He didn’t touch a piano until 14 — now he’s a Grammy-nominated jazz artist redefining what modern jazz can be.

Jazz, legacy, and late starts — a deep conversation with one of today’s most exciting musicians.

Jahari Stampley, one of the most decorated jazz musicians of his generation, is the winner of the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute International Competition, a 2024 Grammy nominee, and the 2025 ASCAP Herb Alpert Composers Award recipient.

From touring with legends like Stanley Clarke to hitting #1 on the iTunes Jazz chart with his debut album Still Listening, Jahari has moved effortlessly between jazz clubs, concert halls, film, and orchestral stages. His latest album, What A Time, blends jazz, gospel, pop, and cinematic influences — and features an all-star lineup including Keyon Harrold, Derrick Hodge, and his mother, D-Erania Stampley.

In this wide-ranging interview, Jahari opens up about starting piano “late,” navigating performance anxiety, protecting artistic integrity in a commercial industry, and why curiosity — not pressure — has guided his career. We also dive into his innovative music education app Piano Chronicles, his love of technology and gaming, and what success really means to him at this stage of life. Plus, we get to hear a track from "What a Time."

🎶 Live Show Alert:

The Healdsburg Winter Jazz Festival welcomes the Jahari Stampley Family Trio on Friday, January 30 at 7pm, where Jahari will debut brand-new, unreleased music.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Realizing you’re musical — and why starting piano at 14 changed everything
  

• Growing up in a musical family without feeling boxed in
  

• Chicago’s musical legacy and how it shaped Jahari’s sound
  

• From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall, film, and symphony orchestras
  

• Overcoming stage anxiety and staying present during live performance
  

• Handling on-stage chaos and technical failures in real time
  

• Balancing artistic integrity with industry expectations
  

• Building albums from concept to final cut
  

• Collaborating with major artists — and why reliability matters more than ego
  

• Making music with his mom (and her surprising drone-pilot skills!)
  

• Redefining success beyond fame and accolades
  

• Advice for musicians just starting out
  

• Piano Chronicles: blending gaming, learning, and music education
  

• Guilty-pleasure listening, dream jam sessions, and what’s next

🎁 Giveaway Alert

We’re hosting a special ticket giveaway for the Healdsburg Winter Jazz Festival on Instagram. Follow @pod_locally for your chance to win tickets to the "Good Vibes" show with Joel Ross on Feb.1.

Beer Review

After our conversation about a jazz musician’s life, one idea lingered—collaboration—and it felt fitting to pour a beer built on that same spirit: “Disciples of Foam,” a hoppy pilsner collaboration from Laughing Monk Brewing and Geisthaus Brewing. Known for doing classic styles right, these two Northern California breweries deliver a bright, bubbly, and crisp pilsner at 5.7% ABV that cuts nicely through winter’s heavier beers, using classic German hops Huell Melon and Saphir to bring light citrus brightness alongside grassy, malty notes. It pours with a beautiful foamy head and drinks effortlessly—an ideal pairing for sunshine, snacks, and the shared creativity that comes from great collaborators coming together.

🎧 Listen now and discover how a late start became a defining strength.

How Local Woodworkers Built One of North America’s Most Respected Art Shows

In this episode, we head inside the 36th Annual Artistry in Wood Exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, joined by two masters of the medium and curators of the show: John Cobb, a renowned professional woodturner, and Don Jereb, master woodworker and longtime leader of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association.

Together, they pull back the curtain on how raw, locally sourced wood becomes museum-grade art — and how a once-local gathering evolved into one of the most respected woodworking exhibitions in North America.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• How John Cobb discovered woodturning and developed his signature hollow forms and bowls from reclaimed Bay Area timber
  

• Don Jereb’s path into fine woodworking — from furniture-making to curating a museum exhibition
  

• The origins and mission of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association, founded by graduates of the College of the Redwoods
  

• How Artistry in Wood grew over 36 years from a regional show into a nationally respected exhibition
  

• The curatorial and judging process: what separates good craftsmanship from exceptional artistic expression
  

• The relationship between function and fine art in woodworking — furniture, sculpture, and everything in between
  

• Standout works and artists featured in this year’s exhibition, including advanced turning, inlay, and sculptural forms
  

• How community, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing shape the woodworking world
  

• Why this exhibition matters — not as a career shortcut, but as a celebration of skill, creativity, and tradition
  

Exhibition Details

🪵 36th Annual Artistry in Wood Exhibition

📍 Museum of Sonoma County — Santa Rosa, CA

🗓️ On view now through May 24, 2026

🎶 Special Concert Event

🗓️ February 1, 2:00–3:30 PM

🎻 Featuring musical instruments by Santa Rosa-based instrument maker Andrew Carruthers

Why This Episode Matters

Artistry in Wood challenges the outdated divide between “craft” and “fine art.” Through the voices of its curators, this conversation explores how woodworking sits on a creative continuum — where precision, material knowledge, and imagination meet.

