The Guest List presented by Poss Music Works – Details, episodes & analysis

Register now for Poss Music Works' 4th Annual Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat!

TODAY'S EPISODE: Chloe Kimes (Nashville, TN) doesn't mess around. She's here to rock the festival stage, the campground, the parking lot, the living room, the honky-tonk, and bigger and bigger stages all the time! She (and her band) brought the house down at Summer Sundown Music Festival this past September and are consistently crisscrossing the national Americana circuit with a rowdy brand of folk rock. You can sense that we are hearing a star on the rise.

Raised in small town Michigan (like The Accidentals, Billy Strings, Patty PerShayla, and so many more Michiganders) Chloe is now celebrating her 10th year in Nashville. Joined here by her fiddle player, Cat McDonald, the hard-traveling artist rocks her 5 most popular songs at a packed Starlight Listening Room. Follow Chloe on social media and don't miss her the next time she comes to your area.

Setlist:
1. He Still Listens to the Radio (Hammer & Nail Me)
2. I'll Be Going
3. Afraid to Die
4. Coors Light
5. Stand to Gain

Chloe Kimes: Esteemed Guest w/ Cat McDonald on fiddle
Bill Poss: Host, Producer
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer
Emily Clark: Video, All the Other Things
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Spiritual Guidance

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Do you want to attend a live taping of the podcast? Email possmusicworks@gmail.com to be added to the guest list.

UPCOMING PODCAST RECORDING SCHEDULE 

2/9/26 -- Aaron Lee Tasjan
2/28/26 -- Hope Dunbar (at the Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat 2026)
3/1/26 -- Bill Passalacqua (at the LGWSR)
3/9/26 -- Mark Stuart
4/26/26 -- Gary Schoenberger

We'll be recording most episodes at our intimate new venue, The Starlight Listening Room @ Poss Music Works HQ — 1915 S Banker St., Effingham IL.

Doors open at 6:30pm. We ask that you arrive no later than 6:45pm to claim your seat. The show starts promptly at 7pm and ends just after 9pm.

The Guest List presented by Poss Music Works is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling North American songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience.

After the first set of 5 songs, we take a short break, and then the artist will play another 5 song set during which the audience (you!) can ask questions or make a request.

Garrett Burris is your audio engineer and producer. Emily Clark on the video. JJ Passalacqua with the weather.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

- No cover! (tips for the artist are encouraged)
- Buy merch directly from the artist
- Drawring Prizes
- BYOB
- Light Snacks Provided

Subscribe to our show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE: Shanna in a Dress (St. Louis, MO) joins us with 5 songs ranging from a goofy song about an honest dating profile, to a devastating take on loving someone through a fight with dementia. Shanna's energy is infectious and she lives for the type of songwriting and community we celebrate on the podcast. This is a special episode with an artist who is smack dab in her element talking shop about songs and life!

Shanna in a Dress: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host, Producer
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer
Emily Clark: Video, All the Other Things
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Spiritual Guidance

Do you want to attend a live taping of the podcast? Email possmusicworks@gmail.com to be added to the guest list.

We'll be recording most episodes at our intimate new venue, The Starlight Listening Room @ Poss Music Works HQ — 1915 S Banker St., Effingham IL. Doors open at 6:30pm. We ask that you arrive no later than 6:45pm to claim your seat. The show starts promptly at 7pm and goes to just after 9pm.

The Guest List presented by Poss Music Works is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling North American songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience.

Garrett Burris is your audio engineer and producer. Emily Clark on the video. JJ Passalacqua with the weather.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

After the first set of 5 songs, we take a short break, and then the artist will play another 5 song set during which the audience (you!) can ask questions or make a request.

- No cover! (tips for the artist are encouraged)
- Buy merch directly from the artist
- Drawring Prizes
- BYOB
- Light Snacks Provided

UPCOMING SCHEDULE 

1/29/26 -- Chloe Kimes
2/9/26 -- Aaron Lee Tasjan
2/28/26 -- Hope Dunbar (at the Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat 2026)
3/1/26 -- Bill Passalacqua (at the LGWSR)
3/9/26 -- Mark Stuart
3/23/26 -- Robbie Fulks, musician
4/26/26 -- Gary Schoenberger

Subscribe to our show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
With a career spanning 11 albums and several different cities-called-home across the years, Jess Klein has been churning out memorable and heartfelt songs since the early 2000s. Her stop on The Guest List tapped into her deep and undying passion for sharing songs with anyone who wants to listen. Jess was a Main Stage act at Moccasin Creek Festival 2024 and her storied music career often revolves around Austin, TX, a place where Bill also called home.

Enjoy today's episode with North Carolina-based Jess Klein.

Jess Klein: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer, Theme Song Composer
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Choreography
Emily Clark: Video

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
It's not often we get to feature a fingerstyle guitar player of Pierce Crask's ability and talent level on the show. But beyond the great songwriting and singing, today's episode features top level guitar playing. Pierce has been entertaining for most of his life, including a 2024 appearance (and forthcoming 2025 appearance) at Moccasin Creek Festival. Today, he offers up his top 5 song list in chronological order from when they were first recorded.

Enjoy the music, the conversation, and a few good laughs from today's guest from Skokie, IL...

Pierce Crask: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer, Theme Song Composer
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Voiceunders
Emily Clark: Video

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
The songwriting duo My Politic joins us on today's episode for a look into how they've crafted such a large catalog of well articulated, thoughtful songs...and a full tour schedule, all while living 600 miles apart! Kaston and Nick formed the group in their late teens and don't intend to slow down. They have produced 11 records together, the most recent of which will be out this spring.

While they don't shy away from political themes, My Politic takes a more well-rounded approach to their lyrical content and touch on themes across all levels of the human experience. And dang do they sound great!

