We welcome Old Town Love for a lively, generous conversation about craft, values, and the unique way two musicians can fill a room with rhythm and heart. From candy debates to cajon engineering to rebranding with purpose, the story moves fast and lands with warmth.

• Arizona live, loud and local focus 
• Old Town Love’s origin from cover band to duo 
• Rebrand story anchored in Old Town Scottsdale 
• Cajon innovation and hybrid drum approach 
• Guitar technique that blends rhythm and melody 
• Onstage intention and audience-first philosophy 
• Influences from Carter Beauford and John Mayer 
• Balancing music, marriage, faith and career 
• Upcoming show details and where to find them 
• Community updates on venues and open mics

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

We turn the mic on Jamirae to trace a life shaped by Mesa roots, immigrant grit, and Southern soul, and how loss refined her voice and purpose. From talent shows to running a 6,000-cap venue, she shares why every song must feel true and how community keeps art alive.

• Arizona upbringing with Lebanese and Southern family roots
• Learning by ear, clarinet to woodwinds, love of lyrics
• First live performance at 13 and the performance spark
• Songwriting as storytelling, poetry feeding melodies
• Two books in progress: family memoir and personal arc
• Why some covers fail: authenticity over setlist
• Running an amphitheater, crews, riders, and real backstage work
• B.B. King night: kindness, craft, and set-time drama
• Grief and return: singing through loss with purpose
• The power of audience interpretation and healing
• Arizona’s eclectic scene and building The Blindsiders
• Mentoring young artists and curating community shows
• Live, loud, and local events roundup across the Valley

"Look me up on social media: Jamirae Music, Jamirae The Blindsiders. The album’s everywhere—Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Bandcamp. Show: Blindsider Bash, February 7 at The Chill Room in Tempe. Type my name correctly: J A M I R A E."

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

A new voice arrives with a poem over guitar, a memorial song written at fourteen, and a plan to balance ASU biology with a growing presence on Arizona stages. We explore grief, growth, and why an open, all-ages music community can change an artist’s path.

• Origins of “Shoeless” and a spoken-word style over guitar
• New original “I Tried” and leaning into folk textures
• Writing “Ellie’s Song” as a healing act after tragedy
• Instruments, solo vs band openness, and craft
• Moving from Portland to Tempe and finding access
• ASU biology, service mindset, and pre-med track
• Heritage, family, and a viral sister duet
• Big audition tease and choosing courage
• Authenticity as a guiding principle
• Local events, open mics, and songwriter circles

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

We sit down with Annie Moscow to trace the arc from classical prodigy to songwriter, lyricist, theater maker, and fearless live performer, and we dig into how she reclaimed her voice, built community in Arizona, and balances DIY independence with industry machines. We close with local show picks, including Annie’s upcoming dates.

• classical training shaping a unique songwriter’s voice
• writing for Disney and major artists before going solo
• unlearning concert habits to serve groove and feel
• live energy with ensembles and the magic of cello
• Arizona’s open mics and why the scene thrives
• confidence as evolution, not a single moment
• theater storytelling and a 13-year Herberger run
• labels vs DIY, reach vs resilience
• Africa trip inspiring spacious, honest songwriting
• upcoming shows at The Nash and North Mountain Brewing
• Arizona music calendar, open mics, festivals, and tours

Annie's Website: https://anniemoscow.com/

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

We sit down with songwriter and guitarist Shawn Royer to explore collaboration, craft, and why releasing finished songs matters more than waiting for a gatekeeper. The talk moves from KISS-fueled drum lessons to Arizona’s diverse scene, the Bluebird’s magic, and the small venues where music hits hardest.

