WEXT Podcast: Recent Episodes
KC Morris
The WEXT podcast feed. This is where you'll find various pieces of programs that become podcasts you can listen to when away from WEXT.
Deb Vincent of the Capital Pride board talked with me about this year's festivities. A lot going on.
Celebrate the 55th anniversary of the seminal album "Deja Vu" from CSNY with Matt Plummer and some other great Local 518 musicians who are coming together to highlight this amazing album.
For the 4th year, Caffe Lena brings back their annual Sing in the Streets festival. It's a celebration of their founder, Lena Spencer's birth - and their 65th anniversary.
Amy Ryan Band has just released their second album, "Brighter & Brighter," and it is already storming up the blues and roots music charts - and getting played around the world! We are so lucky to have great Local 518 musicians like these folks.
The Cooper's Cave Composers Consortium's next concert is set for 3pm on Mother's Day, May 11 at The Strand in Hudson Falls.
Since 2012, the Caroga Lake Music Festival has attracted artists and concert-goers in the southern Adirondacks each summer. Held at Sherman's Park, known for the iconic big bands of the 1920's and 1930's, Caroga Lake Music Festival brings a wide variety of music styles and artists together through the summer months.
Just in time for Bandcamp Friday, Drank the Gold release new songs. May 11, see them at Caffe Lena.
Joss Stone is coming to town with Melissa Etheridge. The two will play at The Palace on April 29th.
Laurie MacAllister has been a part of Red Molly for better than two decades. She's not really made a go on her own in a long time. But the time has come for her to do just that - and she's coming to Caffe Lena on April 25.
The Local 518 band Wild Adriatic is back! Their first new album since before the pandemic. We've been celebrating Wild Adriatic Week, and as part of that Mateo sat with Chris Wienk to chat about what the band has been up to.
Caity Gallagher is opening the "In the Round" show with Eric Bibb at UPH on April 18 (this Friday!). She sat with Laura to talk about music.
F. Lee Harvey and Bowtie Blotto stopped by to share some memories and talk up the documentary all about the Local 518 band that is being screened at The Cohoes Music Hall on Saturday, April 12.
Celebrate Women's History Month at the Madison Theatre on March 30 with Girls Need Love 2. Hear the podcast episode with Gracie Lineham and DJ Hollyw8d.
March 26th, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will crash into Troy at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall for a rousing night of their swing revival. I got to talk with Kurt from the band about drums, Peter Criss, and more.
Meet the identical twin teens from Scotland. The Elidas is a folk duo that we discovered while wandering around on social media.
March 22 at the Cohoes Music Hall, the music of Simon & Garfunkel performed by some of our greats in the Local 518.
Hot Club of Saratoga are back with a new record for 2025. It's called "Comes Love," and it's out on February 21.
TrueSongs brings together the community. Agencies doing good work are asked to provide someone they serve who has a great story to tell. Caffe Lena partners those folks with amazing musician storytellers. Saturday, November 16 at the Spa Little Theatre.
Al Kash, the drummer for Playin' With Fire Band has been drumming since he was 16. He knew the minute he sat behind a kit: this would be for him. From Blackfeather to Fear of Strangers to Playin' With Fire Band and so many other artists and bands, Al has been the drummer.
Instrumental surf rockers from the Local 518, The Jagaloons have a new album coming! See the release show at the Hangar on the Hudson in Troy on Saturday, November 9th.
The Cooper's Cave Composers’ Consortium returns to the Strand Theatre at 210 Main St. in Hudson Falls on Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. for its third annual concert of original music, written and performed by Capital Region composers.
The largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts in the Northeast will be at the Albany Capital Center November 2nd & 3rd.
On October 25th, Reese Fulmer and the Carriage House Band release their new live album at Caffe Lena. Hear about how Reese loves to play live shows, and more.
Jill of Mark & Jill brought up the idea of doing a health clinic to help creatives in the Capital District connect with healthcare professionals and get tests, screenings, and more. The 3rd annual Clinic is Sunday, October 20th at Caffe Lena.
October 18th, Zakir Hussain and Rahul Sharma bring their Tour in Remembrance of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
We've been boppin' to the three singles that Lennox has released this past year. From "Shut Up and Kiss Me" to "Cake" and now her latest single, "When A Heart Breaks." We cannot wait to see her at Live & Local at The Linda with Buggy Jive on October 4th.
Kate McDonnell takes chances with her music. She becomes extraordinarily vulnerable and makes some incredible songs. Kate and I talk about her journey in music. She's playing the CD release show for "Trapeze" at Caffe Lena on September 20th.
