Explore every episode of the podcast Only In The Green Room

In this episode of Only in the Green Room, we sit down with Stephen Inglis, Barry Sless, Rob Barraco, and Pete Sears of Skeleton Crewe to explore the unlikely beginnings of the band and the musical chemistry that brought them together.

Stephen shares fascinating stories from growing up immersed in Hawaiian musical culture, including a remarkable connection to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's iconic recording of "Over the Rainbow" and an unforgettable story involving Jerry Garcia.

Rob discusses performing his original compositions written with legendary Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, while the band reflects on its experiences playing alongside musical heroes, including Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann.

Along the way, we explore Hawaiian slack key guitar, the freedom of improvisation, personal memories of Bob Weir, and the challenge of building an original sound while honoring the musical traditions that inspired them.

It's a conversation about friendship, musical discovery, and the rare chemistry that cannot be planned.

Only in the Green Room — Where Artists Remain Human.

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com

In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Neville and Tony Hall of Dumpstaphunk backstage at the High Sierra Music Festival for a lively conversation about friendship, family, and the unmistakable sound of New Orleans funk.

From their teenage years playing alongside musicians connected to The Meters and The Neville Brothers to their individual journeys and eventual partnership in Dumpstaphunk, Ivan and Tony share stories, memories, and a few surprises they hadn't even shared with each other.

Hear how The Neville Brothers "stole" Ivan's drummer, the surprising history behind Tony's band Joyride, and how a side project became one of New Orleans' most beloved funk bands.

We also explore the deep connection between New Orleans and the Bay Area music scenes, the importance of passing musical traditions to the next generation, and those unforgettable moments onstage when everything just clicks.

It's a conversation filled with laughter, musical history, and the kind of stories that only come out in the green room.

Only in the Green Room — Where Artists Remain Human.

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com

What happens when an artist stops trying to be perfect and starts trusting exactly who she is?

Cassandra Lewis joins Only in the Green Room for an unfiltered conversation about cosmic Americana, heartbreak, psychedelics, creativity, and learning to trust her own voice.

She takes us through the wonderfully strange mix of influences that shaped her music, the relationship that inspired Lost in a Dream, and what it means to take the driver's seat by producing her own record at Nashville's RCA Studio A.

But this conversation ultimately becomes about something bigger: vulnerability.

Cassandra talks candidly about letting go of perfectionism, giving everything she has onstage, and accepting the mistakes and imperfections that make live music—and all of us—human.

In her words, vulnerability can be a “radical act.” And in a world increasingly shaped by AI and technology, maybe being imperfectly human matters more than ever.

Only in the Green Room — Where Artists Remain Human. 

#CassandraLewis #OnlyInTheGreenRoom #CosmicAmericana #AmericanaMusic #HighSierra #SingerSongwriter #LiveMusic #WomenInMusic

Nashville-born singer-songwriter Maisie Owen joins Only in the Green Room at High Sierra for a conversation about finding her own voice, making music without hiding behind production, and the unexpected influences that shaped her sound.

Growing up in a musical family, Maisie initially gravitated toward painting, writing, photography — and classical music. Years of playing viola ultimately shaped the way she approaches guitar and songwriting today, from unusual time signatures to melodies that follow instinct rather than rules.

Maisie talks about discovering Nick Drake’s Pink Moon, falling into the music of Bert Jansch and Mazzy Star, writing from dreams and journal entries, and why she wants her recordings to feel almost indistinguishable from hearing her perform live.

We also get into her debut festival experience at High Sierra, growing up in Nashville without necessarily sounding “Nashville,” the unexpected ways listeners interpret her songs, her love of Gordon Lightfoot, and why she’s perfectly happy making music alone.

It’s an intimate conversation with an emerging artist committed to keeping the imperfections, breaths and quiet moments intact.

Where Artists Remain Human.

Subscribe to Only in the Green Room for more backstage conversations with the artists, musicians and creative people keeping human connection at the center of music.

#MaisieOwen #OnlyInTheGreenRoom #HighSierraMusicFestival #SingerSongwriter #Americana #IndieFolk #NickDrake #NewMusic #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic

What happens when the spotlight takes you away from the music that made you want to step onstage in the first place?

