Only in the Green Room interviews Mill Valley-raised artist. "Meels" after her Sweetwater stage set, discussing her local upbringing and current life in Pasadena living with her 86-year-old grandmother - after five years in New York and attending NYU’s Clive Davis Institute.

Backstage at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, “Only in the Green Room” interviews singer-songwriter Steve Poltz, co-writer of Jewel’s multi-platinum “You Were Meant for Me,” as he tours promoting his new green-vinyl album Joy Ride.

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/greg-loiacono-stingray-interview

In this episode of Only in the Green Room, we sit down with Greg Loiacono & Stingray, a Bay Area super-group built on deep respect, serious groove, and a whole lot of joy. What started as a solo recording session for Greg Loiacano quickly turned into something much bigger when drummer Michael Urbano stepped in—and the chemistry was instant. Add longtime collaborator and powerhouse percussionist Vicki Randle, and Stingray was born.

Marin County singer-songwriter, community and music collaborator Jon Chi joins “Only In The Green Room” as the first guest under the show’s new banner—recorded in the Sweetwater Music Hall Green Room before Jon played to a packed house for his birthday show at the iconic venue. In a conversation full of gratitude, community love, and live-music philosophy, Jon reflects on how the Terrapin scene helped shape his musical orbit, why vulnerability is where the magic lives, and how live shows remain irreplaceable

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, recorded backstage at the 2025 High Sierra Music Festival, the hosts sit down with veteran film producer, director, and music supervisor, Jonathan McHugh. Jonathan shares his experiences growing up in New Orleans, starting in college radio at WTUL, and his journey through the music and film industries leading to his current role as Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar and Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola University New Orleans.

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, recorded backstage at the 2025 High Sierra Music Festival, host Dennis Strazulo sits down with hardcore New Yorker and bad-ass bass player, Karina Rykman. Karina shares her experiences growing up in a highly intellectual family, her early start in punk bands at the age of 12, and her journey through various musical styles - including her experiences in the improvisational jam band scene -  leading to her current solo projects and other collaborations. 

Fresh from bringing the spirit of the Midnight Ramble to the High Sierra Music Festival stage, Amy Helm sits down with the hosts for a moving and unflinching conversation about family, recovery, and carrying forward a legacy. Recorded backstage among the festival magic, this episode blends raw honesty with deep musical history.

In this episode of Tales From the Green Room, the hosts welcome Chaparelle, the Texas-based pop, folk and classic-country band created by Zella Day, Jesse Woods, and Beau Bedford. The trio discuss their unique musical lane, inspired by a blend of romance, personal experiences, and a mutual affinity for original music, which has earned them a dedicated following. Special guest, Rob Bleetstein (SiriusXM Producer and Host) joins the show, having dubbed the band’s music style as “Eroticana” - while Zella Day describes the essence of her theatrical, sometimes sensual flair blending with the band’s authentic country-influenced performances.
 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/andy-frasco-interview

In this episode, The Green Room presents their conversations with Joe Marcinek and Jeremy Hoenig recorded before their respective performances during Jazz Fest 2025 in New Orleans – featuring two  musicians swimming in the same music circles in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally - and both connected with Melvin Seals!  

In this episode, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson explore the journey of Sunshine Garcia Becker (Furthur, Sunshine Garcia Band) on her mission to curate an all-female Grateful Dead tribute band, with the purpose of expanding the involvement of women as key players in the live music scene. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/danny-luehring-interview

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room -  mixed with joyous reflection, levity, and emotion - drummer extraordinaire Danny Luehring discusses the origins and evolution of Danny's Live Dead, a weekly Grateful Dead show hosted by him every Wednesday at Peri’s Tavern in Fairfax, California. Danny shares insights into how the show started after the closure of  Phil Lesh's beloved Terrapin Crossroads, the challenges and rewards of curating a rotating lineup of musicians, and the significance of community and chemistry in live music. 

 https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/zachary-richard-interview

In this episode  the hosts engage in an enlightening conversation - and history lesson -  with singer-songwriter, Cajun culture activists, and International recording artist, Zachary Richard. Richard first reflects on his deep ties with Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA  - playing and hanging with Huey Lewis and Bob Weir - before musing on his touring experiences and unique cross-cultural identity as both an American and  French Canadian artist.

