Keith Nelson from Buckcherry took a few moments the chat with Cara from backstage as they tour the country with KISS to talk about...touring the country with KISS!

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Michael Buble' has sold 22,000,000 albums (so far) worldwide.  His songs capture romance, heartache, love and every other emotion that goes along with any relationship you've ever been in.  His song "Everything" is a very popular first-dance song at weddings.  And his live performances are unreal. It was an honor to be the very first radio personality in the USA to speak on the phone with Michael Buble' (for 101.9 WTMX "The Mix" in Chicago,IL) as his third album "Crazy Love" is just about to be released.  The album was initially supposed to be released on October 13, but due to fan demand the album will now be released 4 days prior (October 9).  You can pre-order it now. An even bigger honor was having him serenade me...I still have the goosebumps!

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It's no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the Lovehammers.  They've been featured on my podcast Cara's Basement a few times already. Their first new album in three years, Heavy Crown, is coming out next month...of course I absolutely HAD to talk to them again! You will hear some new songs from Heavy Crown (which isn't even out until July 21) and the backstory on the writing & recording process This interview was recorded in their dressing room at Chicago's House Of Blues on June 19, 2009, just hours before they hit the stage.      You can check out a WAY COOL picture show from the Lovehammers House Of Blues/Chicago show 6-19-09 courtesy of photographer Christie LaMountain...CLICK HERE.

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Despite throwing his back out the night before and having a bad cold, Dave Matthews made sure to keep our appointment to chat about his incredible new album "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King". He's amazingly candid about everything he discusses...from the tragic death of a LaRoi Moore to the horrific situation years ago in Chicago when one of his bus drivers dumped 800 pounds of human waste on the heads of those on a boat in the Chicago River. For the record, I felt bad about bringing up the "poop" incident since it's old news and I am well aware how bad he feels about it. But he was more than willing to discuss it, take responsibility, and apologize yet again.

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Mike Pinder was the original founding member of one of the most influential rock bands, The Moody Blues.  We talk about everything from music to UFO's to his unique way of helping up & coming musicians on his website, www.MikePinder.com

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Simply put...she is the coolest chick ever. This episode is short & sweet - well under 5 minutes.

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Wow...Creed is back!  They split up about 6 years ago at the height of their fame.  Scott Stapp & Mark Tremonti chat about their new album, tour and how having kids brought them back together as a band.One very funny part is when Scott Stapp describes their concert history in Chicago, referring to the infamous night where he was allegedly (I wasn't there so I can't say for sure) so incoherent he couldn't remember the lyrics to any songs as a "not-so-great-night".I only had about 6 minutes with them and didn't get a chance to ask Mark Tremonti about the future of Alter Bridge...but I'm under the impression that Alter Bridge is NOT breaking up, though there's a strong rumour that their singer Myles Kennedy may be fronting the Led Zeppelin reunion tour. 

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This Beat Goes On/Switch In' To Glide has been a favorite song (okay, it's two songs) of mine for decades.  It was such a thrill to speak with Mister Zero from The Kings and get the whole backstory on how that song came to be.You can get the rest of the story on their DVD "Anatomy Of A One-Hit Wonder: The Kings' 'This Beat Goes On/Switch In' To Glide"...check it out on their website: www.TheKingsAreHere.com

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It's been a life long dream to have one-on-one conversation with Bono from U2.  This is pretty darn close!!Daniel Burrow is Bono in the greatest U2 tribute band, Elevation.We recorded this interview on a day when the real U2 was in Chicago for an intimate, private appearance.  I walked around the city with Danno and witnessed people doing double takes since he looks & walks so much like Bono...in fact, a few people asked for his autograph.  NBC5 in Chicago even filmed us.  Fun day!This is a VIDEO episode.  If you are having trouble seeing the video please click HERE to see it on youtube.

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Randy Jackson is one of the most amazing performers. Not the judge from American Idol...this is the Randy Jackson from Zebra who also performs amazing concerts with an Orchestra interpreting Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pink Floyd & The Doors.  OMG...amazing!FYI - he'll be in Milwaukee performing songs from Led Zeppelin with a full orchestra this Thursday, February 26, 2007.  Check out his full itinerary HERE.Here's his websites:www.TheDoor.comwww.TheMusicOfLedZeppelin.com

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Kelly Clarkson is the very first winner of American Idol and her massive success continues to grow with her current number one single, "My Life Would Suck Without You".She chats about what it was like to hear Steve Carrell scream "Kelly Clarkson!" when he got his chest waxed in 40 Year Old Virgin, she talks about not catering to the gossip blogs, and much more...

