**** Producer's Note: The following is a general transcript of LCC Connect's weekly radio program. Contents include but may not be limited to podcasts, program imaging, announcements, and PSAs. More detailed and accurate transcripts of the podcast episodes featured in this broadcast can be found at LCCconnect.com or by following the links provided in the show notes of this episode. ****

The opinions and views expressed in this program are those of the participants and do not reflect the official positions of Lansing Community College, its administration, or wlnz.

Crawl out from under your bridges. Cause it's time for Trolling the Mitten, Your favorite local comedy podcast where we bring you the best and brightest from the Great Lakes State. I'm your host, Errol Gribble, a Michigan reconnect student here at Lansing Community College in the Digital media, Audio and cinema program, where, just like in nature, stars are forged through exposure to pressure and a lot of hot air. Welcome back to Trolling the Mitten. I'm your host, Errol Gribble. Welcome back. This is another rare solo arrow lolo shout out to my comedy Bang Bang fans out there due to a shortage of guests and an overabundance of a desire to show off. I guess I play all the characters in this episode, and this one is another doozy. This one was recorded a couple of years ago during the last election in direct response to the garbage that Trump was campaigning on about the dangerous immigrants on our southern border. How completely ridiculous it would be if we flipped that border, right? Ironically, I never dreamt that just over a year later we'd be living in an America that is actively antagonizing our beloved neighbor to the north. So today it's just me portraying an entire division of the Michigan Militia stationed on the shores of Lake Superior of Gitchi Gummy, preparing for what they're absolutely convinced is a looming Canadian invasion. Unlike any of the other shows, I did put together a tiny little bit of a script, but most of it's improvised. And for those who are curious, yes, I did record all the characters at the same time. No rehearsal, no guests. No problem. Enjoy the show. Hey, everybody, welcome back to Trolling the Mitten on LCC Connect. I'm your host, Errol Gribble, and today we are up here in beautiful Hunters Point park on the shores of Lake Superior, one of the northernmost points in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Yikes. And today, as you can hear, the park has been transformed into a training ground of sorts for the Copper Harbor Commandos, one of the many offshoots of the infamous Michigan Militia. Now, I've been invited to peer behind the curtain of this infamous group by their leader, General Norm Polchowski, to bring you another exclusive troll in the Mitten. Welcome to the show. General NORM oh, yeah. Now, General, tell us a bit about what we're doing here today. I mean, I see folks swimming in the water. Looks like some troops climbing those Rocks. There's, of course, some target practice going on. Yeah, yeah, we got everybody running drills today. You know, just going out there, keeping our skills fresh. You gotta stay sharp. This country's being invaded, you know? Yeah, yeah, I heard folks talking about that as I arrived. But historically, however, though, the Michigan Militia's purpose was to protect the citizens from the government. Right. And they're coming to take your guns and all that from my core dead hands. Yeah, but that's real old school, you know, you spend any time up here in the up, there's one thing you know for sure, we can have all the guns we want. You know, I personally got a safe in my sauna with over 200 firearms in there locked away tight. Anyway, since you're not afraid of your government so much, I guess you're turning your attention to illegals crossing the border. That's right. Yeah, but crossing the northern border? Oh, yeah, there's nothing shiftier than a Canuck. Really?

Oh, yeah.

Speaking all that fancy French, what would all their universal health care and free education and. Ain't nobody that nice. Yeah, I don't trust him. So we're out here preparing for the inevitable invasion. I mean, what would be the point? You know, most folks coming over the southern border are looking for a better life here in America. I mean, is your belief that Canadians are gonna do the same? No, we'll see. No, life in Canada sounds awesome. Oh, no, they're just jealous how cool we are. You know, dig out Avril Lavigne, we got Taylor Swift, they got Drake, but we got Dr. Dre. Yeah, it's hard to argue with that logic. But we're also not on the border. Technically, the greatest of all lakes stands between us and Canada. You know, there's better points of entry, like Sault Ste. Marie or the Windsor Bridge. What did I tell you? Them couldn't look so shifty. They know he's expecting that. So that's why we're here, protecting the shores of Gitchi Gummy. Oh, God. I gotta go. Oh, my buddy Hooly just shot himself in the butt again. Hey, hold on, Hooly, okay? That was General Norm Pulchowski. We're just gonna give myself a little tour of this place walking around here. I mean, it really, really is a beautiful park, folks. You know, when there's not all these yahoos running around. Folks, you really should come on up here. Oh, wait, here we go, folks. We got a porta Potty here, and over by the porta Potties, we have a young man with What? Looks to be like a sort of a sling. Doing a little target practice on some old Kessler's beer bottles now. Excuse me, young man, may I speak with you for a moment? Oh, yeah, sure. Hey, you're from Channel 6 News? Uh, sort of. I'm Errol Gribble with Trollin the Mitten. It's a podcast. Ah, sweet. I love podcasts. I have my own called Sweet Stevie Soundscapes, where it's just me in my basement making fart noises with my armpits.

