Shows
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersPodcaster and WNY music historian ‘Rockabilly’ Greg HennesseyWelcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, my guest is podcaster and Western New York music historian Greg Hennessey.
Through his weekly podcast, In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly Greg, Hennessey shines a necessary light on Buffalo music, celebrating our region’s rich musical history, and honoring the best of the current generation of bands and artists living and working in Western New York.
Greg served on the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame’s...
2025-11-1353 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersWelcome back, Letter to EliseHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, I’m excited to welcome back to Why Music Matters my friends Elliott Hunt and Chris Lillis, two fifths of the rising indie-alternative band Letter To Elise.
The last time Elliott and Chris sat down with me here at 678 Main Studio, we talked about their earliest influences, their lives in music, and their then-just released collaboration with Robby Takac of the...
2025-11-0559 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersUlithian Vibes: From Micronesia to Buffalo, With LoveWelcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers. Let’s start today’s podcast with a little anecdote.
The text from my friend Jennifer Brazill, President of the Borderland Festival, arrived about 18 months back.
“Are you interested in producing, mixing and mastering an album for a reggae-based band from Micronesia, through a grant from National Geographic?”
“Um… well, *** yes, I’m interested. Details???”
Thus began a journey that culminated in a performance at the...
2025-09-2540 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersAni DiFranco talks about the importance of ‘showing up’ in these unprecedented timesThe iconic independent artist talks about the importance of ‘showing up’ in these unprecedented times
Hey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today’s episode is a very meaningful one for me, because it features a musician, poet, activist, and independent music icon whose life’s work was an inspiration for the creation of this podcast.
If anyone can stand as a representative of 'why music matters...
2025-08-2133 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersThe Water DogsHello, music lovers!
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today’s guests are siblings Maria, Grace and Jarrett Brzykcy, who together perform and record as The Water Dogs.
The Brzykcy siblings are multi-instrumentalists, whose early love of the Beatles and their daily life in a music-loving household grew into a desire to form a family band.
After the band formed in 2014, Maria emerged as the primary songwriter, and both Jar...
2025-08-0743 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersGoo Goo Dolls Bassist Robby Takac ReturnsHello, music lovers!
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
On today’s episode, we’re celebrating the Goo Goo Dolls, and in particular, the 30th anniversary of their mainstream breakthrough album, A Boy Named Goo.
Though the band had already been around for a decade by the time they released this album, which would go on to reach double platinum sales status, A Boy Named Goo pushed the band over the edge, lar...
2025-07-2438 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersRush super-fan Ray Wawrzyniak ReduxHey there, music-lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Way back on episode 12 of the podcast, I was joined by my friend, the musicologist, writer, historian and archivist Ray Wawrzyniak. Ray’s main passion in life, aside from his family, is the beloved Canadian progressive music trio Rush.
As fellow Rush freaks, Ray and myself became fast friends after meeting about a decade back, bonding over discussions of the nuances of this dearl...
2025-06-2546 min
In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly GregDavey O.This week's guest, Davey O., is a Buffalo -born songwriter whose work has been praised by Music Critic Jeff Miers as having "a journalist's eye for detail and poet's ear for the well-turned observation". For two decades, Davey has honed his craft, creating deeply introspective Americana that speaks to the human experience rather than political or social themes. His songs are raw, honest, and completely devoid of insincerity, each one a vivid soundtrack for the listener's imagination. Armed with his Gibson guitar and a tireless work ethic, Davey brings his captivating stories and songs to audiences across...
2025-06-141h 03
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersJamie Holka, Eternal Student of MusicHey now, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, my guest is the legendary guitarist, performer and band-leader Jamie Holka.
As a musician whose name is mentioned in hushed, reverential tones by his peers, Jamie has earned a reputation as a virtuosic guitarist and a fearless improvisor, whether he’s playing blazing electric blues, fiery progressive rock, or effortlessly hip finger style jazz.
The Niagara Falls native is well-love...
2025-06-0537 min
MetroNews MiddayMetroNews Midday Thursday May 15, 2025 Hour 2Dave talks with Amelia Knicely, Mike Nolting, Jeff Miers and Brad McElhinny.
