Jonny’s Secret Stash

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.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 80 with Wayne Gillon from Skirt

Matthew "Wayne" Gillon is the multi instrumentalist drummer from the band Skirt with musical influences ranging from Hip Hop to Reggae.  He played for years with local band, Midwest Hype, and then moved to San Diego, CA where he honed his guitar skills only to decide that what he really wanted to do was be a drummer.  After connecting with Nate and Kyla Webb at an open mic in Michigan City, they decided to form the band Skirt.  Check them out at the Acorn Theater on New Years when they open for the Edgar Wilbury Experience. 

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 79 with Kyla Webb from Skirt

Kyla Webb began her career as an actress where she was perpetually typecast in school plays as the "little sister" or "neighbor".  She began to shine when she started doing variety shows where she could show off her witty writing and stage banter.  She really hit her stride, however, when she formed her band Skirt with members of Midwest Hype and other friends who she met at the open mic at the Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City, IN.  Her next step is to begin recording an album and taking her band to the next level.  Don't miss her at the Acorn on New Years where she will be opening for the Edgar Wilbury Experience.  She can also be seen most Tuesday nights at the open mic at the Shoreline.

Jonnys Secret Stash - Ep 78 with Abbie Thomas

Abbie Thomas has been playing music since she was a little kid, but it took the birth of her own child for her to realize that the corporate life was not for her and she should be playing music all the time.  She has since released an album, an EP, and just released a single of White Christmas (just in time).  Look out for her collaboration this spring with the Elkhart, Indiana symphony orchestra.

Jonny’s Secret Stash Ep 77 with Buddy Pearson from Freak Johnson and BP3

Buddy Pearson is a working jazz bass player from South Bend, Indiana.  From funky to traditional, he gets opportunities to do it all.  He has been playing as Freak Johnson and the Buddy Pearson 3.  Check him out with Freak Johnson at Leroy's Hot stuff in December 16.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 76 with Calvin Conway

After getting comfortable on the violin and guitar, Calvin Conway first learned to play blues harmonica when he worked at the House of Blues.  He got the inspiration for his album, Dark House Deluxe, after taking a cross country train ride from Chicago through Austin to New Orleans.  He has developed a musical style reminiscent of old time delta blues that is rare these days.  Check out the interview and look for him playing at one of the local establishments in Harbor Country.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 75 with St. Joe Jack (Jack Adams)

Jack Adams (aka St. Joe Jack) is a local guitarist and singer songwriter.  Raised on classic rock, he brings his bluegrass inspired tunes to people all over Southwest Michigan.  Check it out!

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 74 with Bruce Katz

Bruce Katz has been playing some kind of keyboard since he was 5 years old.  He is not only formally educated in music, having attended the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory in Boston, but he has also had a lifetime of education playing jazz and the blues.  The list of musicians that he has played with includes John Hammond, Big Mama Thornton, Delbert McClinton, and Ronnie Earl.  He has also enjoyed a significant career playing with the Allman Brothers and different manifestations of that group, including Greg Allman, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe, and Oteil Burbridge.  Don't miss his show at the Acorn Theater on October 21, 2022