The latest album from Blonde Redhead is "Sit Down for Dinner." Amedeo Pace of the band talks with me about their music, about the band, and about ...dinner. Blonde Redhead will be at the Meadowlark Festival on September 15th.
Mary Gauthier is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her amazing "Drag Queens In Limousines" album. She's reissuing it on red vinyl, and she's coming to Caffe Lena on September 15th.
From music at Berklee, to living in upstate, the duo Honeysuckle make a lovely folk pop sound. Hear my recent chat with Holly McGarry about their latest two singles and more.
Meta Dia of Meta & the Cornerstones and I chatted about his passion - peace, love and harmony. And a lot more! We also talked a little about the concert and movie experience, Reggae Sunset at Music Haven on August 30.
KTG was one of the early DJ's of WEXT. She's been gone since 2017, but just this summer, we convinced her to come back and do a weekly show (Saturdays from 3-8p). This interview
We all know and love Music Haven for the Sunday night concerts that take us around the world "one concert at a time." Music Haven has shown movies on a big screen in the park before, but this year...
Peter Hughes of The Linda dropped by to talk with me about the highlights of the fall season at The Linda. Soon after we recorded, we announced the Live & Local at the Linda for October and November.
Misty Blues is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Fresh off their 25th anniversary cruise, Gina Coleman and the band will play the annual Blues BBQ at Music Haven on August 16th.
Becca Dira came to us as an intern with WMHT-TV production. She loves music! And she loves to talk about music. And she's turning those loves into a podcast called "SongTalk."
Come celebrate the Blues and WEXT's 17th birthday with Piedmont Bluz as part of Music Haven's annual Blues BBQ on August 16.
Canadian blues guitarist, Sue Foley has two new albums showcasing her rockin' blues, and her love for the acoustic guitar. See her at The Hangar on August 14.
Eliades Ochoa, a name fans of son cubano and the Buena Vista Social Club may recall is coming to Music Haven on August 11. Ahead of that, we chatted about his album, "Guajiro" and more.
Delfeayo Marsalis, brother to Wynton and Branford, took up trombone as it "was the instrument that was left" when part of the Marsalis family band. Well, that's not exactly true. We had a fun conversation about music and the trombone. See Delfeayo Marsalis at Music Haven on Monday, August 5 with the SCCC Faculty Jazz Combo.
Ken Briggs and the band Nite Train are keeping the memory of Thomasina Winslow alive. Join them for a benefit for a scholarship in her name, August 9 at NaNola.
AP Live Festival is in its second year showcasing young, up and coming Local 518 artists. Discover new music and new local artists on August 17.
I spoke with Colm Phelan of the Irish band Goitse. We learn what the name means. We learn how the band came up with the name, and we talk about the band coming to play America, and specifically at Music Haven on July 28.
The NYC 9-piece brass funk band specializes in Balkan tinged funk. Slavic Soul Party is heading to Music Haven for the July 21 concert, and we cannot wait!
The amazing Della Mae have had a long running association with Grey Fox Bluegrass. This year, they will be making their way through the whole festival as "artist in residence." This means, they could pop onto stages with some of your (and their) favorite musicians. Plus, they'll be doing their own sets as well. Grey Fox Bluegrass runs 7/17-21 on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY.
Marty Wendell started out learning how to play songs from the Johnny Cash album that his mom had purchased. The music he heard on the radio, and the artists from Sun Records were his inspirations and guides. And for the last 60 years, Marty has been delighting audiences wherever he goes with his kindness and amazing musicianship.
We cannot wait for Buckwheat Zydeco Jr with Ils Sont Partis to come play at Music Haven in Schenectady on July 14!
Jon Pousette-Dart has been making music since the 70's, a rich palette of sound from this singer-songwriter known for his classic folk rock sound. See him July 14 at Caffe Lena.
DJ Hollyw8d is all about More Music and Less Violence. He's partnered with some great folks and will present a day for Peace at Swinburne Park on Saturday, June 29. Music and BBQ event to follow the march and the rally.
This Saturday, don't miss the action on the flat track roller derby with the Albany All Stars! (6/22 at 7pm)
One of our favorite Local 518 bands has been promising a new album for some time. We've gotten singles and EPs, but a full length album is on its way - June 21, with the release show June 23 at The Hangar.
