Music Journeys

With his new album The Fray, musician John Smith believes he's created his most honest work - and it came out of necessity. Not unlike other performers, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist found himself grounded by the pandemic but also dealing with unrelated family health matters. Here on Music Journeys, Smith shares how turning to music helped him accept life's challenges.

The 24th annual Central Ohio Folk Festival takes place this Saturday with a virtual celebration of music. On this edition of the Music Journeys podcast, we preview this year's event with Bill Cohen and headlining duo Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, who share the challenges they faced during the pandemic, why they chose to be part of this year's fest, and how music continues to inspire them. Thanks for listening. 

Deshawn Goncalves has been moving us all with his performances on American Idol. Here on Music Journeys, Goncalves will share what the experience has been like so far and reflect on his time with the Paragon Project.

Miracle Mathis, who performs as Miir, shares her story with Music Journeys.  The 28-year-old has a new six-track release, her third EP since 2017.

The band members of Biscodini Organ Trio are well-established musicians who've been playing random gigs together for years. COVID-19 prevented that in 2020. But the pandemic brought together drummer Curt Bisquera, organist Scott Healy, and guitarist John Chiodini in an unexpected way - to record an album.

Sheléa joins Music Journeys to share how the love of music began, the inspiration for her latest songs, and to reflect on her most memorable performances. From multiple White House sessions, working with music’s icons, and singing that Whitney Houston tribute following the legendary singer's death in 2012, Sheléa has a voice that soars and even sings in the podcast. Thanks for listening.

Bill Champlin joins Music Journeys to talk about his new solo album Livin' For Love. Champlin shares how the songs came together and the deeply personal places they originate from. He'll also reflect on his time with Chicago, his incredibly talented son Will, his favorite musical moment involving B.B. King, and more. Stick around for some groovy selections and an emotional story in his Fast Five. Thanks for listening.  

Robert Randolph joins the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland Friday for a virtual performance and conversation. The event takes place at 7 on the museum's Facebook and YouTube pages. The pedal steel guitarist will collaborate with the Rock Hall's educational platform and donate one of his guitars to the museum's exhibit It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope, and Empowerment, which explores social justice and equality.

Canadian singer-songwriter Sam Roberts has remained busy during the pandemic. His group, Sam Roberts Band, released new music last month.

Rahill Jamalifard and her band Habibi were scheduled to perform in Columbus as part of the Melted Music Festival in March. COVID-19 led to the festival's cancellation and eventually all of the band's scheduled performances. 

Willie Phoenix came to Columbus in the mid-1970's and hasn't stopped recording and performing. The 68-year-old released new music this year, and the city recently honored him with a street dedication ceremony. 

We Amplify Voices releases new music today. Originally known as the Dick and Jane Project, We Amplify Voices or WAV empowers students through songwriting. The kids come up with the themes and lyrics, while Columbus-area musicians record the songs. 

Donna Mogavero has been singing in Columbus and around Ohio for decades. She performs as part of CAPA's ApART Together series Thursday night. Mogavero also has new music coming out soon. Here on Music Journeys, she shares a couple new songs and explains what inspired her to record again. Mogavero also reflects on her Columbus history and takes part in our Fast Five song questions. Thanks for listening. 

Music Journeys continues to highlight some of the Columbus musicians taking part in CAPA's latest round of online performances with the talented Amber Knicole.

The Columbus Association for the Peforming Arts recently kicked off the third installment of its online concert series. Launched in April as a way to help Columbus artists during the pandemic, CAPA's ApART Together series has featured 16 musicians with another 9 scheduled for this third leg. One of the musicians performing this round is Talisha Holmes, who has a new four-song EP. In the Music Journeys podcast, Holmes explains where the songs come from and shares her thoughts on these challenging times. She also takes part in the Fast Five. Thanks for listening.  

From traditional tunes to holiday music, Johnny Mathis has been singing for more than six decades. His Ohio shows originally set for this spring have been rescheduled for August. Mathis joins Music Journeys and shares reflections on the early days, the teacher who helped shape his voice, the decision he faced between music and athletics, his jazzy first record, the lost album he recorded with Nile Rodgers, his love of Christmas music, and what keeps the 84-year-old continuing to perform. 

Allen Stone brings his new tour to Columbus Tuesday with a show at Newport Music Hall. Stone, who's known for his soulful sound, turns 33 soon and recently started a family. In this edition of Music Journeys, Stone explains how marriage and reconnecting with himself inspired his latest release, what music means to him and how that's changed over the years, and more. Thanks for listening.  

Greg Harris has served as president and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum since 2013, but his love of music and museums began well before that. On this edition of Music Journeys, Harris shares his personal path to Cleveland, steps that included running a record store and working at the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Two Columbus performers are joining forces for a concert celebrating the Civil Rights Movement.

Columbus-based band The Molars host a record release show Saturday January 4 in Clintonville.

Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder will be in Cleveland tonight for the opening of a new exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Jay Som performs Saturday night in Columbus at the Basement.

Pat Metheny remains one of the most creative and talented musicians around. Metheny brings his Side-Eye tour to Columbus Saturday night at the Southern Theatre. In this edition of Music Journeys, Metheny reflects on career, the way he processes sound, and much more. Stick around for the Fast Five at the end for more insight and a surprising revelation. Thanks for listening.   

Angela Perley has been writing, performing, and recording music for the last decade - all while calling Columbus home.

As a longtime member of the band Foo Fighters, guitarist Chris Shiflett has seen his share of large venues. But the 48-year-old also enjoys the intimacy of a small bar. That's part of the reason Shiflett writes, records, and performs his own music. Hard Lessons, his second solo release, came out this summer. 

Janiva Magness has earned several accolades over her career. The singer and songwriter has won seven Blues Music Awards and the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. 

Kelly Vaughn is one of the many artists performing at this weekend’s Columbus Arts Festival.

Multi-instrumentalist Katherine Paul - also known as Black Belt Eagle Scout - brings her talents to Columbus tomorrow night. Paul grew up in a small Indian reservation and says she doesn't play music to write songs, she plays music to process feelings.  

Multi-instrumentalist Sasami brings her talents to Columbus this weekend for a show at the Rumba Café. In this edition of Music Journeys, Sasami talks about her self-titled debut and how her background shaped her sound. Hear more in the full podcast at the bottom of the page.

As a member of Rascal Flatts, Jay DeMarcus has lived some incredible experiences. But the road to forming one of America's most successful and beloved country music bands wasn't always smooth. The Columbus native chronicles his mistakes, childhood memories, and what he considers his greatest blessing in a new book titled Shotgun Angels.