Brian Oake Show

Matt Levitt (Sycamore Gap, Ledfoot Larry) stops by to talk about Treylor, his Taylor Swift tribute band. We talk Taylor, the decades-long impact of The Cure, and get all medieval on the Renaissance Festival, pirate pants are NOT optional. Enjoy!

Our favorite punk-rock librarian visited us from Vermont.  Jon Copeland has been through hell and back with medical issues and spent nearly a month and a half in the hospital.  He's back!  He's seeing tons of shows again.  Listen to his story.  So glad he's okay!

On this episode, a couple of pervious guests appear on the 'cast together for the first time. David Anania (Blue Man Group, Greazy Meal) and Brian Z (Dr. Mambo's Combo) are both members of Those Medley Kids, a prog rock tribute band. They have a gig coming up at Crooner's on the 15th. We talk about the event a take a serious Prog Rock deep dive. Let's get weird!

Ben Cook-Feltz is back! This time, he's got a brand new release. A song-for-song re-creation of Harry Nilsson's 'Son of Schmilsson' (out today!). He has a big release party/concert at The Parkway on 8/10, featuring a truly stellar line-up. Here, we talk about the process and the result. Enjoy!

Let's dance! This Saturday (8/2/25) there's a massive street dance in northeast call D.E.I.: Disco Energy Infusion. It runs from 2-9 at Dutch Bar (2512 Central Ave NE) and features a day full of building community and sweet, sweet grooves. Family-friendly, this event is free and open to the public. Event MC, producer and main brain, DJ Tricky Micki tells us where it all began and how it's going to shake out. Enjoy! And see you Saturday!!

Fascinating! Hopeful! Today, we spoke with Hailey Bailey, Chief Advancement Officer of the ACLU Minnesota. She has lived and worked all over the world, almost always in the most war-ravaged, famine-stricken locations. These days, she is a crucial component of a group working tirelessly to protect the Constitutional rights of every single Minnesota. Great energy, and even better tatste in music. Enjoy!

One of our favorites is back! Local storyteller and stand-up comic Jason Schommer stops by to tell us all about his new Fringe Festival show 50: A Totally Rad Comedy About the Gnarly Reckoning of a GenXer. Jason is quick-witted and very funny. He made me laugh really hard and you will likely too. Enjoy!

Wow! Just had a rousing conversation with Miss Georgia Peach (Beebe Gallini, et al.). She's a guitar player, singer, fashionista and so much more. Opinionated, insighful, and absolutely hilarious! She's got some brilliant stories, great music and a couple of excellent upcoming gigs. I hope you enjoy this half as much as I did. I don't remember the last time I laughed this hard in the podcast. Enjoy!

Our favorite Future Dude ever, Jeffrey Morris stops by to  talk all about his new feature length film, The Eagle Obsession. Jeffrey is a Director, Futurist and, most impotantly, a Humanist. So smart, so talented and genuinely thoughtful, we couldn't be happier to have had him as our featured guest on Episode 500! Listen and enjoy!

Dave Egemo returns for his 4th visit to the SmartStart MN studio to promote the 3rd Annual Parkinson's Foundation Fundraiser feat. Flamin' Oh's and Annie & The Bang Bang. A great lineup for an even better cause. Listen, learn and come out to The Hook & Ladder on the 16th. Cheers!

Mary Strand (Mary Strand and the Garage) makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStartMN studio! This lawyer-turned-novelist-turned-musician has a new album on the way. I Don't Need Your Permission will be released Aug 1, and the big release party at the Hook and Ladder is happening the night before, July 31st. We get to hear a lot about her wild ride thus far and three new tracks! Enjoy!

Michael Anschel, the main brain behind OA Design Build Architecture (a sponsor of this fine podcast), stops by for another rousing discussion. This is far more than an hour long infomercial, it's a robust discussion of community, our relationship to the natural world and the ongoing battle against the erosion of human decency. He's also conjured up a fictional company, complete with a website and employee handbook, that is a truly terrifying piece of modern satire. Oh, and he always brings killer songs. This time was no exception. Enjoy!

