Podcasts about Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Interview with Jeff Lang 2024 Australian guitarist-songwriter-vocalist-producer, Jeff Lang has built a reputation for making startling music that is accomplished, intricate, gutsy, melodic and loaded with soul. Often taking unexpected turns, he has consistently inspired his audiences by creating a stylistically diverse catalog of over 25 albums. Jeff has mischievously called his music ‘Disturbed Folk.' One writer referred to him as a “quiet achiever.” But the overall impression one has from observing Jeff's lengthy career is that of a driven man who keeps his head down, playing and recording music as if his very life depends on it. Outside of his homeland, Jeff has toured the UK, Europe, Japan, India, China, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada as well as concentrated work in the U.S., where he has played upwards of 300 shows, living there for 6 months at a time. He has appeared on prestigious American radio programs A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage and Acoustic Café. Jeff has shared stages with Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Richard Thompson, Bonnie Raitt, Ani Di Franco, Chris Whitley, Albert Collins, Loudon Wainwright III, Greg Brown, John Butler, AR Rahman and Bob Geldolf, among many others. Jeff has delivered show-stopping performances at festivals all across the globe: The Dublin Blues Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Quebec City Music Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival, Fuji Rock, Glastonbury, Echo Park China, Ottawa BluesFest as well as on his home turf at Port Fairy, Woodford, Bluesfest Byron Bay and Womadelaide. Jeff Lang's unique musical vision easily finds a home in myriad settings, from large festival stages to the intimate, long-running Ann Arbor, Michigan club The Ark to the Sydney Opera House. Most importantly, Jeff Lang has achieved what is a rarity in the cluttered world of contemporary sounds: his own voice. Jeff's info https://jefflang.com.au  

Mechanicsburg PA native Kevin Neidig is an excellent guitarist.  He sings really well also.  He is the 2023 Central Pennsylvania Music Awards 'Best Americana Artist', as well as one of the 2023 emerging artists at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.   

**************** RADIO CRYSTAL BLUE 7/23/23 Sylvie Vartan "La plus belle pour aller danser" Jacques Dutronc "L'Opportuniste" - s/t John Barry "Bond Meets Stacey" - A View To A Kill expanded score Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg "Jane B" s/t Jane Birkin "Alice" (Tom Waits cover) - Fictions Serge Gainsbourg "Cargo Culte" - Histoire de Melody Nelson Manu Chao "Bongo Bong" & "Je ne t'aime plus" - Clandestino Françoise Hardy "Message Personnel" - Message Personnel John Barry "The Knack" - The Music Of John Barry compilation ************************* Malcolm Holcombe ,"Ev'ry Soul Is There" - Bits And Pieces www.malcolmholcombe.com Chuck Brodsky "Bully Jim" - Gravity, Wings, And Heavy Things www.chuckbrodsky.com Sarah Shook & The Disarmers "Lesson"- Years www.disarmers.com Megan Slankard "What Gold Is" - California And Other Stories www.meganslankard.com Bird Streets "Unkind" Lagoon www.birdstreetsmusic.com Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys "I Wish I Was In Love" - Pickup Takeout www.jonathanbyrd.com Vance Gilbert "Body In The Well" - The Mother Of Trouble www.vancegilbert.com ************************ These are some of the performers who are part of the upcoming Falcon Ridge Folk Festival www.falconridgefolk.com Ellis Paul "Holy" - 55 www.ellispaul.com Alice Howe "Let Go" - Circumstances www.alicehowe.com Annie Wenz "Roses & Candy Heart Parades" - Ride The Sky www.anniewenz.com The Nields "The Full Catastrophe" - The Full Catastrophe www.nields.com The Slambovian Circus Of Dreams"Alligators" - A Very Unusual Head www.slambovia.com Aztec Two Step 2.0 "Words (How Do Ypu Tell Someone)" www.aztectwostep.com *************************** Shape Of Water "Falling" - Amor Fati www.shapeofwater.band Omar Ahmad "Usra" Inheritance https://omarahmadmusic.com/ Guitarmyofone "Kolchak Meets The Sea Monster" The Wave Files https://guitarmyofone.com/ Story Road "Armageddon" - www.marcribler.com Jeff Wisnom "Santa Monica" www.jeffwisnom.com Panic Pocket "Say You're Sorry" - Mad Half Hour https://www.facebook.com/panicpocket/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radiocblue/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radiocblue/support