Super-creative, virtuoso pianist, Holly Bowling joins the show in the first-ever podcast recorded in The Green Room at Garcia’s Chicago. Holly shares the etiology of her genre-crossing and improvisational style in between her two incredible debut appearances at this spectacular venue - playing the music of Phish and The Grateful Dead on solo piano! The episode delves into Holly’s classical training, influences, and balancing the dual aspects of meticulous arrangement and spontaneous performance in her work, highlighting her diverse approaches to both solo and collaborative concerts.

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In this engaging episode restaurateur, music promoter, and local legend  Chris 'Shaggy' Davis welcomes Tales From The Green Room and  listeners to  Day 2 of the 10th annual NOLA Crawfish Festival, a celebration that marries New Orleans' rich musical heritage with its vibrant culinary culture held at The Broadside New Orleans. The episode features an interview with rising star keyboard player/vocalist/singer song-writer, and band leader, 15-year-old River Eckert and his father, Jake Eckert. Father and son reflect on their musical journeys, from River's early days learning jazz and blues to Jake's extensive experience with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and his current gig with The New Orleans Suspects. The conversation, recorded after River's appearance at the NOLA Crawfish Festival and an hour before his next gig playing with George Porter, Jr., delves into the significance of familial legacy in New Orleans music, personal anecdotes about growing up around legendary musicians, and the impact of the city's supportive musical community. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/wally-ingram-interview

Join hosts Tami Larson and Dennis Strazulo as they dive into the vibrant atmosphere of JazzFest 2025, with this episode recorded at The Broadside in New Orleans during the 10th Annual Crawfish Festival. In this episode, the first of several generated from JazzFest, the focus is on the experiences of the captivating, modern New Orleans funk band, The Rumble, authors of  a sound they dub "New Orleans Mardi Gras Funk!" Special guest co-host, Wally Ingram, joins the first part of the episode, engaging with The Rumble's co-founder and soulful guitarist, Ari Teitel and its super talented keyboard player, Andriu  “Yano” Yanovski, as they reflect on their hard working paths to success as Grammy nominated musicians. 

Links

Spafford Official Website
Spafford - Mad World (Tears For Fears) | 1/14/24 | Pembroke, MA
Sweetwater Music Hall 

Tales From The Green Room redux!  In Mount Tam Media's first drop of it's “one from the vault” series of never released episodes -recorded during Sweetwater Music Hall's 50th Anniversary celebration in Nov. 2022 -  host Dennis Strazulo sits down with legendary blues musician, Tommy Castro.  Castro reminisces about his deep connections with the iconic venue, including early gigs, significant milestones, and memorable performances alongside notable musicians like Bonnie Raitt and John Lee Hooker. 

In this episode of "Tales From The Green Room" Sam Grisman Project mainstays Max Flansburg and Chris English visit with hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson backstage at Terrapin Crossroads' Sunday Day Dream Vol. 4 in San Rafael, CA. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/reed-mathis-interview

In an insightful discussion on the "Tales from the Green Room" podcast, Reed Mathis provides host Dennis Strazulo and listeners with a detailed preview of his upcoming podcast series “The Gifts of Improvising” which debuts January 29, 2025 on the Osiris Media Podcast Network. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/austin-de-lone-interview

The Journey and Legacy of Sweetwater's Uncelebrated Icon - An Interview with the late Austin de Lone

In this interview, which took place in October 2022 before Mount Tam Media launched its Tales From The Green Room podcast, Austin de Lone sits down with host Dennis Strazulo to discuss his rich musical journey and his pivotal involvement with Sweetwater Music Hall, as the venue approached its 50th Anniversary. This is the raw recording of Dennis's visit with Austin for the purpose of writing a feature story on Austin for Mt. Tam Media's Mill Valley Living Magazine to celebrate that event. With Austin's recent passing, the recorded conversation was re-purposed to release as this special podcast episode, honoring Austin's lasting legacy.

