Jonny’s Secret Stash

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 90 with Jon Goldfine and Ben Wright from Henhouse Prowlers

Jon Goldfine and Ben Wright are the founders of the Chicago based Bluegrass band, The Henhouse Prowlers. Last week they issued their 10th album, "Iron and Lead."  On top of that, for the last 10 years, they have acted as Bluegrass Ambassadors through the US State Department and otherwise bringing American culture to distant parts of the world.  They have also taken those presentation skills and created a non-profit that brings music programs to schools around the country.  Make sure to check them out at the Acorn Theater on October 27.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 89 with Ethan Adelsman, Mason Jiller, and Graham Nelson from Bowmanville

Bowmanville is a Jazz band based out of Chicago with with a Hot club jazz from 1930's Paris style.  It was a pleasure talking with Ethan, Mason, and Graham.  Check out their show on August 18 at the Acorn.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 88 with Adrienne White and Luke Andresen from The Collective

Luke and Adrienne are the owners of the Collective Yoga studio and Rebel Cafe in Benton Harbor.  Aside from their regular awesome offerings, the are excited to share their big event, Karma Yogafest.  The two day event features a farm to table meal, The Resiliency Project, Kundalini, 108 Sun Salutes, Khirtan, a light ceremony, and other events.  More information is at Karmayogafest.org. Check it out!

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 87 with Jim Bilger from Trouble Ahead

Jim Bilger's knowledge of Grateful Dead lore runs deep.  So, it is no surprise that he has gathered outstanding musicians around him to create a Dead cover band that is mindful about the Grateful Dead's roots when performing.  Trouble Ahead has only been around for about 6 years, but they know their Grateful Dead music and pride themselves on their improvisational skills.  Check out their show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks on August 4.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 86 with Naomi Ashley and Ralph Baumel from The Real Pretenders and the Naomi Ashley Band

Naomi Ashley got her start in music after moving to Chicago and working in Comedy Improv.  Initially, her songs were part of the joke and then she got serious in her writing.  She gave up improv and began playing folk/country music in the early 2000s and since then has issued at least two albums and is getting ready to go into the studio to make another.  In 2018, Ralph Baumel saw her perform a Pretenders song on stage and something clicked.  They formed the Real Pretenders and have been delighting audiences since.  Check them out at the Acorn Theater on May 28 performing the entire Pretenders "Learning To Crawl" album and Lucinda Williams 1996 album, "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road." 

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 85 with Jim Peterik from The Ides of March

Jim Peterik is a true legend.  He formed the Ides of March in 1964 at the age of 14 while attending high school in the western suburbs of Chicago.  They had their first big hit when he turned 16 and then in 1970, their song "Vehicle" hit number 2 on the Billboard chart.  This lead to him opening for some of the huge bands of the time, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, and Led Zeppelin.  In 1973, The Ides of March took a hiatus and he formed the band Survivor.  In 1990, he returned to his roots with the Ides of March and they have been playing ever since.  In almost 60 years of being a professional, he has written approximately 5,000 songs (many cowritten for others) and has collected 100s of vintage guitars.  A very interesting guy for sure; check out the show! 

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 84 with Brian McClure

Brian McClure is the Irish music expert around Harbor Country.  He learned to play the violin as a kid and played in the school orchestra, but it wasn't until a local bar asked him to play Irish songs that he dug back into his past, taught himself irish songs, and began playing.  Since he moved to the area approximately 3 years ago, he has made music his full time gig.  Look for him on most weekends playing at the bars, breweries, and wineries around harbor country.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 83 with Kofi Baker

Kofi Baker is on a mission.  Some musicians are happy to play other's music as a tribute to the original musician.  Kofi has worked most of his life to hone his drumming skills to honor the legacy of his father, Ginger Baker.  From the early age of 3 when his father first began teaching him to drum to the present where he has brought together outstanding musicians to carry on the legacy of his father's music, Kofi worked hard to learn everything his father could teach him and is taking it to the next level.  It wasn't an easy path, but he has come through it with grace and honor.  Looking forward to seeing him play at the Acorn Theater on February 3.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 82 with Ron Spears and Dino Jackson

What a pleasure to have my old friend Ron Spears on the show with the awesome and talented Dino Jackson.  Ron and Dino recently formed a duo (as yet unnamed) to play blues standards.  We were fortunate enough to hear them play "Freight Train" and "How Long Blues."  Don't miss their appearance at the Acorn Open Mic on January 13.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 81 with Brian Barber

Very happy to have my old friend Brian Barber back on the show.  Got to hear his newest song, "Hollow", which he is planning to release in February with an EP of other songs.  Look for it on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or wherever else you get your music.