Mike Stern: The Story Behind ‘Echoes and Other Songs’
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Mike Stern: The Story Behind ‘Echoes and Other Songs’

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews six-time Grammy-nominated jazz fusion guitarist Mike Stern. Known for his legendary collaborations with icons like Miles Davis and the Brecker Brothers, Mike shares insights into his creative process for his latest album, Echoes and Other Songs.

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Carolyn Kendrick on her latest album, ‘Each Machine’
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Carolyn Kendrick on her latest album, ‘Each Machine’

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Carolyn Kendrick, a Stockton-born singer-songwriter, fiddler, and producer, to discuss her highly anticipated album, Each Machine, which will be released on December 6th.

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Laurie Lewis: Deep Roots, New Growth, and the Stories Behind The Album ‘Trees’
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Laurie Lewis: Deep Roots, New Growth, and the Stories Behind The Album ‘Trees’

On this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby welcomes Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, fiddler, and a bluegrass icon Laurie Lewis for an intimate conversation about her latest album, Trees. Laurie shares insights into creating music without her longtime collaborator, Tom Rozum, and how her songs' themes of loss and hope are interwoven.

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Jimmie Herrod: Redefining Vocal Brilliance and Artistic Excellence
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Jimmie Herrod: Redefining Vocal Brilliance and Artistic Excellence

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with Jimmie Herrod, the sensational vocalist celebrated for his breathtaking performances and unique artistry. Known for his work with Pink Martini and his memorable run on America’s Got Talent, Jimmie shares personal insights into his journey as a musician, his creative process, and the transformative power of jazz.

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Marina Crouse: Honoring Jazz Legends and Keeping the Music Alive
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Marina Crouse: Honoring Jazz Legends and Keeping the Music Alive

In this inspiring episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby welcomes jazz and blues vocalist Marina Crouse for an intimate conversation about her musical journey, her passion for honoring jazz greats like Ernestine Anderson, and how she connects with audiences through her soulful performances. Marina shares her thoughts on preserving jazz traditions while adding her unique voice to the genre.

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Peter Bradley Adams: The Soulful Journey of an Americana Songwriter
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Peter Bradley Adams: The Soulful Journey of an Americana Songwriter

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Bradley Adams from Birmingham, Alabama. He is known for his signature Americana sound that wraps listeners in a warm embrace. Peter discusses the inspiration behind his soulful music, insights into his side project Down Like Silver, and an exciting new album in the works.

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Exploring ‘Headland’: Eric McDonald on Kalos’ Musical Journey
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Exploring ‘Headland’: Eric McDonald on Kalos’ Musical Journey

Our guest for this episode is Eric McDonald, the masterful guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist from the Celtic roots trio Kalos. Known for its seamless blend of Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, and North American traditions, Kalos takes listeners on a journey filled with rich maritime tales, driving dance rhythms, and pastoral melodies.

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Jeffrey Martin, on his new album, 'Thank God We Left the Garden'
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Jeffrey Martin, on his new album, 'Thank God We Left the Garden'

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with singer-songwriter Jeffrey Martin, known for his profoundly moving storytelling and soulful folk sound. From being an English teacher to becoming a full-time musician, Jeffrey shares his creative process and stories behind some of his most compelling songs, such as "Red Station Wagon" and "Garden."

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Yellowwood Junction: From ‘90s Beginnings to Modern-Day Resonance
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Yellowwood Junction: From ‘90s Beginnings to Modern-Day Resonance

Join host Steve Roby as he sits down with Brian Wachhorst, guitarist and vocalist of Yellowwood Junction, in this episode of Backstage Sonoma. Formed in San Francisco in 1993, Yellowwood Junction is celebrated for their sophisticated adult alternative rock sound, combining Steely Dan's musical intricacy with singer-songwriter finesse.

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Jonatha Brooke on Creative Freedom and Life in Music
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Jonatha Brooke on Creative Freedom and Life in Music

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby interviews acclaimed singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke about her creative journey, the evolution of her music, and the fearless reinvention that defines her career.

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Lebo's Gems & Jams: The Story Behind the Music
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Lebo's Gems & Jams: The Story Behind the Music

Join Steven Roby for a captivating episode as he interviews the renowned guitarist and vocalist Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz of ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra). Lebo shares his musical journey, from picking up a guitar at age 13 to collaborating with legends like Bob Weir and the late Phil Lesh.

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Ben Sollee on his latest album, ‘Long Haul'
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Ben Sollee on his latest album, ‘Long Haul'

In this special episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with renowned cellist, composer, and activist Ben Sollee. Hailing from Kentucky, Sollee is known for blending various musical genres—classical, folk, jazz, and R&B—into a distinctive, soulful sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. His work doesn’t stop at music; Sollee is deeply involved in activism, particularly environmental causes, making his art a powerful tool for change.

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Groove, Soul, and Connection: Darryl Anders of AgapéSoul
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Groove, Soul, and Connection: Darryl Anders of AgapéSoul

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby is joined by bassist and bandleader Darryl Anders of AgapéSoul. Darryl shares his deep-rooted passion for creating soul-driven music that resonates personally and emotionally. He reveals the stories behind AgapéSoul's music, from its creative inception to the powerful connections it forms with audiences.

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Pearl Charles: Blending Genres and Gearing Up for Desert Queen album
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Pearl Charles: Blending Genres and Gearing Up for Desert Queen album

On this episode of Backstage Sonoma, we’re joined by the multi-talented singer-songwriter Pearl Charles, whose unique fusion of genres has taken her from garage rock to the forefront of modern Americana. 

Raised in Hollywood, Pearl's sound draws on various influences, blending American folk, country, disco, and cosmic Americana. With a career that spans over a decade, she’s gearing up to release her highly anticipated record, Desert Queen, in April 2025.

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Jeffrey Foucault on his latest album, ‘The Univeral Fire’
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Jeffrey Foucault on his latest album, ‘The Univeral Fire’

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault for an intimate conversation about his musical journey, creative process, and new album, TheUniversal Fire. Known for his deep, introspective lyrics and distinctive Americana sound, Jeffrey shares the influences that shaped his music, from his early days in the Midwest to his latest releases.

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Free-Range Folk and Harmonies: A Conversation with Megan McLaughlin of The Musers
Steven Roby Steven Roby

Free-Range Folk and Harmonies: A Conversation with Megan McLaughlin of The Musers

On this episode of Backstage Sonoma, we’re excited to sit down with Megan McLaughlin, singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the Sonoma County-based folk quartet, The Musers. Known for their unique blend of free-range folk, bluegrass, and Americana, The Musers are a local favorite, delivering dynamic harmonies and multi-instrumental performances that enthrall their audiences.

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