Backstage at High Sierra Music Festival, Paul McDonald joins Tami and Dennis for a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about finding his way back. From an unexpected American Idol audition to the whirlwind of Hollywood, Paul reflects on the experiences that shaped him—and the sense of belonging he’s found with his band, the Mourning Doves.

He shares the personal story behind “Dark Side” and So Long to the Dark Side, how losing his mother brought him back to the records he grew up with, and why kindness matters as much as talent when choosing the people beside him on the road. Along the way: songwriting with Andy Frasco and friends, jamming with Lebo, and some unforgettable American Idol backstage encounters.

A conversation about letting go, finding your people, and getting back to the music.

Only in the Green Room — Where Artists Remain Human.

Explore more episodes at onlyinthegreenroom.com.

In this episode, we catch up with Boy Golden backstage at High Sierra Music Festival for a conversation that goes well beyond the music.

The Winnipeg singer-songwriter opens up about The Church of Better Daze, why songwriting has become a spiritual practice for him, and his belief that music and creative expression can be deeply healing.

We also get into the story behind the name Boy Golden, his early years playing hundreds of shows, his love of albums, the way he approaches songwriting, and why his ultimate mission isn't simply to make people listen — it's to make them want to create something themselves.

For Boy Golden, a life filled with as many “creative days” as possible is a life well lived.

Only in the Green Room — Where Artists Remain Human.
#BoyGolden #HighSierraMusicFestival #OnlyInTheGreenRoom #ChurchOfBetterDaze #SingerSongwriter #IndieMusic #Songwriting #MusicPodcast

What was supposed to be a conversation about the Grateful Dead quickly becomes something else entirely when photographer Jay Blakesberg and singer-songwriter Steve Poltz join us at High Sierra.

The two give us a preview of Working Man’s Dead, their wonderfully unpredictable live collaboration combining Jay’s iconic Grateful Dead photography and storytelling with Steve’s music — including songs he writes spontaneously in response to stories and images he hasn't seen coming.

They talk about Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh and the strange magic of improvisation. Jay also recounts watching an all-white-clad Steve Poltz make his way toward the rail at the Sphere as the crowd seemingly parted for him “like Moses” — leading Jay to describe Steve as “a cross between Bob Dylan and Moses.”

And then things go completely off the rails.

Charlton Heston. Planet of the Apes. Paper routes. Behind the Green Door. A mysterious bag of vintage magazines. And several moments when we completely lose control of our own interview.

Underneath the insanity, though, is a friendship between two gifted storytellers and a shared love of the Grateful Dead, spontaneity and the kind of live experience that can never happen exactly the same way twice.

This is Steve Poltz and Jay Blakesberg — unfiltered, unscripted and very much Only in the Green Room.

Steve Poltz, Jay Blakesberg, Grateful Dead, Grateful Dead stories, Bob Weir, Jerry Garcia, Workingman's Dead, Grateful Dead photography, High Sierra Music Festival, Only in the Green Room

What if a dream changed the course of a band?

Don Was joins Jay Lane and Only in the Green Room for a remarkable conversation about Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Wolf Bros and the music that continues to connect them all.

Don shares the story of the phone call from Bob Weir that started with something extraordinary: Rob Wasserman had come to Bob in a dream — and told him why he had introduced Don and Bob decades earlier.

That call helped lead to the formation of Wolf Bros.

From Don locking himself in a New York hotel room for 10 days to learn six songs they never ended up playing, to Bob eventually giving him the advice that changed the way he approached the music:

“Just forget about all this and be yourself.”

Don and Jay also reflect on the enormous influence of Rob Wasserman, revisit Blues for Allah 50 years later, and talk about what makes this music continue to transcend generations.

A backstage conversation about friendship, fearlessness, musical legacy — and the people who change the course of our lives.

Watch the full conversation on Only in the Green Room.

#DonWas #JayLane #BobWeir #WolfBros #RobWasserman #GratefulDead #BluesForAllah #OnlyInTheGreenRoom

What started as a conversation about Bob Weir and RatDog turned into one of the most personal stories we've ever captured.

In this episode of Only in the Green Room, drummer Jay Lane shares what it was like joining Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman despite knowing very little about the Grateful Dead, learning songs from Heaven Help the Fool, navigating unpredictable RatDog setlists, and witnessing Bob's determination to keep creating after Jerry Garcia's passing.

