Music & Performance Episodes

Ever found yourself around a campfire and thought, “Hey, let’s throw a music festival!”? Well, that’s exactly what happened, and we’re chatting with Ken Boland, who gives us the inside on this festival that’s all about honoring loved ones and raising money for kid-focused organizations. Picture this: a festival packed with 14 bands, food galore (mouthwatering brisket), and fun kid zones that’ll keep the little ones entertained—all while helping to serve children and youth in our region. Grab your favorite beverage (adult lemonade, anyone?) and let’s get the lowdown on what makes Oxfest a must-attend festival this September 19th—where music, community, and helping kids collide!

The Festival of Nations, a vibrant celebration that showcases the unique flavors, sounds, and traditions of over 100 cultures right in the heart of St. Louis. The connection through art, music, and food will be held in Tower Grove Park August 29–30, showcasing the cultures with over 200 food and retail vendors and more than 30 performance groups across two stages, with VIP options, volunteer opportunities, and maps posted at festofnations.com. The festival is free, parking on the street, is cashless for safety and operations, and goes on whether it is rain or shine.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be the mastermind behind a music star? Well, today’s chat with Pam Lewis, the president and founder of PLA Media, jumps right into that juicy world! Imagine managing Garth Brooks before he became a legend—yeah, she did that! We’re talking about an epic journey through the music industry, sprinkled with stories about trailblazing artists and the wild adventures of the ’80s and ’90s country scene. Pam shares her insights on navigating the ups and downs of the industry, how she helped shape media strategies, and the importance of storytelling in music. So, grab your favorite snack, hit play, and sit back for the behind-the-scenes magic of music promotion!

Technical Sergeant Brian Logan from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America based at Scott Air Force Base joins us and discusses the importance of military bands and the band’s mission pillars—honor, inspire, connect, and recruit. He reveals how overseas performances support diplomacy and “soft power,” citing tours across Africa and Europe, including cultural exchanges in Angola that helped reopen military relationships and a Mauritania performance for border guards. Don't forget about the free, ticketed outdoor Independence Day-area performances by the USAF Band of Mid-America. Go to afbandtix.org for schedules and reservations.

The phenomenal pianist Brian Woods is here to chat about his new album, "Prokofiev’s Radical Miniatures," which will be released July 24th with a single arriving the first week of July. These piano pieces are short and sweet (perfect for those with attention spans shorter than a TikTok video) with no track longer than three minutes, including some around 30 seconds! Woods explains his approach to telling a story in his performances and his role as classical music director at the World Chess Hall of Fame.

The world of storytelling with the incredible Dennis Brown, who’s not just any guest—he’s a maestro of narratives! Dennis shares some delightful anecdotes about icons like Gregory Peck and Henry Fonda, giving us a peek behind the curtain of theater and film. We chat about his new book, "Stage Page: Memories of Mostly Marvelous St. Louis Theater," where he captures the essence of the local scene with a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of wit. Join us as we explore what it means to be a critic ("informed subjectivity"), the art of storytelling, and the memories that stick with us long after the curtain falls. So, grab your favorite beverage, turn off your phone (unless you are listening to this by that device), settle in, and let’s get ready to be entertained and enlightened!

Nina Ferrigno, the artistic director of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival, is giving us the inside information on the festival's 16th season. This year, the theme "Hope is the Thing with Music" takes center stage, riffing off Emily Dickinson's timeless poetry. Nina's not just a behind-the-scenes artistic director; she’s also a talented pianist and a founding member of the Calyx Piano Trio, so you know she’s got some serious musical chops! We explore the exciting lineup of world-class performances, the new partnership with the Sheldon Concert Hall, and how the festival is all about weaving together the beauty of music and the power of hope. So grab your earbuds, because we're in for a delightful ride through the rhythms and stories that make this festival a must-see!

Scott Holt, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the legendary band Foghat, joins us ahead of the band’s May 2, 7:00 PM show at the Family Arena in St. Charles on the “Twang and Bang 2026” tour. With a rich backstory that includes a decade touring with blues icon Buddy Guy, Scott shares insights on what it means to live "loud" and how music can cleanse the soul from everyday grime. We chat about the delicate balance of honoring a band's legacy while injecting personal flair into performances, all while keeping audiences entertained and engaged. Plus, Scott's got some candid advice for aspiring musicians! So, grab your headphones and get ready for some good tunes and even better stories as we tune into Scott's journey in the music biz.

