On this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Greg, a longtime musician and member of the band Stella, to explore his decades-long career in music. Greg takes us back to his earliest memories of picking up a guitar, sneaking into his older brother’s room to play when no one was watching. A self-taught musician from childhood, he eventually studied classical guitar in college and played in local bands throughout his youth. His musical roots go deep, starting in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during the golden age of live music, when bars were packed and bands played six nights a week.Greg recalls how different the music scene was in the 1980s compared to today—before streaming platforms, before smartphones, when music was something people had to seek out live. Eventually, reality set in, and he left full-time music to pursue a business degree at Notre Dame. His journey led him to a career in consulting, working with nonprofit organizations nationwide, but the pull of music never left him.In a surprising twist, Greg shares the moment that reignited his passion for performing. One night at a Fargo Red Lobster, he and his wife found themselves seated next to legendary drummer Alan White of Yes. What started as a casual dinner turned into a two-hour conversation, complete with backstage passes and a hilarious exchange over apple pie. White’s parting words—predicting Greg would one day be a great musician—sparked something in him. Soon after, he got a call from an old friend looking for a bass player, leading him back into performing live.This eventually led to the formation of Stella during the COVID era. While most bands were on hiatus, Greg and his bandmates gathered in a Grand Forks basement, playing music just for the love of it. The chemistry between Greg and drummer Dave Jeffrey—who had spent decades as a professional musician across the U.S.—became the heartbeat of Stella’s sound. With their deep rhythmic connection, the band built something unique, channeling the funky grooves of New Orleans and bringing that energy to the Fargo-Moorhead music scene.Greg also reveals the behind-the-scenes story of naming the band. While his wife Stella might have been the obvious inspiration, he originally considered the name Love Snack—which was quickly vetoed. He ultimately landed on Stella as a nod to New Orleans culture and the legendary Streetcar Named Desire moment. With years of experience and a love for live music, Stella continues to perform across Fargo and beyond, bringing classic influences and vibrant energy to every show.