Then the conversation takes an unexpected turn.

Jay opens up about his own adoption story, his remarkable adoptive mother, Mary D. Lane, and discovering his biological mother, prior to his birth, had a daughter with acclaimed jazz bassist Donald Rafael Garrett. As the story unfolds Jay pieces together a long-hidden mosaic of family, music, and coincidence, sharing how deeply his life had been intertwined with San Francisco's legendary music scene long before he ever knew it.

This is a story about music, identity, family, mentorship, and the incredible coincidences that can shape a life.

If you enjoy authentic conversations with the artists behind the music, please Like, Subscribe, and share this episode.

#OnlyInTheGreenRoom #JayLane #BobWeir #RatDog #GratefulDead #AdoptionStory #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic#SweetwaterMusicHall #David Nelson, #Ramblin' Jack Elliott, #Lorin Rowan, #Matt Jaffe, #Matty Michna, #Jay Lane# Barry Sless, #Jason Crosby, #Samson Grisman#

Bobby & The Midnites - I Want To Live In America 1984 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWscxdleZzI

YouTube: @inmotion68

"Not Fade Away" - Bob Weir and Wolf Bros | 8/25/2019 | LOCKN' 2019 | Relix 

YouTube: @RelixMag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfnfGM77Ob8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wdteIsK1qU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6a-A7gP9Mc

Michael Mullins (trombone) and Bradford Lewis (guitar) — two more members of the Legacy Coalition, and bandmates in their own project — join us to fill in the rest of the story.

They walk us through how the Coalition really came together: an idea years in the making, a chance meeting at a recording session, and the moment a teenage keyboard player named River showed up and made the whole thing click. They talk about their new single "Brand New Day," a music video shoot funded in part by a Jazz and Heritage Foundation grant, and the weight — and the freedom — of carrying a family legacy forward. As Bradford puts it: "our job is not to fill their shoes, our job is to wear our own."

Only In The Green Room goes backstage with the artists carrying jam, funk, roots, and Americana music forward.

Backstage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum during French Quarter Fest, we caught up with Cyril Neville, his son Omari Neville, guitarist Jake Eckert, and his son River — the teenage keyboard player who rounded out the lineup of the Legacy Coalition, a band built entirely from the sons and daughters of New Orleans music royalty.

The conversation moves through what it means to inherit a sound rather than learn it — from sleeping on drum risers at Tipitina's as a kid, to stepping onstage next to your own father and realizing the torch has already passed. Cyril talks about the "osmosis" of growing up around the music. Omari opens up about his debut album, out now with a release party at the Louisiana Music Factory. And the whole crew previews their upcoming set at High Sierra Music Festival.

Only In The Green Room goes backstage with the artists carrying jam, funk, roots, and Americana music forward.

Trumpet player and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick sits down with us in the green room at Jazz Fest to talk about her decades-long love affair with New Orleans — a city she calls "its own planet" — and the musical relationships that have shaped her career. 

Jennifer recounts her first New Orleans gig at the Maple Leaf, an overnight set that ran from 3am to sunrise, and reflects on what it took to earn that kind of audience. She shares the story of meeting Christian McBride, a musician she idolized as a kid, and forming what she describes as an instant soul bond. And she tells us about the night she met Phil Lesh — he didn't know who she was, noticed her trumpet in the green room, and the conversation that followed led to years of playing together in Phil & Friends. 

We also talk about High Sierra Music Festival's move to a new home in Grass Valley, and why Jennifer believes this inaugural year there is going to be something special. Guest: Jennifer Hartswick 
Website: jenniferhartswick.com | Instagram: @jhartswick 
Recorded live at Jazz Fest, New Orleans
#JenniferHartswick #PhilLesh #GratefulDead #ChristianMcBride #HighSierraMusicFestival #JazzFest #NewOrleans #OnlyInTheGreenRoom #MusicPodcast #MapleLeaf

Singer-songwriter Kristin Diable joins Only In The Green Room at the New Orleans Jazz Museum during French Quarter Fest — and the conversation goes deep.