Andra Suchy shares great stories about growing up in North Dakota, Daisy the cow, performing with amazing musicians and Poky here sweet pooch!  

Jenny Case was on the show today! She's an amazing guitar and bass player in so many bands and she heads up SheRockSheRock.com to teach girls to rock!  She had some great song picks and we talked about the Laurie Lindeen scholorship for her camp and her connection with Jill Sobule, who recently passed away in Woodbury.  Enjoy the show!

Matthew Hope certainly lives up to his name! Matthew, a musician in his own right, has organized an incredible benefit for Open Arms MN coming up July 12. The musical line up is killer and it couldn't be for a more important cause. Learn all about the event and enjoy the music! Cheers!

Claire Luger and Mikkel Bee join us to talk all things Minnesota Music Resistance.  It's a new organization that puts on events to raise money for great causes.  Their first event is Sunday at Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge in Minneapolis starting at 2pm and going until 7.  A killer lineup of bands including Silent Treatment Buffalo Weaver, Turn Turn Turn, Dad Bod, Christy Costello and more.  It all benefits the ACLU.  Get tickets today.  

She's a force in the Twin Cities music scene and a fierce advocate for people's rights, Tina Schlieske joins us on this show to talk about her show at Lowertown Sounds on Thursday and her show atop the Hewing Hotel on Sunday.  We commemorate Sly of Sly and the family stone, Brian Wilson and hear a great Tina song!  Enjoy!

Legendary Canadian rocker Dave Rave (Teenage Head, The Shakers) and MN musical everyman Craig Teiken (Edie Rae Band, Bleek & Grimm) join us to talk about the latest expolits of their mutual music endeavor, Dave Rave & The Governors. The band is finish up sessions for their 9th (!) album at Rich Mattson's Sparta Sound, and we caught them just before they hit the road up North. Enjoy!

This episode features MN music stalwart Randy Casey along with Nate Westgor (aka 'Willie' of Willies American Guitars). They both joined to talk about a great show coming up this weekend. Sunday night (6/15) at The Parkway Theater in South Minneapolis it's a special Father's Day celebration of the legendary Joey Molland of Badfinger. We hear some great stories about Joey and hear all about the wicked all-star lineup of featured musicians playing this event. Enjoy!

More great local music! This time we are joined by Ben, Chris and James of Minneapolis-based band The Federales. Are they Country? Are they Rock? Are They Roots? YES! Listen and learn. Also check them out live Friday April 13 at Palmer's. Cheers!

What a treat! Zippy Laske makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStart MN Studio to talk about her new self-titled EP (out 6/13) and the big EP release celebration at the Green Room (also 6/13) with other luminaries like Chastity Brown and Leslie Vincent! Zippy is real, funny and definitely lives up to her nickname. Enjoy!

She's back! Annie Enneking (Annie and The Bang Bang, Glass) makes her 4th visit to the SmartStartMN Studio in scenic South Minneapolis. Annie is reliably insightful, funny and brings so much amazing enegy to everything she does. She's also a fight director, so she can help you kick someone's ass without actually kicking their ass. So great to have her back in. Enjoy!!

Doc (Sawtooth Witch, Fairfax AK, Elle PF, Theyself) makes their inaugural visit to the SmartStartMN studio! Doc is sharp, eloquent and hilarious. Also, a great musician with an excellent ethos. Basically, Doc is just plain cool. Sawtooth Witch has a brand new single on the way and a ton of shows on the near horizon. Listen, learn and enjoy! 

Nick Leet (High On Stress, Figure Eights podcast) makes a long-overdue return to the SmartStartMN Studio. We talk about his new solo record (Detours) and all that that entails. We also dig into the forthcoming new High On Stress record, his podcast (which is excellent, btw), and his partcipation in Front Row Paul Fest, happening all weekend at Palmers. Nick is the best. Enjoy!