Whether you’re an artist, maker, design lover, or simply curious about how objects are made, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Sonoma County’s most respected cultural exhibitions.

Explore More

• Visit the exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County
  

• Learn more about the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association
  

• Discover the work of John Cobb and Don Jereb
  

👉 Follow the show for more conversations with artists, cultural leaders, and the people shaping Sonoma County’s creative landscape.

🍺 Crack One Open: Craft Beer Pairing

In our Crack One Open segment, we pair the episode with Tipple, a Wet Hop Winter Ale from Moonlight Brewing. Brewed with freshly harvested Sonoma County hops and layered onto a dark, roasty ale, Tipple delivers notes of burnt coffee, toasted caramel, orange peel, and subtle spice. At 6.7% ABV, it’s a balanced, warming winter beer — and a perfect match for conversations about craftsmanship.Limited release — grab it while it’s fresh.

What happens to democracy when local journalism disappears? Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rick Goldsmith joins us to explain how vulture capital and private equity are accelerating the collapse of local journalism — and what it will take to save American news.

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Rick Goldsmith joins This Must Be the Place to discuss the power of documentary film in an era of collapsing local news, media consolidation, and growing distrust in journalism.

Goldsmith is a two-time Academy Award nominee and the director of Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink, a searing investigation into how hedge funds and corporate ownership are hollowing out America’s local newsrooms—and what it means for democracy.

With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Rick reflects on his path from architecture, music, and community activism into documentary filmmaking, and why long-form storytelling still matters in a world of shrinking attention spans and polarized media.

🎬 In this episode, we explore:

• Why documentary films play a critical role when journalism falls short
  

• How Stripped for Parts exposes the corporate stripping of local newspapers
  

• The real-world consequences of losing local news coverage
  

• What filmmakers can do to balance artistry, research, and truth
  

• Why stories about people who “speak truth to power” endure
  

• Lessons from Goldsmith’s Oscar-nominated films on press freedom
  

• Whether there’s hope — or pessimism — for the future of journalism
  

• How audiences can actively support local news and independent media

Rick also shares behind-the-scenes insight into the challenges of funding, distributing, and sustaining socially engaged documentaries — and what he’s considering next, including podcasting as a storytelling medium.

🎟️ Local Screening & Panel Discussion Stripped for Parts screens Sunday, January 11 (1:30–4:30 PM) at the Ner Shalom Synagogue in Cotati, followed by a panel with local journalists Carl Molesworth, Laura Hagar Rush, and Troy Niday.

🎥 About Rick Goldsmith Goldsmith’s acclaimed work includes Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press and The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, both examining journalism, dissent, and democracy. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a leading voice in socially engaged filmmaking.

This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned about the future of local news, press freedom, and how stories shape democracy.

🍺 Beer Review

To close the episode, the Craft Beer Concierge kicks off the new year with a tasting of Best Day Brewing Co.’s Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA, exploring the rise of Dry January and how far NA beer has come. Brewed with classic Cascade hops, the beer delivers familiar IPA bitterness with a lighter body and slightly sweeter profile, offering a flavorful option for listeners looking to moderate without giving up the ritual.

Featured Guest:

Rick Goldsmith

Resources Mentioned:

Stripped for Parts

PBS

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press

Featured Beer:

Best Day Brewing Co.’s Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA

Stand-up comedy in Sonoma County is thriving — and this episode goes inside the North Bay comedy scene with two of the people helping shape it.

Award-winning comedian Gina Stahl-Haven joins the show to talk about her storytelling-driven approach to stand-up, her unconventional path from theater and improv to comedy competitions like the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and America’s Got Talent, and why authentic self-disclosure resonates more than one-liners. Gina also previews her New Year’s Eve comedy show in Santa Rosa, where she’ll debut new material.

