Jonny’s Secret Stash

Jonny‘s Secret Stash- Ep 50 with Jillian Speece and Nathaniel Hoff of the Bergamot

Jillian and Nathaniel are a husband and wife duo who met during high school in South Bend, Indiana when their art teacher pushed them to write a song together to represent their school in a statewide competition (they finished in the top ten).  They have been playing together around the country ever since.  In 2016, they set out to document their upcoming 263 show tour and ended up with a documentary about unity.  Check out their show at the Acorn Theater on December 10!

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep 49 with Miles Nielsen

Miles Nielsen is the lead singer, guitarist, and principle songwriter for his band Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, but also happens to be the son of Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.  Miles talks about the joys of growing up and raising his family in his hometown of Rockford, Illinois, getting to meet his musical idols, and traveling with his Dad on the road when he was growing up.  Check out Miles, his Dad, his brother, and his wife Kelly on the Acorn Stage on December 3 as they perform as "The Nielsen Trust."

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep 48 with Bill Bielby and Gene Halton of The Newports

Bass player Bill Bielby and his friends formed a band called The Newports when they were in 8th grade in the south suburbs of Chicago.  Fast forward to an open mic at the Acorn theater in 2014:  Bill called up some of the old members of the band and his friend Jumpin' Gene Halton (on Harmonica) from South Bend and made a plan to play a few songs for old time sake.  Thanks to an article by Larry Von Ebeler praising their work that evening, they decided to keep the music going.  Since that fateful night, they have grown to a 9 member band featuring a brass section, two guitars, Halton on Harmonica, a drummer, and Bielby on Bass.  In 2019, they released their album "Live at the Acorn" and just put out a single, "Goin' Out West" (by Tom Waits); all of which were recorded in Three Oaks by local sound man extraordinaire Evan Margol.  Check out their show at the Acorn Theater on November 27.

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep 47 with Rodger Kelm and Kevin Mansfield

Rodger Kelm and Kevin Mansfield are the drummer and bass player respectively for The Red Deluxe Band, a local favorite that continues to evolve.  Both were introduced to music as kids growing up in the 50 and 60s and played in bands in high school. While Rodger worked a day job and raised his family, Kevin lived in different parts of the country playing drums with various house bands.  When The Red Deluxe Band re-formed in 1985 (as the Jackson Band), Kevin picked up a bass for the first time and has not looked back.  6 years later and The Red Deluxe Band is still going strong.  Check out their story!

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep. 46 wsg Zev Russ

Zev Russ is a yet to be discovered guitar player from Austin, Texas (and also my nephew).  He is the lead guitarist for the band, "Wolfman's Brother".  In this episode, we talk about Zev's writing style, his compositions, his view of the music scene in Austin, and his plans for his band.

Jonny‘s Secret Stash Episode 45 with special guest Bryan Lubeck

Bryan Lubeck is a Smooth Jazz guitarist and composer.  He just released his album Midnight Sun in August 2021 which hit number 1 on Amazon's list of best sellers.  He is also hosting the Open Mic at the Acorn on November 11.   Don't miss it!

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Episode 44 WSGs Bradley Rogers and Randy Rogers

Randy and Bradley Rogers are members of the Bridgman, MI based Red Deluxe Band.  The brothers have been playing music together since Bradley was 7 and Randy was 13 and we were fortunate enough to get them to play a couple of songs.

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Ep 43 WSG Benny Piazza

Benny Piazza (aka Benny Boomba) is a drummer, guitar player, music teacher, and pyrotechnics expert.  He's the drummer for the Jack Whittle Trio, but loves playing with others.  All those roles and he still has time to write his own songs.  It was a pleasure getting to hang out with him and hear his original songs.  Keep it up Benny!

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Episode 42 WSG Chuck Prophet

Chuck Prophet has been making music since he was 12 years old.  Originally from Orange County, California, he got his start with the psychedelic/desert rock band Green on Red in the early 80s. In 1990, he put out his first solo album, Brother Aldo, and began making music with his wife Stephanie Finch.  Chuck, Stephanie and his band the Mission Express are coming to the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks on October 28, 2021.

Jonny‘s Secret Stash - Episode 41 wsg Blake Vissing from Modern Vultures (and Co-host Adam Conley)

Blake Vissing is the lead vocalist, guitar player, and primary songwriter for the Modern Vultures (a Southwest Michigan based band that also includes Adam Conley, Dustin Lowe, and Matt Sypian).  In this interview, we discuss their new album, "Live(ry)71721" which was recorded live at the Livery in Benton Harbor, MI two months ago as well as their upcoming concept album.