2025-05-1553 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersCarbon Leaf’s Barry Privett and Terry ClarkHey there, music-lovers. Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
On today’s episode, I’m joined in the studio by two members of a band that has spent the last 30-plus years embodying the very definition of “indie” music.
Barry Privett and Terry Clark are two-fifths of Carbon Leaf, the Richmond, VA band that has spent the past three decades crafting a body of work that blends elements of rock, Americana, pop, and folk...
2025-05-1559 min
The Jim Acosta ShowSean Penn and Congressman Eric Swalwell discuss the powerful new film, "Words of War" from Rolling Pictures about the murder of a Russian journalist.Thank you Michael Fanone, Jeff Miers, Rebecca Gummere, Caro Henry, Amy McGrath, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimacosta.substack.com/subscribe
2025-05-0157 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersWhy Music Matters: The Van Halen RoundtableHey there, friends.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, we’ve got a special “Music Nerd” edition of the podcast, featuring a roundtable discussion with two friends of mine, who also happen to be deeply talented musicians with long tenures in the music business.
During a recent episode of Why Music Matters, I spent some time with the great Dweezil Zappa. Naturally, we discussed Dweezil’s ongoing deep-dive into the music of...
2025-04-241h 30
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersSinger/Songwriter Marc Scibilla: From Buffalo, to Nashville, to the WorldHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
My guest to day is the singer/songwriter MarcScibilla.
Born in Buffalo, NY, and raised in a musical environment, Marc packed his belongings and headed south to Nashville, TN, when he was fresh out of high school, with dreams of becoming a songwriter living and working on the fabled Music Row dancing through his head.
This brave leap into the...
2025-04-1045 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersElliott Hunt and Chris Lillis of indie-pop buzz band Letter To EliseHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today on the podcast, I’m excited to welcome two members of Letter To Elise, a young indie band that has already left a mark on the Western New York music scene, and is poised to take its soaring, anthemic sound out into the broader world.
Vocalist, songwriter and band founder Elliott Hunt and keyboardist/vocalist Chris Lillis bring an edgy urgen...
2025-03-271h 05
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersDweezil Zappa: Return of the Son Of…Hello, music lovers!
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, I’m beyond thrilled to welcome a longtime musical hero of mine, the guitarist, bandleader and songwriter Dweezil Zappa.
Growing up with the late composer and guitarist supreme Frank Zappa as a father meant that Dweezil was exposed to some of the bravest and most adventurous music of the 20th century on a daily basis, from a very young age.
...
2025-03-131h 03
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersThe FAR Trio on the power of improvisationWelcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, my guests are three musicians who seemed destined to end up playing together. Guitarist/vocalist Drew Azzinaro, bassist/vocalist Eamon Rayhn and drummer Ethan Fox all hail from Buffalo, NY, and they met in the music department at the State University of New York at Fredonia a decade back.
It would take them a few years and a handful of varied musical ventures for them to f...
2025-02-1351 min
In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly GregSeamus GallivanSeamus Gallivan is the 150th guest on In the Flamingo Lounge. He joined Rockabilly Greg On January 22, 2025 for a lively conversation about the local community and connecting people and communities. Seamus is a social connecter who has lived in a majority of Buffalo's council districts and worked in every single neighborhood. A founding force behind the likes of Larkin Square, Slow Roll Buffalo, and the campaign of India Walton for Buffalo Mayor, his latest venture is Reconnecter, which provides stories and events for social connection. Seamus had a backdoor entry into the music business. He b...
2025-01-251h 02
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersSongwriter Sam Marabella on Bob Dylan, Nietzsche’s, and Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhoodHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today on the podcast, I’m lucky enough to spend some time with my friend Sam Marabella, a musician, songwriter, local music advocate, and co-owner of the legendary Buffalo, NY, live music venue Nietzsche’s.
A veteran of beloved Buffalo indie-jam band Sweatin’ Like Nixon, and a leading light in Buffalo’s roots music scene, Sam is also a bit of a Dylan-ol...