See,

that's impressive. Sweet. Stevie, is that you? Yeah, yeah, my name's Stevie. Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan? Like the Canadian province?

Yeah, yeah.

I was born in Canada and then my parents smuggled me across the lake when I was a baby. You know, kind of like Moses in the basket. But instead of being snatched up by the Pharaoh, a team of river hogs rescued me after getting smashed in the head by some fresh cut logs rolling down the river. Wow. So technically you're an illegal. Sh. Don't you say that word around here. Not so loud. They're gonna find me out, man. Stevie, don't you find it ironic that you're training to fight the same people who allowed you to come here? What can ironic mean? Okay, let's move on. So why don't you tell me what you're doing here? Okay. See now, like every red blooded American, I love guns. But I've never been able to shoot one straight. In my last ski shoot tournament, I took out six geese, four woodchucks, and a ring neck pheasant. Thing is, I was aiming at clay pigeons the entire time. I don't know, maybe it's my cursed Canadian blood, but I still want to do my part. So I made this sling out of some twine and an old dried up pasty and I'm good to go. Bullseye. Nice shot, Stevie. And I saw on the wrist. Actually, it's my secret weapon. Secret weapon? I only shoot Petoskey stones. Oh, wow. Okay, for our listeners who I'm sure already know, Petoskey stones are Michigan's official state stone. And they're actually prehistor fossils that are skeletons of coral polyps. Yeah, that's right. And they're the perfect shape and texture to take out a trespasser. Watch your shrapnel, Stevie. Sorry, Buck. See, these stones are supercharged. Oops. That gun got away from me. Oh, God. That's a lot of bloodline. Folks, I'm gonna wrap up this before we have any more casualties around here. That's okay. I'm out of Petoskey stones anyway. I'm gonna spend the next five or six hours combing the beach trying to find some more ammunition. Okay. Thank you, Stevie, for your time. Oh, sure. Pleasure's all mine. And thank you all for listening. I am your slightly traumatized host, Errol Gripple. And this has been trolling the mitten. Now put some pressure on it. Oh, God. Hi, out there, partners. Harry Tanks from Moondance Stables. Are you looking for a place to saddle up, ride free and gallop into adventure? Look no further than Moondance Stables. It's gonna be on four legs and it's gonna be fun. It's gonna have to be Mood Dance. I'll tell you what. We got all kinds of horses. Check out these mustangs. We got the wildest, most feral mustangs in the Midwest. You want something a little faster? Our thoroughbreds will have you feeling like you're in the Kentucky Derby. Get you one of them little fancy hats they wear. We got like 25 Arabian horses on the lot. Beautiful horse. Won't break a bank. We got like 16 Clydesdales. These babies will haul anything you can throw at them. Even your mother in law. We got every type of horse you can imagine. We got hackneys, we got quarter horses, we got palominos, we got percherons, we got Missouri foxtrotters. We got sacks and warmbloods. We got Saxon colbloods, we got Shetlands. We even got a room of rocket horses for the little ones so they can come down, have a good time. I'll tell you right now, if you can't find the right horse here at Moondance Stables, I'll let you take a

ride out on me.

Just don't tell my wife. That's right, partners. Come on down to Moondance where the grass is green, the horses are mean and the prices are lean. If you make a buck, it's your luck. Where do you get a bargain on a bronco? Where do you get a deal on a horse that's real boondance? Call 1-800-moon-dance visit moonnance.com. That's all for today, Hooper. Scoopers. Remember, you can listen to this in every one of our episodes on LCC Connect.org plus all your major streaming platforms. Thank you so much for tuning in. We hope you had as much fun as we did. And until next time. Time. If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.

Examining the issues and topics that affect our lives from the local level to the world stage. Listen to the programs of LCC Connect anytime at lccconnect.org LCC Connect Voices Vibes

Vision

Lansing Community College Performing Arts invites you to the Music Faculty Concert and scholarship fundraiser Friday, March 6 A special

evening showcasing LCC's music faculty, this concert

also serves as a fundraiser for supporting

the Endowed Music Scholarship Fund, helping future

students pursue their musical education. Seating is limited.

Join us for a dessert reception at

6:30pm followed by the concert at 7pm in the Gannon Building at LCC's downtown campus.

For more information, visit LCC.

Edu ShowInfo hi, I'm Greg Ladig and

I host a show called Stars on Sports with Assistant Athletic Director Steven Cutter here on LCC Connect. It's all about Lansing's community Community College Athletic department. You can always find out more about Stars on Sports and listen on demand@lccconnect.org.

I didn't want to talk. She just sat with me. That was all I really needed.

We got back and of course we went to different cities. One day he called me out of the blue and it's comforting to know that I always count on him to have my back. We hadn't talked for a while and then she texted me and we went for a walk. She called me from time to time.

I really didn't think I needed any help. I was away from my family during the holidays and a friend invited me

to their house for dinner.

Really meant a lot.

He knew I was having a rough

week so he asked me to go fishing with him.