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jack-barton-interview

In this bonus episode of Tales from the Green Room, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson interview Jack Barton of Jack Barton Entertainment, discussing the behind the scenes operations running Grateful Guitars Foundation. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/grateful-guitars-interview

 

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, Mount Tam Media takes listeners backstage at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco during the Grateful Guitars Foundation Second Annual Benefit. Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally shares some of his experiences with Jerry Garcia and his storied history with the band; David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) also reflects on his personal relationship and poignant moments with Garcia; Samson Grisman (Sam Grisman Project) and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), interviewed together, engage in an entertaining conversation between two artists a generation apart, expressing their mutual respect for the other’s era; Jill Simmons (Brown Eyed Women) tells of her journey from the East Coast leading to an appearance on this bill; and rising superstar, 17-year-old Bella Rayne delves into her ascent to notoriety in the jam band scene. Artist manager and music industry vet, Jack Barton also shares his insights; and singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and multi-talented Alex Jordan makes a cameo while serving as music director for the show.

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jeff-matson-dso-interview

Tales from the Green Room hits the road with its debut visit to the iconic Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York, sitting down backstage with Dark Star Orchestra lead guitarist, Jeff Mattson! Recorded in between DSO’s first two shows since the passing of Phil Lesh,

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/stanley-jordan-sunday-daydream-interview

In this very special episode of Tales from the Green Room - recorded backstage at Terrapin Crossroads’ Sunday Daydream Vol. 3 in San Rafael, CA on July 21, 2024, on what turned out to be the late Phil Lesh’s final performance -  hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson sit down with legendary musician Stanley Jordan, Greg Loiacono (Greg Loiacano and Stingray, Mother Hips, and Jerry Saracini (Forgotten Space) all who shared the stage with Phil that day.  The conversation is steeped in rich history and bittersweet emotions as the musicians reflect on their personal journeys, the profound impact of Terrapin Crossroads and the teachings of Phil Lesh 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/steve-kimock-interview

Steve Kimock: Reflections and Revelations on Zero’s 40th Anniversary

In this special episode of Tales From The Green Room, Steve Kimock shares his insights and experiences backstage at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his band, Zero. The conversation, recorded less than two weeks after Phil Lesh’s passing, delves into the weight Steve was still experiencing after that event, and touches on memorable moments

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/steely-dead-interview

In this episode of Tales from the Green Room, hosted by Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson of Mount Tam Media, listeners get an exclusive look into conversations with members of Steely Dead backstage at the renowned Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, CA. 

In this episode of 'Tales From the Green Room,' the hosts welcome guest co-host Paul McCaffrey ("Paulie Mac") -  formerly of the 'Murph & Mac' morning sports radio show on KNBR -  for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation with members of Boston-based band, Bearly Dead, Nick Swift, Michael "Butzy" Butler, and founder Tyler Brooks.  Recorded backstage at the iconic Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley,

Mother Hips' Journey: Past, Present, and California Current

Join Greg Loiacono and Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips in the latest episode of 'Tales from the Green Room' as they discuss their journey, starting from the early days in Marin County to the release of their latest album, California Current. Recorded at The Junction in Mill Valley, CA, 

Hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson sit down backstage with a divergent group of talent at Sound Summit 2024, the annual music festival atop majestic Mt. Tamalpais across the Bay from San Francisco.

Fresh off her releasing her debut album, Wine on Venus, and her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, rising Nashville star and Gibson Guitar endorsed phenom, Grace Bowers (Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge),Super-soulful, Lech Wierzynski, leader of The California Honeydrops
and Multi-talented James Wallace - aka, Skyway Man 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/margo-price-greensky-bluegrass-interview

Listen in as Tales From The Green Room corrals three star power artists from the 2024 Mill Valley Music Festival! Margo Price joins the green room conversation after her festival performance and moments before her late night exclusive show at Sweetwater Music Hall later that evening - musing on demystifying psilocybin, her journey to “California Sober” status, touring with her husband of 20-years, and her penchant for speaking out on important issues. Dobbrow guitar-player-extraordinaire, Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass, follows with what turns out to be a “cosmic” discussion with host Dennis Strazulo about Anders’ all-time favorite Grateful Dead show which coincidentally was Dennis’ first, then reflecting  on the thrill of playing with his heroes and sharing some memorable stories experienced along the way. Eric Johnson of Fruit Bats closes out chatting about his Marin County music connection, the resurgence of his band, their expanding audience, and the inspiration behind his music.