2025-01-161h 04
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersBrian Higgins: Politics, passion, and the power of musicHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today on the podcast, I’m happy to welcome former Congressman and current President of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, NY, Brian Higgins.
After growing up in Buffalo, and graduating from Buffalo State College and Harvard University, Brian worked his way from the Buffalo Common Council through the New York State Assembly and finally, to the US House of Represe...
2025-01-0255 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersJosh Holtzman & Grace Vesneske: Buffalo Iron Works and the future of live music in WNYHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
More than a decade back, I hopped on the bus as an embedded reporter, covering a Northeast jaunt for then up-and-coming indie band Aqueous.
I’d never met any of the band members, or their manager, Josh Holtzman, previous to that road trip.
By the end of that mini-tour, I knew that I’d laid the ground work for some f...
2024-12-051h 20
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersJae Skeese: Putting Buffalo Hip-Hop on the MapHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today on the podcast, I’m psyched to welcome a cutting edge artist whose work represents a major step forward for both Buffalo hip-hop in particular, and contemporary national hip-hop in general.
Jae Skeese grew up in Buffalo, and from the get-go, he displayed an indelible talent for the authentic, gritty realism and deft, poetic rhymes that are fast becoming a hallm...
2024-11-1340 min
ASUG TalksASUG Talks Live: Transformative Insights and AI Innovations with AWS and AccentureJeff Miers, Director of Partnerships and Alliances for the Energy & Utilities Industries at AWS, and John Downie, Global Energy Industry Lead at Accenture, joined Geoff Scott, ASUG CEO & Chief Community Champion, to discuss growing value and utility of AI-powered solutions, as well as how AWS and Accenture are helping customers effectively implement and leverage next-generation technology.
2024-10-1930 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff Miers10,000 Maniacs: 40 Years of Indie ExcellenceHey there, music lovers.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, I’m joined by three musicians whose work has intrigued me for decades, from the first time I heard them - while studying at the State University of New York at Fredonia in the late 80s - through to the present day.
Mary Ramsey, John Lombardo and Jerry Augustyniak of 10,000 Maniacs are all significant names in the world of indie a...
2024-10-151h 17
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersBobby Previte on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and The Thrill of Living in The Musical MomentWelcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers. Today’s episode is a special one for me. Way back in 2002, I watched the renowned drummer, composer and Western New York native Bobby Previte lead a hand-picked band of musicians through the tumultuous and strangely beautiful terrain of Miles Davis’ game-changing 1970 album Bitches Brew, at the former Tralf, in Buffalo. That performance changed my life, and taught me in a deep and lasting way what the concept off freedom in music truly...
2024-09-261h 01
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersEric Crittenden, David Cloyd and Damone Jackson RoundtableWelcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, we’ve got a special edition of the podcast, featuring a roundtable discussion with three diversely talented musicians and music educators, who also happen to be movers and shakers in the Buffalo and Western New York music scene.
Damone Jackson, Eric Crittenden and David Cloyd are three very different people with varied musical outlooks and a broad spectrum of life experiences. But all three are bound...
2024-09-121h 17
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersSinger, Songwriter, and “Old Soul,” Michael DeLanoHello, music lovers!
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, I’m pleased to welcome a young singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has been making devoted fans of original music connoisseurs in Western New York over the past few years - including yours truly.
Michael Delano may be young in the chronological sense, but one listen to his singing, his songwriting, and his elegant use of sophisticated open guitar tunings makes it...
2024-08-291h 08
Mindful MusicMindful Music | Jeff Miers(David Moog)Inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2014 and nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2008, Jeff Miers is one of the most impactful and dedicated music journalists and musicians in Western New York. In this episode of Mindful Music, he sits down with Karl, discusses the local and regional music scene, and shares three of his own songs that were inspired by mental and emotional health. That's this week on Mindful Music.Listen to Jeff's playlist:
2024-08-2252 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersMusic Advocate, Club Owner and Musician, Josh MullinHey there, music lovers. Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers. Today, my guest is Buffalo music advocate, club owner and musician Josh Mullin. As owner of both Jack Rabbit and Riff City, Josh has worked tirelessly to boost the Buffalo Music scene, by providing artist-friendly spaces that act as hubs for the region’s music-loving community. Josh is also a fighter, and he never backs down from his principles, whether that means pushing back against the city of Buff...