Enjoy today's episode and check them out at www.mypoliticmusic.com.

My Politic: Esteemed Guests
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer, Theme Song Composer
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Deeply Offensive and Off-color Jokes
Emily Clark: Video

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
Southern Illinois songwriting stalwarts, Carter and Connelley, join us for today's episode. The duo has been writing and playing music together for over 35 years and you can feel it while they're performing. The songs reflect a deep appreciation for folk music, storytelling, and nature. The delivery is sharp-witted, often funny, and heartfelt all at once.

This podcast was recorded Sunday, March 2nd at our Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat at Touch of Nature in Makanda, IL.

Special thanks to all the staff at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center
https://ton.siu.edu/ 

Curt Carter and Tom Connelley: Esteemed Guests
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer, Theme Song Composer
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Getaway Driver
Emily Clark: Video

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
Enjoy today's episode with Mat Kuhlig, recorded Saturday, March 1st on location at the Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat -- one of Poss Music Works' flagship events. Thanks to everyone who traveled to Makanda, IL and made our 3rd annual retreat an inspirational gathering of songwriters and creatives.

Mat Kuhlig (Flora, IL) is a mainstay of the Poss Music Works festival lineup, performing at Moccasin Creek Festival and Summer Sundown Music Festivals over the years. You can find him most Wednesdays at Bill's open mic in downtown Effingham, IL at Village Wine and Spirits. 

Mat is a connoisseur of fine songs, pipe tobacco, and old guitars. His songs draw you in with their seeming simplicity and then you find yourself lost in the layers in between. The message doesn't take long to unfold and leave you contemplating every new twist and turn.

Mat Kuhlig: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Fancy Boots
Emily Clark: Video

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
Bruce Moon joins us today from Bloomington, IL. Today's episode was a fun and thought-provoking episode to record. Bruce's heartfelt style brings his life story....well, to life! The songs are all emotionally evocative and cut at the deepest parts of ourselves. His perspective is shaped by a life of working with psychiatric patients as an art therapist.

We hope you enjoy today's episode with Bruce Moon

Track list:

1. Road's Desires
2. This Was Not Your Fault
3. Shine On Me
4. Dyin' Slow
5. Home from the War

Bruce Moon: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Funny Quips
Emily Clark: Video

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

NOTE: Today's episode features a SNEAK PEEK of the 2025 Moccasin Creek Festival lineup! Be the first to know who is coming to Lake Sara this June 19-22! You'll have to listen to the episode to find the announcement!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
Terry Klein (Austin, TX) joins us for a thoughtful look at a songwriter who took the leap of faith into becoming a full time musician later in life after a full time law career. His songs can evoke vivid imagery and help put you in another place, and maybe even learn a thing about yourself. Bill and Terry were able to dive right in as good friends and get right to the meat and potatoes of Terry's 5 most popular songs.

Terry will be part of the faculty at PMW's upcoming Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat at Touch of Nature in Makanda, IL Fri, Feb 28 — Sun, Mar 2. More info here.

We send our thoughts out to Terry's friends and family in the LA area who face unimaginable tragedy and struggle in the wake of the recent fires.

Enjoy today's episode with Terry Klein!

Track list:

1. This Too Shall Pass
2. Dull Women Keep Immaculate Homes
3. Wedding Day
4. Does the Fish Feel the Knife
5. Oklahoma

Terry Klein: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer, Backing Vox, Bass
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Positive Reinforcement

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!

TODAY'S EPISODE:
Jacob Kuhns, of the Jacob Kuhns Experience, is a mainstay in our Effingham, IL area music scene. Jake is a prolific writer, often carrying around multiple notebooks full of new tunes and lyrics. He has also been behind the scenes helping make events like Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, and the Time To Kill Campout happen for several years. Now, he finds himself behind the microphone fronting a power trio rock band at most of these events and more all around the area.

The Jacob Kuhns Experience's debut album "Vol. 1: The Madness" was released in May 2024 and showcases a thoughtful, instinctual songwriter coming into his own, alongside a seasoned rhythm section with Austin Stark and our very own Garrett Burris playing on it and producing the record. Check it out anywhere you stream music.

Enjoy today's episode with Edgewood, IL native Jacob Kuhns.

Tracklist:
1. Wanderlust
2. $59.99
3. When they Find Me
4. The Madness
5. Middle Man

Jacob Kuhns: Esteemed Guest
Bill Poss: Host
Garrett Burris: Co-host, Producer, Backing Vox, Bass
JJ Passalacqua: Voiceovers, Campfire Tender

The Guest List is about songwriters, their most impactful songs, and the stories behind them. Bill Poss, a notable troubadour in his own right, is your host and executive producer. Each episode, we ask a traveling songwriter to perform their 5 most popular/requested songs -- all in front of a live, invite only, studio audience at the Poss Music Works headquarters in Effingham, IL.

Garrett Burris on the 1s and 2s. JJ Passalacqua with the news.

It's right where you've always wanted to be - on The Guest List!

Thanks to our sponsor Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham, IL! Featuring live, local music every week and a great selection of wine, beer, spirits, and more. They've been huge supporters of local music and Poss Music Works is proud to work with them to bring you The Guest List!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify. Tell your friends!

Presented by Poss Music Works, a 501 (c)3 NFP based out of Effingham, IL -- presenters of Moccasin Creek Festival, Summer Sundown Music Festival, Little Grassy Get Down, Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat, one-off concerts, workshops, and kids' events throughout Central and Southern Illinois.

Our mission is to bring arts/culture tourism and cultural enrichment to our rural part of the world

Visit us at: www.PossMusicWorks.com.

Go see live music!