Beyond The Fame with Jason Fraley

Jason Fraley interviews Tony-nominated Broadway star Melissa Errico, who brings “The Story of a Rose: A Musical Reverie on The Great War” to the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria, Virginia on May 7. She shares how her great aunt inspired the show and reflects on her own career from “My Fair Lady” to “Amour.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Grammy-winning country star Carly Pearce, who plays Stagecoach tomorrow before bringing her tour to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 1. She also discusses her biggest hits like “Every Little Thing,” “I Hope You're Happy Now,” “Next Girl,” “What He Didn't Do,” “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” and “We Don't Fight Anymore.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Oscar-nominated composer David Newman, who conducts “Matilda: In Concert” live with the NSO Pops at the Kennedy Center this Friday and Saturday, including a special Q&A with Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson. He reflects on his career from “The Mighty Ducks” to “The Sandlot,” from “Tommy Boy” to “The Nutty Professor,” from “Anastasia” to “Ice Age,” as well as his favorite film scores by his legendary father Alfred Newman, brother Thomas Newman and cousin Randy Newman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews actor Asher Grodman, who stars in a very special episode of the spooky sitcom “Ghosts” tomorrow night on CBS. He shared why he loves playing his character Trevor and raves about his hilarious co-stars. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews rap legend Rakim, who performs live at Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday, April 18. The groundbreaking emcee breaks down his internal rhyme schemes across a career of hip-hop hits, including “Paid in Full,” “I Ain't No Joke,” “I Know You Got Soul,” “Follow the Leader,” “Don't Sweat the Technique” and “Juice (Know the Ledge).” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Old Dominion lead guitarist Brad Tursi, who brings his solo tour to Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 16 and Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia on April  17 before the band rocks Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on July 18. They discuss his solo album “Parallel Love,” as well as his journey with Old Dominion for hits like “Break Up With Him,” “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” “Make It Sweet” and “One Man Band.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser, who stars in the new movie “The Luckiest Man in America,” based on the true story of a game-show contestant who memorized the Whammy pattern on “Press Your Luck.” They also discuss his career highlights from “I, Tonya” to “Richard Jewell," “BlackKKlansman” to “Da 5 Bloods,” “Black Bird” to “The Afterparty.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews “American Idol” champ David Cook, who performs live at Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on April 9 and Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia on May 2 for the annual “Race for Hope” fundraiser to benefit The National Brain Tumor Society.  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews five-time Emmy nominee Amy Brenneman about her new comedy play "Fake It Until You Make It” at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. now through May 4. They also discuss her career highlights, including “NYPD Blue," "Casper," "Heat," "Judging Amy," “Private Practice” and “The Leftovers.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews acclaimed comedian Earthquake, who performs at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on April 12. He discusses growing up in D.C. before launching his standup comedy career, including the 2022 Netflix special “Chappelle's Home Team: Earthquake Legendary,” which was named Funniest Comedy Special of the Year by The New York Times. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley catches up with John Driskell Hopkins, Jimmy De Martini and Caroline Jones of the Zac Brown Band, which performs live at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland this Friday, April 4. They break down their Grammy-winning hits, favorite deep cuts and one member's inspiring fight against ALS.  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Ami Canaan Mann, director of the new film “Audrey's Children,” which opens in movie theaters nationwide today. They discuss her journey as a filmmaker, as well as the iconic work of father, Michael Mann. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Kevin Eastman, co-creator of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” ahead of Awesome Con in Washington D.C. on April 4-6. They discuss how his groundbreaking comic book evolved into an animated TV series, action figures, video games and live-action movie blockbusters. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews guitarist Bill Leverty of the rock band Firehouse, which performs live at The Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on April 3. He reflects on growing up in Virginia before recording hits like “Don't Treat Me Bad,” “Love of a Lifetime,” and “When I Look Into Your Eyes.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews four-time Grammy nominee Boney James, who performs live at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on April 2. The jazz and R&B icon dishes on his new album “Slow Burn” and how he became one of the most acclaimed saxophone players in the world. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interview country music star Craig Morgan, who performs at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland this Thursday night. They discuss his new album "American Soundtrack,” as well as his biggest hits, including "Almost Home," "That's What I Love About Sunday," "Redneck Yacht Club," "Little Bit of Life" and "International Harvester." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Airrion Love, founding member of the classic soul group The Stylistics, which performs live at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Sunday. They reflect on the group's iconic tunes like “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews The Guess Who's lead singer Burton Cummings, who rocks the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on March 19. They reflect on the band's unique name and its biggest hits from “These Eyes” to “American Woman.