2024-08-0254 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersLive Music Curator and Lifelong Music Lover, Dave WedekindtHello, music lovers! Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers. Today, I’m excited to welcome an old friend to the podcast. Dave Wedekindt has been working behind the scenes to enrich the lives of music fans throughout the Western New York region for several decades. A tireless advocate for the arts in general and music in particular, Dave is currently the interim President of Artpark, in Lewiston, NY, where he’s worked to curate live music programming that appeal...
2024-07-121h 15
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersSinger, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer and Bandleader, David Michael MillerHello, music lovers! Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers. Today, I’m pleased to welcome my friend, the singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and bandleader David Michael Miller. Lovers of live music in Western New York know David as leader of the searing southern soul band Miller & the Other Sinners; the former co-guitarist and vocalist with the great Dive House Union; through his work with the Campbell Brothers; and as the man behind such stellar albums as Poisons Sipped and...
2024-06-2159 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersLegendary Rock Musician, Son of Western New York, and Virtuoso Bassist, Billy SheehanHello, music lovers!
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today, we’ve got a very special guest - legendary progressive and hard rock musician, son of western New York, and virtuoso bassist Billy Sheehan. We know Billy from his groundbreaking work with Talas, David Lee Roth’s band, Niacin, Mr. Big, Sons of Apollo, and many more.
Currently in the midst of a farewell tour with Mr. Big, which includes a homecoming gig at...
2024-06-0435 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersOrgan Fairchild's Dave Ruch and Corey KertzieHello, music lovers!
Welcome to Why Music Matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives.
I’m your host, Jeff Miers.
Today’s guests are two of my favorite musicians in all of the Western New York area, and they also happen to be two-thirds of one of my favorite bands - the postmodern, jam-based trio Organ Fairchild.
Guitarist Dave Ruch and drummer Corey Kertzie have been playing in bands together since meeting as high school students. They’ve been a major part of t...
2024-05-1759 minWhy Music Matters With Jeff MiersA Conversation with Chris "Bulldog" ParkerToday’s guest is Chris ‘Bulldog’ Parker, the voice of Buffalo Sports radio, co-host of the afternoon show on WGR 550, and our conduit to all things Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres for as long as most of us can remember. Bulldog knows sports, and his passion for our Buffalo teams knows no limits. But he’s just as passionate about music, and the role it has played in his own life, the lives of his kids, and in the broader community. Whether he’s talking about the boundless athleticism of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, or extolling the virtues of bands like...
2024-05-0251 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersSinger & Songwriter, Alison Pipitone on The 'Best Things' in LifeHello music lovers! Welcome to Why Music matters, a podcast where we examine the power and influence that music can wield in our lives. I’m your host, Jeff Miers. Today’s guest is an old friend of mine, a veteran of the Western New York Music Scene, and a 2016 inductee into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. Alison Pipitone has been writing songs, playing gigs and releasing albums since she formed her first band, as a teenager in the late 80s. Over that time, she’s fine-tuned an astute blend of rock ’n’ roll, roots music, and raw Americana...
2024-04-1844 minWhy Music Matters With Jeff MiersJazz Musician, Bandleader & Educator, Walter KempHello music lovers, and welcome to another edition of Why Music Matters. I’m your host, music journalist and musician Jeff Miers. Today, my guest is the jazz musician, bandleader and educator Walter Kemp. Walter just released an astounding new album, called Black Whole Live, a fiery, dynamic live set featuring a band that includes saxophonist Brent Birkhead, violinist Scott Tixler, bassist Rishon Odel and drummer Allan Mednard. Kemp describes the sound this ensemble makes as “Afro-Terrestrial Sonic Interplay,’ and he’s right - in this mix, you can easily hear the jagged edges of forward-looking improvisation milestones from jazz his...
2024-04-0453 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersKarina Rykman: ‘I’m like a jukebox. I’m like a weird chameleon. I’m a music junkie!’My guest today is the bassist, songwriter, bandleader and all around awesome human being Karina Rykman.