My friend knew that I didn't want to go out so she brought me dinner instead. It took me from being really depressed to feeling like somebody cared. It gave me some hope. Just that one text Be there. Your call, your presence, your words, your support. Be there and help save a life. Learn more about Preventing suicide@VeteransCrisisLine.net

On Wednesday, March 18, Lansing Community College presents the Job and internship fair at LCC's downtown campus. This event will bring employers recruiting for full time, part time and internship opportunities and is open to the general public. To RSVP or find out more details, visit lcc.edu and search job Fair LCC

Connect Voices Vibes Vision Conversations with Kate is like a conversation with your friend, hairstylist or therapist where we will talk about music, life, stories and everything in between with interviews and guests sprinkled in. As an LCC student, it's an honor and I love bringing a fresh perspective to the podcast menu on LCC Connect. I am your host Kate. Let's get into this episode. Welcome back. First, I want to say I'm grateful that you are here with me for this special year end episode. How did we get here? This is the 14th episode. So before you pop the confetti and step into a fresh new year, I want to take a moment and pause to breathe and to honor everything this year has brought you and me and us together. The joy, the strength, growth, the surprises and the little bit of sparkle. 2025 was a year of becoming for this show and for me and I hope in some way for you too. So let's reflect, celebrate, and look ahead together. How is 2025 already over? And how are you going to celebrate the end of the year? So we're going to go back to January, March of this year and that's kind of when I was waiting for a decision from the station about bringing conversations with Kate onto the LCC Connect team. I had a couple of meetings, but it was just kind of like the quiet beginning. We weren't really there. And then I got the confirmation and the journey really started in the quiet moments of the year. And all I was doing was working, going to school, planning, dreaming, secretly building this show in the back of my mind, building something that nobody yet knew about. Unique kind of magic in the waiting. There is a unique kind of magic in the waiting. I meant to say, when ideas are still cocooned, hidden away, transforming into what they're meant to be. What were you quietly nurturing in the beginning of the year? I want to hear. Yes, you listening right now. Go ahead and go to any of my social medias conversations with Kait. I want to hear. What were you quietly nurturing at the start of 2025? And then drum roll. We have March happen. And that's when the announcement came. March 17th. The moment I finally got to say it out loud. Were launching a show on LCC Connect. I was excited, I was nervous, I was proud. Most of all, I was ready. And then April brought the very first episode on April Fool's Day. Yeah, April was the month that we pressed publish. And that first episode was just like a brief introduction of me and a coffee chat, a reminder that simple moments can be rich and meaningful. And then we talked about my wellness journey as well, about protecting your peace and caring for the spark inside of you. Those early conversations were just the very first heartbeat of conversations with Kate and everything to come. And then in May, we got to talk to Ms. Rose Parker, our very first guest on the podcast. She talked to us about what it was like to take the struggle and make it into the events that she made, which oh, gosh. She is a phenomenal woman, a phenomenal human being. Look her up. She has a great event that she now does just annually where she takes all of the earnings from that event and donates it to a specific thing that helps people in Brevard County. And then in June, what did we do in June over the summertime? What were you doing over the summer time? Well, Conversations with K was exploring music and media with Resting and the Soup Brain TV moment, and how comfort shows are tiny little lifelines for us. Who doesn't love to like, press play on their favorite comfort show that they've watched 70, 11 times? Because I sure do. And then we also talked about how healing doesn't always just look like grand rituals. It's just about that hitting of play on that television. Sometimes it's just watching a new tv or like I said, for me it was that Eat Brain, that's a drum and bass record label, that Soup Brain Television. And then of course, over the summertime in July, we sat down with my classmates from choir, which was super duper fun in our episode called beyond the Measures. And I get to talk to them about how long they were in choir and what they loved and hated about choir, what their strengths and weaknesses they felt were and also just about them in life. Because, you know, choir has been a wonderful addition to my life. And it was so wonderful to sit down with these three people and just chit chat and feel that camaraderie and celebrate choir and being beyond beyond the measures. And of course, you know, during August, the episode from August was two of my favorites of the year so far. No offense to anybody else that's been on the podcast this year was Class act with my daughter, Autumn Sanford, where we got to talk about her Sir Tech program that she is in. It's a dual enrollment program through Wilson Talent center in Ingham county, where she's learning an Associate of Science degree. And I loved being able to have her in here and have her speak on that because it's something that young people just, you know, it's not a typical degree pathway. And she's super smart. And, you know, of course I have preferential feelings over, over my daughter. So it was very, very cool to sit down and see how she showed us how teachers shape the world and how you can become a teacher at that young of an age and how the dual enrollment can work for you. And then we also got to talk to Ms. Katie Smith with her company and through the episode of Capes with Compassion or Capes And Compassion I think it was called. And her company is super duper wonderful. They do the it's called a League of Enchantment and they go to local hospitals in Michigan and Chicago and they visit children who are ill and they just kind of brighten their day. And it was such a great episode to sit down with her. She is announced her her husband and her husband, they started the company together, non profit together really. And they are very transparent about it. They're just great humans doing a great thing for people. And then