We talk about what it really means to lose your creative voice, how traumatic experiences can freeze a songwriter's ability to be vulnerable, and what it took to come back from that and finish her long-awaited album Impossible Things — out now.

Kristin also opens up about leaving New York in her 20s for a writing sabbatical in New Orleans and never leaving, why the camaraderie between New Orleans musicians is unlike anything else in America, how she thinks about being the "parent of her songs," and what it means to choose joy when things are genuinely hard.

Plus: teaching the "dark arts of songwriting" at Loyola University, running her own independent label Speak Easy, why she thinks festivals are the antidote to screen addiction, and a shoutout to Medium Build.

Impossible Things is available now on all streaming platforms. Search Kristen Diable — D-I-A-B-L-E. Buy the vinyl and CDs at kristendiable.com.

— CONNECT WITH KRISTiN —
Instagram: @kristindiable]

— ONLY IN THE GREEN ROOM —
Subscribe for more candid artist conversations from backstage and beyond.
Instagram: @onlyinthegreenroom
Website: onlyinthegreenroom.com

#KristinDiable #ImpossibleThings #NewOrleans #FrenchQuarterFest #OnlyInTheGreenRoom #SingerSongwriter #NewOrleansMusic #IndieMusic #Songwriting #LiveMusic

Recorded live at Bayou Boogaloo during Jazz Fest in New Orleans — two of our favorites in one green room. Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) and Wally Ingram (percussionist, collaborator extraordinaire) join us for a wide-ranging conversation as the golden-hour sun goes down over the bayou. 

We get into the deep connection between the Grateful Dead world and New Orleans music, what it was like for Eric to join Phil Lesh on stage with no rehearsal and an 80-song set list, and how Wally ended up on the Bob & Phil duo tour with literally a djembe and a pair of bongos. 

Plus: how Eric produced Aaron Neville's Grammy-winning album Apache, the story of Lawrence sleeping on his studio floor before they were famous, his new music collaboration platform Ensemble, and why Billy Kreutzmann plays like a New Orleans drummer. Oh, and Eric's five-year-old son is really into James Brown right now. 

Just FYI. 🎙️ Only in the Green Room is the backstage music podcast — real conversations with artists in the moment, where the music lives. 📍 

Recorded at Bayou Boogaloo | New Orleans, LA 🎸 Guests: Eric Krasno + Wally Ingram 

🔔 Subscribe for more green room conversations: onlyinthegreenroom.om 📲 
Follow OITGR: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: 🎶 Follow Eric Krasno: Instagram: @erickrasno 🎶 Follow Wally Ingram: Instagram: @wallyingram

🎟 WIN PIT ACCESS + A SEAT AT OUR FESTIVAL INTERVIEW
Buy tickets at highsierramusic.com and enter code GREEN at checkout. You’ll be automatically entered to win front-of-stage pit access for all shows + an exclusive seat at a live Only In The Green Room podcast interview at the festival.

High Sierra Music Festival · July 2–5 · Grass Valley, CA

🎸 In this episode:
— The New Orleans roots of High Sierra going back to the Radiators and the Grateful Dead world
— The full 2026 New Orleans lineup: The Rumble, Dumpstaphunk, Anders Osborne, The Break (Stanton Moore, Robert Walter, Eddie Roberts), River Ecker, George Porter Jr., Cotadosa, Anna Moss & more
— Don Was and his Blues for Allah 50th anniversary tribute
— The Steely Dead Royal Scam 50th anniversary set + Pink Talking Fish late night mashup
— Lebo's "50 Years in the Rearview" — curating 1976
— Why High Sierra is a musician's festival: landing, connecting, sitting in
— The new Grass Valley location and what it means for the future of the festival
— Sunrise Kickball (yes, really)
— How to get tickets before they're gone

Dave has attended 49 consecutive Jazz Fests, and this conversation captures exactly why the connection between New Orleans music and High Sierra runs so deep. We cover the 2026 lineup, the new Grass Valley venue, and why musicians from Luther Dickinson to George Porter Jr. call High Sierra their favorite festival in America.

🎟️ Get your High Sierra 2026 tickets now: [LINK]

📍 Filmed at The Broadside, New Orleans, during Jazz Fest 2025

Only In The Green Room captures unscripted, candid artist moments backstage and on the road. Subscribe for more long-form interviews with the artists who make live music culture what it is.