A self-taught bassist and guitarist, Karina started playing in bands in and around New York City when she was barely a teenager, and was touring as a member of legendary keyboardist Marco Benevento’s band while still attending college.
The stint in Benevento’s band prepared Karina for forming her own trio and hitting the road, a period during which she caught the eyes and ears of some major players, among them Phish guitarist and band-leader Trey Anastasio.
Last...
2024-03-2140 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersCellist, Creator and Collaborator, Alex CousinsMy guest is cellist, creator and collaborator Alex Cousins.
A classically trained musician and Peabody Conservatory graduate, Alex has performed as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, played with a variety of original alternative bands, and been seen and heard in venues from Western New York to Italy.
But what sets Alex apart is his passion for the electric cello, a unique instrument that he employs in his quest to stretch the envelope and challenge the notion of what a 21st century musician can be.
Alex is a musical seeker whose tastes run fr...
2024-03-011h 09
In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly GregJeff MiersMost people know this week's guest, Jeff Miers, as the former music critic for The Buffalo News. Jeff visited the Flamingo Lounge on January 27, 2024 and talked about his music, his family and son Declan. These days Jeff can be found contributing to his BLOG "Miers on Music" as well as his bi-weekly podcast "Why Music Matters". A Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff also currently sits on the board of Music is Art and is the Executive Director for the Sportsmen's Americana Music Foundation.
2024-02-171h 10Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersMusician and DJ, Chelsea O’DonnellToday on Why Music Matters, my guest is musician and DJ Chelsea O’Donnell. Chelsea began her career in radio as host of the local show on 107.7 FM Alternative Buffalo, where she helped that station celebrate the rich variety of local and regional indie rock from Western New York. These days, you can hear Chelsea on WBFO The Bridge, where she hosts The Scene, a show focusing on original independent music from Western New York and Southern Ontario, every Sunday. Concurrent with all of this, Chelsea writes, records, performs and tours with her indie rock band, Stress Dolls. This immers...
2024-02-1546 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersSuper-Fan Ray Wawrzyniak, on Why RUSH Music Matters MostToday on Why Music Matters, I have a conversation with Ray Wawrzyniak. Ray is a devout music lover. Musicologist, author and collector whose main passion in life aside from his family, of course, is the Canadian progressive rock trio RUSH. Ray joined me to chat about our shared love for that band, about RUSH co-founder Geddy Lee's new memoir, and about why All music matters but in Ray's world, RUSH music matters most.
2024-02-0259 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersA Conversation With Barron RyanToday on why music matters, my guest is composer, author, storyteller, and Recording Academy 2023 class member, Barron Ryan. Whether he's working on commissioned compositions to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, collaborating on music meant to help us deal with personal loss, or ruminating on music's ability to help us discover and present the beauty we're uniquely positioned for, Barron has significant insight into why music matters.
2024-01-1236 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersA Conversation With Fernanda Lastra of the Buffalo Philharmonic OrchestraToday on Why Music Matters, I spend some time with Fernanda Lastra of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hired as Conductor Diversity Fellow by the Orchestra in September of 2022, Fernanda quickly made her mark, combining her fiery presence at the podium with a passion for community engagement, overseeing the BPO Kids and Music for Youth programs, working as cover conductor for Maestro JoAnn Falletta, and serving as a member of the BPO Diversity Council.
In recognition of her abundant talent, the BPO extended Fernanda’s contract as Diversity Fellow and promoted her to Assistant Conductor of the...
2023-12-0747 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookDAVEY O. on Traditions 10-1-23Buffalo born and bred singer-songwriter Davey O. (www.daveyo.com) visits with host Ron Olesko to share songs from his new EP "Some Days".
Davey O. has been described by Buffalo News critic Jeff Miers as having "a journalist’s eye for detail and poet’s ear for the well-turned observation". Embarking on a twenty year journey that has resulted in a collection of justly-earned, highly introspective songs, Davey crafts pure Americana that is not of the social and political consciousness, but drawn from the deep well of experience and human emotion - no hackneyed story lines, no insincere polish, just...