• how The Steady Kind formed with Rhonda and Freddie
• moving from pitching publishers to self-releasing originals
• “Moments In Between” as a country-leaning vignette
• early influences from KISS to Neil Young
• collaborations with local standouts and roots icons
• comparing Nashville's focus with Arizona’s diverse mix
• songwriting practices, stories, and emotional truth
• grief, unfinished lyrics, and music as healing
• favorite venues from Bluebird to Rhythm Room
• the charm of small rooms and DIY stages
• Arizona event highlights and open mics
• the spark for a future Desert Vibepalooza

Find The Steady Kind: @steadykindmusic on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Find Sean: Shawn Royer Music on YouTube

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

Here is the latest -- It's The Best of 2025 and takes a 30-minute tour of what the show is all about. Happy New Year and look for a brand new episode next week!

We celebrate a music community that puts collaboration first, from a guitar‑making school’s global legacy to a sold‑out MIM showcase built on desert‑seasoned wood. Along the way, we weigh tech’s impact on shared culture, open up about being partners on and off stage, and invite you to local gigs across the Valley.

• Arizona’s collaborative music culture and why it feels different
• The Roberto‑Venn network and 3,000+ graduates across the industry
• Desert‑weathered wood inspiring a 50‑guitar MIM celebration
• Alumni at Gibson, Fender, Collings and boutique builders
• Koa sourcing, craft lineage and materials with stories
• From FM’s mass moments to today’s fragmented feeds
• How life partners navigate rehearsal, roles and change
• Live, loud and local: Superior park jams, Queen Creek, Windmill Winery
• Holiday lights, neighborhood spirit and communal listening

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

The Desert Vibe Podcast hosts (Walt Richardson, Glen Gardner, and Jamie Ray) do a relaxed “thank you + looking ahead” check-in about the Arizona music scene and why spotlighting musicians in Arizona matters. Recorded on December 11, 2025, this one is all about community, great venues, open mics, and what’s coming next as the show heads into 2026.

They share a few hilarious stories (yes, including the “Barry White voice” joke and the “deflated reindeer” bit), talk about how tech helps people find live music, and end with a big “Live, Loud & Local” rundown of shows, open mics, and Arizona events.

📍LOCAL EVENTS

WEEKLY / RECURRING OPEN MICS + JAMS
AZ Live Music Cooperative — “Mondays & Enchiladas”
   Day/Time: Mondays 5:00 PM
   Venue: Aunt Chilada’s (Dreamy Draw)
   City: Phoenix, AZ
   Info (Facebook page): https://www.facebook.com/azlivemusiccoop/
   Venue site: https://auntchiladas.com/

Open Mic hosted at North Mountain Brewing
   Day/Time: Tuesdays • 5:00–8:00 PM
   Venue: North Mountain Brewing Company
   City: Phoenix, AZ
   Info: https://glengardner.net/events/
   Venue site/events: https://northmountainbrewing.com/events

Kimmyz — Open Mic (hosted by Jordy)
   Day/Time: Tuesdays • 7:00–10:00 PM
   Venue: Kimmyz (Bell Rd & Tatum area)
   City: Phoenix, AZ
   Info: https://kimmyz.com/openmicnight/

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse — Acoustic/Open Stage
    Day: Thursdays (acoustic night)
    Venue: Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse
    City: Phoenix, AZ
    Info: https://fiddlersdream.org/

BIGGER COMMUNITY EVENTS (early 2026)

Arizona Songwriters Gathering (Glendale Main Library)
    Date/Time: Sat, Jan 31, 2026 • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
    Venue: Glendale Main Library
    City: Glendale, AZ
    Info (library post): https://www.glendaleazlibrary.com/news/glendale_library_to_host_arizona_songwriters_gathering_2026

Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival (2-day festival)
    Dates: Sat, Feb 28 & Sun, Mar 1, 2026
    Venue: Sahuaro Ranch Park
    City: Glendale, AZ
    Info (official): https://glendalefestivals.org/glendale-folk-festival/

