From his work with the Continental Drifters, the Cowsills, and Terrance Simien to his playing with John Papa Gros, Grayson Capps, and the Covered in Vinyl series he founded with wife Susan Cowsill, the Opelousas native has a groovy, joyous approach to the drums that always shines through. While the classical training and pro-cycling career may come as a surprise, Russ’s purity of spirit and eternally youthful optimism are readily apparent. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men as a much needed mood elevator while they turn the page on a year to forget.

Topics include the holidays, George “the Max” Reinecke R.I.P., a heinous crime, the vaccine, Big Freedia, the Nashville bombing, a family history, a first drum set, early bands, “Breaking Away,” a move to San Francisco, Queen Ida, the Bluerunners, ego death, rubboard, a golden age, reunion gigs, Katrina, a Cowsills resurgence, the Turtles, freelance work, ”Searching for Sugarman,” Leif Garrett, a book proposal, and much more.

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Intro music: Styler/Coman

Break music: “I Know You Know” from “Just Believe It” by Susan Cowsill

Outro music: “Gotta Get Up” from the forthcoming record “Rhythm of the World” by the Cowsills