2023-12-061h 05
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersWillie Nile, Rock ’n’ Roll PoetToday on Why Music Matters, I’m hanging out with my old friend, singer, songwriter, and true believer in the power of rock ’n’ roll to lift our spirits and enrich our lives, Willie Nile. Praised by The New York Times as “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to have emerged rom the New York scene,” Nile was born in Buffalo, but moved to New York City decades back, where he launched a career that would eventually make fans of the likes of Bono from U2, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend of The Who, and Lou Reed, many of whom Nile has sh...
2023-11-2459 min
Texas Toast139. TCMA RED CARPET 2023!!!Send us a text and let us know what you think!The Texas Country Music Awards weren't the same this year without Miss Helen and Captain Ron, but we made it through and had literally HUNDREDS of great conversations with Texas country's finest!Find more info on the Texas Country Music Association at https://www.texascountrymusicassociation.org/Thanks to Release Rocket for making this episode possible!Release Rocket: Get Heard.Helping artists gain a competitive advantage in the Connected world. Successfully launch music, and build community through content...
2023-11-211h 49
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersPeter Conners on Getting Shown the Light in the Strangest of PlacesToday on Why Music Matters, my guest is Peter Conners, musicologist, novelist, Grateful Dead scholar and a hero of mine for the way he has devoted his life to exploring the connection between the majesty of music and the power of the written word.
Whether it’s his nonfiction works, like Growing Up Dead: The Hallucinated Confessions of a Teenage Deahead, Cornell 77: The Music, the Myth and the Magnificence of the Grateful Dead’s Concert at Barton Hall, and White Hand Society: The Psychedelic Partnership of Timothy Leary & Allen Ginsberg, or his recent novel, Merch Table Blues, Pete...
2023-11-0951 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersDan Dunleavy: Buffalo Sabres Play-by-Play Announcer & Serious Music LoverToday on Why Music Matters, I’m joined by Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer Dan Dunleavy.
In addition to his considerable game-calling skills, Dan is a died-in-the-wool music lover with an enduring passion for artists as diverse as Elvis Presley and Eddie Van Halen, the Tragically Hip and AC/DC.
Throughout our chat, Dan offers some insight on the connections between music and sports, a lifetime’s worth of musical obsessions, and how music has helped him through his darkest days.
Welcome to Why Music Matters, Dan Dunleavy!
2023-10-261h 07
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersMike Gantzer of AqueousThis week on Why Music Matters, I get to hang out with my friend Mike Gantzer, guitarist and vocalist with indie jam-rock quartet Aqueous, as well as side project Death Kings - with Ryan Stasik of Umphrey's McGee and Ryan Nogle of Funktional Flow. Mike has spent the past decade on the road, and during that period, Aqueous has grown from a Buffalo band to a major player in the world of jam-based music, performing across the country and at prime annual music festivals like The Peach Festival, Electric Forest and Summer Camp. With Aqueous embarking on a hiatus...
2023-10-1252 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersA Conversation With SZA Bassist (And Guy I Know Pretty Well), Declan MiersToday on Why Music Matters, I get to spend some time with one of my favorite musicians, with the added bonus that he happens to be my son.
Declan Miers is a bassist, producer, composer and guitarist who is currently on the road with alternative R&B superstar SZA. He’s performed and recorded with a host of Neo-soul, R&B, pop and jazz artists, including Mac Ayres, Renee Rapp, Brass Tracks, Cautious Clay, Cisco Swank, Gene Coye, Mikki Howard, Ava Max, and Alex Isley.
But in my eyes, he’s still that little kid who...