brought September and I got to sit down with Vic Veda. Such a really an eye opening conversation about the sound of spending and what it looks like behind the lens of what music you listen to when you're shopping. How does it affect you? Do retailers use these things? And it was neat to take a deep dive with someone, especially in her professional opinion because she works for the Michigan Retailers association here in Lansing. Phenomenal human being. If you haven't listened to the episode episode, it's really neat. Again, that was the sound of spending with Vic Veda. It was just a reminder that financial wellness matters. And especially for those of us who are out shopping in the real world and not just doing the online shopping. October brought the unseen impact episode. And that episode is super duper important to me and to everybody, should be to everybody about that unseen impact that you know that you have on people. Sometimes you can just be going about your life and you could smile or say something or interact with somebody in an innocuous way and it impacts them in a grand way. And I just, you know, I'm so glad I got to have that episode. If you haven't listened to that, please do or if you do have something to add about an unseen impact that was brought to you that you had on someone or that someone had on you, please by all means get onto my social medias conversations with Kate on all social platforms and let me know. I want to hear what you have to say about the unseen impact. And also in October we got to talk about brood here. Bunch of different, my favorite topic actually, hello, coffee can never go wrong with a conversation about coffee. And all the different little local coffee shops that I have visited so far. The top tier being really I have to say Hurrah's Coffee and East Lansing and Taste coffee. I think it's technically in Mason. Those two are my go to places. There's a lot of other noteworthy things on that episode. If you want to go over and take a looky loo back at that or if you just want to talk with me about coffee, shoot me a message again on all social platforms. I want to hear what you have to say about your or if you know of a coffee shop that I didn't message because I love, love, love, love, love, love a good coffee shop atmosphere. Whether it's for just being in there to have a good conversation with a friend, to work on some schoolwork, to write music to write or just get other work done. So again, that episode was called Brood here. So glad I got to talk about that. And November, we brought an episode to your ears that featured Jonathan Gewurtz. He is the faculty lead here in the LCC music department and we got to talk to him about all things music department. We also got to touch on his home life, his music that he does outside of the program. And it was a really good episode. He's a great educator here. He does music theory and he also teaches studio class for the instrument students. And then he also does a little bit of teaching at a couple of other campuses. But if you would like to look into that episode that was composing creativity in November. And then of course, my favorite month of the year, December. Here we are. How did we get to the end of December and to the end of 2025 already? But before we talk about the end of 2025, we have to talk about the Buddy the Elf episode because I, you know, how do you get connected with your inner buddy the Elf? We talked about that. And again, the ideal behind the episode comes from the fact that starting on Black Friday every year, I am Buddy the elf incarnate. You can ask anyone that knows me. And we just had a few conversations about how to bring out your, your inner buddy the Elf, how to celebrate it. It was, it was a nice little, little fun episode about bringing joy and a reminder to not take life so seriously. To keep it. Women, whimsy, keep the laughter and keep your sparkle alive. The Buddy the Elf way. And trust me, it doesn't have to be with maple syrup on spaghetti noodles. And then we gotta talk about the themes of the year. If I could wrap up 2025 in a bow, I think the tag would definitely read growth, gratitude, community, creativity, courage and determination. Which of those do you feel most this year? Please let me know. 2025 themes. And then we sit and talk about. We are going to sit and talk about the end of the year. Again I say, like, how did we get here? This is the end of December, the end of 2025. Man, I feel like it just Kind of was a breakneck, like, hold on, Whiplash, we're already here to the end of the year. I thankful for everybody tuning in to this show, but also at the same time I'm like, holy Moses. This is episode 14. This is episode 14. And I started from just sending an email. This is awesome. And to celebrate the end of the year, usually not all of the times, usually, what do you do? Do you have like a big party? Do you sit home by yourself? Do you stay up and watch the ball drop? Do you have some sparkling cider? Do you have some champagne? Some years I have, I've gone out and done done events in, in public and sometimes I've DJed things on new Year's Eve. In years past, I've also attended local parties like get together parties. What are you gonna do on New Year's Eve? I think the best thing to do is whatever you feel comfortable or whatever brings that sparkle into that last few minutes and celebration of 2025. Whether you are out in the middle of a club, you know, hands in the air, or you're at a friend's house and you're. Or putting up your glass in the air or you're just sitting at home by yourself with some tea and some sparkling cider, we all are proverbially tomorrow night Putting to bed 2025 and cheersing 2025 and ringing in 2026 with open arms. And now let's take a look ahead to 2026. What are your plans as we count down? Tick tock, tick tock to the brand new year? What are you gonna call in? What are you ready to call in? What's one intention that you can hold close to your heart? Maybe it's rest, maybe it's joy, maybe it's boldness. Maybe it's believing in yourself just a little bit more. Whatever it is, take this moment to claim it. Thank you so much, truly for being part of this first year of Conversations with Kate. Whether you've listened from episode one or you found your way here today, I'm so grateful for you. Here's to many more stories, more music, more laughter and more Sparkle in 2026. Cheers to you. Thanks for listening to this episode of Conversations with Kate. You can find more information on LCC Connect's site as well as all social platforms, Facebook, Instagram, yes, TikTok as well. Big love.