He's been improvising for 30 years in the Twin Cities.  His main group is "Five Man Job", but he also ran Huge Theater.  He runs Improv-A-Go Go at Strike Theater the 1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month AND he helps to run Twin Cities Improv Festival which is happening June 5th through 9th at Phoenix Theater on 26th and Hennepin in Minneapolis.  (Get tickets at the Twin Cities Improv Festival website).   Great song picks by Butch.  Enjoy!  

Sally Linda (Big Salt, PARISHES) makes her inaugural visit ti the podcast to talk a little bit of everything. Her roots in Iowa, the two great bands she sings with and being a single mom who knows how to Rock n Roll. She's delightful, insightful and very funny. She also brought along some great music. Enjoy!

The Combo is back in the house! Julius 'Juice' Collins and Brian Z (Dr. Mambo's Combo) return to talk about a very special tribute to Prince. 'Forever In My Life: A Birthday Tribute To Prince' will feature the Combo playing Prince songs from every era of his legendary career. The celebration is on Weds, June 4th at The Parkway Theater. Juice and Z are always a great conversation. Enjoy!

MN music stalwart James 'Billy' Dankert (Gear Daddies, Insitutional Green, etc) stops by to talk music and the world in which we live. We get lots of good stuff - Gear Daddies stories, tales of backstage debauchery and hear his latest solo effort. I wish we could have kept him longer! Enjoy.

MN filmaker Paul Irmiter (39 Seconds) joins us to talk process, story and many other fascinating facets of filmaking. Hit latest full-length documentary '39 Seconds' tell the very little-known story of a man who many considered the greatest baseball player of his generation. It's an incredible story, and the story about making this film is also very interesting. This film has won numerous awards and was even picked up by PBS. Enjoy!

Edie Rae (The Edie Rae Band, The deLinda's, etc) makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStart MN studio! From humble beginnings in Spread Eagle, WI, she brings a lifetime of songwriting, storytelling and a fierce love of the Twin Cities music community to the conversation. She runs her own record label, is bringing out a MN Music themed cookbook, and so much more. This was a fun one. Enjoy!

What exactly is a front porch sinner?  You'll just have to listen to find out.  This outstanding Duluthian band has a new album coming out soon...if only enough people kick on their Kickstarter campaign.  https://tinyurl.com/525yusfk  We had a great conversation with Breanne and found out why she's so passion about their music AND she shared secret places in Duluth!  

Our old friend, Youa Vang stopped by to share what she's working on at the Ramsey County Historical Society and of course her amazing cross-stitch work with her sister.  Third Daughter, Restless Daughter work can be found at 3drdcrafts.com and on all the socials.  See them at Art-A-Whirl this year.  We love Youa!  

This Sunday may be Easter, but it's also 4/20!! Chris Mozena, Executive Director of the Hook & Ladder, tells us all about the annual ZEN20 celebration. Stoner bingo, live music (dosh!!!) and a coule rounds of The Bong Show, hosted by local comedian Ira Ford. Tune in turn on and turn out this Sunday for this highest of holidays! Cheers!!

Matthew French comes back to the 'cast and opens up a vein! We go unexpectedly deep on his journey with mental health. We also hear three songs from his new full length "Circles', which is largely informed by his aforementioned journey. The new album streams everywhere May 1st. You can also check him out live in Duluth on 4/27. Find out more at mfrenchmusic.com Enjoy!

These days, Drew Peterson is a solo artist, but he used to be the main man behind Midwestern greats 40 Watt Bulb. This Friday (4/11) at the Hook and Ladder, Drew and company will be playing 40 Watt's debut release 'Shovel's Length Short' in it's entirety to celbrate the 21st anniversay of that release. We talk life in rural Minnesota, on the road and hear some genuinely excellent music. Enjoy!