Opening: Tangerine Dream "Beach Theme" - Thief motion picture soundtrack Tangerine Dream "Three Bikes In The Sky" - The Private Music Of Tangerine Dream Joe Satriani "Surfing With The Alien" - Surfing With The Alien Shonen Knife "Riding On The Rocket" - Let's Knife Ramones "I Bekieve In Miracles" & "Palisades Park" - Brain Drain Pixies "Alec Eiffel" - Trompe Le Monde The Breeders "Flipside" - Last Splash Husker Du "Books About UFOs" - New Day Rising **************** These artists are part of the upcoming Falcon Ridge Folk Festival www.falconridgefolk.com The Slambovian Circus Of Dreams "Step Outta Time" - A Very Unusual Head www.slambovia.com Sam Robbins "Reverence" Bigger Than In Between www.samrobbinsmusic.com Shanna in a Dress "Everything And Nothing" - Robot www.shannainadress.com Meghan Cary "Sing Louder" - Sing Louder www.meghancary.com Annie Wenz "Melting" - Ride The Sky www.anniewenz.com Grace Morrison "The Ropes" - I'm The Apple www.gracemorrison.com Greg Greenway "The Skin I'm In' - 20,000 Versions Of The Sun Scott Cook "Say Can You See" - Tangle Of Souls www.scottcook.net Claudia Nygaard "Lucky Girl" - Lucky Girl www.claudianygaard.com ****************** These artists are part of the upcoming Ossipee Valley Music Festival www.ossippeevalley.com/festival Ellis Paul "When Angels Fall" www.ellispaul.com Buffalo Rose with Tom Paxton "Runaway" - Rabbit www.buffalorosemusic.com Shinyribs "Party While You Still Can" - Late Night TV Gold www.shinyribs.org Twisted Pine "Come Along Jody" - Right Now www.twistedpineband.com ****************8 Ben Harper "We Need To Talk About It" - Bloodline Maintenance www.benharper.com Tom Freund "Rebound" - The Year I Spent In Space www.tomfreund.com Ash & Eric "Simon, Taylor, Denver, Cash" - Sure www.ashandericmusic.com Megan Slankard "A Token Of The Wreckage" - A Token Of The Wreckage www.meganslankard.com Todd Snider "The Get Together" - First Agnostic Church Of Hope and Wonder www.toddsnider.net --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiocblue/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/radiocblue/support

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Chris Glidden's from Pete's Posse, Honeybee from the Clayfoot Strutters, and Chatterin' Horse from an upcoming album of original older time music based on Scottish pipe tunes featuring Tim Cummings on small and border pipes and Brad Kolodner on banjoSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Pete Sutherland in action:Pete’s Posse is Pete Sutherland, Oliver Scanlon, and Tristan HendersonPlaying a contra dance at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2016Playing the end of a concert set at a festival in 2017Check out their YouTube channel.The Arm and Hammer String Band performs The Shopping SongMetamora’s eponymous album is on YouTube; you can also buy their albums on Grey Larsen’s websiteThe Clayfoot StruttersBuy their only album, “Going Elsewhere” and listen on YouTube while you’re waiting for it to come in the mail.At the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, MA in 2013Here’s a video clip of Pete playing Hull’s Victory at Ralph Page 2004And, of course, here he is playing Money Musk at the same weekendCan’t get enough? Here’s an interview with Pete from 1999; here’s another from 2002.Some other topics mentioned in this interview:Check out Young Tradition Vermont— there’s a lot going on!Nightingale is Jeremiah McLane, Keith Murphy, and Becky Tracy. Here’s a video clip of them playing in 2008.The Horseflies getting their slow, deliberate groove on at the Dance Flurry in 2009.If you haven’t listened to Julie’s conversation with George Marshall, check out Episode 13 of this podcast.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are John’s Next Adventure and Moonshine Holler from Pete’s Posse.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Pete Sutherland in action:Pete’s Posse is Pete Sutherland, Oliver Scanlon, and Tristan HendersonPlaying a contra dance at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2016Playing the end of a concert set at a festival in 2017Check out their YouTube channel.The Arm and Hammer String Band performs The Shopping SongMetamora’s eponymous album is on YouTube; you can also buy their albums on Grey Larsen’s websiteThe Clayfoot StruttersBuy their only album, “Going Elsewhere” and listen on YouTube while you’re waiting for it to come in the mail.At the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, MA in 2013Here’s a video clip of Pete playing Hull’s Victory at Ralph Page 2004And, of course, here he is playing Money Musk at the same weekendCan’t get enough? Here’s an interview with Pete from 1999; here’s another from 2002.Some other topics mentioned in this interview:Check out Young Tradition Vermont— there’s a lot going on!Nightingale is Jeremiah McLane, Keith Murphy, and Becky Tracy. Here’s a video clip of them playing in 2008.The Horseflies getting their slow, deliberate groove on at the Dance Flurry in 2009.If you haven’t listened to Julie’s conversation with George Marshall, check out Episode 13 of this podcast. 