Featuring the faculty, staff, students and others that help to make Lansing's premier college what it is today. LCC Connect MidMichigan's connection to Lansing community college. To find out more about our featured programs or to listen on demand, visit us at lcc.

Lcc Connect Voices Vibes, Vision.

Studies show that students who take part in sports often see stronger concentration, better problem solving skills, and higher academic achievement. At Lansing Community College, athletics plays an important role in student success. With opportunities to compete in basketball, baseball, track and field, volleyball, and more, LCC athletes learn teamwork, discipline and leadership skills that last long after the final game. Find more information on supporting student athletes@lccstars.com feeling froggy?

Well, leap into 20 plus podcasts@lccconnect.org art

happens here, the podcast that explores the

often curious and occasionally amazing art installations on, in and around the campuses of Lansing Community College. I'm your host, Bruce Mackley. Listen to this program and many others on demand@lccconnect.org.

Mama, what does the chicken say?

Chicken?

Oh, okay.

And a wolf. Oh, a wolf. Oh, what about the tiny dog?

Cat?

Owl? Dolphin?

What does the turkey say? Whale.

Whale. Sound to the giraffe. Giraffe? Really? Okay, giraffe, giraffe, giraffe, giraffe.

You're not gonna get it, all right? Just make sure you nail the big stuff, like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the right seat for their agent's eyes. Get it right. Visit nhtsa.gov the right seat brought to you by the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration and the AD Council,

the Lansing Community College Job Training center provides opportunities for individuals to earn several certifications in three months or less.

Career training options are available both online and in person, covering a range of

careers including healthcare, automation, IT accounting, and more.

A complete list of LCC Job Training center programs can be found at lcc. Edu jtc, lcc, Connect Voices, Vibes, Vision

this is Time Signatures with Jim Irvin, a podcast and radio program program presented by the Capital Area Blues Society in Lansing, Michigan. Most any contemporary musical style can trace its roots back to the blues. Time Signatures explores the blues and its musical connections with captivating interviews, lively discussions, and news from the world of the blues. And now, here he is, your host, Jim Irvin.

Well, thank you so much, Parker, and welcome to Time Signatures. I'm your host, Jim Irvin, and today's guest is absolutely one of the biggest names in the state of Michigan as far as the blues is concerned. In fact, when I asked some of my friends for a list of potential people to interview about the blues in this state, this gentleman's name came up every single time. Now, I found a piece in 2016 touting his musical prowess, stating he has been blasting away with his 1956 Gibson for decades now and can rattle off more than 400 vintage tunes, from the blues to the 50s rock, and even some of the archives of 40 swing. Now, if you haven't happen to have a copy of the 1972 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival album, which is on Atlantic Records, you'll find him backing the likes of Boogie Woogie Red and Johnny Shines. Now, there's a lot more to talk about, but without further ado, let's welcome our guest, Steve Nardella. Steve, welcome to Time Signatures. How are you?

It's great to be here. Thank you. Well, it's fine.

It's a pleasure to have you. And there's so much that I want to talk to you about, man. But I want to start back at the beginning. What were your earliest memories of music as you were growing up?

Well, my earliest memory is that my dad had all the Hank Williams 78s. When I was 3 or 4 years old, I was listening to Hank Williams and, you know, he's blues to me.

Oh, yeah.

So I kind of grew up with the blues. And then. Then when 50s rock and roll hit in 56, I was eight years old and I fell in love with it, man. Elvis, Gene Vincent. Sure. Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, you know, I mean, it was just, I. I love that music. I still do. Right. I love vocal group music also.

Very good. Now, I wanted to ask you, did you have any favorite bands or some of those songs that you just had to hear over and over when you were growing up?

You know, I. I liked most of these black artists, you know, like Muddy Waters and Slim Harpo, Jimmy Reed. There's the records I had since I was 12.

Wow.

I love that kind of music. I love Chicago blues and I studied it and I. When I moved in Arbor, I. Part of the reason I moved in Arbor was it was closer to Chicago.

Okay.

And when I settled in Ann Arbor, the club started booking Ann Arbor started booking blues. And we got all the Chicago guys coming in all the time at the Blind Pig. Some of them would play Mr. Flood's party. Yes, Sir, Mackinac Jacks. There was a bunch of clubs later on. Come Joe Style Lounge, the Rick's American Cafe. I mean, there were all kinds of places to play blues. So it was a good place to settle for a while and get myself working. And I started out as a harmonica player, but I started playing guitar. Actually, I played guitar. I started playing guitar when I was. The same time I started harmonica when I was 10 years old.

Oh, wow.

