Shows
How Can I Keep From Singing?100 Community Sings a Year w/ Matt WatrobaMatt Watroba has spent most of his adult life sharing his knowledge and passion for folk music. As a performer, Matt has delivered thousands of shows in every kind of setting. As a song leader, he is committed to facilitating at least 100 community sings every year. Matt is inspiring as he talks about his passion and experience in community singing. www.MattWatroba.net
2025-11-0631 min
No Root, No FruitBlue By Joni Mitchell With special guest, Susan CattaneoReleased in 1971, Joni Mitchell's Blue set the bar for "confessional" songwriting. In a big year for popular music, from Masters Of Reality to Teaser and the Firecat, It showed what could be done with a mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and voice. 54 years after the release of Blue, it continues to influence the most popular songwriters of the day. Songwriter and songwriting instructor, Susan Cattaneo shares some amazing insights into what makes Blue one of the most enduring recordings of the 20th century.
2025-11-0348 min
Akron MirrorWill you sing with me?
Shara Cocchiola from Summit Choral Society and community sing organizer Matt Watroba join Ris and Keith to discuss some methods to, and benefits of, community singing.
For information on programs and events and Summit Choral Society, visit summitchoralsociety.org.
For information on the community sings at Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, Ohio, visit kentuu.org/ministry/music/.
Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
2024-08-0120 min
Anywhere The Needle DropsThe Rough & TumbleThe magic of the Internet first brought together Red Chuck Productions and New Hampshire's The Rough & Tumble, self-described as "dumpster-folk/thriftstore Americana". Now it brings them to Anywhere The Needle Drops! Just ahead of their July 6th visit to Vickers Theatre in Three Oaks, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler jump into the Red Chuck Studio with Justin to discuss music and their nomadic lifestyle, spun out of being ejected from Nashville. They dive into underappreciated holidays, slowing down to truly appreciate music & life, and that time Justin was sobbing to the new Taylor Swift album. Don't miss i...
2024-06-1356 min
Living in a BodyThe Front RowHi. Welcome. Press PLAY above and please share this with a friend. ❤️ Hal The Front RowFor about 10 years before the pandemic, I was the host of a live music venue in Kent called the Cuyahoga River Concert Series. It was in the summer of 2011 that I got a call from a Michigan folk singer who’d recently moved into town. As the story goes, Matt Watroba had heard from several trustworthy sources that he needed to get in touch with a potential kindred spirit named Hal Walker. Matt and I met for the first time o...
2024-05-2511 min
No Root, No FruitAnthology of American Folk Music wsg Jeff Place & Peter StampfelIt wasn't a big seller when it was released in 1952, but the music on the Anthology of American Folk Music continues to inspire and influence roots music to this day. Join me for a chat with Jeff Place from Smithsonian Folkways Records and Peter Stampfel--one of the founding members of the the Holy Modal Rounders.
2024-01-2140 min
Folk Alley SessionsFolk Alley Sessions Archives: Brown BirdDigging into the Folk Alley Sessions archives to revisit one of our all-time favorite exclusive performances. In 2013, Brown Bird (the late David Lamb and MorganEve Swain) stopped by the Folk Alley studio at WKSU in Kent, OH just as their album, 'Fits of Reason' was being released. The duo, influenced by a variety of world music, uses their tight harmonies to add the spirit of these sounds to an Americana roots flavor. In this interview with Matt Watroba, he says Brown Bird's music seems to have "ghosts" of other places and times drifting through its songs. Enjoy this FA Session...
2023-08-2900 min
No Root, No FruitDave Carter with Tracy Grammer When I Go WSG Tracy GrammerTheir career together lasted a brief 5 years before Dave Carter's sudden death in 2002, but the impact of Dave's songs continue to influence and inspire to this day. When I Go was their first record together. Recorded in Tracy's kitchen/ living room, When I go was an introduction to one of America's finest songwriters. Thanks to Tracy for joining me throughout the entire episode!
2023-08-2639 min
No Root, No FruitLibrary Of Congress Recordings With Stephen Winick & Si KahnThis episode is not about a single recording. Instead, I bring in Library of Congress Folklife Specialist, Stephen Winick, and Songwriter and community organizer Si Kahn to talk about the historic recordings of the Library Of Congress dating back to the 1920s. These recordings have, in many ways, kept folk music alive through the decades. They continue to teach and inspire a new generation of performers interested in carrying on a wide variety of musical traditions.
2023-07-1746 min
No Root, No FruitBonus Episode Louis Gossett Jr.So this happened. I was doing research on the last episode about Richie Havens and his record Mixed Bag. I decided to take a chance and reach out to the great American actor Louis Gossett Jr to see if he would like to talk about his old friend Richie. If you heard episode 9, you know he co-wrote the song Handsome Johnny with him. The day after the podcast dropped, I heard from Mr. Gossett's assistant and she said he would be happy to do it. Well I couldn't pass that up. Enjoy!