Maybe the best vocal group on this show to date. Stuart Markus is our guest. He talks about the band and their new album Old Friends. Short BioGathering Time is an internationally touring folk-rock harmony AAA/Americana trio in the spirit of the '60s and beyond, playing original, classic 20th-century, and trad tunes. Like a co-ed CSN, GT is known for astute songwriting, spirited and accomplished musicianship -- and a stellar vocal blend. Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny evince deep roots in ‘60s folk-rock, with a healthy dash of traditional folk in the mix. Their stage chemistry makes clear that they take the music (if not themselves) very seriously, yet their infectious energy wins over even fans who never considered themselves folkies.http://bettereachday.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/download.jpg () Gathering Time swept the international folk radio chart Folk DJ-List in March 2016, as their original CD Keepsake took the #1 album and #1 song slots which, with five other songs in the top 25, landed them as the #1 artist as well. This followed on the heels of When One Door Closes (#3 album, January 2014) and Red Apples and Gold (#5 album, September 2012). Since then they've followed up with three top-5 singles: "Tanglewood Tree" (Dave Carter), #3 in March 2017, and a joint 2-song release with Mara Levine, "By My Silence" (Bukstel/Annis) and "Too Far to Turn Back Now" (Markus), #1 and #4 in September 2017. To date, Gathering Time has had a record five juried showcases at NERFA (Tricentrics in 2009 and ’10, a Formal in 2011, a mini-NERFA showcase in 2013 and a Quad in 2015); they were one of the three Emerging Artists at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2012 voted “Most Wanted” to return in 2013. Whether a tribute show of ‘60s classics or a concert of (mostly) originals, a night with Gathering Time will make evident why they were voted one of “Long Island’s Best” by the Long Island Press. Support this podcast

Maybe the best vocal group on this show to date. Stuart Markus is our guest. He talks about the band and their new album Old Friends. Short BioGathering Time is an internationally touring folk-rock harmony AAA/Americana trio in the spirit of the '60s and beyond, playing original, classic 20th-century, and trad tunes. Like a co-ed CSN, GT is known for astute songwriting, spirited and accomplished musicianship -- and a stellar vocal blend. Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny evince deep roots in ‘60s folk-rock, with a healthy dash of traditional folk in the mix. Their stage chemistry makes clear that they take the music (if not themselves) very seriously, yet their infectious energy wins over even fans who never considered themselves folkies.http://bettereachday.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/download.jpg () Gathering Time swept the international folk radio chart Folk DJ-List in March 2016, as their original CD Keepsake took the #1 album and #1 song slots which, with five other songs in the top 25, landed them as the #1 artist as well. This followed on the heels of When One Door Closes (#3 album, January 2014) and Red Apples and Gold (#5 album, September 2012). Since then they've followed up with three top-5 singles: "Tanglewood Tree" (Dave Carter), #3 in March 2017, and a joint 2-song release with Mara Levine, "By My Silence" (Bukstel/Annis) and "Too Far to Turn Back Now" (Markus), #1 and #4 in September 2017. To date, Gathering Time has had a record five juried showcases at NERFA (Tricentrics in 2009 and ’10, a Formal in 2011, a mini-NERFA showcase in 2013 and a Quad in 2015); they were one of the three Emerging Artists at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2012 voted “Most Wanted” to return in 2013. Whether a tribute show of ‘60s classics or a concert of (mostly) originals, a night with Gathering Time will make evident why they were voted one of “Long Island’s Best” by the Long Island Press. Support this podcast