But so finally I added the guitar to the. To my thing. Then I started singing. So it's been a process of slow growth. Process, you know?

Yeah. I wanted to ask you when. When did you land in Ann Arbor? About what year?

1971.

Okay.

Okay. Well, I'd been on the East Coast. I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island.

Sure.

And I played with a guy called Ken Lyons for a few years, and he was like an institution there. Everybody knew him. And then. Then me and Duke Robilauga being together for a while.

Okay.

And we added John Nicholas to the band. Frank, Christina, Al Copley. And we gave five minutes, and then that broke up. Too Many Chiefs.

Sure.

You know, you look at the talent there, you know, it's just abundant, you know?

Oh, yeah. Now that 1956 Gibson. When did you get it? Tell me about the acquisition. How did you get it?

And do you still have mine anymore? No, I don't have it anymore.

Okay.

But it was a beautiful guitar. I missed some of the tones I could get out of it. That for sure. I'll never be able to get out of any guitar the rest of my life. But it needed a whole ton of work, and it really was on the edge of being unplayable.

Oh, boy.

But it was still payable. I'm still doing gigs with it, but sure. But they had problems. So I. I finally did get rid of it. Okay. Did the.

Did the new owner get it fixed up? It's back in service.

Well, I don't know. I really don't know. Who bought it?

Oh, okay. Okay.

I bought it off me and he sold it to somebody.

Okay.

So I really don't know who got it.

Sure. Steve, I wanted to ask you about your visit to New York City. Who did you see while you were there that first time?

1964 or 65? I saw muddy Waters.

Okay.

With James Cotton over the span.

Wow.

It was. It was a great, great band. Money's been. Never lived up to that point again. But he always had a good band, though. Sure. I. I like Fortnight. He did a good job with my Fortnite and I. After Muddy, I started seeing Everybody. How? Wolf, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, all the people back in the 60s, you know, all the big names when they were playing. Playing. Right, right. You know.

Now, when did you decide to come to the state of Michigan? When did you actually make your move here?

When Black Hat, which was the name of my band, would do Pro Block. When that broke up, it was winter time. I said, well, Springtime, I'm moving to Ann Arbor and John Nicholas decided to come with me.

Okay.

So. So we. We hitchhike. We. We jumped the fence in Rhode island, get on the highway, hitchhiked. Ann Arbor.

Oh, my goodness. And how long did that take you?

We were lucky. We've got a couple of long rides.

Okay.

But it took, you know, a couple of days.

Sure.

Me and John, we. We went all over the place. When we lived in Ann Arbor, we were constantly going to Chicago. And I remember one night going in here, Jimmy Reed with Eddie Taylor and stuff like that, you know. And I remember one time we hitchhiked to Boulder, Colorado, and top three trains.

Wow.

We were cool nuts, man.

Now, Steve, when you. When you first got into Michigan in the Ann Arbor area, what did you do? Did you get yourself involved in music? What was going on at that time?

John Nicholas, Me and John Nicholas started playing right away.

Okay.

I mean, we, you know, a month after we were here, we had all kinds of gigs.

Wow.

Mr. Floods was, I understand, other bars around town. I mean, we were working all the time. And then we were backing up Latent and Slim Johnny Shines. One night we were playing Mr. Flood's party, me and John Nicholas, and in town at the Alley. Johnny shines it off the Big Boy. Crude for playing. So they stay in it. They were staying at the house with me and John.

Wow.

And they stayed.

They stayed.

Yeah.

Oh, wow.

I slept on the floor the same. Same place that after Big Boy crewed up. Slept. There's a guy who sold millions of records or Elvis. Millions. Millions. And they've never got a dime for it. Yeah. But anyway, I wanted to tell you.

Yeah, go ahead.

They came down to Mr. Flood's party that night. We were playing Johnny Shines it up on the stage. The stage is so small. Arthur Crudup stayed down on the. On the table in the front of us. And he's just sang, man. And we had one of the greatest jam sessions. I remember.

Wow.

We had quite a few good bit. Once I got a Floods. I remember one night Sammy Lawn came in, man, and we just rocked and joined there. That went on all the time back then. I think Walter Horton was coming to town all the time.

Sure.

Harry Bell. Harry Bell was coming down Dog Taylor. It was a whole different town then.

That must have been an exciting time for you. Especially because I know you said you moved up to Ann Arbor to get closer to Chicago, and here's all these. These Chicago and even national names that are coming through the area.

Yeah, right, right. In Second Chance, they would have the big names, man. Second Chance was on Liberty.

Sure.

You know. You know the joint I'm talking about.

Yeah, well, I know of it.

Yeah. Yeah. Anyway, they used to book all the big acts. I. I worked there with Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry. A bunch of people, man.

So did you get to rub elbows with Chuck Berry's band, the Woolies, at all when they came through?

No, no, I never did. We did a gig with Chuck at Meadow Book. Too Metal Meadow Book was like the bigger outdoor thing. Yeah.