Rick at the Cock N Bull has developed relationships with so many amazing musicians. One of those is the band Time Sawyer. Sam Tayloe of the band and I had a talk about what they hope you get from coming to a show, and there is a show at the Cock N Bull on Monday, June 24.
Chris Murphy (Sloan) and Craig Northey (Odds) are two of the Trans-Canada Highwaymen. The band is coming to The Egg on June 15. As they say, playing at The Egg, "it's like starring in a Stanley Kubrick film."
My conversation with the amazing Chris Botti about his being inspired by Miles Davis and about his new album. Plus, he's coming to the Egg on June 14.
Music Haven Gears Up to Go Around the World in 62 Days34th Annual Series Set to Bring the World to the ParkMusic Haven Concert Series 2024Sundays at 7 p.m. / Special Events as notedJuly 7–Sept. 6
We talked with Nathaniel Gray about this year's festival and parade! Come join us in celebration of Pride!
Tony Trischka tells us all about how his new tribute album to Earl Scruggs came about. We also discuss his show at The Cock N Bull to celebrate the release of the album - on what would have been Earl's 100th birthday! June 6th - don't miss out!
Tom Rush has a new album, his first in five years. We talk about that album, and his upcoming two shows at Caffe Lena on May 31.
Carsie Blanton has been writing songs and performing for a couple decades. She has shifted from the standard singer-songwriter "love songs" type of songs to songs of protest. We talk about that, and her new album, "After the Revolution." See Carsie at The Linda on May 10.
May 11, the Wailin' Jennys come to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Ruth Moody of the band talked with Chris about their origins, their music, new music, and her own solo album coming in May.
Chuck Lamb and Ria Curley, local musicians who tour the world in their various projects.
Art LaFleur releases a new single inspired by the fierceness with which Keri Alonzo approaches her battle with colon cancer.
Nova Scotia folk singer Dave Gunning has been listed along side Canadian folk legends. It seems to make him blush to hear, but when you listen, you’ll hear why it’s true.
Roberta Lea is headed to town. She will be at the Depot at Argyle Brewing in Cambridge on April 21.
Local 518 Michael Eck is not only an esteemed local musician, but he is also a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voting member. We talk about the recently nominated artists ahead of his ballot needing to be in on April 15.
Leyla McCalla is coming to The Egg on April 13. The day before that, she is releasing her new album, "Sun Without the Heat." We talked a little about the album, the show, and her inspiration.
Talked with Carl Blackwood from the band Bendt. They're part of the April 5 edition of Live and Local. And they've been busy. They're making some new music for us all to rock to.
In addition to trombones, this summer SCCC invites musical theatre and trumpet students to participate in special, immersive summer institutes.
Local 518 rocker, Shane Guerrette releases a new single. More songs are coming later on, but we are happy to get this one to start.
St Paul and the Broken Bones dropped by to play a show at The Egg. Lead singer, Paul Janeway took a few moments out of the schedule to chat with us about his new solo record. No worries! The band is not breaking up.
A chance to chat with Zan Strumfeld of Zan & the Winter Folk is always welcomed. If you love Carole King, don't miss this one.
Bryce from New American Cuisine talks about their new single, and the first Live and Local at The Linda.
A.J. Croce has come to terms with his family's legacy, finding a way to live adjacent to his iconic dad Jim Croce's shadow.
Local 518 band Saucer is familiar, and yet new. We talk about their debut album, uncle Joe, music, influences, and more.
Asbury Park, NJ is home to Rachel Ana Dobken. Her new album comes in 2024. She talked about its genesis and her father and her work with Elliott Landy.
Reese talks about the great year he has experienced with his music and new shows coming.
Tony Moore is a musician, songwriter, radio presenter, concert promoter, venue operator. Tony is music personified. He was Iron Maiden's original keyboardist before going off to do his own prog-rock, and session work. He was a member of Cutting Crew in the 80's. Plus, as we learn, he played with Meat Loaf on tour. We learn about his newest projects, including working again with Steve Harris of Iron Maiden and British Lion.
Maria Muldaur was there when the folk revival was happening in the 1960s. She was part of some of the biggest bands of the mid to late 60s. In 1973, she released the album that would kick off her solo career - into orbit. She's coming to The Egg with a multi-media presentation called "Way Past Midnight."
Friday, September 8th, we'll be back at the Opalka Gallery for another Pop-Up Beer Garden. We love this event! This week, Zan & The Winter Folk will play with Amanda Case.
Sara Milonovich returns to Caffe Lena, a venue that is near and dear to her, on September 7th. And in this conversation, she discusses her latest album and reveals that she and the band Daisycutter are working on a new album. So, those going to the show will be treated to some new songs.