Andrew Delaney is a songwriter, producer, teacher, filmmaker, and comedian from the Dallas, TX area. Find all things related to Andrew here: https://www.andrewdelaneymusic.com/Andrew's intro song was "Elephants" and can be downloaded here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/elephants/1213290496?i=1213290595This song has also been covered by Alice Wallace and can be found here: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/elephants/1337886324?i=1337886331Andrew spoke about the following songwriting competitions/festivals:Falcon Ridge Folk Festival: https://falconridgefolk.com/The Kerrville Folk Festival NewFolk Competition: https://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org/new-folkRocky Mountain Folks Fest: https://bluegrass.com/folks/lineup/songwriter-showcaseSongwriter Serenade: https://www.songwriterserenade.com/Andrew spoke about producing albums by Emily Barnes and Justin Pickard: Emily's album Rare Birds can be pre-ordered here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/322138005/rare-birds-a-new-record-by-emily-barnes?ref=project_buildJustin can be found here: http://www.justinpickard.com/Andrew spoke about Justin Farren: http://www.justinfarren.com/Andrew and Tom spoke about Wes Collins: https://wescollins.com/Andrew mentioned cowriting a song with Rachel Laven: http://www.rachellavenmusic.com/Andrew was invited to the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival: https://hplfilmfestival.com/films/howardAndrew Mentioned Ordinary Elephant and their cover song of his original "Australia".  Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30rZfre3q8wAndrew spoke about cellist Madeline Herdeman, who played cello on Elephants. https://www.reverbnation.com/musician/madelineherdemanTom Mentioned his favorite Andrew Delaney songs:Elephants:https://music.apple.com/us/album/elephants/1213290496?i=1213290595Lina: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/lina/1213290496?i=1213291023Groove On: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/groove-on/1213290496?i=1213290590Seven Wonders: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/seven-wonders-requiem-for-andre-the-giant/1409944019?i=1409944605The Night I Killed Bubbles the Clown: https://andrewdelaney.bandcamp.com/track/the-night-i-killed-bubbles-the-clown-liveNot in My House: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/not-in-my-house/891100937?i=891101786The Comedian: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-comedian/1409944019?i=1409944732Rise and Shine:https://music.apple.com/ca/album/rise-shine-pheonix-dactylifera/1409944019?i=1409944463Please subscribe to the podcast via any podcast app.  Feel free to email singersongwriterpodcast@gmail.com with any questions or comments.Https://www.tommeny.com

We ended out our 13th Annual Deepwells Music Festival the same way we ended our first outdoor concert 13 years earlier – with Long Island’s most prolific band, Miles To Dayton. The M2D recipe is simple: four-part vocal harmony, clever songwriting, improvisational violin and cello, and an infectious rhythm section that stirs up the creative stew. Having built a large grass roots following of fans young and old, Miles to Dayton has headlined performances at the Patchogue Theater and sold out the Boulton Center, with notable gigs at the Paramount Theatre, Great South Bay Music Festival and the NoFo Rock and Folk Festival. They’ve been the featured artist at the Acoustic Long Island Podcast and Summer Concert, emerging artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and have performed in intimate listening rooms such as Club Passim in Boston, and the Living Room in NYC. Equally at home in the acoustic or full band setup, m2d has shared the stage with the likes of The Infamous Stringdusters, Rhett Miller, The Subdudes, Jorma Kaukonen, The Dirt Farmer Band, Tom Paxton, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and Richie Havens, to name a few. Photo courtesy of Steve Caputo.