Okay.

We did that with Chuck, but I don't know who was playing with him at the time.

Okay.

I don't think it was the Woolies.

Gotcha. Now, I have to tell you, I picked up a copy of the 1972 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festivals album and it blew my mind because I didn't know at the time that you were on it. But then I saw your name in the credits back in Boogie Woogie Red and Johnny Shines. Talk about that for a moment. And how did that come to be for you? Were you surprised to learn that your performance was captured and part became part of the album?

I didn't know that the Johnny Shines. I didn't know that. I didn't know anything was going to be on it. Okay. I remember one time me and my girlfriend, we went to the Michigan Union, used to have a record store.

Okay.

And I went. And we went in the record store and they were playing the record. And that was me. I go, what the. Who. What's this? And they told me this is the end of a boozing. Yes. I didn't know anything about it.

Wow.

But it was fun playing with Johnny's Giants and. And we back up late and swim on that festival also.

Okay. Now, speaking of Boogie Roogie Red, because I've. I've been in touch with Fred Reif, I'm assuming was at the time that he was working with Fred, because I. It seems to that I recall some cassettes in reels.

He was working with everybody working. Right.

Okay. Okay.

Also, you know, right there, as far as the Blind Pig goes, I don't think he had the book the Black Pig gave him every Monday night for five years. Oh, my goodness. Or more.

Wow.

Yeah. So he was there every Monday night.

Now, I was told that I had to ask you about your association with Kim Wilson. So can you fill us in on this?

Yeah. I met Kim when I went down to. When the Silver Tones went down to Austin, Texas.

Okay.

Actually. Actually, I met him before that. But very, very, very briefly. But when I moved to Austin, Texas, we became friends. And Jimmy Vaughan is a good buddy of mine.

Okay.

Stevie. Stevie was a good friend of mine.

Wow.

I had good memories of Stevie too. I remember one night I was staying at the. The bass player for the Thunderbirds. I got on the edge of my tongue. Anyway, I was staying in his house and one night there was a knock on the door, 10 o'.

Clock.

I was watching TV and it was. It was Stevie Ray, man. And he came in and asked me how I was doing and blah, blah, blah. And we ended up jamming our guitars.

Wow.

Three or four in the morning. Stevie was a nice kid, man. He's a good kid. Very respectful older musicians, you know.

Yes, sir.

I like Stevie.

That hard to have had to have been a very difficult time when you heard of his passing in 1998.

Oh yeah. Everybody, man.

Yeah.

I mean, people love Stevie. Stevie was, you know, they loved him. He was the new Hendrix. He was a big star, you know, getting be even bigger if he stuck around.

Yes.

Because he was. He straightened himself out. He did. He was. He was a terrible drug addict, you know, But.

Yeah, but I had heard that he had just gotten himself clean over the last. What, year or two before.

Yeah, for a couple years. And was playing just as good as ever.

Yeah.

And feeling better, smiling better, looking better. Yeah. Young girlfriend. Yeah, he was doing all right, I'll tell you.

Well, I know that Clapton talked about being on stage with him that night. Him and, and Buddy Guy and several others on. On stage together doing Sweet Home Chicago and. And just talking about what a. What an amazing experience that was to be seeing the cleaned up version of Stevie Ray just commanding the stage.

Yeah. Yeah. I think Stevie was gonna change his style a little bit as he grew older.

Yeah.

I don't think he was going to be quite as rocky, you know. I think he was going to settle more into a blues thing and almost a jazz blues. I could see him going there, you know.

Yeah.

And if you listen to some of his later records, his last records, you can hear that too in some of the cuts.

You know, I often sit back and think to myself, where would Stevie be if he were still here? Where would Hendrix be if he were still here? You know, where would Morrison be if he were still here? Where would Mama Cass be if she were still here? Just some of the incredible talent club. What's that?

The 27 Club?

Yeah. Yes, yes. And you know, you just, you. You sit back and you think, what could they have done? In the. In the world of music, if they were still here.

Let's go even further than that. Let's see, what could Robert Johnson have done? Oh, yeah, you know, he would have definitely invented the electric guitar blues and he would have had a band. If there's other rumors that he did already, but he never got around to recording with the band. I'd love to know what he would have done.

Yes. Yes. Well, Steve, what are you up to these days? Are you out there still gigging around? Occasionally. What about the band? Have you guys been together?

Occasionally. Occasionally. My band's, you know, I'm good there if I need them, if I wanted. I'm not gigging a lot.

Okay.

I never asked him. 76. So, you know, I'm taking it easy. Sure, sure. But I do get. But I'm still. I'm still. I can still do a gig and I can still play, you know.

Yeah.

So that's the way I'm going to keep it for a while.

Well, it's amazing to me. I got to see the Blue Avenue delegates and of course, your friend and mine, Dave Huber is part of that band. And they're. They're all in their 70s and. And got to see them play late. Was it late last year? Middle of last year, something like that. Or was earlier this year. I'm sorry. And they still bring it together, man. They're still out there doing their thing and jamming away and, you know, it's like, Dave.

