We continue our Tribute to Spider John Koerner with three great guests: Tom Nelson (Tom’s Burn’t Down Cafe- Madeline Island, WI), Jack Pasternacki (Cats Under the Stars) and ace guitarist Dakota Dave Hull.

We had three soulful chats as we celebrated the life, times, and music of the late great Spider John Koerner. The guests included folk and blues musician Charlie Parr, longtime Twin Cities folk singer Charlie Maguire, and record store owner, producer and longtime Koerner friend Mark Trehus. The photo includes Spider John, Paul Metsa, and Baby Grant Johnson at Palmers Bar after the Tony Glover memorial.

We continued our series with regular guest Checkpoint Charlie Pierce with a great conversation.

We had a lovely conversation with Mary T. , the owner of Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley. We talked about the past, present, and future of what Downbeat magazine called “one of the finest jazz clubs in the world.”

We had a great conversation with Minneapolis guitarist and songwriter Tab Laven. We talked about his early years in the Twin Cities, his work with Mary MacGregor and Michael Johnson, and his time in  Nashville where he met  Art Garfunkel who has toured the world with.

We had a great time, with three special guests, saluting the late great Mojo Nixon. First up is Steve McClellan, the man who put First Avenue and 7th Entry on the map as he booked both venues for over 30 years. He talks about working with Mojo and Skid Roper in the early days. Next is Joe Brauner, who booked Mojo in the mid-80’s when he worked for Venture Booking. We round out the interview with guitarist-producer Eric Ambel, who talks about recording Mojo Nixon’s “Otis”, a great record produced by legendary producer Jim Dickinson. A lotta Mojo Love in this show, with some cool asides.

Joe Brauner

Steve McClellan

Eric Ambel

Paul is joined once again by Checkpoint Charlie Pierce as we ramp up the 2024 election season.