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I had the pleasure of moderating the press conference for Fall Out Boy prior to the Nike+ Human Race at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.  They talked quite a bit about their new album FOLIE A DEUX.  At the time of this press conference the album was set to be released on election day - they've since pushed back the release until 12-16-08.This is my first VIDEO podcast (vidcast?)...

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The Steepwater Band is based in Chicago and they're releasing their new album "Grace and Melody" on December 2.  The new record is produced by former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and I love it!  I had the pleasure of chatting with drummer Joe Winters in this episode of Cara's Basement.To celebrate the release of their new album, The Steepwater Band is putting on a FREE show at the Double Door in Chicago on Wednesday, November 26th (the night before Thanksgiving).

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Andy Taylor wrote a new tell-all book called "Wild Boy" and shares plenty of juicy stories from his crazy history of Duran Duran.  It really was a wild time.  His book is fun to read and it was a pleasure talking to him.

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This interview took place in the summer of 2008, just after Josh Kelley played a packed gig at the Taste of Chicago.  He opens up about songwriting and his musical influences.  He's a very down-to-earth guy and a fabulous singer/guitar player/songwriter!

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I had the pleasure of introducing The Plain White T's for WTMX when they performed an acoustic set at Best Buy (in Downers Grove, IL) on 9-26-08.  They were fantastic and attracted a huge crowed!  Before they played I spoke with band members Dave Tirio & Tom Higgenson just before they played.  This is that conversation...(By the way, the "D" word I refer to is "Delilah" as in their hit song "Hey There Delilah")

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Disturbed was part of the amazing lineup of Mayhem Fest during the summer of 2008.  I sat down with lead singer David Draiman in his dressing room a few hours before they hit the stage.  His intelligence and demeanor impressed me quite a bit.  This guy is one the smartest people I've ever met and despite his great success has absolutely no ego issues.  He rocks!

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Nils Lofgren has jammed with Crazy Horse, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.  Besides his stellar guitar work backing others, he has also released many solo albums.  His latest is a tribute to his longtime friend and musical collaborator Neil Young:  "The Loner: Nils Sings Neil".  Nils covers the early days of meeting Neil to the behind the scenes making of his new album.  His laid-back, honest and passionate  conversation makes this a do-not-miss episode for anyone who loves rock & roll history.  You'll even hear a clip of two of his Neil Young covers...very impressive!

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The first 11 minutes is Duffy. We chatted on the couch in the SPIN Magazine Press Lounge backstage at Lollapalooza.  The publisher of SPIN joins us - quite fun!Next, it's Tally Hall.  I met them while in line for a porta-john.  We discovered we are both from the same home town (West Bloomfield, MI) and when I heard the name of their band it brought a smile to my face - you'll hear why in our conversation.I also interviewed another Lollapalooza artist - Dierks Bentley - a few days prior to Lollapalooza. That interview is not part of this podcast episode but you can hear it HERE.See all of my Lollapalooza pictures HERE.

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O.A.R. is such a great band to see jam live. It was my pleasure to chat with lead singer Marc Roberge and get his take on what it's like to make music and why he thinks it's way cool to record his live shows.NOTE: Normally, all of my podcasts are "clean", but in this rare instance Marc let's a few "s_ _ t" words slip out - I was not able to edit them out because of temporary technical difficulties in my home studio.  This interview is virtually unedited.

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I'm a huge fan of The Police, so chatting with Joe Sumner - Sting's son - was a bit freaky for me.  He's the lead singer of Fiction Plane, a fabulous band.  They opened up for the recent big Police reunion stadium tour.  I chatted with him in April while they were on the road with The Bravery.You'll hear a song by Fiction Plane, "Two Sisters", at the end of this episode.