2023-06-0614 min
No Root, No FruitRichie Havens Mixed Bag WSGs John Platt & Cliff EberhardtMixed Bag came out late in 1966 and introduced the world to the soulful interpreter of great songs, Richie Havens. His performance as the opening act at Woodstock cemented his fame, but he continued performing and recording for decades after. He was a beloved figure on the music scene. My guests for this episode are radio veteran John Platt, and Richie's friend and guitar player, singer/ songwriter, Cliff Eberhardt.
2023-05-2933 min
No Root, No FruitJohn Hartford Aereo Plain with Art MeniusThis record changed the landscape of bluegrass music. Sam Bush said there would be no New Grass without Aereo Plain and the Aereo Plain band.
2023-05-1537 min
No Root, No FruitMichael Smith On The DutchmanThis amazing song has traveled the world. Often mistaken for a traditional song (the highest compliment in my opinion) it was written by the late Chicago songwriter, Michael Peter Smith. We lost Michael in the Summer of 2020. I was able to have a long chat about the tune with him in the green room at the Ark in Ann Arbor, MI a few years before he died. Because episode 8 is a little behind schedule, I thought I would share this conversation with you as a bonus episode.
2023-04-1821 min
No Root, No FruitStan Rogers Between the Breaks Live With John Gorka & Garnet RogersLet's go behind the scenes of one of the best live recordings in folk, roots, & americana history. Great songs, amazing energy, and all from an artist who left this world way too soon. Stan's brother Garnet and John Gorka are my guests!
2023-04-0341 min
No Root, No FruitJohn Prine With special guests, Don White & Andrew CalhounReleased in October of 1971, John Prine's debut, self-titled recored was a game changer. It really was the blueprint for a decades long career that continues to inspire song writers and camp fire singers to this day. I am joined by Andrew Calhoun and Don White.
2023-03-1545 min
No Root, No FruitKate & Anna McGarrigle with Eve Goldberg, Joe Boyd, and Chaim TannenbaumWhen Kate & Anna McGarrigle's self-titled, debut record was released in January of 1976 it sounded like nothing else of the time. Inventive harmonies, Innovative arrangements, and fresh writing combined to create 35 minutes and 6 seconds of sonic perfection. It's a recording that continues to inspire and influence to this day. With special guests Eve Goldberg, co-producer on the album, Joe Boyd, and life-long friend and sideman to the McGarrigle's, Chaim Tannenbaum.
2023-02-2546 min
No Root, No FruitMississippi John Hurt Today With Garnet RogersMississippi John Hurt made his first recordings in 1928. He didn't record again until 1963. His guitar playing has influenced thousands. He recorded "Today" for Vanguard Records in 1966. Let's dive into what made this sweet, gentle and talented man so influential. My friend Rev. Robert Jones helps me go track by track, and Canadian singer songwriter, Garnet Rogers talks about Mississippi John's profound influence.
2023-01-3044 min
No Root, No FruitTownes Van Zandt Bonus EpisodeThese are excerpts from an interview I did with Townes Van Zandt on December 12, 1992 in Detroit, MI. It includes two live performances. This stuff has not been heard by anyone in over 30 years! I got the date of the interview wrong in the podcast.
2023-01-1619 min
No Root, No FruitTownes Van Zandt Live at the Old Quarter with special guest Don GonyeaExplore with me the almost mythical life of one of our greatest songwriters, Townes Van Zandt. His Live at the Old Quarter is the perfect introduction to a songwriter who, many believe, set the bar for all of the others. My guest is National Public Radio's Don Gonyea.
2023-01-0942 min
No Root, No FruitSkaggs & Rice With special guest, Kari EstrinTwo outstanding musicians converge in 1980 to record a tribute to the old-time duets of the 40s, 50s & 60s. A mandolin, a guitar, and 2 vocalists. That's it. The result is simplicity, goodness, and truth. Oh, and a record that is still inspiring decades after its release.
2022-12-1237 min
No Root, No FruitIndigo Girls with Mary GauthierIt was the second album and the debut major label release for this duo from Georgia, and it changed lives. Mary Gauthier is my guest as well as Laura Jones and Cara Valenti.
2022-11-2846 min
No Root, No FruitA Little BreakSeason 1 is complete and season 2 will start on November 14. But first, a little business...
2022-10-1905 min
No Root, No FruitPete Seeger & Arlo Guthrie Together In Concert WSG/ Joe JencksThis iconic 2 record set bringing together 2 generations of folk singers turned a new audience on to the genre in 1975. With special guest, Joe Jencks.
