The Desert Vibe

By The Desert Vibe LLC

The Desert Vibe Podcast is Arizona’s home for the local music scene, featuring conversations with musicians, songwriters, venue owners, industry professionals, and the people shaping music across t

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FAQs about The Desert Vibe:

How many episodes does The Desert Vibe have?

The podcast currently has 45 episodes available.

The Desert Vibe episodes:

August 28, 2026 To Loop Or Not To Loop, Guitarist One-Man Band | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 1
Looping can feel like magic until it slips by a millisecond and the whole song collapses. We sit down with Bruce Bytes to get honest about what actually makes live looping work, especially when you’re building a sound in a small Arizona town without a steady band. He shares why he committed to the “one person band” path, how layering helped him learn faster, and what he wishes he knew before buying gear.

We get practical about the setup: how a looper and drum machine can either lock tight or drift into chaos, why MIDI compatibility matters, and how tools like a BeatBuddy style drum machine change what you can do on the fly. Bruce also talks about the musical side, blending singer-songwriter alternative rock with jazzy chord progressions, reharmonized standards, and theory choices that keep the harmony interesting without turning into traditional jazz.

Then we zoom out to the Arizona music scene with “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert,” calling out open mic nights and events across the state, from Flagstaff spots like Hops on Birch to big opportunities like the Glendale Folk Festival, the Laveen Folk Festival, and the Tempe Festival of the Arts. We also share Tucson updates, new venues, and ways to plug into a supportive community that helps new performers get on stage faster.

If you like episodes packed with actionable music tips, open mic guidance, and Arizona live music listings, hit subscribe, share it with a musician friend, and leave a review so more artists can find the show.
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
50min
August 08, 2026 How A Digital Morning Show Spotlights Local Arizona Makers | The Desert Vibe · Ep 44
We talk with Melissa Farley and Marshall Shore about building a joy-driven local morning show that elevates Arizona creators and small businesses. Then we pivot to what’s vibing in the desert with practical picks for Phoenix-area open mics and listening rooms.
Website: www.OnTheMorningShow.com
RobatTV.com, @onthemorningshow @themelissafarley @hip_historian

• turning traditional journalism skills into modern community storytelling
• using joy as a clear content filter and a creative mission
• spotlighting small businesses and first-time founders who need visibility
• why Arizona feels like a supportive creative co-op
• personal paths to the desert and what keeps people rooted here
• Arizona lore, Route 66, and the case for visiting Oatman
• favorite Valley venues and new DIY-style music spaces
• what’s next: an Arizona State Fair talent stage, new live experiences, a book and companion podcast, and a sci-fi film project
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
38min
August 01, 2026 Joey Gutos Shares How Acting, Place, And Memory Shape His Writing | The Desert Vibe · Ep 43
Joey Gutos joins us to talk about songwriting that leans on emotion, character, and the desert places that keep him inspired. We also zoom out to the Arizona music community, from legendary venues to open mics that survive because people actually show up.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/joey_gutos/

• the story behind the rescued Mellow Mushroom painting and why patina matters
• early acting roots and how performance instincts shape stage presence
• building cinematic music videos through collaboration and clear story beats
• Arizona as creative fuel through Salt River, Sedona, and Coconino trips
• guitars as long-term partners and how to choose the right instrument
• what fans want from a live set and why open mics keep scenes alive
• the unglamorous back-end of full-time music and why a tight team prevents burnout
• the EP plus film project from Edge of the World and a wake-up call from fire runoff
• Rhythm Room’s planned closing and what it takes to run a venue for decades
• Dubliner’s 25-year open mic milestone and the urgency of supporting local rooms
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
50min
July 25, 2026 The Renaissance Artist Of Arizona | The Desert Vibe · Ep 42
We sit down with Arizona creator Deon Doughty to talk about living as a true multi-hyphenate and why making art is sometimes the only thing that keeps you steady. We also map out what’s happening across Arizona, from local comedy rooms to northern open mics that keep the music scene growing.
https://hiredeon.com/
• Deon's path from downtown Phoenix poetry into Tempe’s creative orbit
• Painting local musicians as a way to honor and elevate community
• Using technology and AI experimentation inside art and music
• Why stand-up comedy feels harder than music performance
• How Arizona’s comedy scene works, including clubs, mentors, and learning options
• Fatherhood, creativity at home, and turning pain into joy
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
56min
July 17, 2026 The Secret To Hit Songs Is Tarnished Silver | The Desert Vibe · Ep 41
We sit down with singer-songwriter Eric Douglas to trace how he went from New York City to building a life and a catalog in Arizona, and why the desert changed what he writes about. We also dig into what makes a song connect, how he records at home, and how open mics and festivals keep the local music community alive.
His Website: ericdouglasmusic.com
• moving from New York to Arizona and letting place shape the writing
• breaking down “When I Was Superman” and why it resonates with parents
• tightening lyrics with stronger images like “tarnished silver”
• choosing instruments for tone, feel, and specific songs
• capturing ideas fast and building a practical home recording setup
• collaborating with other musicians through studios and shared files
• writing in first person while aiming for universal themes like love, regret, and nostalgia
• finding community through songwriter gatherings and the Glendale Folk Festival
• what’s vibing in the desert: Miami Artworks, Globe spots, Starlight Lounge, Mesa Social Club, and more
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
49min
July 10, 2026 What If A Local Scene Worked Like A Co-Op | The Desert Vibe · Ep 40
We sit down with Tempe music mainstay Amy Hansen to talk about how a truly welcoming open mic works, why the local scene feels like a musician co-op, and how community support turns into real action.
Amy's Website: https://www.facebook.com/ebonysbud
• Amy’s path from Chicago to Arizona and into the Tempe music scene
• Unity Through Community and why nonprofits matter for local art
• Native American flute songwriting, multiple keys, and tuning challenges
• How a list-free open mic helps nearly everyone get stage time
• Creating a no-judgment room where new performers feel safe
• Fundraising shows as a lifeline for friends in hard times
• DJ Amy Hansen wedding work and the realities of gig logistics
• White Mountains venue picks plus a tease of Lake Havasu music spots
• Tips for tracking Arizona open mics and upcoming festival dates
Just Google the Levine 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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
54min
June 26, 2026 From A Glendale Music Store To Global Stages | The Desert Vibe · Ep 39
We sit down with Diana Lee Messana to trace the real path from a Glendale music store to major stages, studio sessions, and a life built around performance. We also map out where live music is vibing across Arizona right now, from Jerome and Bisbee to Flagstaff and Prescott.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/diana.lee.5872682