On the occasion of her single release, we spoke about the song and about her and Tom playing at Art in the Park on September 16th.
Super 400 plays the opening night of the 2023 Opalka Gallery Pop-Up Beer Garden series.
Raul Malo of the Mavericks has one of the best voices in rock music. So, why is it his new album is an instrumental album, and why doesn't he sing on it? Find out that, and more in this fun interview where I reveal I imagine I sing as well as Raul when in the shower. (I don't really, but I can pretend. Right?)
Lucy Kaplansky released her latest album about a year ago, and it is filled with songs that resonate and are timeless. She's coming to Caffe Lena on August 3.
Reed Foehl has been making music since he was very young. He's been dreaming of playing Caffe Lena since maybe he was 11. His debut is Sunday, July 30.
Talking with Jontavious Willis is always enlightening. He is a big proponent of the music he loves, and wants to keep the focus on Georgia abd its musical heritage.
Playin' With Fire Band have been a band for about 16 years. The line up has changed a bit, and so has their focus. They've been working on some great original music, and are releasing a few tracks. So, we had a chat.
Rob Beaulieu may have been around the Local 518 community for a few decades, but he continues to find great joy in making new music. See Rob and his band at The Hollow on June 23.
June 23-25 at Altamont Fairgrounds, everyone is excited for this year's Old Songs Festival!
Nathaniel Gray of Capital Pride walks us through the ins and outs of Pride Fest, and talks about the important services Pride Fest helps make possible.
Kyle Price spoke with Chris Wienk all about this year's exciting events that make up the Caroga Lake Music Festival.
Carl Dixon is the lead singer for the Who Tribute band known as Who Are You. See them at The Linda on May 20 (Saturday).
Buggy Jive sent in his song (and video) for "Don't Quit Your Day Job," and Tiny Desk took notice.
Thanks to a NYSCA grant, Saratoga Arts is well on their way to refurbishing their space to allow more creation to happen.
We caught up with Amy Alvey of Golden Shoals while the band was rehearsing in Baltimore. Amy and Mark (Kilianski) are headed to Argyle Brewing in Cambridge for a Wednesday evening show (4/26) as a duo.
Kate McDonnell chats about her European tour and her upcoming show at Argyle Brewing's The Depot.
Youth Squared is an organization helping young adults learn the ways they can effect change in the community. It's a favorite of mine.
Three of the team who are presenting a booth at Skidmore's Sustainable Fair on April 16th spoke with Chris about "invasive species," and what we need to know.
We learn all about how The Eddies process works, and we learn a few behind the scenes things from Jim and Kelly.
See Erin when she records her next album, and a YouTube comedy special on March 29th at the Funny Bone in Albany.
Darlingside has been one of our favorite bands since we first discovered their rich harmonies and incredibly deep songs. See Darlingside at the Egg on March 9th.
Steve Forbert has re-recorded one of the songs from his album "Moving Through America," and he is coming to Caffe Lena on February 11th.
A Night of Joni songs sung by some of the Local 518's best happening at The Cohoes Music Hall on March 11th.
DJ Hollyw8d is helping to make change in the Local 518. He is such a positive force. We are excited to not only follow along but try to amplify the work he is doing.
British singer songwriter, and the former keyboard player for Iron Maiden, wrote a song to remember his mum upon her passing.
For nearly 50 years, Annie Haslam has been at the helm of the prog-rock band Renaissance. Her amazing vocal range just a part of their sound.
For nearly 50 years, Annie Haslam has been at the helm of the prog-rock band Renaissance. Her amazing vocal range just a part of their sound.
KC Morris speaks to Sara and Sean Watkins ahead of their October 27th performance at The Egg.
Perhaps you have some books with positive messages for youth and teens. This is a great time to pass them along.
Our good friend, Marty Wendell will be at Argyle Brewing's The Depot in Cambridge on Saturday night (10/8). We chatted about what he's been up to, and learn that he's got some archival material coming out this year, and they'll be working on a new album in December.
One of my favorite times to listen to the radio is Saturday night. Why? One word: Wanda. And you know who that is!
One of my favorite times to listen to the radio is Saturday night. Why? One word: Wanda. And you know who that is!
Mike Grutka has been spending some time recently creating his latest set of songs, an EP called "While I Was Away." We hear it and Mike tells some of the story behind the making of the EP.
