribute to Wish You Were Here for 2025.

 Featured Songs

- “Great Gig in the Sky” – Pete Floyd’s rendition featuring Teal Collins on vocals.

- “Dogs” – A segment from their live performance featuring Pete Hale’s exceptional guitar work.

 Links

- Pete Floyd Official Website: https://petefloyd.com

- Sebastiana Theater Tickets: https://www.sebastianitheatre.com

 Social Media Hashtags

#PeteFloyd #PinkFloydTribute #SonomaMusic #LiveMusic #SebastianiTheater #WishYouWereHere #DarkSideOfTheMoon #BackstageSonoma

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, Steve Roby sits down with the iconic frontman of Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Steve Perry, ahead of their performance at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato on September 29th. Known for their genre-blending style, Perry takes us through the band's evolution from the breakout success of "Zoot Suit Riot" to their latest album, At The Pink Rat. Get insights into their eclectic fusion of ska, swing, punk, and funk, and hear how Perry continues to challenge himself musically.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Links:

Follow on Social Media:

Show Notes:
In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Julie Gussaroff, upright bassist, vocalist, and mandolin player for The Sweet Lilies, to discuss the band’s unique fusion of Americana, folk, rock, and even hip hop. Julie shares the band's origins, her creative process, and what it's like working with producer Sergio Rios in Los Angeles. From the band's beginnings as a string duo to evolving into a full four-piece with drums, Julie dives deep into how the band’s sound has matured.

Featured Tracks:

Highlights of the conversation include:

The music featured in this episode was from The Sweet Lilies' latest album, Cover to Cover, including their rendition of "Bad Moon Rising" and the tracks "Tables Turning"  and “Words” from their Equality album.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Tune in to catch more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes conversations with musicians nationwide! Go to: https://www.backstagesonoma.com/

Hashtags:
#BackstageSonoma #TheSweetLilies #JulieGussaroff #AmericanaMusic #StringBand #SweetwaterMusicHall #LiveMusic #MusicInterviews #FolkRock #SergioRios #NewMusic

🎸 In This Episode 🎸
Join us for an engaging conversation with blues icon Tommy Castro. Over the past few decades, Tommy has become a central figure in the Bay Area and international blues scenes. We discuss his early influences, such as Elvin Bishop and Tower of Power, his experiences touring with legends like B.B. King, and the making of his latest concept album, A Bluesman Came to Town. Tommy also shares behind-the-scenes stories about his journey, the impact of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, and his excitement about his upcoming album, Closer to the Bone.

Featured Music:

Key Moments:

Upcoming Event:
Catch Tommy Castro & The Painkillers at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato on September 22nd, 6 PM! Grab your tickets here: KCTurnerPresents.com.

Links & Resources:

🎙️Subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform for more conversations with incredible artists like Tommy Castro.

Social Media Hashtags:
#BackstageSonoma #TommyCastro #BluesLegend #BluesMusic #LiveMusic #HopMonkTavern #BluesBeyondBorders #BayAreaMusic #ConceptAlbum #BluesJourney

Welcome to Backstage Sonoma—your all-access pass to the heartbeat of the Bay Area music scene!

From jazz to rock, blues to world music, we bring you intimate conversations with the artists shaping our soundscape. Hear their stories, explore their inspirations, and dive deep into the creative process that makes each performance unforgettable.

Hosted by Steve Roby, seasoned radio personality and best-selling author, Backstage Sonoma has featured Grammy winners like Judy Collins, Colbie Caillat, Leslie Mendelson, and chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley. With over 200 episodes and four years of exclusive content, we keep you connected to the local and touring musicians making waves today.

Whether you're a lifelong music lover or discovering new tunes, join us on Backstage Sonoma, available on all major streaming platforms, including YouTube. Don't miss a beat—subscribe now and be part of our growing community of listeners.

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Americana roots-rock musician Jeffrey Halford to discuss his legendary career, musical influences, and his current album, Soul Crusade. They delve into how Curtis Mayfield, Howlin’ Wolf, and 60s soul have influenced Halford’s unique rock, country soul, and blues style. 

Jeffrey shares insights into his songwriting process, performances with music icons like Taj Mahal and Los Lobos, and what fans can expect from his upcoming performance with The Healers at Sweetwater Music Hall. He also talks about his daughter, Hannah Halford, who is set to open the show with her neo-soul sound.

Featured Tracks: “Rhythm of the Rails,” “Sinner Man,” “Walk to the River”

Key Highlights: 

- Jeffrey Halford's take on the broadness of the "Americana" genre.  

- His reflections on blending rock, country, and R&B.  

- Influences from iconic artists like Eddie Cochran, Al Green, and Anderson Paak.  

- Personal stories about playing with legends such as Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, and Greg Allman.  

- The songwriting process behind his latest album, Soul Crusade.  

- Preview of Jeffrey’s upcoming performance at Sweetwater Music Hall, featuring a special appearance by his daughter Hannah Halford.