Rebekah Scallet, the artistic director of the New Jewish Theater, is making an impact in the St. Louis theater scene. With a whopping 31 nominations and 14 wins from the St. Louis Theatre Circle, including a biggie for her direction of "Cabaret," she’s got the insider scoop on what makes live theater tick. We chat about the upcoming production of "Prayer for the French Republic," tackling weighty themes like anti-Semitism and identity, all while keeping things fresh and engaging. If you're even a smidge curious about the magic behind the curtain, stick around—it's going to be a fun show!

What do a rock opera and Nikola Tesla have in common? Well, get ready to find out because we’re charging into the electrifying world of Tesla like you’ve never seen before—through a brand new rock opera titled "Light It Up!" Join us as we chat with the creative masterminds Mark Rodgers and Jason Nelson, who are not just bringing Tesla’s genius to the stage, but also lighting it up with their killer music. We’ll explore how Tesla’s life and inventions are woven into this show, plus the dynamic energy of the band that’s going to make this premiere at Delmar Hall on June 20th a night to remember.

Sandy Weltman is in the house, and he's got a harmonica tune or two up his sleeve that would even make Stan Musial nod in approval! Sandy shares his musical journey from banjo to harmonica, revealing how a simple desire to impress a girl led him down the rabbit hole of music that now includes everything from klezmer to blues. We’ll hear about his adventures, some killer harmonica techniques, and even a near “pinch hit” recording call for Musial. So grab your harmonica (or at least your imaginary one), and let’s get ready to jam with Sandy on this episode of Saint Louis In Tune!

Get ready to unravel a delightful mystery with us as we dive into the whimsical world of Circus Harmony! Someone's done the unthinkable and lifted the cookie from the cookie jar, sparking a wild whodunit that’s set to unfold in their latest show, "Mysterioso." We’re chatting with the incredible Jessica Hentoff, who not only leads this amazing circus but has also just been named the World Circus Federation Ambassador for 2026. How cool is that? We’ll explore everything from the artistry of circus performance to the heartwarming mission behind Circus Harmony, which connects kids through the power of circus arts. So grab your trench coats and maybe a cookie or two, because you won’t want to miss this fun-filled episode!

What do you get when you mix an electrical engineer with an entrepreneur? You end up with Carlos Bedoya, a guy who's not only designed amps for big names like Ampeg and Crate but also strums a mean guitar and croons his way through the St. Louis music scene. In this conversation, Carlos discusses his musical journey, including his work with the tribute band Grand Illusion that pays homage to Styx, and the magic behind those iconic sounds. Alongside him is Scott Marlin, who brings his vocal talents to the table, giving us a peek into the world of tribute bands and the camaraderie that comes with making music. Grab your headphones and get ready for some laid-back banter packed with stories and insights from two passionate musicians who are all about keeping the music alive and kicking!

Gordon Meyer takes center stage in this episode, sharing some seriously cool stories from his wild ride in the entertainment industry, starting from when he was just a kid at 12! We follow his journey, from his first celebrity interview with the legendary Hal Holbrook to producing the epic "Hollywood Master Storytellers" series, where he rubbed elbows with everyone from writers to Oscar-winning visual effects artists. It’s like a backstage pass to Hollywood magic, folks! Gordon also spills the beans on his recent adventures with the Criterion Collection, which includes his interview with the late Paul Reubens making the cut in the 40th-anniversary edition of "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure." So grab your popcorn, kick back, and join us as we explore the glitz, the glam, and the real stories behind the scenes of Tinseltown!

Tim Waurick is not just your average singer; he’s practically a vocal wizard with a range that could give any superhero a run for their money! Kicking off his musical journey at the tender age of four and stepping into a barbershop quartet by twelve, he’s transformed a childhood passion into a full-blown career. Tim’s accolades are impressive, including an induction into the Barbershop Harmony Society's Hall of Fame and a treasure trove of albums under his belt. But it’s not just about the accolades—he’s also dedicated to educating the next generation of singers through his music production company, Tim Tracks. Get ready to dive into a playful and enlightening conversation as we unpack Tim’s journey, his vocal techniques, and the magic of barbershop harmony!

Hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston delve into the history and evolution of Ox Fest, a music festival in Washington, Missouri. Their guest, Ken Boland, the festival's MC, shares how the festival started as a barbecue in memory of his cousins Doug and Dwayne Haddocks, who passed away due to diabetes. Now in its ninth year, Ox Fest features nine bands spanning genres from classic rock to blues, all performing on a million-dollar stage. The discussion highlights the festival's role in supporting multiple charities, including those focused on children, special-needs education, and victims of sex trafficking. Won't you come to the festival and enjoy music, food, and community while supporting meaningful causes.