Mike Grutka has been spending some time recently creating his latest set of songs, an EP called "While I Was Away." We hear it and Mike tells some of the story behind the making of the EP.
Alex Nahas is Bright Brown. His style of music fuses many genres and features his performances on the Chapman Stick. See Alex at The Depot in Cambridge on September 29th.
Alex Nahas is Bright Brown. His style of music fuses many genres and features his performances on the Chapman Stick. See Alex at The Depot in Cambridge on September 29th.
Caity Gallagher will release her new EP on September 23rd. Ahead of that, she joins us at Opalka Gallery for the first of the 2022 Pop Up Beer Garden events on Friday, September 16th.
Caity Gallagher will release her new EP on September 23rd. Ahead of that, she joins us at Opalka Gallery for the first of the 2022 Pop Up Beer Garden events on Friday, September 16th.
Joe Jencks and Kray Van Kirk will be at Caffe Lena on September 16. Hear all about their meeting and their new albums.
Joe Jencks and Kray Van Kirk will be at Caffe Lena on September 16. Hear all about their meeting and their new albums.
We had a great conversation about mental health, addiction and pathways that can help folks out of their situations. And we discussed music, of course.
We talk with Tim O'Brien about his work with Hot Rize, and other collaborations. And we get him to tell us some stories about his newest album.
The Diver Library in Schaghticoke is on the edge of a cliff that is getting closer and closer to the Library. We learn of the plight and what the library is doing to mitigate this situation.
Quebecois band Durham County Poets are part of the Cayadutta Crawl Music Festival on August 20th.
Courtney Marie Andrews ditches the caveats in her love songs on the new album Loose Future.
Fresh off her appearance with Joni Mitchell at the Newport Folk Festival, Wynonna talks about her new single Other Side- a collaboration with Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield and boldly entering a new phase of her career.
Pretty nearly every night, there is a great show at Caffe Lena. In August, there are some gems coming. Carolyn talks with us all about what to expect.
Chris Wienk spoke with Dr. Christopher Brellochs of SUNY Schenectady all about the new high school jazz competition.
Maren Morris talks with me about songs, songwriting, how country music can be more inclusive, and more.
Radney Foster is headed to Caffe Lena on August 5th. He took a few minutes before hitting the road to his next destination.
KC Morris speaks to GRAMMY®-winning artist Paula Cole about her double platinum 1996 album This Fire, overcoming sexism in the music industry and insisting on your vision.
Time Sawyer is at the Cock N Bull this week, and we get a sneak peak at what they've been up to.
Chris Wienk spoke with Kyle Price of the Caroga Arts Collective about this years Caroga Lake Music Festival.
Chris Wienk talks with co-conspirator Peter Hughes about his idea to create a weekly Local 518 music series happen - on Central Avenue.
KC talks with Doctor Lo about his days with the NYC jam-band God Street Wine, getting his PhD in American History, and relocating to New Orleans.
Before his solo gig at Hardeman Orchards on July 16th, Andy Falco talked about his album "The Will of the Way."
I spoke with Park Theater executive director, Chris Ristau all about the summer concert series they are doing in Crandall Park.
Old Songs Festival never went anywhere, but they did take the festival online during the pandemic, but for 2022, it is back in person at the Altamont Fairgrounds.
Jim Murphy talks about why the Awards are important to help build the Local 518 Music community.
Willie is coming to The Linda on February 18th. We discuss his new album, and a little bit about his past, too.
WMHT's Mary Darcy interviews Lecco Morris about the new holiday treat they've just dropped.
Sly Fox talks with Chris Wienk about his love for Ray Charles, and that old KISS guitar that got him started wanting to be a musician.
Kevin Crawford and I discuss the importance of Christmas in the Irish music tradition. See Lunasa at Eighth Step on December 4th.
Bob Bates is a good friend of WEXT. He has been by to visit several times, and we are always happy to hear what he has going on.
Allen Stone is back out on tour after the months and months of the pandemic. He's in town at Empire Live on 12/3.
Molly Durnin talked serious stuff with Chris Wienk about her new album, and the song to help raise awareness of domestic abuse. She even revealed who the song was about.
Steve Forbert is coming to Caffe Lena on October 14th. We discuss his new album, how he wound up in Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" video, and more.
We sit down with one of our favorite artists to talk about her new album and Caffe Lena show.
Dave Michaels gets Al's thoughts on the early days of Saturday Night Live, a life in politics and coming to The Egg in Albany November 6th.
Chuck Vosganian and Chris talk about the amazing Carole King, and her album "Tapestry."