2022-09-2646 min
No Root, No FruitGillian Welch Revival WSG Danny SchmidtReleased in 1996, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, along with producer T-Bone Burnett, created a timeless album of original songs that continues to inspire and influence americana music to this day. My special guest is singer and songwriter, Danny Schmidt.
2022-09-1240 min
No Root, No FruitThe Golden Ring 5 Days Singing, A Gathering Of FriendsSometimes we make music for the sheer joy of community and song--that is the spirit of the Golden Ring. More of a concept than a group, the Golden Ring introduced so many folks to the sound of traditional music and the joy of making it with friends, This episode focuses on three records: A Gathering Of Friends For Making Music (1964) and Five Days Singing Volumes one & two (1971). All three released on Folk Legacy Records. This episode is dedicated to Ed Trickett. Ed was a founding member of the group and sadly passed away a few months after I interviewed...
2022-08-2939 min
No Root, No FruitThe Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-- Will the Circle Be UnbrokenThis iconic triple album was recorded in 1971 and released in 1972. It's both a celebration of roots music, and a bridge between generations of players, singers and pickers. Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin...the list goes on. My special guest for this episode is Joe Newberry.
2022-08-0841 min
No Root, No FruitDoc Watson and SonHe is the Godfather of acoustic guitar players, an amazing singer, and a man who devoted his life to the preservation and presentation of American roots music. His 1965 Vanguard Records release, Doc Watson and Son, is a perfect snapshot of Doc as a musician and as an entertainer. My special guest is multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer, Joel Mabus.
2022-07-2541 min
No Root, No FruitTom Paxton Ramblin' BoyThis episode will focus on Tom Paxton's first major label recording, Ramblin' Boy. I will use some archive tape from an interview I did with Tom in 2007, and my special guest will be New York folk D.J, Wanda Fisher.
2022-07-1136 min
No Root, No FruitMarty Robbins, Gunfighter Ballads & Trail SongsWith special guest, Ranger DougRecorded in 1959 on Columbia Records, this collection of western songs continues to inspire into the 21st century.
2022-06-2232 min
No Root, No FruitWoody Guthrie Dustbowl BalladsThis amazing collection of songs was recorded and released in 1940. This is, what many consider to be, one of the first concept albums. My special guest will be Wood Guthrie scholar, Mark Fernandez.
2022-06-0829 min
No Root, No FruitHarry Belafonte At Carnegie Hall: With James KeelaghanThis historic concert was significant for so many reasons, you'll just have to listen to find out what they are. Canadian singer songwriter James Keelaghan discovered this record as a young boy and it changed his life.
2022-05-2533 min
No Root, No FruitHazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard Hazel & AliceA stunning recording by two pioneers of bluegrass & country music. Special guest, Cathy Fink
2022-05-1135 min
No Root, No FruitGuy Clark Dublin BluesOne of America's best songwriters releases a perfect album of songs. With special guest, Jeff Daniels.
2022-05-1139 min
No Root, No FruitPete Seeger We Shall OvercomeThis iconic concert was recorded at Carnegie Hall in 1963. It changed lives. With special guest, John McCutcheon
2022-05-1128 min2022-05-0102 min
ParadigmsSi Kahn – 50 Years of Conscious Music and ActivismSi Kahn is a folk musician and writer whose music and books depict human stories that support and inspire participation in making things better for everyone.
Si is a person of conscience, so for 50+ years all causes of liberation and justice have been his causes. His songs are about worker’s rights, women’s rights, anti racism, protecting the Earth; you name it, he’s probably written a beautiful song about it. Si’s music is activist but it’s heart warming and stirring as well. These are songs to bring you right to your aliveness and your own thir...
2021-12-201h 01
Song of the SoulBlues Preacher from MotownA deep dish of appetizing Blues from the Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr. He's made music and shared the stage with many of the greats, like B.B. King, because he's a gifted musician, writer & storyteller. Robert also shares & writes many varieties of Americana music, like that which he performs with Matt Watroba and others. Also important is Robert's role as pastor of the Sweet Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit.
2020-01-1755 minSong of the SoulFolks Like Us - Matt WatrobaMatt Watroba has been deeply immersed in folk music since 9th grade, including hosting the Folks Like Us show on WDET in Detroit and Folk Alley on WKSU at Kent State University, for a combined 26 years or so. With more than 3 decades performing, Matt is a master of the folk music genre, both as a performer and as a leader of group singing.
2016-04-2455 minSong of the SoulA Mother of SonsMatt Watroba has been deeply immersed in folk music since 9th grade, including hosting the Folks Like Us show on WDET in Detroit and Folk Alley on WKSU at Kent State University, for a combined 26 years or so. With more than 3 decades performing, Matt is a master of the folk music genre, both as a performer and as a leader of group singing.
2015-01-2555 min