Ever wonder what it was like growing up as a true child in the Grateful Dead family? Trixie Garcia (Jerry’s daughter), Jess Hunter Keilt (daughter of lyricist Robert Hunter), and Merry Prankster/Author Ken Kesey’s daughter, Sunshine Kesey share fond stories of the circus atmosphere surrounding their upbringing.

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jackie-greene-interview

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Americana and roots singer-songwriter Jackie Greene before his second of three sold-out shows at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA in February 2024. Joined by his wife, Kyle, who reveals some lesser-known stories and behind-the-scenes moments about their life together.

Michael Franti, the amazing and crowd loving singer, songwriter, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and rapper. We sat down with Michael backstage at the Mill Valley Music Festival, 2023.

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/elliott-peck-interview

Elliott Peck, the beloved and multi-talented San Francisco Bay Area singer/songwriter/guitarist visits with host Dennis Strazulo before her sold out “In The Pines” EP Release Party at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/wolf-jett-interview

Wolf Jett founding members Jon Payne (drums) and Chris Jones (guitar/lead vocals) share their evolution from playing in their first band together (Scary Little Friends) leading to their soon-to-be released (March 8, 2024) second album, “Time Will Finally Come.” Their journey took an unexpected turn when they were hunkered down during COVID at Jon’s 3 acre property in the Santa Santa Cruz Mountains. Just days after construction of Jon’s dream studio was completed, his home on the property - and the studio - were destroyed by a massive lightning fire. Their story of inspiration and perseverance is a testament to the resiliency of these fine gentlemen -  and is reflected in their soulful sounds dubbed as “Cosmic Mountain  Music” emanating the joyful vibe of their folk, blues and americana inspirations. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/grateful-guitars-benefit-concert

More interviews from the green room at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco during Grateful Guitars’ inaugural benefit concert with members of Dark Star Orchestra (DSO). Keyboard player, Rob Baracco details his his experiences playing piano and organ on original Grateful Dead gear; drummer Dino English gives a lesson on tone and shares detail on his amazing side projects; and bass player Skip Vangelas is effusive about his appreciation for a special gift bestowed on him that evening by Grateful Guitars. Plus, close friend of DSO and incomparable guitar player, Stu Allen, offers his take on playing the benefit and has some endearing moments with the hosts; and DSO original member, John Kadlecik imparts some words of wisdom about his musical collaborations and the meaning of playing Jerry Garcia’s “Alligator” guitar. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/alex-jordan-grateful-guitars-interview

Backstage interviews during Grateful Guitars’ Inaugural Benefit Concert at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco: Music director and show participant Alex Jordan talks about herding the group of talented musicians playing at the show; Zach Nugent (Zach Nugent’s Dead Set) chats about his history of playing the famed guitars supplied by Grateful Guitars; Gary Lambert (Sirius Radio Tales From The Golden Road host) reflects on his Grateful Dead journey and the band’s staying power; and keyboard player extraordinaire, Danny Eisenberg tells a memorable story about his first exposure to the music and Jerry Garcia’s under appreciated voice. Also, a bonus interview with Johnny “Mojo” Flores (Achilles Wheel) moments after he played the famed “Alligator” guitar at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA. All guests express their deep appreciation for Grateful Guitars Founder and President, Andy Logan!

Andy Logan, Founder/President of Grateful Guitars and owner/steward of the famed “Alligator” guitar which was once gifted to Jerry Garcia by Graham Nash, talks about sharing and gifting his amazing collection of instruments with prominent members of the jam band scene. Listen to the story of one of the community’s most beloved members as he talks about guitars, gear, music, and family two weeks before Grateful Guitar’s Inaugural Benefit Concert featuring members of Dark Star Orchestra and an array of others honoring Andy’s spirit and generosity.