Meghan Cary didn’t mean to be a musician. But when her fiancé unexpectedly died, she picked up his guitar, figured out how to play it, and wrote her debut, earning her Billboard Magazine’s Critic’s Choice for Best Newcomer. “I wrote my grief into music and sang my way out of the abyss.” Cary continues to share the healing power of music with the community that has rallied around her message of hope and being heard. Known for her raw honesty and ability to connect with and engage her audience, Cary brings people to their feet and at times to tears with high-energy tunes, masterful storytelling, and lyrics that resonate universally. Cary’s song “Sing Louder”, a call to raise our voices together to make a difference, has become an anthem for the music-loving community. In fact, “Sing Louder” resonated so well with audiences in her live shows, that Cary was inspired to include some of these fans on her new record of the same name. Cary gathered 48 music lovers in the studio to raise their voices with her on two tracks, “Sing Louder", and “Responsibility”. Many of them stepped far out of their comfort zones to don headphones and sing into a microphone. They sang with passion, joy and abandon, and it was a profound experience for Cary and all those involved. That energy was captured on Sing Louder.  “Music is the most potent tool I know to break down walls, slip through barricades, and connect with each other. And when we authentically connect, we can change the world,” said Cary. “Now more than ever we need to be courageous enough to transcend emotional, intellectual, and political barriers, and raise our voices…together.” Cary began her career on stage as a theatre actress with over 100 credits for her work in the U.S. and Europe, and a successful on-camera and voiceover career. She’s written a one-person show with music, “On the Way to the Waterfall”, which she continues to perform around the country. She is also currently composing music and lyrics for the Broadway-bound musical, “The Accidental Caterer”. After pushing pause on performing to raise two children, Cary launched back onto the music scene at Philly Folk Fest and was awarded a coveted Emerging Artist Showcase slot at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Cary’s smoky voice, emotional singing, and vulnerable writing continue to win over audiences, and garner favorable comparisons to Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Stevie Nicks, and even Bruce Springsteen. In response to life’s inevitable curve balls, Cary’s mantra is: “If you don't know the words...Sing Louder!”

Meghan Cary didn’t mean to be a musician. But when her fiancé unexpectedly died, she picked up his guitar, figured out how to play it, and wrote her debut, earning her Billboard Magazine’s Critic’s Choice for Best Newcomer. “I wrote my grief into music and sang my way out of the abyss.” Cary continues to share the healing power of music with the community that has rallied around her message of hope and being heard. Known for her raw honesty and ability to connect with and engage her audience, Cary brings people to their feet and at times to tears with high-energy tunes, masterful storytelling, and lyrics that resonate universally. Cary’s song “Sing Louder”, a call to raise our voices together to make a difference, has become an anthem for the music-loving community. In fact, “Sing Louder” resonated so well with audiences in her live shows, that Cary was inspired to include some of these fans on her new record of the same name. Cary gathered 48 music lovers in the studio to raise their voices with her on two tracks, “Sing Louder", and “Responsibility”. Many of them stepped far out of their comfort zones to don headphones and sing into a microphone. They sang with passion, joy and abandon, and it was a profound experience for Cary and all those involved. That energy was captured on Sing Louder.  “Music is the most potent tool I know to break down walls, slip through barricades, and connect with each other. And when we authentically connect, we can change the world,” said Cary. “Now more than ever we need to be courageous enough to transcend emotional, intellectual, and political barriers, and raise our voices…together.” Cary began her career on stage as a theatre actress with over 100 credits for her work in the U.S. and Europe, and a successful on-camera and voiceover career. She’s written a one-person show with music, “On the Way to the Waterfall”, which she continues to perform around the country. She is also currently composing music and lyrics for the Broadway-bound musical, “The Accidental Caterer”. After pushing pause on performing to raise two children, Cary launched back onto the music scene at Philly Folk Fest and was awarded a coveted Emerging Artist Showcase slot at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Cary’s smoky voice, emotional singing, and vulnerable writing continue to win over audiences, and garner favorable comparisons to Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Stevie Nicks, and even Bruce Springsteen. In response to life’s inevitable curve balls, Cary’s mantra is: “If you don't know the words...Sing Louder!”