• her first recordings and how format changes shape a career
• favorite Arizona studios and what great producers pull out of artists
• why Diana Lee’s Soul Kitchen starts during COVID to support working musicians
• Arizona family history, musical roots, and why she uses the name Diana Lee
• the mentors and teachers who sharpen her ear, confidence, and versatility
• how she builds a career by doing the work every day
• why the Phoenix music community feels like a “great co-op” of musicians
• the harmonica and flute moments that win a crowd
• upcoming performances plus the Donnie Dean “Oakland Sessions” project
• weekend getaway music picks in Jerome and Bisbee
• summer concert and tribute show notes for Flagstaff and Prescott
• open mic updates and ways to find local listings

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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
55min
June 19, 2026 What If Your Day Job Is The Muse | The Desert Vibe · Ep 38
We sit down with Justin Olson, aka PTNA, to talk about the leap from writing songs in private to sharing them on real stages and letting people see what the music is really made of. We also tour the Arizona live music map with venue picks and open mic nights across Sedona, Queen Creek, Tucson, Show Low, and Tempe.
Listen to Justin Olson "PTNA": http://Ptna.bandcamp.com

• first open mic memories and why Tempe Center for the Arts felt like turning pro
• performing as vulnerability and self-healing rather than “being confident”
• what listener feedback means when a song lands deeply
• balancing parks and recreation work with a serious music practice
• how Arizona nature and solitude feed the songwriting process
• Why the Arizona music scene feels open across styles
• Justin’s studio approach with guitar, synths, drum machines, and field recordings
• the real meaning behind the PTNA name and the desert patina story
• what’s next: EP vs album thinking, upcoming shows, and licensing goals

Check out "PTNA" (Justin Olson) on BandCamp: http://Ptna.bandcamp.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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
46min
June 12, 2026 What If Starting Over Is The Whole Point | The Desert Vibe · Ep 37
We catch up with blues guitarist Chuck Hall as he looks back on decades in the Arizona music scene and talks through a bold, open-ended move to Bend, Oregon. We also share fresh live music intel across the state, from an all-arts open stage in Casa Grande to festival news up in Flagstaff.
WEBSITE:
https://www.facebook.com/chuckhallmusic.page

• Chuck’s first leap into Arizona and how jam nights turned into a band
• Why the Bend, Oregon move is about equal footing and new ears
• How the duo works without rehearsals and why that sparks songs
• The “free range music” solo show and the early influences behind it
• What makes the Phoenix and Arizona musician network feel like a co-op
• Studio memories, last gigs before the road, and the guitars he’s packing
• Flagstaff Folk Festival changes plus a Route 66 songwriting contest
• Our summer travel notes on venues, heat escapes, and where to scout stages
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
48min
June 05, 2026 How Tempe’s Mayor Sees Music Powering A City | The Desert Vibe · Ep 36
We talk with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods about how a personal decision to put down roots turns into long-term public service and a hands-on approach to community building. We also dig into why live music and entertainment are not a luxury in Tempe, but part of the city’s identity, economy, and future.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-woods-29817169/

• Corey’s path to Tempe through ASU and why he stays
• Losing an early council race then building deeper community ties
• Turning a love of cooking into nonprofit fundraising
• Tempe’s live music culture and how parks help it grow
• Entertainment as economic development and a citywide differentiator
• The Mill Avenue refresh and why infrastructure shapes nightlife
• Ideas for a signature Tempe music festival that honors legacy acts and lifts new artists
• How cities can support local musicians through resources, permits, and getting to yes
• Why small local shows matter as much as big festivals
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
🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show:
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products

Hosts
• Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com
• Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net
Marketing, PR & Website
• Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music

Regional Contributors
Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment.
Interested in being interviewed or representing your region?
https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com
#TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands
...more
51min

FAQs about The Desert Vibe:

How many episodes does The Desert Vibe have?

The podcast currently has 45 episodes available.