🎙️ Also available on all podcast platforms: [LINK]
🌐 Full episode + transcript: [YOUR SITE LINK]

#HighSierra2026 #HighSierraMusicFestival #JazzFest #OnlyInTheGreenRoom #LiveMusic #MusicFestival #NewOrleans #GrassValley OnlyInTheGreenRoom #LiveMusic #MusicFestival #NewOrleans #GrassValley

0:00 Welcome to Only In The Green Room
0:45 How Dave and Tami first met at The Broadside
2:00 The Bay Area–New Orleans connection explained
4:30 The Grateful Dead, the Nevilles, and how it all started
6:15 How the Radiators brought Dave to High Sierra
8:00 The 2026 New Orleans lineup revealed
10:30 The Rumble + Dumpstaphunk late night throwdown
12:00 Anders Osborne, The Break, and Stanton Moore's new trio
14:15 River Ecker: 16-year-old piano phenom
16:30 Luther Dickinson, Jake Ecker, and The Word
18:00 George Porter Jr. with Lebo and the All-Stars
19:30 Don Was, Cymande, and the soul of the 2026 headliners
21:00 Steely Dead, Pink Talking Fish, and the late night mashup
23:00 Why musicians call High Sierra their favorite festival
25:30 The artist liaison program and why artists want to be there
27:00 The new Grass Valley venue and the future of High Sierra
29:30 Sunrise Kickball and the magic of the full festival experience
31:00 Get your tickets now — why this year is unmissableHigh Sierra Music Festival founder Dave Margulies sits down with Only In The Green Room at Jazz Fest in New Orleans — where the two festival worlds collide.

🎧 Listen + full episode, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/meels-interview

 Only in the Green Room interviews Mill Valley-raised artist. "Meels" after her Sweetwater stage set, discussing her local upbringing and current life in Pasadena living with her 86-year-old grandmother - after five years in New York and attending NYU’s Clive Davis Institute.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/pink-talking-fish-interview

A playful, lively, and informative conversation with all members of Pink Talking Fish (Eric Gould, Zack Burwick, Cal Kehoe, Richard James) moments before their recent performance at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA. The boys delve into some of their favorite stories, including playing with George Porter, Jr, performing Phish kids shows, their history with Berklee School of Music, and other fun antics.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
 https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/steve-poltz-interview

Backstage at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, “Only in the Green Room” interviews singer-songwriter Steve Poltz, co-writer of Jewel’s multi-platinum “You Were Meant for Me,” as he tours promoting his new green-vinyl album Joy Ride.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/greg-loiacono-stingray-interview

In this episode of Only in the Green Room, we sit down with Greg Loiacono & Stingray, a Bay Area super-group built on deep respect, serious groove, and a whole lot of joy. What started as a solo recording session for Greg Loiacano quickly turned into something much bigger when drummer Michael Urbano stepped in—and the chemistry was instant. Add longtime collaborator and powerhouse percussionist Vicki Randle, and Stingray was born.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jon-chi-interview

Marin County singer-songwriter, community and music collaborator Jon Chi joins “Only In The Green Room” as the first guest under the show’s new banner—recorded in the Sweetwater Music Hall Green Room before Jon played to a packed house for his birthday show at the iconic venue. In a conversation full of gratitude, community love, and live-music philosophy, Jon reflects on how the Terrapin scene helped shape his musical orbit, why vulnerability is where the magic lives, and how live shows remain irreplaceable

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jonathan-mchugh-interview

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, recorded backstage at the 2025 High Sierra Music Festival, the hosts sit down with veteran film producer, director, and music supervisor, Jonathan McHugh. Jonathan shares his experiences growing up in New Orleans, starting in college radio at WTUL, and his journey through the music and film industries leading to his current role as Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar and Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola University New Orleans.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/karina-rykman-interview

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, recorded backstage at the 2025 High Sierra Music Festival, host Dennis Strazulo sits down with hardcore New Yorker and bad-ass bass player, Karina Rykman. Karina shares her experiences growing up in a highly intellectual family, her early start in punk bands at the age of 12, and her journey through various musical styles - including her experiences in the improvisational jam band scene -  leading to her current solo projects and other collaborations. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/amy-helm-interview

