Jonny’s Secret Stash

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 60 with Mike Struwin

Mike Struwin is a local singer songwriter who has been playing and writing songs since he was 13.  He has been involved in bands such as Hammertoe and Steamboat, but is keeping it simple with his latest band called the Mike Struwin Band (which JSS interviewees Mike Nelson [Ep 8] and Matt Sypian [Ep 1]).  Check him and the band out at the Livery on April 29 and also at the Acorn Theater on July 20.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 59 with Rodney Mills, Scott Ovens, and Mike Balmes from the Resurrection Blues Band

The Resurrection Blues Band is a three piece band (can you say Power Trio) based out of Harbor Country.  Rodney Mills on Guitar and Vocals, Scott Ovens on drums, and Mike Balmes on bass.  Keeping the blues alive with their original tunes.  Don't miss their show at the Acorn Theater on April 2 where they are opening for The Erly.

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 58 with Beth Bradfish

Beth Bradfish is a sound artist, currently in the process of curating an installation at the Chicago Cultural Center.  She began playing piano at the age of 7 and became quite accomplished; she studied music theory and piano through high school and into college.  It was at that point that she pivoted and became a folk singer travelling around Europe during her sophomore year of college.  She then took more than 20 years off of music while she pursued other interests and a career.  Fast forward to 2013 when she went back to school for music theory, getting both a bachelor's degree and MFA in Music.  Her symphony composition career morphed into an interest in natural sounds and thus began her work as a sound Artist.  You'll just have to listen to get a real sense of her art.  :) 

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 57 with Josh Shilling from Mountain Heart

Josh Shilling is a songwriter, singer, and piano player.  He began playing piano at a young age at the level where he got to play gigs  before the age of ten.  In 2007, he joined Mountain Heart (which had been around since 1998) and immediately found success.  In his first few months, he played at the Grand Ole Opry and went on tour opening for Lynard Skynard.  In between runs with Mountain Heart, he spends his time writing songs, doing session work, and collaborating with other musicians.  Don't miss Mountain Heart's show at the Acorn Theater on April 10, 2022. 

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 56 with Ron Spears

Ron Spears has been playing guitar since he was 15.  He took a little break after he got married and built his French Wine import business.  In 2010, he got his old Martin repaired and began playing again with purpose.  He now teaches guitar and practices 2-3 hours a day.  He currently play jazz with as a duo and with a big band out of New Carlisle, IN.  Welcome back to Ron (he was on episode 22).

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 55 with Robert Rolfe Feddersen

Robert Rolfe Feddersen is the hardest working man in show business (to borrow a phrase).  Lead guitarist and singer of the 90s hard rock band Loudmouth, he transitioned to solo work with his singer percussionist wife Teri Ann and they have not looked back.  Together, they play 150 shows a year at breweries and wineries from Wisconsin to Michigan.  They make every show a party and Bob is getting ready to release his 10th album of original music.  He has written over a hundred songs, each one from the heart.  

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 54 with Tony D’Annunzio, the director of the Movie ”Louder Than Love: The Grande Ballroom Story”

Tony D'Annunzio is the director and producer of the documentary movie, "Louder Than Love: The Grande Ballroom Story", which is being shown at the Acorn Theater on February 11, 2022.  Open from 1966 to 1972, the Grande Ballroom was modeled after the Filmore West in San Francisco and featured musicians from MC5 and The Stooges to The Who and BB King.  

Jonny’s Secret Stash - Ep 53 with Jack Droppers

Jack Droppers is the lead guitarist and lead singer for the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Americana/Indie Rock band "Jack Droppers and The Best Intentions."  Jack started out playing original punk rock music with his buddies in junior high until he was introduced to Bruce Springstein.  He then found out that his Dad was a big fan of the Boss and he began gravitating towards music with a story.  Fast forward to 2021, when Jack became a father and issued his third LP, "Dad Rock".  Check them out!

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep 52 with Ann Campbell and Adrienne White

Ann Campbell and Adrienne White are sound healers, yoga teachers, and Reiki practitioners among other skills.  In this episode, we discuss what happens in a soundbath, the instruments that are used and their sources, and the wonderful benefits that a soundbath can provide. 

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep 51 with Bob Swan from Harbor Country Opera

Bob Swan was going to be a doctor, but couldn't imagine being stuck inside all day long.  So instead he began an entertainment career where he started as a stage actor, then became a voice over artist, then became a movie actor (remember the assistant coach in Hoosiers?), which led him to a career in opera, which brought him to Harbor Country as a land developer.  For the last 17 years, he and his group of professional opera singers have been performing Christmas songs at the Acorn Theater around the holidays.  Don't miss their show "Christmas At The Acorn" on December 23, 2021.