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

On this episode of The Desert Vibe Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Allen of The Matthew Allen Project, one of the hardest-working independent artists in the Arizona music scene. If you care about musicians in Arizona, local community, and the power of songs to literally change a life, this one’s for you. Watch the full episode to hear the whole story.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
 • Turning music from a hobby into a serious business
 • How one song led to a daughter and a total life reset
 • Uncle Jerry, The Hush Puppies, and a legendary Gibson/amp combo
 • Life in a truck, Montana winters, and the road back to Tempe
 • The Chill Room as a lifeline and safe space for local Arizona bands
 • Matthew’s blend of blues, outlaw country, and ’90s grunge
 • Walt’s mentorship and getting out of “why me” mode
 • Matthew’s bigger vision: a label, festivals, and helping kids through music

⸻
Guest Links

Matthew Allen (The Matthew Allen Project):
 • Website (legacy branding): https://monotonesickness.com/
 • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgxS4qLOCV3dlUPxQVqdNNw  
 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthewallenproject  

⸻

Local Music in Arizona – Upcoming Shows & Events
 • Las Noches de las Luminarias – Select evenings Nov 29–Dec 30, 2025 – Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix – A stunning holiday walk-through with thousands of luminarias, live music, and food & drink. – https://dbg.org/event/las-noches-de-las-luminarias/  

 • Merry Main Street – Through early January 2026 – Downtown Mesa – Ice rink, holiday lights, music, and family activities in the heart of Mesa. – https://merrymainst.com/  

 • QC Hometown Christmas 2025: Tree Lighting & Parade – Dec 5–6, 2025 – Desert Mountain Park & downtown Queen Creek – Friday night tree lighting, Santa, and music; Saturday morning family-friendly parade. – https://www.queencreekaz.gov/qchometownchristmas  

 • Arizona Songwriters Gathering – Jan 31, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. – Glendale Main Library, Glendale, AZ – Full day of performances and workshops showcasing songwriters from across Arizona. – https://www.gplfoundation.org/event/arizona-songwriters-gathering/  

 • Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival – Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026 – Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area, Glendale, AZ – Two-day multi-stage festival with folk, acoustic, and roots music plus historic demos. – https://www.glendaleaz.com/Home/Components/News/News/10928/16  

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

A WWII pilot’s wood stash, a desert Quonset hut, and a Stanford business plan converge to form the Roberto Venn School of Luthiery. William Eaton traces the school’s roots, the 50th-anniversary builds for MIM, and how Arizona’s climate shapes guitars and the people who make them.

• John Roberts’ reclaimed wood journey from Nicaragua to Phoenix
• Founding of the school and early Quonset hut era
• Stanford plan that formalized the program
• Alumni impact across Gibson, Fender, Collings and boutique shops
• MIM celebration and fifty anniversary guitars
• Taylor Swift koa tangents and material provenance
• Fender rosewood Telecaster tribute insights
• Desert living, indigenous wisdom, and craft values
• Old Town Center for the Arts origin story
• Repair culture, humidity science, and Arizona guitar care
• Spiral harp guitar design and spatial sound

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ

We sit down with Carrie Schnepf to trace how a working farm became a music landmark, from early peach festivals to hosting Country Thunder and building stages on the fly. Expect hard truths about promoter economics, sweet backstage moments, and a clear case for why live music is the glue that holds great events together.

• Arizona roots and a family steeped in music
• Tempe’s live scene and Morningstar memories
• Turning a farm into a festival venue
• Country Thunder’s growth and backstage stories
• Booking for quality, reliability and showmanship
• The real costs: insurance, security, permits
• Why promoters get paid last and the “last ten rows”
• Live music as the glue of guest experience
• Pop-up concerts and themed open mics at the farm
• Community events in Tempe and across the Valley
• Gratitude for artists and support for Caribbean music communities

Support the show

Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast

Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast

The Desert Vibe Hosts:
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com 
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net 
• Jamirae / The Blindsiders: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders/ 

The Desert Vibe Marketing & Website Team
• Emma & James Mattison : https://emmaandjames.music

#TheDesertVibe #ArizonaMusic #LiveMusicArizona #PhoenixMusic #TempeAZ