Next, comedian and booking agent Jon Lehre breaks down what it takes to build and sustain a local comedy scene in the North Bay. From early open mics at HopMonk Tavern to booking shows at Barrel Proof Lounge, Jon shares insights on performing, booking talent, supporting multiple venues, and keeping live comedy alive in Sonoma County.

The episode wraps with a New Year’s reflection from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring a nostalgic review of Miller High Life — the champagne of beers — and a reminder that great drinks, like great comedy, are about connection and shared experience.

🎤 Perfect for fans of stand-up comedy, Bay Area comedians, and live entertainment in Sonoma County.

Featured Guests

Gina Stahl-Haven

Jon Lehre

Upcoming Show Mentioned

New Year’s Eve Comedy Show

📍 Barrel Proof Lounge

🗓️ December 31

🎤 Live stand-up comedy with Gina Stahlhaven

Resources Mentioned

• ​San Francisco International Comedy Competition
• ​America’s Got Talent
• ​Barrel Proof Lounge
• ​Hopmonk Tavern
• ​Tim Robinson (comedic influence)
• ​Robbie Hoffman (comedic influence)

Looking for a smarter way to choose Sonoma County wines for the holidays? This episode is your guide.

Master Sommelier and San Francisco Wine School founder David Glancy joins the show to break down Sonoma County wines in a way that’s approachable, practical, and rooted in real-world tasting. David shares his journey through the Master Sommelier process, explains how Sonoma’s diverse AVAs differ, and offers expert recommendations at every price point — from hidden value bottles to special-occasion splurges.

The conversation also covers the dos and don’ts of holiday wine pairings, helping you build a festive table that actually works, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a full holiday feast.

The episode wraps with a crossover segment from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, exploring flavor bridges between beer and wine. From crisp lagers that echo bright white wines to bold stouts that mirror rich Cabernet Sauvignon, Allo shows how fermentation connects both worlds — making it easier to diversify your holiday beverage lineup.

🍷 Perfect for wine lovers, holiday hosts, and anyone curious about Sonoma County wine culture — without the intimidation.

Featured Guest

David Glancy

Resources & Wineries Mentioned

Education & Industry

• San Francisco Wine School – Modular wine education for professionals and enthusiasts.

• Court of Master Sommeliers – Information on the Master Sommelier credential.

Sonoma County Wine Recommendations

• DRNK Wines – High-quality, direct-to-consumer value wines.

• Balletto Vineyards – Affordable estate-grown options.

• Red Car Wine – Specializing in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Syrah. Affordable, delicious Rose

• Marimar Estate – Recommended for tapas and cooking classes.

• Jordan Vineyard & Winery – A premier destination for gastronomic experiences.

• Cobb Wines – Visit their new tasting room in Healdsburg.

• Radio-Coteau – Organic and biodynamic estate wines.

• Marchelle Wines

• Black Kite Cellars

• Seghesio Family Vineyards - Dry Creek Zinfandel, David’s “killer value wine”

• Eco Terreno Wines - Red Blend offers a solid value

• Kanzler

• Senses Wines

• Williams Selyem

Sparkling Wines

• Iron Horse Vineyards – Renowned for sparkling wines and environmental stewardship.

• J Vineyards & Winery

• Korbel

• Hartford Family Winery

• Freeman Winery

Luxury & Gift Picks

• Vérité Winery – Featuring "La Joie," a high-end Cabernet-based blend.

• Ultramarine – Small-batch, highly sought-after California sparkling wine.

Key Pairing Advice

• Match Sugar Levels: Ensure your dessert wine is as sweet as (or sweeter than) the dish.

• The Great "Compromise" Wine: When in doubt, David recommends Sonoma County Pinot Noir to satisfy a wide variety of palates.

• Avoid the Cab Trap: Skip the heavy Cabernet for Thanksgiving sides like sweet potatoes; opt for an oaked Chardonnay or Pinot Noir instead.

What does the future of local shopping look like in Sonoma County — and can e-commerce actually support small businesses instead of replacing them?

In this episode, Adam Haber, co-founder and CEO of Trellus, breaks down how his hyper-local e-commerce and same-day delivery platform connects Sonoma County consumers directly with local merchants. Adam explains how Trellus is designed not just for speed and convenience, but to keep dollars circulating locally, create jobs, and help neighborhood shops stay visible and competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The conversation dives into how Trellus differentiates itself from national delivery apps by prioritizing community commerce, preserving personal customer relationships, and building sustainable local logistics. Adam also shares the challenges of changing consumer habits, what it really takes to make rapid local delivery work, and why the future of shopping local depends on technology that serves communities — not extracts from them.

