Songs & Stories

This is an interview with renowned Jazz drummer Jon Krosnick, who has been a significant figure in the music industry for several decades.

Krosnick began playing piano at age 6 and drums at age 9. Most of his formal musical training occurred during ten summers spent at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan. There, he studied classical percussion and jazz drumming, and he performed with orchestras, concert bands, percussion ensembles, jazz bands, and backup bands for musical theater performances. Recognizing his accomplishments during those years, Jon was awarded the NMC Jazz Scholarship, and he won the High School Division's Concerto Competition. Jon studied classical percussion at Interlochen with many noted instructors, including Niel DePonte (Oregon Symphony) and Scott Stevens (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra).  While studying classical percussion with Fred Hinger (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) in high school, Jon won the Philadelphia Orchestra's Student Concerto Competition and performed with the orchestra...

Joining us now is Asher Belsky, a guitar virtuoso, songwriter, and vocalist. His music, a fusion of rock and R&B, has resonated across the Bay Area, gracing renowned venues like the Black Cat Jazz Club, Great American Music Hall, and the Bottom of the Hill. And, he’s only 19.

You can catch Asher live at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Vallet on Friday, JUNE 28th, for a 9 pm show. He’s here to talk about that and much more.

This is an interview with renowned bluesman Spike Sikes. The Pacific Sun has described his music as a slow burn of blues, jazz, and soul, and his band, the Awesome Hotcakes, was honored with the award for "Hardest Working Band in Sonoma."

Spike will perform a solo set at The Lost Church in Santa Rosa on Sunday, June 30th, for an 8:15 pm show. 

This is an interview with musicians Paul Henry and Laura Shaffer of the duo Lolo & Pops. They have been singing their quirky mix of originals and covers in Sonoma County since 2007. 

Both are native Californians, although Pops lived on the East Coast for some time, going to music schools, among other things. They first got together romantically in the late 90s, then musically when they started singing together to put their kids to sleep. This resulted in their first project, "Bound For Dreamland," a CD of lullabies based on music from the Sacred Harp. The kids are grown up, so they finally have the time to share some of the songs they've written over the years.

Photo credit: Peter Thoshinsky

This is an interview with Ariana Arbitter. She is a vocalist, songwriter, and musician with almost a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She is also the lead vocalist and songwriter in the band The Rose Room Collective. They will appear at the Lost Church in Santa Rosa on Friday, July 5th, for an 8:15 pm show.

This interview features North Bay vocalist, guitarist, and photographer Brian Byrnes. The Brian Byrnes Band will perform on Friday, July 12, for a free concert at the Cadillac Hotel in San Francisco.

In addition to being a respected musician, Brian Byrnes is also a noted photographer, and his work graces the cover of a Jimi Hendrix album. Six weeks before Hendrix died in London in September 1970, Brian Byrnes caught his penultimate United States concerts, a couple of free outdoor shows on a hastily erected stage in a livestock pasture below the Haleakala volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Two color photos he shot that day are on the front and back covers of a new album, “Live in Maui,” released on vinyl and as a boxed set of CDs. Other shots of his are all over the liner notes and the CD booklet and were also used in a feature-length documentary, “Music, Money Madness … Jimi Hendrix in Maui,” released on Blu-ray. Byrnes is shown in the film, saying seeing Hendrix “was like a gift from God for me.”

This is an interview with guitarist Ralph Woodson, a long-time Jimi Hendrix tribute artist. He and his band Purple Haze will perform at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Saturday, June 22, for a 9 p.m. show.

“Get ready to experience the electrifying music of Jimi Hendrix like never before with us, Purple Haze! We're passionate about bringing the spirit of Hendrix back to life. When you see us live, we'll transport you back to the psychedelic rock era, immersing you in the energy and passion that defined Hendrix's music."

This is an interview with Clementine Moss, a founding member of the all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band Zepparella. They’ll be playing a pair of shows at Petaluma’s Mystic Theatre, June 28-29.

From the beginning of her musical career, her goal has been to be onstage every night. Pursuing that goal has led Clementine to constantly tour the US and Europe in projects as diverse as Bottom, AC/DShe, The House Of More, The Solid, Francis Bakin, Stars Turn Me On, and Beaux Cheveux. She tackles the best rock drumming ever written with her own emotionally powerful style, bringing the Motown influence of the Bonham groove to the forefront. The profound musical connection established with Gretchen Menn (guitar), Holly West (bass), and Anna Kristina (vocals) creates the bond required to do this great music justice.

This is an interview with jazz vocalist Jocelyn Medina, conducted by host Steve Roby on the Backstage Jazz Show. Jocelyn discusses her musical journey, including her transition from classical to jazz, influences like Herbie Hancock and Brazilian music, and her upcoming album to be recorded in Rio de Janeiro. She also shares insights into her previous album, Common Ground, and her upcoming show at Dazzle on March 6th with a local band playing Brazilian material and jazz tunes. 

This episode of the Backstage Jazz Show features an interview with Linda Theus-Lee. She discusses her extensive musical career, education, and community involvement. She shares insights into her songs “Don't Stop the Music” and “You Make Me Smile,” highlighting the personal significance and inspiration behind the lyrics. 

Linda also details her upcoming show at Dazzle in downtown Denver, emphasizing her diverse musical abilities and commitment to celebrating women's history in music. 

Throughout the interview, Linda emphasizes her belief in education as a transformative force and her commitment to fostering a love for literacy and music through various programs in convalescent homes. This episode comprehensively overviews Linda Theus Lee's multifaceted career, passion for music, and dedication to community engagement.