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the eighth anniversary of Robert Osborne's death by bringing back this interview with his Turner Classic Movies colleague Ben Mankiewicz. They spoke in 2017 to promote TCM's Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews the hilarious Hank Azaria, who brings his Bruce Springsteen tribute band to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Thursday, followed by Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday. He also recreates his most famous voices from “The Simpsons” and reflects on his best movies from “Quiz Show” to “The Birdcage.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley previews Sunday's Oscars with Los Angeles film critic Oliver Jones, son of legendary D.C. movie critic Davey Marlin-Jones. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Dropkick Murphys lead guitarist Tim Brennan as the band rocks The Anthem in Washington D.C. this Thursday during its annual Saint Patrick's Day tour. They also discuss the band's Celtic rock tunes, from the smash hit "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" to the new social commentary single "Sirens." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley marks the 45th anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice" where the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team upset the Soviet Union on Feb. 22, 1980. He spoke with Chicago filmmaker Gabe Polsky, the son of Ukrainian immigrants, about his acclaimed hockey documentary “Red Army” in 2015. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Martin Campbell about his new action thriller "Cleaner" starring Daisy Ridley and Clive Owen (in theaters nationwide tomorrow). They also discuss his career of 007 glory from launching Pierce Brosnan in "GoldenEye" to launching Daniel Crag in "Casino Royale." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews R&B star Lalah Hathaway, who performs live at the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday, Feb. 22. She called in to preview the show and reflect on her life's journey, from growing up the daughter of Donny Hathaway to winning five Grammys in her own right. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") 

Jason Fraley interviews trailblazing director Charles Burnett about his long-lost film “The Annihilation of Fish" starring James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave as the romance returns to select theaters tomorrow for Valentine's Day. He also reflects on his groundbreaking 1977 film “Killer of Sheep,” named one of the Top 100 Films of All Time on the latest critics poll by Sight & Sound Magazine. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Emily Brundige, creator of the new animated series "Goldie," which premieres on Apple TV+ this Friday. She discusses her career journey from YouTube's “Pubertina” to Netflix's “Hilda” to Nickelodeon's "Big Nate." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews renowned screenwriter David Koepp about his new haunted-house flick “Presence," directed by Steven Soderbergh. He also reflects on his prolific career of writing the iconic scripts for classics like Steven Spielberg's “Jurassic Park,” Brian De Palma's “Mission Impossible” and Sam Raimi's “Spider-Man.”  (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews former Megadeath lead guitarist Marty Friedman, who rocks the Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland on Feb. 7 and the Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on Feb. 11. He reflects on his journey from growing up in Laurel, Maryland to gaining thrash-metal fame with Megadeath and becoming a pop-culture sensation in Japan, all chronicled in his autobiography “Dreaming Japanese.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley sends well wishes to Washington Capitals arena announcer Wes Johnson, who is recovering after being found unresponsive in his hotel room in Atlanta where he planned to host a benefit for the National Alzheimer's Association. You'll hear an update on his GoFundMe campaign, as well as a replay of their 2022 interview about the Alzheimer's fundraiser "Voiceapalooza." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews legendary movie critic Arch Campbell, who visits Politics & Prose in Washington D.C. this Sunday to promote his new memoir “The Accidental Critic.” Arch shares his favorite stories from the book, from growing up in Texas to moving to D.C. where he formed a dream team at Channel 4 in the Golden Age of local TV news. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Dr. Robert Ballard, the man who found the wreckage of the Titanic, ahead of his event at The Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland on Thursday, Feb. 6. He calls in to discuss his greatest underwater discoveries, from iconic shipwrecks to natural phenomenons that changed our very understanding of life on Earth — and whether Earth is itself a living creature. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews filmmaker Neil Burger about his new spy thriller "Inheritance" starring Phoebe Dynevor of “Bridgerton” and Rhys Ifans of “House of the Dragon.” He describes shooting the movie entirely on an iPhone after his career of Oscar-nominated films like “The Illusionist” and blockbusters like “Divergent.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews five-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding, who performs live this Sunday at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. She called in to discuss her acclaimed jazz career, from winning Best New Artist in 2011 to being nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at next week's Grammy Awards. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews "The Color Purple" author Alice Walker and Busboys & Poets Founder Andy Shallal about the Peace Ball, which will be held in Washington D.C. this Saturday night ahead of Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Walker also shares her memories of the 1985 movie version with Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and Steven Spielberg. After that, you'll hear Jason's previous conversation with Shallal about the last Peace Ball in 2017, reflecting on the two-term legacy of Barack Obama before Donald Trump took office the first time. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Howie Mandel about the virtual auditions for Season 20 of NBC's "America's Got Talent," which will still be held Jan. 24 despite in-person auditions being postponed yesterday in Pasadena due to the Los Angeles wildfires. They also discuss Mandel's career journey from "Bobby's World" to "Deal or No Deal." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews keyboardist Joel Cummins as Umphrey's McGee rocks the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia on Jan. 18. He discusses forming the band at the University of Notre Dame where their band manager appeared in the movie “Rudy” before getting their band name from a tipsy Rodney Dangerfield and even recording music for ESPN's “Around the Horn." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Broadway star Ari'el Stachel, who kicks off his one-man show “Out of Character” today in Washington D.C. as a co-production of Theater J and Mosaic Theater. He describes writing and performing the autobiographical piece, as well as memories of his Tony-winning role in “The Band's Visit.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley catches up with Jesse Eisenberg, who writes, directs and stars in "A Real Pain," nominated for four Golden Globes this weekend, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay. They discuss the acclaimed film and reflect on his career from “Zombieland” to “The Social Network.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley catches up with Mario Lopez, who hosts the Big Night DC: New Year's Eve Extravaganza tomorrow night at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He called in from his car — and even braved a flat tire -- to preview what's being billed as the “largest and most exciting New Year's Eve Gala in America!" (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley catches up with drummer Jeff Plate as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra rocks Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. on Dec. 23. They discuss holiday hits from “Christmas Eve/Sarajveo” to “Christmas Canon,” which are still played on Christmas radio stations every December to this day. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley catches up with filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer about his new apocalyptic musical “The End" starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon. He describes his first foray into feature-length narrative filmmaking after his Oscar-nominated documentaries “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews comedian Mark Curry, who brings his standup comedy tour to the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Sunday. He previews the show and reflects on his career journey, from “Showtime at The Apollo” to the sitcom “Hangin' with Mr. Cooper” — and why there should be a reboot. (Theme Music: Scott Buckely's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews 12-time Grammy winner John Legend, who brings his Christmas show to Christmas show to the Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland on Saturday, Dec. 12. Legend previews the holiday tour and shares his favorite Christmas memories. We also reflect on his hit songs like “Ordinary People,” “All of Me” and “Love Me Now,” his Oscar experiences with “Selma” and “La La Land,” and what it's meant to coach the next generation of artists on NBC's “The Voice.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner Jennifer Hudson, who just released her first ever Christmas album "The Gift of Love" along with a holiday concert tour in select tours. They discuss her favorite holiday tracks and memories of turning “American Idol” defeat into Oscar-winning gold in “Dreamgirls” on her way to becoming a rare EGOT. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews actor Jim O'Heir, who played Jerry Gergich on NBC's “Park and Recreation" and is now the author of the new book “Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles and Parks and Recreation.” He called in to share some insightful tidbits from the book and ended with a fun rapid-fire salute to his hilarious co-stars. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley gets ready for “Sesame Street Live” at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia this Saturday -- the perfect event if you have family in town for Thanksgiving weekend. He spoke to the cast of "Sesame Street" on the red carpet at the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary. You'll also hear his 2021 conversation with the filmmakers of the insightful documentary "Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Disney Channel alum Karan Brar, who makes his theater debut in the lead role of the new play “Data" at Arena Stage in Washington D.C.  now through Dec. 15. He called in to discuss the show, what he's learned from acting on stage for the first time, and memories of his screen roles from TV shows like “Jessie” and “Bunk'd” to movies like “Pacific Rim Uprising” and “Hubie Halloween.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Clarke Peters about his new historical thriller “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin” in movie theaters today, produced Angel Studios ("Sound of Freedom"). He recounts the true story of a plot to assassinate Hitler, as well as his own career highlights from dissecting Baltimore in HBO's “The Wire” to witnessing angelic light behind the late Chadwick Boseman in Spike Lee's “Da 5 Bloods.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Kip Winger, lead singer of the band Winger, which rocks the Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg, Virginia on Friday. They discuss the band's biggest hits from "Headed for a Heartbreak" to "Miles Away," as well as how the band bounced back after the grunge movement temporarily put them out of business. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Jason Fraley interviews Alan Parsons of The Alan Parsons Project ahead of tomorrow night's concert at The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland. He describes his early days as an engineer on iconic Beatles and Pink Floyd albums before launching his own band with hits like “Eye in the Sky” and “Sirius,” which became the entrance theme for Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. He even describes meeting his wife at Merriweather Post Pavilion. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")