Fresh from bringing the spirit of the Midnight Ramble to the High Sierra Music Festival stage, Amy Helm sits down with the hosts for a moving and unflinching conversation about family, recovery, and carrying forward a legacy. Recorded backstage among the festival magic, this episode blends raw honesty with deep musical history.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/chaparelle-interview

In this episode of Tales From the Green Room, the hosts welcome Chaparelle, the Texas-based pop, folk and classic-country band created by Zella Day, Jesse Woods, and Beau Bedford. The trio discuss their unique musical lane, inspired by a blend of romance, personal experiences, and a mutual affinity for original music, which has earned them a dedicated following. Special guest, Rob Bleetstein (SiriusXM Producer and Host) joins the show, having dubbed the band’s music style as “Eroticana” - while Zella Day describes the essence of her theatrical, sometimes sensual flair blending with the band’s authentic country-influenced performances.
 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/andy-frasco-interview

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
 https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/joe-marcinek-interview

In this episode, The Green Room presents their conversations with Joe Marcinek and Jeremy Hoenig recorded before their respective performances during Jazz Fest 2025 in New Orleans – featuring two  musicians swimming in the same music circles in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally - and both connected with Melvin Seals!  

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/sunshine-garcia-becker-interview

In this episode, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson explore the journey of Sunshine Garcia Becker (Furthur, Sunshine Garcia Band) on her mission to curate an all-female Grateful Dead tribute band, with the purpose of expanding the involvement of women as key players in the live music scene. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/danny-luehring-interview

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room -  mixed with joyous reflection, levity, and emotion - drummer extraordinaire Danny Luehring discusses the origins and evolution of Danny's Live Dead, a weekly Grateful Dead show hosted by him every Wednesday at Peri’s Tavern in Fairfax, California. Danny shares insights into how the show started after the closure of  Phil Lesh's beloved Terrapin Crossroads, the challenges and rewards of curating a rotating lineup of musicians, and the significance of community and chemistry in live music. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

 https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/zachary-richard-interview

In this episode  the hosts engage in an enlightening conversation - and history lesson -  with singer-songwriter, Cajun culture activists, and International recording artist, Zachary Richard. Richard first reflects on his deep ties with Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA  - playing and hanging with Huey Lewis and Bob Weir - before musing on his touring experiences and unique cross-cultural identity as both an American and  French Canadian artist.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/holly-bowling-interview

Super-creative, virtuoso pianist, Holly Bowling joins the show in the first-ever podcast recorded in The Green Room at Garcia’s Chicago. Holly shares the etiology of her genre-crossing and improvisational style in between her two incredible debut appearances at this spectacular venue - playing the music of Phish and The Grateful Dead on solo piano! The episode delves into Holly’s classical training, influences, and balancing the dual aspects of meticulous arrangement and spontaneous performance in her work, highlighting her diverse approaches to both solo and collaborative concerts.

`

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/river-jake-eckert-interview

In this engaging episode restaurateur, music promoter, and local legend  Chris 'Shaggy' Davis welcomes Tales From The Green Room and  listeners to  Day 2 of the 10th annual NOLA Crawfish Festival, a celebration that marries New Orleans' rich musical heritage with its vibrant culinary culture held at The Broadside New Orleans. The episode features an interview with rising star keyboard player/vocalist/singer song-writer, and band leader, 15-year-old River Eckert and his father, Jake Eckert. Father and son reflect on their musical journeys, from River's early days learning jazz and blues to Jake's extensive experience with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and his current gig with The New Orleans Suspects. The conversation, recorded after River's appearance at the NOLA Crawfish Festival and an hour before his next gig playing with George Porter, Jr., delves into the significance of familial legacy in New Orleans music, personal anecdotes about growing up around legendary musicians, and the impact of the city's supportive musical community. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/wally-ingram-interview