2023-09-2833 min
Tripod1.3 Hell or High Water | The Bronco Bridges TrilogyOn the final instalment of the now infamous Bronco Bridges trilogy, Matt and Tyrie discuss the problem with them dirty rotten banks in the Taylor Sheridan penned noir western, Hell or High Water. The boys also debate which Chris is best, which of Jeff's three cowboy performances takes first prize at the County Fair, and finally debut the Wheel of Trilogies!Follow us at @tripod_showArtwork by Jack Miers www.jackmiers.com@jackmiers@jackandjosh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-09-271h 33
Tripod1.1 True Grit | The Bronco Bridges TrilogyOn the debut episode of Tripod, Matt and Tyrie get truly gritty talking about Jeff Bridges' incredible run of playing three cowboys in three movies straight, starting with his Oscar Nominated role of Rooster Cogburn in the Coen Brother's neo-western classic...True Grit.Follow us at @tripod_showArtwork by Jack Miers www.jackmiers.com@jackmiers@jackandjosh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-09-271h 40Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersBuilding Better Cities With Music, With Shain ShapiroToday on Why Music Matters, I’ll be speaking with Shain Shapiro, founder and chairman of the economic consultancy Sound Diplomacy, director of the global nonprofit Center for Music Ecosystems, and author of the forthcoming book This Must Be the Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better.
Shain is a serious music-lover, who turned his passion for music into pioneering work on how music can radically transform not just the people who live in a city, but that city itself.
Over the past decade, Shain has reimagined the way in which all of us sh...
2023-09-1437 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersGoo Goo Dolls Bassist and Music Is Art Festival Founder Robby Takac on the Power of Music to Build CommunityOn this episode of Why Music Matters with Jeff Miers, I catch up with Goo Goo Dolls bassist and Music Is Art founder Robby Takac. As one of the most successful musicals to have emerged from Buffalo over the past 30 years, Robby has a unique perspective on the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. And as founder of the annual Music is Art Festival, which celebrates its 21st anniversary on September 9, he has relentlessly pursued a vision of music as an agent of community building here in his hometown. He’s also just a really cool, passionate, humble, and fu...
2023-09-0846 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersJennifer Brazill, Founder of the Borderland Festival, on Music’s Ability to Effect Meaningful ChangeOn this episode of Why Music Matters, I spend some time with Jennifer Brazill, founder of the Borderland Festival, which celebrates its fifth year at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, New York, September 15 through 17.
This year’s Borderland marks a serious breakthrough for Brazill and her team, as she presents three full days’ worth of roots music, Americana, and jam-band sounds across multiple stages, with headliners Goose, Trey Anastasio Band and Moe lending significant star power to the lineup.
Jen’s journey has taken her across the country over the last 20 years, as she wo...
2023-08-3133 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersA Chat With Musician, Songwriter, Performer & Activist Michael FrantiOn this episode of Why Music Matters with Jeff Miers, I'm speaking with musician, singer-songwriter, poet, activist and social justice advocate Michael Franti. Franti recently performed an emotional, jubilant show with his band Spearhead at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, and he took some time prior to that gig to talk about music as an agent of transformation, in his own life, and in the lives of his listeners.
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Watch the video version here!
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2023-08-1725 min
Why Music Matters With Jeff MiersA Conversation With Maestro JoAnn FallettaOn this episode of Why Music Matters with Jeff Miers, I’m speaking with JoAnn Falletta, Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Called "one of the finest conductors of her her generation” by The New York Times, Maestro Falletta is the first woman to be appointed Music Director of a major American ensemble. Throughout the course of her career, she has been a tireless champion of music’s ability to transcend cultural and physical boundaries, and to speak to our shared humanity.
Tune in! And don’t forget to subscribe!
Watch the video ve...
2023-08-0335 minWhy Music Matters With Jeff MiersWelcome to Why Music MattersWelcome to the Why Music Matters podcast. I’m your host, music journalist and musician Jeff Miers. Throughout my life in and around music, I’ve often asked myself the question - Why does music matter? This podcast attempts to answer that question, with the help of musicians, members of the music industry, and music-lovers like you. Join us!
https://jeffmiersmusic.com/
https://jeffmiersmusic.substack.com/
Produced by 678Main.
2023-07-2600 min
The Dave Allen Show06/07/2023 580 Live with Dale Cooper - Jeff Jenkins, Jess MiersJeff Jenkins provides Coop details on the memorial service for state trooper Sgt. Maynard; A recop of Elly De La Cruz's debut for the Reds; and Jess Miers, a Legal Advocacy Counsel at Chamber of Progress and expert on privacy and expression online, joins Coop to discuss the recent social media age verification laws and Section 230.