In this episode of Mentoring for the Modern Musician Michael and Adam went to visit long time firend Matt Smith! Matt is the Managing Director/Talent Booker of Club Passim, the legendary non-profit arts organization in Cambridge, MA, and has been there since 1995. He has also worked for Young/Hunter Management and was one of the founders of FolkWeb, an online CD realtor in the mid-late 90s. Matt has been on panels, juries and committees at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Folk Alliance International, and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. He has worked as a tour manager, sound engineer, and stage manager/MC for various tours and festivals, as well as creating the revolutionary Campfire Series for Club Passim. He is currently enjoying a 2 year term as President of Folk Alliance International. As you will hear, Matt continues to have a passion for music, the acoustic scene, and having an active hand in helping develop its artists! As always, reach out to us with suggestions for show topics, comments, questions, or just to say hello! Head over to: https://m3artist.com/contact Make sure to share this or any episode with all of your music loving friends! You got this, we got your back!  

In which Libby talks about getting her car stuck in a surprisingly deep puddle on a deserted road in the woods and having to take a breathalizer test, her affinity for Dar Williams, how her allergies have made her a great cook, her adventures at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, her unexpected path from math and computer science to music and teaching, how piano gave her a voice, and more.  Five pieces of literature that have influenced Libby: Cheaper by the Dozen, The Vagina Monologues, The Handmaid's Tale, Many Moons, and "All Summer in a Day."

  Mike Herz joins us for the baker's dozen episode of The Songwriter's Gig.  Mike is a fixture in the songwriting community both locally in NJ and throughout the festival circuit having received the following recognition: 2016 – Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Emerging Artist 2017 – Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, Showcase Finalist Mike's unique lyrical passages have often left me thinking, “Gee I wish I had written that!” Mike just released his latest album “Live in NYC”.  When you add it to your playlist you will find yourself listening over and over again. Enjoy our visit with Mike.  

An older interview that I just found from 2010 when I was back stage at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival with one of my all-time favorite singers, the amazing John Gorka!

A grand prize winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers performs original folk rock with masterful band-in-a-box accompaniment on acoustic guitar. His most recent album, 'Almost There,' won the 2015 Sammy Award for Best Americana Recording, and he was picked for the prestigious Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2015 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Along with his work with being founding editor of 'Acoustic Guitar' magazine, Rodgers is also a contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and author of 'Rock Troubadours' (featuring his interviews with such artists as Jerry Garcia, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Dave Matthews) and other books on music. He teaches courses on songwriting and creative nonfiction writing in the honors program at Syracuse University. Having a variety of skills has been very handy in an age where musicians are often booking and promoting themselves. Recently, Rodgers brought Wendy Ramsay and his strumstick to visit Beehive Studios in Saranac, New York for an interview and video performance.

A grand prize winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers performs original folk rock with masterful band-in-a-box accompaniment on acoustic guitar. His most recent album, 'Almost There,' won the 2015 Sammy Award for Best Americana Recording, and he was picked for the prestigious Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2015 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Along with his work with being founding editor of 'Acoustic Guitar' magazine, Rodgers is also a contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and author of 'Rock Troubadours' (featuring his interviews with such artists as Jerry Garcia, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Dave Matthews) and other books on music. He teaches courses on songwriting and creative nonfiction writing in the honors program at Syracuse University. Having a variety of skills has been very handy in an age where musicians are often booking and promoting themselves. Recently, Rodgers brought Wendy Ramsay and his strumstick to visit Beehive Studios in Saranac, New York for an interview and video performance.

A grand prize winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers performs original folk rock with masterful band-in-a-box accompaniment on acoustic guitar. His most recent album, 'Almost There,' won the 2015 Sammy Award for Best Americana Recording, and he was picked for the prestigious Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2015 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Along with his work with being founding editor of 'Acoustic Guitar' magazine, Rodgers is also a contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and author of 'Rock Troubadours' (featuring his interviews with such artists as Jerry Garcia, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Dave Matthews) and other books on music. He teaches courses on songwriting and creative nonfiction writing in the honors program at Syracuse University. Having a variety of skills has been very handy in an age where musicians are often booking and promoting themselves. Recently, Rodgers brought Wendy Ramsay and his strumstick to visit Beehive Studios in Saranac, New York for an interview and video performance.