Join hosts Tami Larson and Dennis Strazulo as they dive into the vibrant atmosphere of JazzFest 2025, with this episode recorded at The Broadside in New Orleans during the 10th Annual Crawfish Festival. In this episode, the first of several generated from JazzFest, the focus is on the experiences of the captivating, modern New Orleans funk band, The Rumble, authors of  a sound they dub "New Orleans Mardi Gras Funk!" Special guest co-host, Wally Ingram, joins the first part of the episode, engaging with The Rumble's co-founder and soulful guitarist, Ari Teitel and its super talented keyboard player, Andriu  “Yano” Yanovski, as they reflect on their hard working paths to success as Grammy nominated musicians. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
In this episode of 'Tales from the Green Room,' we welcome the band Spafford in the green room at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA to discuss their origins, musical influences, and journey. The conversation covers the genesis of their unique band name, evolving from 'Officious Tortfeasor' to 'Spafford,' inspired by a close friend. Members, Brian Moss, Nick Tkachyk, Corey Schechtman, and Shon Gordon share personal anecdotes about their musical backgrounds, influences from legends like the Grateful Dead, and their approach to blending multiple genres seamlessly. They also delve into their experiences with sobriety on tour, maintaining family lives, and the significance of performing at iconic venues like Sweetwater. Additionally, the band reflects on their growth and success, largely credited to their dedicated fan community, the Spaffnerds, and serendipitous opportunities that propelled them into the national spotlight. All the while, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson marvel at their first experience listening to the band and becoming instant fans!

Links

Spafford Official Website
Spafford - Mad World (Tears For Fears) | 1/14/24 | Pembroke, MA
Sweetwater Music Hall 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/tommy-castro-interview

Tales From The Green Room redux!  In Mount Tam Media's first drop of it's “one from the vault” series of never released episodes -recorded during Sweetwater Music Hall's 50th Anniversary celebration in Nov. 2022 -  host Dennis Strazulo sits down with legendary blues musician, Tommy Castro.  Castro reminisces about his deep connections with the iconic venue, including early gigs, significant milestones, and memorable performances alongside notable musicians like Bonnie Raitt and John Lee Hooker. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/sam-grisman-interview

In this episode of "Tales From The Green Room" Sam Grisman Project mainstays Max Flansburg and Chris English visit with hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson backstage at Terrapin Crossroads' Sunday Day Dream Vol. 4 in San Rafael, CA. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/reed-mathis-interview

In an insightful discussion on the "Tales from the Green Room" podcast, Reed Mathis provides host Dennis Strazulo and listeners with a detailed preview of his upcoming podcast series “The Gifts of Improvising” which debuts January 29, 2025 on the Osiris Media Podcast Network. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/austin-de-lone-interview

The Journey and Legacy of Sweetwater's Uncelebrated Icon - An Interview with the late Austin de Lone

In this interview, which took place in October 2022 before Mount Tam Media launched its Tales From The Green Room podcast, Austin de Lone sits down with host Dennis Strazulo to discuss his rich musical journey and his pivotal involvement with Sweetwater Music Hall, as the venue approached its 50th Anniversary. This is the raw recording of Dennis's visit with Austin for the purpose of writing a feature story on Austin for Mt. Tam Media's Mill Valley Living Magazine to celebrate that event. With Austin's recent passing, the recorded conversation was re-purposed to release as this special podcast episode, honoring Austin's lasting legacy.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jack-barton-interview

In this bonus episode of Tales from the Green Room, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson interview Jack Barton of Jack Barton Entertainment, discussing the behind the scenes operations running Grateful Guitars Foundation. 

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/grateful-guitars-interview

 

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, Mount Tam Media takes listeners backstage at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco during the Grateful Guitars Foundation Second Annual Benefit. Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally shares some of his experiences with Jerry Garcia and his storied history with the band; David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) also reflects on his personal relationship and poignant moments with Garcia; Samson Grisman (Sam Grisman Project) and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), interviewed together, engage in an entertaining conversation between two artists a generation apart, expressing their mutual respect for the other’s era; Jill Simmons (Brown Eyed Women) tells of her journey from the East Coast leading to an appearance on this bill; and rising superstar, 17-year-old Bella Rayne delves into her ascent to notoriety in the jam band scene. Artist manager and music industry vet, Jack Barton also shares his insights; and singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and multi-talented Alex Jordan makes a cameo while serving as music director for the show.