The episode wraps with a tasting from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring Cuver Brewing’s “Unwind: Bellini,” a low-ABV Belgian witbier inspired by the classic cocktail. With bright peach notes and an easy-drinking profile, it’s a crowd-friendly option for holiday gatherings — especially for those who don’t usually reach for beer.

🏪 Perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of local commerce in Sonoma County.

Featured Guest

Adam Haber

Featured Beer

CUVER Belgian Brewer's "Unwind: Bellini"

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Trellis Marketplace

• Corrick’s Gifts & Stationary 

• Drewish Deli

• CUVER Belgian Brewers
  

Inside Chanticleer’s holiday concert in Petaluma — and the music behind one of the world’s most celebrated vocal ensembles.

A holiday tradition comes to Sonoma County as GRAMMY Award–winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer brings “Chanticleer Christmas” to Petaluma.

In this episode, Tim Keeler, music director of Chanticleer, joins the show to preview the group’s upcoming December 18 performance in Petaluma and share the story behind one of the most celebrated vocal ensembles in the world. A former countertenor with the group, Tim reflects on Chanticleer’s roots in San Francisco, its evolution from early music into a wide-ranging repertoire, and its renewed focus on Renaissance polyphony alongside newly commissioned works.

Tim also offers insight into leading an unconducted ensemble, the collaborative audition process, and Chanticleer’s deep commitment to music education and community engagement. The conversation includes a sneak peek at the Christmas program and a listen to the ensemble’s new recording of “Joy to the World” from their latest album.

Inspired by the holiday music, host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, closes the episode with a festive tasting of Cloudburst Brewing’s Distinctive Holiday Ale — a warming winter ale with rich spice notes that pairs perfectly with seasonal traditions.

🎶 Perfect for classical music fans, holiday concertgoers, and anyone looking to experience live music in Sonoma County this season.

Featured Guest:

Tim Keeler, music director, Chanticleer

Featured Beer:

Distinctive Holiday Ale, Cloudburst Brewing

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Chanticleer's Official Website: For more information about the ensemble, their mission, tour dates, and educational initiatives, visit the main Chanticleer site.

• "Chanticleer Christmas" Performance: The specific performance discussed in the interview is scheduled for December 18th at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM at the St. Vincent de Paul Church in Petaluma. Check the Chanticleer performance schedule for tickets and details.

• “Joy to the World” New Music Release: A new Christmas album by Chanticleer. You can find this and other recordings available for purchase or streaming via Chanticleer's recordings page.

Santa Rosa-based author Scott Lipanovich discusses his Jeff Taylor mystery series and his highly anticipated new novel, West County. Scott delves into his creative journey, sharing how a high school creative writing class sparked his passion and how the unique landscapes and culture of West Sonoma County became the perfect backdrop for his mysteries. The conversation explores Scott's writing process–the challenges of plot development and the inspirations behind complex characters like the transformed PI-turned-doctor Jeff Taylor, the mysterious Edwina Siba (inspired by Armstrong Woods redwoods), and the local "West County ecosystem" they inhabit. Hear how real-life Sonoma County locations, such as Ives Park and the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, are woven into his fictional world, and get a sneak peek at Scott’s upcoming projects.

The setting of the novel West County got us inspired to find a beer that mirrors the book's natural scenery. Look no further than "Giant Lands," a West Coast Double IPA from Fieldwork Brewing Company. In addition to Fieldwork being a Bay Area staple, it also ties nicely to local Sonoma County news, as the brewery recently opened a new outpost in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. Giant Lands, at 8.5% ABV, is a "big" brew perfect for December, featuring significant pine, grapefruit, and tangerine aromas that evoke the feeling of exploring the redwood forests depicted in the novel. 