A grand prize winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers performs original folk rock with masterful band-in-a-box accompaniment on acoustic guitar. His most recent album, 'Almost There,' won the 2015 Sammy Award for Best Americana Recording, and he was picked for the prestigious Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2015 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Along with his work with being founding editor of 'Acoustic Guitar' magazine, Rodgers is also a contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and author of 'Rock Troubadours' (featuring his interviews with such artists as Jerry Garcia, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Dave Matthews) and other books on music. He teaches courses on songwriting and creative nonfiction writing in the honors program at Syracuse University. Having a variety of skills has been very handy in an age where musicians are often booking and promoting themselves. Recently, Rodgers brought Wendy Ramsay and his strumstick to visit Beehive Studios in Saranac, New York for an interview and video performance.

A grand prize winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers performs original folk rock with masterful band-in-a-box accompaniment on acoustic guitar. His most recent album, 'Almost There,' won the 2015 Sammy Award for Best Americana Recording, and he was picked for the prestigious Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2015 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Along with his work with being founding editor of 'Acoustic Guitar' magazine, Rodgers is also a contributor to NPR's 'All Things Considered' and author of 'Rock Troubadours' (featuring his interviews with such artists as Jerry Garcia, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Dave Matthews) and other books on music. He teaches courses on songwriting and creative nonfiction writing in the honors program at Syracuse University. Having a variety of skills has been very handy in an age where musicians are often booking and promoting themselves. Recently, Rodgers brought Wendy Ramsay and his strumstick to visit Beehive Studios in Saranac, New York for an interview and video performance.

Kevin and Kornflake are completely unprepared for Presidential Joke Day; Kornflake's annual report from the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival includes potato songs, mystery hammocks, bacon grenades, and trouble with the law; Kevin's latest concert report features Freezepop, Br1ght Pr1mate, and keytar shrapnel (which is not a band, but a thing that happened); and Marvel's new Guardians of the Galaxy movie has us dreaming of space capybaras.

Kornflake reports on this year's Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, a weekend of music, mud, Moxy Fruvous, and tie-dyed unmentionables. Meanwhile Kevin attends Boston Comic Con, serves as a lifeline in a zombie-themed round of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and brings back an exclusive Flopcast interview with Amy the Steampunk Mermaid! (And stick around at the end of the show to hear the guy we totally failed to locate at Boston Comic Con: Nashville's Superman, Allen Shervelle.) Also: Spumoni.

Kevin takes a highway to the danger zone (assuming your definition of "danger zone" is a Kenny Loggins concert), Kornflake visits the crazy dancing non-showering people at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, our latest "Chickens in the News" story takes us to Arkansas (a hotbed of chicken-themed crime, we assume), and we count down our Top 4 1/2 favorite goofy old commercials. So how many licks does it take to get to the center of this podcast? Please keep the answer, and your suspiciously moist iPod, to yourself.

Caleb Hawley – On paper, Caleb Hawley’s resume reads as the standard Who’s Who for up-and-coming songwriters. Then you hear him sing, and you realize there is only one word needed to describe this artist: Extraordinary. From his ability to write intricate lyrics with cutting-edge chords to his lightening fast licks and ear for taste and style, there is absolutely nothing average about this shaggy-haired, blue-eyed, multi-faceted musician. Receiving top honors in the prestigious New York Songwriters Circle Contest (2008 and 2009), the John Lennon Songwriting Contest (2009), the Telluride Festival (2010), the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (2010), and Rocky Mountain Folks Fest (2011) for his songwriting, he also has a voice to place him in the final fifty on the 2011 American Idol Season. Hawley is as aggressive as he is perseverant in advancing his art and impressing audiences with his unique and catchy approach to music. While lyrically influenced by observational writers such as Randy Newman and Tom Waits, Hawley is also well known for his outstanding vocal capacity and range. The humble performer captivates audiences with soothing folk tunes in the same manner as James Taylor, and with the next breath blows them away with his powerhouse ...