Ryan Robert Nelson joined us on today's show!  You've seen him in local TV commericals, in local productions for many years at Brave New Workshop and Yellow Tree Theater and now Ryan joins us to talk to us about his current project, the Folsom Prison Experience and original Johnny Cash tribute show that is touring and will arrive at the Fitzgeral theater in Saint Paul in October.  Ryan is hilarious and we highly suggest you buy tickets to anything he's involved with.  

It's the return of the Unofficial Mayor of St. Paul! Once again, Martin Devaney is back in the SmartStartMN Studio. We talk about his latest release, Blueprint For A Ghost, and his upcoming gigs. I'm glas Martin is a friend of the show. Enjoy!

This time, we are joined by MN author Scott Berndt. His book John Cleese Saved My Life...and Other True Tales of Pop, Politics and Prayer is an illuminating look at the intersection of Life, Music and Perspective. A very thoughtful man with great taste in music. Enjoy!

Reknowned MN music writer Jim Meyer joins to talk about the halcyon days of writing about the scene for City Pages. We also cover his time at the Minnesota Daily, The Star Tribune, writing for a major record retailer and more. After a twenty year absence from music journalism he's back on Substack. We cover a lot of ground and he chose some excellent MN music to puncuate the proceedings. Enjoy!

Chad Whittaker (Kung Fu Hippies) is back! Kung Fu Hippies are also back with a brand new album 5+ years in the making. 'North' will be released Friday March 28, and their massive album release extravaganza will happen the following night at Bunker's. The new songs sound great! Just listen for yourself. Enjoy!

Yay! It's the return of my dear, dear friend Keri Noble! She just recorded a brand new album in a highly unothodox manner. She brought along Matt Patrick (The Library Recording Studio) who helped her with this unlikely, yet wonderful project. We also debut three brand new songs! This one warmed my heart. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!

John Cosgrove joined us for the All Irish edition of the show in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.  Always great craic with Johnny!  Enjoy the tunes and the cheeky banter.

Mike Michel is more than the main brain behind the band The Orange Goodness. He's also a frequent musical collaborator, educator and a wealth of musical knowledge and good stories. His Indie Rock Den series (think School Of Rock for adults) has an upcoming showcase and is taking applicants for the next series. Enjoy!

This time Dylan Hicks  stops by to talk about the life and times of...Dylan Hicks. We also cover his upcoming  show at the Dakota with Sarah Morris, and hear plenty of his music. Enjoy!

We were joined by Elizabeth Ghandour from the band ELOUR.  She's the main singer and songwriter for the band.  This was a band stumbled into at The Big Turn festival a couple of weeks ago and we knew we had to have her on.  She plays one live and a couple off of her last album.  Shows coming up.  Check your local listings.  

Two-thirds of Turn Turn Turn stopped by to premier their new song "Hungry Ghosts", which is being released on Friday, February 298th.  Lovely conversation with Adam and Barb.  Enjoy!

Sean and his wifey went to the Big Turn Music Festival this last weekend.  He reviews the entire weekend and picked some songs that he absolutely loved on trip.  Please subscribe and share.  

The lovely and fierce Karan Casey spent an hour with us today to discuss her music which is rooted in passion and social justice.  She's performed with James Taylor, The Dubliners, The Chieftain's and many others.  She'll be performing at Celtic Junction in St. Paul on March 16th and tickets are still available.  Slainte'!  

Minnesota's own Pam Linton joined us to talk about her life as a country music performer, her life with country star Sherwyn Linton and her upcoming CD release party of "Songs of the Carter Family" on March 14th at Crooner's Supper Club in Fridley.  Get tickets before they're gone!  

Our dear friend and sponsor, Michael Anschel of OA Design, Build, Architecture joined us to let out some frustration about the current administration and to give some hope for our entire nation.  We talk Super Bowl halftime show, his fantastic business and so much more.  Enjoy!

Sarah Morris and Doug Collins treated us to three live songs in the SmartStartMN studio.  We shared "Plinko" stories, "petting the Ginko" and much much more.  They are both old friends of the show, so this one is particularly silly.  They will be at the White Squirrel the last Wednesday of every month until the end of time.  Enjoy!