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Take a good look at these guys.  They could very well be HUGE in a few years and you'll be able to say, "I remember hearing about them back in '08".  Tonight The Prom opened up for The Lovehammers a few months ago at The House Of Blues in Chicago.  I interviewed Tonight The Prom backstage after their electrifying opening set.  This is that conversation, unedited.  Enjoy! At he end of this episode you will be treated to one of their songs, "There Is No Cure For Vanity"

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The Chicago Music Guide is working to help the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer raise money through a music benefit. Iâll be the emcee of this fun night of music. Live Life is at Joeâs Bar in Chicago on Sunday, April 27. Come experience live music from Paris Delaneâs Tye Dye Skye, Jennifer Peterson Band, Ellen Rosner, Tracylynn & 55 South, Gina Gonzalez, White Buffalo Is Born and Twin Ray (Desiree Irwin). Doors open at 5:30, the live music begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are only $20 plus there is an awesome silent auction. All net proceeds will benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Funding is a critical component to identifying a cure and eliminating the suffering of those who are affected by the disease. This episode of Cara's Basement is with Paris Delane - a former member of Sonya Dada with a fascinating life story.  His love & appreciation for his mother expressed in this interview is especially touching as we approach Mothers Day!

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In February, 2008 comedian Lee Camp was asked to appear on Fox News as a "lefty" comedian vs. a "righty" during a live segment.  He agreed to do it figuring he'd have to somehow speak his mind - and he sure did!  The video of his appearance was viewed on youtube a half a million times within a day of his appearance.  You'll hear the clip in the beginning and again at the end of this episode.Watch Lee Camp On YouTubeVisit www.LeeCamp.net

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Original Shooting Star member Van McLain and new lead singer Ronnie Platt are in Cara's Basement.  Van shares a lot of fun stories from the band's long history.  "Last Chance" is one of Cara's favorite songs and he explains the meaning behind it.  There's also a bit of similarity between Shooting Star and Spinal Tap...you'll hear why in this episode.The best is saved for last...please don't leave early because at the very end of the podcast you will hear the exclusive world premier of "George's Song" with Ronnie Platt on vocals!

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Rik Emmett is one the most talented singers and guitar players I have ever experienced.  Knowing that there is Triumph reunion planned and getting the chance to chat with Rik about it was truly a dream come true!  You will find out if it's going to be just a "one time" thing or if a world tour might happen during this episode.  He opens up about why he's finally getting along with his former bandmates after all these years.  He also talks about many other things, including why he has such great hair and why it's so important in rock & roll!He has many solo dates planned for 2008, but only two of those dates are in the states - and both those dates happen to be in Illinois.  He's playing February 16 in Crystal Lake, IL and November 8 in Elgin, IL.  Go to www.RikEmmett.com to find out more about his tour schedule and the much anticipated Triumph reunion.

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It's impossible to pigeonhole this band's musical genre.  And you certainly cannot underestimate their wide range of songwriting abilities.  Each of their albums are so completely different from one another.  Linkin Park is simply a remarkable groups of talented individuals.  One of the best bands to experience live, too.I recently had the opportunity to participate in a press conference call (representing the Chicago Music Guide) with two of those members - Chester & Mike.  Both guys were very forthright with their answers.  Linkin Park has been touring the world promoting their current album "Minutes To Midnight" .  Their North American leg of the tour begins Febuary 12, 2008.  You'll hear a lot of juicy details about this tour, also their view on collaborating, songwriting, what it was like to work with legendary producer Rick Ruben, and much much more!

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I had the incredible experience of talking with Lovehammers' singer Marty Casey, bassist Dino Kourelis and drummer Bobby Kourelis in their practice studio in Chicago recently.  Unfortunately, guitarist Billy Sawilchik wasn't there because he had the flu.  I brought some beer and we just kind of hung out and chatted.  They shared some funny stories about the early days of the band including some pretty wild parties.  You can tell how down to earth these guys are and it's also obvious they work really hard at their craft and have no egos.  After bringing them onstage on several occasions it finally dawned on me to ask them if I said their band name correctly - turns out I never did.  Oops!  That was my very first question, too.  Thanks to John Gaskill from Pawnstar Productions for helping record this episode.

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Happy Holidays!Aimee Mann has an album of Christmas songs called "One More Drifter In The Snow" (you'll hear a snippet or two) and is back for her annual holiday tour.  We chat about that, the record industry, even the fact that she sometimes cooks a goose for Christmas.  This phone interview was originally done for The Chicago Music Guide - this is the extended version.Marty Casey & Lovehammers have a great rockin' holiday song, "Merry Christmas (All Year Long)" - you'll hear a snippet, then a fun conversation with Marty, Dino & Bobby from Lovehammers.  Marty Casey is doing a short solo acoustic tour right now - you'll hear why in our conversation.  This is just a "tease" for the full-on Lovehammers episode of Cara's Basement that is coming in the near future!