Dave. Dave's a good fella, man.

Hell of a sax player, too, isn't he?

Oh, yeah. He's a great sax there. He keeps it simple. He plays good lines.

Yes, sir.

He never overplays. He knows what to do.

Definitely an old school player.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, definitely.

How did. How did you guys connect? Because I know he was with your band. Okay.

I told Fred Rice that I was looking for a horn player because we'll call up. Call up. Called. Gave up.

Yeah.

And so I did, and we. We got a gig together and little by little, it started working.

And how long ago was that? About.

Oh, that was 10 years ago, maybe. At least. Maybe more.

Okay.

I really don't know. You know, I played with Jack Scott for seven years.

Okay.

You know who Jack Scott is?

I do not. By name. By name. I know.

What in the world's come over you? You remember that?

Yeah, I know the tune. Yep.

He had many hit tunes in the 50s. He was as big a rock and roll star as Elvis. A few years. Anyway, we went to. We. Me and him went to England three or four times. We went to other places all over the country. We played a lot of R B shows. And on these R B shows would be all my childhood heroes like Jimmy Beaumont and Skyliners.

Wow.

And Johnny Maestro of the Crest. You know, just people like that that I grew up with. And it was so much fun doing those gigs, man, Hearing some of the great old black vocal groups, like the Magnificence and incredible stuff, man, and really, really, really like doing that. You should check out some videos of me and Jack on YouTube.

I absolutely will. Matter of fact, if you'd like, I can.

I'll.

I'll attach those to the. The information on this episode so other people can check it out as well. How's that sound?

Yeah, the Way I Walk is a good one.

Okay.

And remember that the way I walk is just the way I walk. The way it smiles is the way I smile. Did you remember that?

I do.

Yeah. That was Jack. Okay. All right.

Very cool.

Well, I also did. Did a tour in Europe with. With Eddie Burns.

Okay.

You know who Eddie Burns is?

Yes, sir.

He was Johnny Hooker's best friend.

Okay.

And played with that. Played with Johnny Hook in the early 50s.

Wow.

Made a lot of his own 78s also.

Sure.

Recorded for Chess. Eddie was great, man. I love that. He.

Steve, I wanted to ask you because you. You talked about, you know, seeing a lot of your childhood favorites when you were over in Europe. What was that like standing on the side of the stage and watching them 10 business with you standing there. Was that a true pinch me moment?

Yeah, yeah. We. I really. It was something else, you know?

Yeah.

I know the guys in the band when I. When I did that, they were my age, and they didn't have the same kind of feeling that I did because I remember them. I love them.

Sure.

When I was a kid, you know, did a lot of fun to do that. A lot of them have since passed on. Jack Scott for one, Eddie Burns for another.

Yep.

They're all going now.

Yeah. Well, Steve, if people wanted to find out more information about you, I know that there's a little bit out there, or maybe if they even wanted to book you for a gig since you're gigging occasionally. I would assume you've got music available for sale if people wanted to buy, Correct?

Well, not really. Not really. I'm down to just a couple of CDs.

Okay.

Have you got my Daddy Rolling Stone CD?

I do not.

Let's see. That's my best CD.

Well, we're gonna have to talk about this after we get done because I definitely want to buy a copy.

Yeah, yeah, you can. You can get one online real cheap. But it's a good. It's my best record. There's a lot of blues on it.

Okay.

There's some rock and roll on it, some women blues stuff like Any Places paradise by Elvis.

Yes, sir.

Some serious stuff, and I think you enjoy it.

Very cool.

And the silver tones, too. You got to get that one.

Yeah, I. I wrote that down. You told me one chance with you is the one that I need to buy, so I'm go and get that.

All right.

Steve, it has been a pleasure having you on today, sir. I want to thank you so much for your time.

Well, I know I talk too much.

No, no, you're fine, man. You're fine. I hope I get an opportunity to. To see you perform sometime. But I definitely want to bring this album and I'll get together with you and. And Huber and we'll get this. We'll get this album signed. I would love to have it as part of my collection. How's that sound?

Sure, no problem there.

Very good. Well, I appreciate you being here. And that wraps up this edition of Time Signatures. Once again, our thanks to Steve Nardella for his time, but also to you. For without you, none of this would be possible. Jim Irvin reminding you that keeping the blues alive is everyone's responsibility. But preserving the history of the blues, one story at a time, that's my mission. Until next time. So long

this has been Time Signatures with Jim Irvin, presented by the Capital Area Blues Society in Lansing, Michigan. For more information on CABS, visit capitalareablues.org you can find this episode and past episodes@lccconnect.org the Time Signature's theme song, Michigan Roads, is used by permission and was written by root.com featuring Freddie Cunningham.

You know I'm fine, fine, baby. Diving up and down these Michigan road. Yeah.

Until next time, keep on keeping the blues alive. This is LCC Connect Voices Vibes Vision.

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