2023-06-0752 min
Be Gr8- 8 man Football Coaching PodcastS2, Ep 6 Matt Miers, Central City IACoach Matt Miers of Central City Iowa joins me on the podcast to talk 8 man football. Coach talks about how he instills values and builds his team's culture by being authentic. He also gets into the X's and O's of his single wing unbalanced power football play along with the counter and play action passes off of it. Coach Miers has been doing this for a while and through character building he is building a great program.
Contact Coach at:
mmiers@centralcitycsd.org or via the Telegram App.
Also Coach Miers is the...
2023-03-2834 min
OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP PodcastSpecial guest Jeff MiersJeff Miers is a writer, a musician, a composer, a father, and a reviewer for The Buffalo News…not necessarily in that order! And on this week’s “Off Road,” this man of many talents and many passions sits down to talk about where he’s been and where he’s going in a fascinating chat with Peter.
2021-09-2754 min
What is America To You?Derek Dempsey with Guest Jeff Miers, of the Buffalo NewsDerek chats with Jeff Miers, music critic for the Buffalo News for almost 20 years. Jeff was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He has won many New York awards for journalism and was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. They discuss Dylan's more than decade long use of a paragraph from Jeff's review on Bob Dylan in the Buffalo News. It was spoken my Dylan's MC at the beginning of EACH concert to introduce the music legend. Jeff and Derek also discuss Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy, journalism, trends in music, as well as...
2020-08-2837 min
Industry Shakedown – Nano – Gone Up NetworkIndustry Shakedown #03 – Special Bumpy KnucklesEmission Industry Shakedown spéciale Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles Feat : DJ Premier / Pete Rock / DJ Jazzy Jeff / Oddisee / Sadat X / El Da Sensei / O.C. / Gang Starr / Big Shug / Mykill Miers / Crooked I and more… Tracklist Industry Shakedown Shake the Room Scram kNeWsTyLe Boss Playa […]
2020-05-0100 min
The LensEpisode 37 - Travel On with Garrett SheaGarrett Shea wants to bring poetry to pop. And if a song happens to save a life, that isn’t too shabby either (stay tuned to hear THAT story and song at the end of the episode).As a proud Villa Maria student, Garrett majored in Music Industry. There he connected with Grammy nominated producer Anthony Casuccio who produced Garrett’s first album with the band, Breckenwood. If you listen to their two albums you can not only hear loads of growth in his recording and song craft, but also a shift from pop-punk to just… pop. The pu...
2019-02-171h 51
PA Power Wrestling PodcastPAP43: Offseason Moves In District XI heat-up, can Notre Dame GP be a Threat?PAP43: The summer may be winding down but offseason moves are heating up. PA Power Wrestling's Jeff Upson @PAPowerWrestle and Eric Knopsynder @KnopsKnotes discuss some impactful movement by wrestlers, including the Nation's top freshman Ryan Crookham, who will attend Notre Dame Green Pond. They also look at the recent outcry by PIAA members to separate boundary and non-boundary schools from the State Championships and its impact on Wrestling. Take a listen! Show Breakdown 01:0 – PA Power Wins the Team Tyler Kickball Championship 07:00 – The Surge is coming 18:05 – Kaden Cassidy is back in Bedford 22:30 – Jonathan Miers leaves Easton for Wyoming Seminary 26:05 – 2x Georgia State Champion D...
2018-08-191h 04
The Thomas Loop Radio Show on WJJL 1440-AMThe Thomas Loop Radio Show on WJJL-1440AM - Zak Ward - Music - 4/22/2015Zak Ward is the featured musician for The Thomas Loop Radio Show - 4/22/2015
www.zakward.com
"Ward delivers his tender acoustic indie-folk songs with a sufficient dose of grit. His voice has comparable tone quality to Thom Yorke when it comes to soaring vocal lines, apparent in songs like “That’s What You Get,” and sounds like a healthy mixture of David Bazan and Gregory Alan Isakov during quieter moments. The addition of ethereal sounding synth parts and swelling, twangy instrumentals makes for a very even-tempered, enjoyable listen."
- Buffablog
"Zak Ward writes beautiful songs redolent of alt-rock and Brit-pop in equa...
2015-04-2440 min