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Jay-Z.  Paul Simon.  David Lee Roth.  Smashing Pumpkins.  John Denver.  What do all of those artists have in common?  Chris Steinmetz was behind the controls when they were in the studio.  Pretty much any artist you've heard of has recorded with Chris.  He just launched his own label,  Stonecutter Records, and their first release is "Acoustic Chicago".  He is in Cara's Basement along with Andreas Kapsalis, one of the artists on "Acoustic Chicago" - Andreas performs LIVE about halfway through the episode, so don't bail early!Go to www.StonecutterRecords.com to find out more about "Acoustic Chicago" - featuring Marty Casey & The Lovehammers and a dozen other great artists from the windy city.

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I was fortunate to be part of a press conference with Amy Lee prior to the Family Values tour (which Evanescence headlined with Korn) representing The Chicago Music Guide.  It took me this long to post it only because I was so backlogged with other interviews.  She is an amazing talent.  Such a spectacular songwriter and singer - certainly one of a kind! 

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MelodicRockFest is the celebration of 10 years of one of the most awesome websites (I check it out often), www.MelodicRock.com. Three of the many artists that will be part of that concert are in CARA'S BASEMENT:  Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor), Jimi Jameison  (ex-Survivor) & Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger).  Andrew McNeice, the founder of www.MelodicRock.com and organizer of MelodicRockFest, also checks in.What an incredible line up at The Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday, October 6...SCRAP METAL - featuring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson (Nelson Brothers), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger) with special guests Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor), Jimi Jamison (ex-Survivor), Jack Blades (Night Ranger), and probably more guests.  Kevin Chalfant will perform plus many other artists - check out the full details at www.melodicrock.com/southbend/index.html

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Singer/Songwriter Kevin Chalfant is a wonderful talent and a great friend.  He has been in many bands (The Storm, 707, Shooting Star, The View, Two Fires, etc.) written songs for others (Cher, etc) and recorded several solo albums.  His latest effort is his tribute to his favorite band, Journey.  You'll get to hear a bit of it in the beginning and also the very end of the interview - you won't believe how good he nails it.  Years ago he sang in my backyard (you'll hear us talk about that party in our interview) and my neighbors were convinced that Journey was playing! Kevin Chalfant is part of the amazing line-up of MelodicRockFest at The Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, IN on October 6.  MelodicRockFest details at www.MelodicRock.comGet Kevin's new CD at www.cliquerecords.com

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It's a TWOFER...please try to listen to BOTH fascinating interviews.(total runtime is 28:54)First, you'll hear a fun phone call with Dino Kourelis - bass player with Marty Casey & The Lovehammers (one of my very favorite bands!).  We spoke while his infant son slept on his lap.  If you know what a crazy rocker his is, that mental image is very unique!  He discusses new ventures for The Lovehammers and their strong bond with their fans, among other things.  Next, I had a very intense conversation with Peter Himmelman.  We spoke not long after he played the "kids-a-palooza" stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago.  Peter Himmelman is an Emmy-nominated TV composer, an acclaimed creator of children's music and a shares his vast knowledge and offers great advice about the music business.  He gets very deep with every topic we discuss.

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First, you'll hear a short conversation with Ikaro, lead singer of Ankla, an excellent metal band on the Ozzfest tour.  We spoke a few minutes before they hit the stage in Chicago.  He shares some funny backstage Ozzfest stories (the lead singer of Lamb of God likes to BBQ for all the bands on the tour) and breaks the news of their involvement in next years' Sirius Sattelite Radio tour.  Next, you'll hear Against Me! lead singer Tom Gabel.  We spoke two days before they played Lollapalooza as he sat in his tour bus.  He has a very interesting story about his disgust with CBGB's and talks in detail about his creative process.  He's truly a songwriting genius and has a great sense of humor.  Finally, you'll hear from the real School Of Rock president and founder, Paul Green.  The School Of Rock Allstars played the "kids-a-palooza" stage at Lollapalooza and we chatted as he was on the way to the catering tent before they performed.  He looks, sounds, and even acts just like the character Jack Black played in the movie - yet the movie supposedly was not based on him.  Yeah, right.

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I can now honestly say I have a RATT in my cellar, since original RATT lead singer Stephen Pearcy is in Cara's Basement!It's quite a shock that RATT has recently reunited and is touring.  Some very bad words were said to the press years ago by members of RATT about each other.  Stephen obviously wasn't happy when there was a RATT reunion without him a few years ago.  But they've patched things up and are currently touring with Poison (it should be called The RATT POISON Tour!).  It's almost the entire original lineup.  Stephen discusses this reunion, the past, the future...hope you enjoy this episode of Cara's Basement!