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jeff-matson-dso-interview

Tales from the Green Room hits the road with its debut visit to the iconic Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York, sitting down backstage with Dark Star Orchestra lead guitarist, Jeff Mattson! Recorded in between DSO’s first two shows since the passing of Phil Lesh,

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/stanley-jordan-sunday-daydream-interview

In this very special episode of Tales from the Green Room - recorded backstage at Terrapin Crossroads’ Sunday Daydream Vol. 3 in San Rafael, CA on July 21, 2024, on what turned out to be the late Phil Lesh’s final performance -  hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson sit down with legendary musician Stanley Jordan, Greg Loiacono (Greg Loiacano and Stingray, Mother Hips, and Jerry Saracini (Forgotten Space) all who shared the stage with Phil that day.  The conversation is steeped in rich history and bittersweet emotions as the musicians reflect on their personal journeys, the profound impact of Terrapin Crossroads and the teachings of Phil Lesh 

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/steve-kimock-interview

Steve Kimock: Reflections and Revelations on Zero’s 40th Anniversary

In this special episode of Tales From The Green Room, Steve Kimock shares his insights and experiences backstage at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his band, Zero. The conversation, recorded less than two weeks after Phil Lesh’s passing, delves into the weight Steve was still experiencing after that event, and touches on memorable moments

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/steely-dead-interview

In this episode of Tales from the Green Room, hosted by Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson of Mount Tam Media, listeners get an exclusive look into conversations with members of Steely Dead backstage at the renowned Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, CA. 

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/bearly-dead-interview

In this episode of 'Tales From the Green Room,' the hosts welcome guest co-host Paul McCaffrey ("Paulie Mac") -  formerly of the 'Murph & Mac' morning sports radio show on KNBR -  for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation with members of Boston-based band, Bearly Dead, Nick Swift, Michael "Butzy" Butler, and founder Tyler Brooks.  Recorded backstage at the iconic Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley,

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/mother-hips-interview

Mother Hips' Journey: Past, Present, and California Current

Join Greg Loiacono and Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips in the latest episode of 'Tales from the Green Room' as they discuss their journey, starting from the early days in Marin County to the release of their latest album, California Current. Recorded at The Junction in Mill Valley, CA, 

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/grace-bowers-california-honeydrops-interview

Hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson sit down backstage with a divergent group of talent at Sound Summit 2024, the annual music festival atop majestic Mt. Tamalpais across the Bay from San Francisco.

Fresh off her releasing her debut album, Wine on Venus, and her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, rising Nashville star and Gibson Guitar endorsed phenom, Grace Bowers (Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge),Super-soulful, Lech Wierzynski, leader of The California Honeydrops
and Multi-talented James Wallace - aka, Skyway Man 

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/margo-price-greensky-bluegrass-interview

Listen in as Tales From The Green Room corrals three star power artists from the 2024 Mill Valley Music Festival! Margo Price joins the green room conversation after her festival performance and moments before her late night exclusive show at Sweetwater Music Hall later that evening - musing on demystifying psilocybin, her journey to “California Sober” status, touring with her husband of 20-years, and her penchant for speaking out on important issues. Dobbrow guitar-player-extraordinaire, Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass, follows with what turns out to be a “cosmic” discussion with host Dennis Strazulo about Anders’ all-time favorite Grateful Dead show which coincidentally was Dennis’ first, then reflecting  on the thrill of playing with his heroes and sharing some memorable stories experienced along the way. Eric Johnson of Fruit Bats closes out chatting about his Marin County music connection, the resurgence of his band, their expanding audience, and the inspiration behind his music.

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/grateful-dead-daughters-interview

Ever wonder what it was like growing up as a true child in the Grateful Dead family? Trixie Garcia (Jerry’s daughter), Jess Hunter Keilt (daughter of lyricist Robert Hunter), and Merry Prankster/Author Ken Kesey’s daughter, Sunshine Kesey share fond stories of the circus atmosphere surrounding their upbringing.

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jackie-greene-interview

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Americana and roots singer-songwriter Jackie Greene before his second of three sold-out shows at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA in February 2024. Joined by his wife, Kyle, who reveals some lesser-known stories and behind-the-scenes moments about their life together.

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https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/michael-franti-interview

Michael Franti, the amazing and crowd loving singer, songwriter, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and rapper. We sat down with Michael backstage at the Mill Valley Music Festival, 2023.