Links for Sweetwater Music Hall Tickets

Venue website: ⁠http://sweetwatermusichall.com⁠

Jeffrey Halford's Official Website: ⁠http://jeffreyhalford.com⁠

Follow Jeffrey on Social Media:@jeffreyhalford

Social Media Hashtags

#BackstageSonoma #JeffreyHalford #AmericanaMusic #RootsRock #SweetwaterMusicHall #BayAreaMusic #NeoSoul #SoulCrusade #LiveMusic #Podcast #MusicLegends

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby interviews multi-talented musician Megan Slankard. They discuss Megan’s inspirations, career experiences, and current album. 

Megan shares her early influences, most notably The Beatles, whose music profoundly impacted her. According to Megan, The Beatles were a gateway that led her to explore classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Heart before transitioning to a singer-songwriter style, all of which have shaped her unique sound.

As the conversation continued, Megan and Steve discussed her latest record, California and Other Stories, which she co-produced with Nashville producer Alex Wong.

Megan elaborates on her creative process, noting that the songs featured on California… were born from a period of profound personal change and adversities. "I call it my revenge record, even though names and places have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent," Megan quips, adding a touch of humor to the transformative nature of her music. They delve into how her monthly songwriting club on Patreon allowed her to explore different musical avenues and eventually pour her heart and soul into this album, dividing it into two thematic halves — one belligerent rock and roll, the other reflective and cinematic.

The duo also discusses the evolving music industry and its impact on artists like Megan. She voices her nostalgia for the bygone era when albums were central to the music experience, contrasting it with today's single-focused, streaming-driven landscape. “Music weirdly has become the background,” she observes, lamenting how the depth and artistry in albums are often overlooked.

Toward the end, Megan hints at exciting upcoming projects, including new singles and a unique coloring book that aligns with her songs. "Each picture you color will correspond with a song, and there will be lyrics," she explains. Her reflective take on the industry's changing landscape and her earnest dedication to her craft and fans make for an inspiring and insightful interview.

This interview on Backstage Sonoma with Greg Allison and Mitchel Slade, members of the cosmic folk-rock band Two Lions, offers an intriguing glimpse into the band's history, creative process, and upcoming projects. 

Host Steve Roby starts the conversation by exploring the origin of the band's name, which stems from a folk tale about two lions, symbolizing the duality within oneself. Greg mentions the initial line-up that included cellist Gretchen Yanover, highlighting their astrological connection as Leos. The band members delve into the unique genre label, cosmic folk rock, and share that their music embodies a philosophical mantra, quoting Joni Mitchell, "We are stardust, we are golden, we've got to get back to the garden." They describe their meaningful project, Argonauts of Sound, where they recorded music at spiritual and historical sites, enhancing their work’s introspective and cosmic elements.

Greg and Mitchell emphasize Two Lions’ collaborative and ever-changing nature in discussing the band's evolution and camaraderie among members. Throughout different iterations of the band, the current members — including Greg on violin, Mitchell as frontman and guitarist, Matt Reine on lead guitar, Diego Garcia on bass, and Justin Tchaikovsky on drums — have developed a deep bond. Greg reflects on their tours, saying, "The whole ascension has been beautiful, but the current group has just been an amazing group of human beings to travel with." As they discuss the band’s dynamic, Greg highlights the significance of mutual respect and collective creativity that drives their artistic journeys.

Looking ahead, the pair share exciting news about their latest projects. They discuss their new album "Golden Thread" and its accompanying movie, documenting their return to touring post-lockdown. The release party is set for September 7th at the Poly Klass Community Theater in Petaluma, featuring live performances and a screening by director Logan Fullington. Additionally, they reveal ongoing plans, such as their cover song album and tours across Ireland, the Pacific Northwest, and the East Coast. Greg notes that "Being immersed in music with positive people... lifts us all up," encapsulating the band’s soulful and optimistic spirit that aims to connect deeply with audiences.

In this engaging episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby had the pleasure of sitting down with the legendary Judy Collins, a distinguished singer-songwriter whose career spans over five decades. Judy begins by recounting her early influences, sharing how her father's career in radio introduced her to the Great American Songbook while her path led her to folk music. Her passion for music, which she sparked in childhood, continues to drive her today, as evidenced by her recent Grammy-nominated album "Spellbound," which features all original material inspired by a long-standing suggestion from Leonard Cohen.

 As the conversation unfolds, Judy reflects on the evolution of her music over the years. She credits her broad experiences and serendipitous encounters with influential artists for much of her success. Judy vividly describes how she was first introduced to Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," a song that became a significant part of her repertoire. She also touches on her podcast "Since You Asked," which allows her to explore and share stories with her audience, highlighting a memorable interview with Clive Davis about the artists who have slipped through his fingers.

Judy's multidimensional creative life, which encompasses music, painting, filmmaking, and social activism, is a testament to her versatility. She reveals how these different forms of expression intertwine and enrich her artistry.

Finally, Judy gives a sneak peek into her upcoming U.S. fall tour, promising fresh shows with a mix of familiar hits and new material from "Spellbound." Her candid advice to aspiring artists underscores the realities of a music career, emphasizing the need for perseverance and a love for the craft.

The interview concludes with Roby expressing gratitude for Judy's immense contributions to music, leaving listeners excited for her performance at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma.