The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

Today on The Roundtable, we’re talking about something mighty special: The Protomen, the Nashville-bred rock opera icons whose latest album Act III: This City Made Us just broke into the Top 10 on the Billboard charts — a huge milestone for a band that’s carved its own legendary path through immersive storytelling, epic soundscapes, and cult devotion.

This is the final act of a trilogy years in the making, a record that bridges mythology and raw emotion while pushing the band’s signature blend of dystopian theatricality and rock-opera bombast to its highest peak yet. From layered synths to anthemic hooks, it’s the kind of album that doesn’t just get played — it gets experienced.

And now, The Protomen are bringing this saga full circle with a multi-night homecoming run in Nashville — an event where each night honors a different chapter of their story through jaw-dropping live performance and that immersive world-building fans can’t get enough of. We break down the music, the myth, the philosophy behind their art, and what this moment means to a band that has always done things their own way.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available daily on BroadwayWorld, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

#TheProtomen #ActIIIThisCityMadeUs #TheRoundtable #NashvilleMusic #RockOpera #NewMusic #Top10Album #EpicStorytelling #IndieRockSuccess

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Keith Kilgo, founding member of The Blackbyrds, joins The Roundtable as the legendary group hits the road again for 2026. Born out of Howard University and famously mentored by Donald Byrd, The Blackbyrds helped define a new era of jazz-funk in the 1970s, blending groove, soul, and musicianship into a sound that still resonates today. With hits like Walking in Rhythm and Happy Music, their influence continues to echo across hip-hop, R&B, and modern funk.

In this conversation, Keith reflects on the band’s groundbreaking beginnings, their cultural impact, and what it means to bring this music back to audiences decades later. We talk legacy, longevity, and the power of live music to connect generations — then and now. A master drummer, a founding voice, and a living piece of music history, Keith Kilgo reminds us why this sound never left.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

#KeithKilgo #TheBlackbyrds #JazzFunk #MusicHistory #FunkLegacy #TheRoundtable #BlackMusic #LiveMusic #OnTour2026

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Matteo Lane is hitting the road with his brand-new comedy tour We’ve Gotta Catch Up, and honestly… this one feels personal. Known for his razor-sharp wit, big heart, and stories that bounce effortlessly between culture, family, identity, and pure chaos, Matteo is doing what he does best—making us laugh while sneaking in a little truth. From growing up Italian to navigating love, life, and being extremely online, this tour is Matteo at his most honest and unfiltered.

And yes—Detroit is on the list 🙌. Matteo is bringing We’ve Gotta Catch Up to the Motor City, and if you’ve ever said “he’s our people,” this is your moment. It’s smart comedy, loud laughs, and that feeling of being in a room where everyone gets it. Whether you’ve followed Matteo for years or you’re about to discover why everyone’s obsessed, this is absolutely a show you need to catch live.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

More at RobertBannon.com | Instagram: @RobertBannon

#MatteoLane #WeveGottaCatchUp #ItalianGay #ComedyTour #DetroitEvents #LiveComedy #TheRoundtable #TheBestIsYetToCome

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Ever wonder what it actually takes to make — and hopefully sell — a TV pilot? This week at the Roundtable, we’re joined by Tom Willoughby, a first-time showrunner stepping into the deep end with his new series The Rich Kids Rule. Tom breaks down the real path from idea to pilot: writing, pitching, assembling a team, navigating notes, and the leap of faith it takes to put your vision out into the industry.

We get candid about the pressure, the learning curve, and the moments no one warns you about — from creative compromises to holding your nerve when the stakes feel very real. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about ambition, risk, and believing in your story even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. If you’ve ever dreamed about making TV, this one pulls back the curtain in the best way.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and everywhere you get your shows.

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Omari Collins — known on and off stage as the unforgettable Scarlett D. Von’Du — joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about starring in the hit musical KINKY BOOTS as it stops in Detroit. Omari shares what it means to step into such an iconic role, the responsibility of honoring the character’s legacy, and the joy of bringing this bold, high-energy show to audiences who are ready to celebrate authenticity and self-expression.

We also dive into the deeper message behind KINKY BOOTS — acceptance, chosen family, and standing proudly in who you are — and why this story continues to resonate everywhere it goes. From fierce performances to heartfelt moments backstage, Omari opens up about the magic of the tour, the love he feels from audiences, and why Detroit holds a special place on the journey.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms.

#TheRoundtable #OmariCollins #ScarlettDVonDu #KinkyBoots #BroadwayTour #DetroitTheatre #TheatreLife #QueerJoy #TheBestIsYetToCome

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Director Chris Walters joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his moving documentary Artfully United, a film that explores the power of public art to bring people together and uplift communities. The project follows artist Mike Norice as he creates vibrant murals in underserved neighborhoods, transforming blank walls into messages of hope, unity, and belonging.

More than a documentary about art, Artfully United is a story about people — their histories, struggles, and shared humanity. Chris opens up about the years-long journey behind the film, the trust built within the communities featured, and why he believes art has the ability to spark dialogue, healing, and real change. It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity with purpose and the impact of telling stories that matter.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms.

#TheRoundtable #ChrisWalters #ArtfullyUnited #DocumentaryFilm #ArtAndCommunity #PublicArt #Storytelling #CreativeVoices #TheBestIsYetToCome

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XBYRDX joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a candid conversation about his powerful new single and the album it introduces. Known for blending emotion, atmosphere, and honesty, XBYRDX opens up about his creative process, the inspirations behind the project, and how this body of work represents a deeper chapter in his artistic evolution.

We also get into identity, vulnerability, and what it means to tell your story without compromise. From studio moments to personal breakthroughs, XBYRDX shares what he hopes listeners take away from the music — and why this release feels like a defining moment in his journey. It’s an honest, thoughtful chat about art, growth, and trusting your voice.

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms.

#TheRoundtable #XBYRDX #NewMusic #NewSingle #NewAlbum #MusicInterview #ArtistSpotlight #CreativeProcess #IndependentArtist #TheBestIsYetToCome

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Tenor saxophonist Simon Mogul joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his debut album Simon Says, a straight-ahead jazz record rooted in tradition and driven by pure swing. Recorded with legendary bassist and producer Curtis Lundy, Simon Says captures the raw, first-take energy of the studio while honoring the lineage of jazz greats like Dexter Gordon, Gene Ammons, Sonny Rollins, and more — all while showcasing Simon’s own modern, fearless voice on the horn.

In this conversation, Simon opens up about his journey from Miami to New York City, the discipline and freedom behind jazz improvisation, and what it means to step into the spotlight with a debut that leads with confidence and soul. We talk about musical trust, collaboration, and why straight-ahead jazz still matters right now. It’s a thoughtful, swinging conversation about honoring the past, claiming the present, and saying exactly what you mean — musically and personally.

🎙️ The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

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We hit the red carpet for Solo Mio and caught up with an incredible lineup of stars including Kevin James, Jonathan Roumie, Kim Coates, Nicole Grimaudo, and more. From big laughs to thoughtful reflections, the energy on the carpet was electric as the cast and creatives celebrated this exciting new release.

From candid moments to behind-the-scenes stories, our red carpet conversations captured the heart, humor, and excitement surrounding Solo Mio. It’s always a thrill to connect with artists in the moment — when the lights are bright, the nerves are real, and the celebration is just getting started. This red carpet special is out now.

🎬 Watch on Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, I Heart, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms

#SoloMio #RedCarpet #KevinJames #JonathanRoumie #KimCoates #NicoleGrimaudo #TheRoundtable

The best is yet to come.

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Carrot Top is here — and nothing about his career has ever been ordinary. From Las Vegas headliner to one of the most instantly recognizable comedians in the world, he’s built a decades-long run by doing exactly what everyone told him not to do. We talk about how the prop comedy started, why it stuck, and how he turned skepticism into staying power, becoming a true comedy original in an industry that loves boxes.

We also get into longevity, reinvention, and what it actually takes to keep audiences laughing night after night for years. It’s funny, honest, and surprisingly reflective — with Carrot Top opening up about confidence, criticism, and trusting your instincts when the world doesn’t quite get it yet. One thing’s clear: there’s a reason he’s still standing, still selling tickets, and still surprising people.

#CarrotTop #ComedyIcon #StandUpComedy #LasVegas #ComedyLegends #PropComedy #Entertainment #ComedyLife #TheRoundtable #ConversationsThatMatter

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