Nick Gusman is back in the studio, and trust me, you don't want to miss this one! He’s gearing up for a performance at Joe's Cafe on August 28, and we’re delving into the creation of his new double album, “Plenty of Room.” In our conversation, Nick shares the scoop on his solo endeavors, reveals how his recent adventures in England inspired his songwriting, and even dishes on his unique approach to booking shows across the pond. We also get a taste of his new sound, blending heartfelt Americana and folk vibes that'll have you tapping your toes in no time. So get ready for a sneak peek at new tunes, and a whole lot of fun!

Get ready to rock into the electrifying world of Mr. Blue Sky, A Tribute to Electric Light Orchestra, with none other than Jeff Faulkner himself. This episode is all about the upcoming concert on August 1st at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, where Jeff promises a night brimming with nostalgia and a few surprise twists to keep us on our toes. We chat about the magic of recreating ELO’s iconic sound, the thrill of performing with a stellar light show, and what makes this concert a must-see for music lovers of all ages. Plus, we’ll get some juicy tidbits SPOILER ALERT .... Well, just listen and join us for music, laughter, and all the good vibes!

Nina Ferrigno is back in the studio, and she’s bringing the scoop on the upcoming Missouri Chamber Music Festival, happening June 9th to 20th in St. Louis! This festival is a musical feast featuring high-quality concerts, nationally recognized artists, and a whole lot of chamber music magic. We browse the lineup and reveal a seriously compelling world premiere, “Hey, Mr. Drum Machine Man,” a piece that’s as lively as it sounds. Nina spills the tea on the inspiration behind the festival's theme of “spirit,” plus we chat about the unique pieces being performed and the amazing musicians involved. So, if you’re ready to jazz up (or chamber music up) your calendar with some fantastic live chamber music, you won't want to miss this episode!

Championships, anyone? Today, we hit a home run into the world of the St. Louis Cardinals, and you won't want to miss the juicy tales behind their 12 rings—yes, I said 12! Joining us are the baseball brainiac Bob Tiemann, who’s got the stats and stories that’ll knock your socks off, and the legendary Ron Jacober, who’s not just a hall of fame broadcaster and former voice of the Cardinals, but also a saxophonist extraordinaire. We’re chatting about everything from the glory days of baseball to some wild behind-the-scenes anecdotes that’ll have you laughing and reminiscing. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the banter, we’ve got a home run of a conversation waiting for you! Grab your popcorn; it’s game time!

Ed Wheatley takes us on a nostalgic journey through the rich baseball history of St. Louis, where legends were born and made, and a surprising number of Hall of Famers call home. We delve into the stories of not just the well-known greats like Stan Musial and Bob Gibson, but also the hidden gems that often get lost in the shuffle, like the St. Louis Browns and players from the Negro Leagues who made their mark. It’s a celebration of the players, the fans, and the unique culture that makes St. Louis a top contender for the best baseball town in America. As we chat, we uncover some jaw-dropping facts that might just change how you think about baseball history.

Our conversation with William Roth, founder and artistic director of the St. Louis Actors Studio revolves around the upcoming production of Eugene O'Neill's play 'Long Day's Journey into the Night,' directed by esteemed director Austin Pendleton. Roth provides insights into his career, the creation of the St. Louis Actors Studio, and the challenges and rewards of producing O'Neill's work. Grab your popcorn (or a glass of wine) and settle in as we explore the depths of family, addiction, and the art of storytelling with a true St. Louis gem!

Get ready for a stroll down memory lane as we dive into the highlights of 2024 on Saint Louis In Tune! We’re spilling the beans on the most popular shows of the past year and, oh boy, we’ve got some epic jokes that have been sitting in our back pocket just waiting for their moment to shine. As we reminisce, we’ll be chatting about those unforgettable moments that had our listeners laughing, crying, and maybe even scratching their heads in confusion. Plus, we’ll break down what made certain episodes stand out from the crowd—spoiler alert: it’s not just our charming personalities! So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and join us as we celebrate the wild ride that was this past year in podcasting.

Join hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston on 'Saint Louis In Tune' as they discuss the sixth annual Christmas concert benefiting St. Louis Bologna Sister Cities. The event will feature acclaimed opera singer Benedetta Orsi and special guests at the Old Cathedral. Guest Benedetta Orsi provides insights into the upcoming concert, the mission of St. Louis Bologna Sister Cities, and her busy musical schedule. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with laughter, cultural insights, and community spirit.