Jonny’s Secret Stash

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

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 73 with Cam Mammina From Slim Gypsy Baggage and Bonehawk

Cam Mammina has been playing guitar since he was about 8 years old and recording music since his teens.  He is one of the founders of Slim Gypsy Baggage and a recent addition to Michigan based Bonehawk.  When he is not selling real estate or playing music, he can be found taking care of business at his awesome new bar/food/music concept called Sideyard in Sawyer, MI.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 72 with Tim Vanderlin from Chester Brown and Stealin the Farm

Tim Vanderlin is a long term guitar player.  Of the three bands he's played in during his life, he continues to play with two.  Chester Brown was formed in the early 2000s when Tim was just learning the guitar.  20 years later, he joined Chester Brown guitarist Mike Knealand at his side project, Stealin the Farm.  Now, Tim gets to play extended jams and create on the fly all the time.

When Tim is not actually performing, he is busy organizing Chester Brown's annual festival, Brown Town. On its 12th year, Brown Town features all the best local jam bands in a tranquil setting along the Tippecanoe River in Northwest Indiana.  Listen in to Tim's stories of getting started as a musician, his guitar set up, and what it takes to put on a festival every year.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 71 with Scott Hildebrand

When Scott Hildebrand was visiting a friend in Berlin a few years ago, he got the itch to perform on a street corner (commonly referred to as "Busking").  He got the audience to sing along and throughout the song he heard a beautiful voice coming from the back.  It was Lila.  He invited her up to sing with him and the rest is history.  Since then, the couple have travelled the world playing and recording their music; Scott won the Acorn Theater Singer songwriting competition in 2021 (they wouldn't let Lila into the country because of Covid restrictions); he began writing a book about busking; and Scott & Lila are back at the Acorn on Friday August 29 to play their beautiful music together.  Check them out!