Featured Guest:

Scott Lipanovich

Featured Beer:

Fieldwork Brewing Company’s Giant Lands

Books by Scott Lipanovich

• The Lost Coast (July 2021) 

• The Golden Ceiling (July 2022) 

• Sky Lake, (July 2023)

• West County

Real-World Locations in Sonoma County

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (Guerneville, CA)

• Ives Park (Sebastopol, CA)

• Luther Burbank Experiment Farm (Sebastopol, CA)

• Sunspot (formerly Ocean Song)

• Sebastopol Center for the Arts (Sebastopol, CA)

• Calder Street (Sebastopol, CA area)

Where to Purchase West County

• Poet’s Corner Bookshop

• Copperfield’s Books
  

Gather, a new home goods boutique in Sebastopol, is redefining retail. The brainchild of  co-owners, Erin Hillmer and Jen Koelemeijer, Gather goes beyond retail by creating a community hub, focused on teaching the practical arts–gardening, cooking, preservation, fermentation, and the fiber arts–while providing all the best tools and products to engage in these endeavors. The name "Gather" perfectly encapsulates Erin and Jen’s mission to build a vibrant community-cum-retail space that invites people in to learn the craft and how to use the tools needed to perform the practical art. Their aim is to provide a vibrant space to shop, get inspired, and share your learn, bringing community together and energy and excitement back to downtown

Gather aims to counteract e-commerce trends by fostering hands-on learning and social connection, offering a "third space" where people can develop self-sufficiency, de-stress from technology, and share knowledge of traditional crafts like visible mending, natural dyeing, and sourdough baking. Their shop, named the best new business in 2025 by the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes high-quality, durable tools and locally sourced products while providing an extensive, seasonally curated class schedule taught by local artisans. They also offer free community events like monthly "Handmade & Homegrown Happy Hours" and weekly fiber circles.

Inspired by the discussion of the practical arts and fermentation, the Craft Beer Concierge reflects on the meticulous process of home brewing lagers, highlighting them as a challenging yet rewarding first project for homebrewers. He features 3 Disciples Brewing, a Santa Rosa-based operation founded by homebrewers-turned-pros James Claus and Matt Penpraze. He features the "Let There Be Light" Czech Pilsner, a crisp, 5% ABV beer with light herbal and spice notes from Saaz hops, which is perfect for enjoying in the current Sonoma County weather. 

Featured Guests:

Erin Hillmer 

Jen Koelemeijer

Featured Beer:

3 Disciples Brewing, Let There Be Light

Resources Mentioned in the Interview:

• Gather website: The primary source for their class schedule, product offerings, and general information about the store.

• Gather Brick & Mortar Location: 122 N. Main Street, Sebastopol, CA

• Specific Workshops/Skills: Mentioned classes include natural dyeing, felted items, hand-poured candles, botanical bitters, miso fermentation, sourdough, cheesemaking, broom making, fire cider, and beginning and advanced knitting.

• Community Events: Ongoing events such as Handmade & Homegrown Happy Hours, fiber circles, and produce swaps were highlighted as ways to connect with the local community.

How jazz, history, and live performance come together at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival — with Marcus Shelby.

Jazz is more than music — it’s a way of telling American history. In this episode, Marcus Shelby, composer, educator, and artistic director of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, joins the show to explore how history, storytelling, and live performance shape his work.

Marcus shares his path from engineering student to bandleader, composer, and educator, and explains why studying legends like Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn is essential to understanding jazz today. He discusses how historical narratives — from Harriet Tubman to the Negro Leagues — influence his compositions, and why jazz remains a powerful lens for social justice and cultural memory.

The conversation also previews Marcus’s upcoming performance of the Harlem Nutcracker Suite at the Raven Theater on December 20, along with insights into the Winter Jazz Festival and early plans for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival’s 2026 season.

The episode closes with a reflective tasting from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring Brother Thelonious Abbey Ale from North Coast Brewing Company — a jazz-inspired Belgian-style ale that pairs perfectly with thoughtful listening.

🎷 Perfect for jazz fans, live music lovers, and anyone curious about how music and history intersect in Sonoma County.

Featured Guest:

Marcus Shelby

Resources Mentioned in the Interview:

• Healdsburg Jazz Harlem Nutcracker Suite performance at the Raven Theater 

• Healdsburg Jazz Festival

• Healdsburg Jazz Winter Festival

• Wynton Marsalis

• Duke Ellington

• Billy Strayhorn

• Ledisi

• Count Basie

• Harriet Tubman

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Negro Leagues

• Prison Reform

• Thundercat

• Miles Davis, Kind of Blue

Featured Beer:

Brother Thelonious Abbey Ale