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Styx is one of the greatest albums EVER.  It spent several years on my turntable.  I knew every word to every song.  And I remember being very distraught when my parents wouldn't allow me to go to a Styx concert when I was a sophomore in high school because it was on a school night.  Ironically, years later I not only saw Styx perform many times but also met them in person on several occasions.  I had talked with original Styx member JY briefly a few times over the years and it was always a pleasure - but having this one-on-one conversation with him was extraordinary.James "JY" Young is an original member of Styx (they've been together since around 1970) and as you listen to this podcast you'll realize how intelligent JY is and how passionate he is about his music.Styx is a phenomenal band to see perform live.  They are not stuck in the past, either - their new music ROCKS! Here's what Wikipedia says about James "JY" Young:"He may be one of the more underrated guitarists of the 70s and 80s, rarely mentioned as a guitar "hero" or influence despite displaying excellent technique and speed on many of his solos."SUBSCRIBE THROUGH ITUNES HERE

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Foreigner's "Double Vision" album was so prominent during much of my pubescent years...I used to crank it up all the time on my bedroom stereo while staring at the picture of the guys in the band on the album cover - so I can't believe I actually had the chance to spend 20 minutes chatting with the one and only Mick Jones!  Foreigner songs were HUGE in my "coming of age" years and he is a rock & roll legend.  This conversation is amazing because he touches on so many interesting things.  Did you know he produced Van Halen's "5150"?  He spills fun stories about that experience.  And he also addresses the possibility of a Led Zeppelin reunion.  Keep in mind that he was once a session musician for Zep and Jason Bonham is currently Foreigner's drummer...plus, he's tight with the suits at Atlantic Records...so the way he reacts to my questions about the possibility of a Zep reunion is very interesting...Stick around for the whole episode, because at the end you get an added bonus...a blast-from-the-past interview with Sammy Hagar!SUBSCRIBE THROUGH ITUNES HERE

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Rick Kaempfer just released an amazingly entertaining satirical novel: $everance.  It is the first book I've managed to finish in two years (due to my preoccupation with my crazy toddler) and I laughed out loud many times while reading it - yeah, it's that funny!  If you work in the radio business you'll love the inside view of the industry and if you're not in the media you will certainly learn a lot of eye-opening trade secrets.  He also co-wrote an earlier book (with John Swanson), The Radio Producers Handbook.  Both books cover a subject matter he knows all too well: broadcasting. Before becoming a full-time writer, Rick was a nationally recognized radio producer in Chicago for Steve Dahl & Garry Meier (1987-1991) and John Records Landecker (1993-2003).  I first met him at WLUP when he produced The Morning Loop Guys (2005).  He has also hosted his own radio show, wrote and hosted national radio specials, and currently co-owns an advertising agency in Chicago.  Rick has some amazing blogs (links are below) that I read regularly and highly recommend, plus he is also a contributing editor at Shore Magazine and a humor writer for The Beachwood Reporter.  Rick literally writes something new for public consumption every day.  I don't know how he does it all while raising three boys! 

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Jim Peterik visits Cara's Basement!  Survivor was one of my favorite bands in high school so sitting down with him one-on-one was very a very surreal experience.  Jim Peterik has written (or co-written) many well known songs - go to his website to see a detailed biography on him.  ALERT:  Do not bail early - he plays TWO amazing live acoustic songs at the end of the podcast!Here's the songs you'll hear performed LIVE:"Is This Love" (Survivor)"Vehicle" (The Ides Of March)SUBSCRIBE THROUGH ITUNES HERE

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Michael Tafoya visits Cara's Basement!  The Boyzz From Illinoizz were a legendary Chicago rock band in the late 70's.  They toured nationally, including a televised jam with Meatloaf (we talk about that night in the podcast).   After The Boyzz, Michael Tafoya formed The B'zz (the ONLY unsigned band to ever perform on American Bandstand) and now Tafoya's Lost Boyzz.  You'll hear a great conversation and some of his music!Here's the songs you'll hear:"Get Up Get Angry" - The B'zz"Life" - Tafoya's Lost Boyzz"Too Wild To Tame" - The Boyzz From Illinoizz

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Dobie Maxwell is a talented stand-up comedian and experienced radio personality.  You'll hear one of his funny "soapboxes", then a very enlightening peak into the mind of a very interesting & intelligent man.  SUBSCRIBE THROUGH ITUNES HERE

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