Terrapin Crossroads – Sunday Daydream Vol 2 (Featuring Moonalice) – Part 1

Join Tales From The Green Room backstage at the Terrapin Crossroads Sunday Daydream 2  music fest as they visit with members of Moonalice (John Molo, Barry Sless, Pete Sears, Lester Chambers, Dylan Chambers) and sit down with concert host Phil Lesh’s bass tech Brian Rashap and fellow extraordinary bass player, Angeline Saris – all on hand to celebrate the unforgettable 10-year history of Terrapin Crossroads while carrying the musical mission and spirit of the now closed historic venue.  An intro of soundbites reflecting on Terrapin Crossroads by Luther Dickinson, Reed Mathis and Nicki Bluhm sets the stage for the conversations.

Jerry's Middle Finger founder, Rodney Newman, reflects on Bill Walton's endorsing the band - as he did on on the Dan Le Betard show, revealing that discovering Jerry's Middle Finger at age 70 has given him " the chance of a full and complete life." Listen to the full episode for more surprises and green room fun with the entire band!

🎧 Listen + backstage photos, transcript & more:
https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/jerrys-middle-finger-interview

Take a ride with hosts Dennis Strazulo, Tami Larson, and “Augie” on their  journey visiting with Jerry’s Middle Finger, the masterful band recreating the music of The Jerry Garcia Band. Broken up into three parts, the episode features band members talking about the origin of JMF, experiences playing at the famed Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA, and their joyful and love-filled road to gaining notoriety, uplifted by the endorsement of NBA legend Bill Walton after the band’s appearance at the Skull & Roses music festival.  Interviews were recorded at The Mystic Theater in Petaluma, CA and Sweetwater, and all reference the wonderful Andy Logan and Grateful Guitars Foundation for generously donating guitars contributing to the magic of JMF. This episode is dedicated to co-host Agustin “Augie” Oropeza who sadly passed before its release. RIP Augie!

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/sierra-ferrell-sound-summit-interview

Backstage at the summit of Mount Tam at the Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre for the 7th annual Sound Summit 2023 interviewing band members from the days line up which included Lord Huron · Sierra Ferrell · Kevin Morby · Brokedown In Bakersfield · Vinyl with special guests and captivating moments only being in the Green Room can render!  

An inspirational conversation with Brenden Tacon, creator of the Latin Dead - the ambitious 11-piece band fusing the music of the Grateful Dead with Latin Jazz. Brenden details the 3+ year journey of making his dream a reality, the involvement of Dead music aficionado John Kadlecik with Latin legends and Grammy award winners, Oscar Hernandez and Peter Nadar, leading to their sold out performance at Sweetwater Music Hall amidst their mini-West Coast tour…with promises of more to come!

A chat with Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars from the Greenroom at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA, reflecting on his first performance at that storied venue and the genesis of his entry into the world of Grateful Dead music; paired with our sit-down with Jason Crosby, musing about playing in the scene and his new record, “Gilder.” Luther and Jason have played countless shows together with Phil Lesh & Friends, making for an episode of complimentary talent and experiences.

A playful, lively, and informative conversation with all members of Pink Talking Fish (Eric Gould, Zack Burwick, Cal Kehoe, Richard James) moments before their recent performance at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA. The boys delve into some of their favorite stories, including playing with George Porter, Jr, performing Phish kids shows, their history with Berklee School of Music, and other fun antics.

Tales From The Green Room host, Dennis Strazulo, and Mount Tam Media founder, Tami Larson visit with Wolf Bros./Dead & Co. drummer Jay Lane, Samson Grisman (son of David Grisman), and renowned sax player, Dave Ellis in Sweetwater Music Hall’s green room as they share their memorable moments at the venue celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Lane and Ellis recount their early years playing with Bob Weir’s Ratdog, and all three guests talk about first meeting Weir and the connections influencing their musical journeys.

Episode 1: Famed Rock & Roll Photographer Jay Blakesberg

It is only fitting this series is kicked-off by presenting an interview with a person who is just as home in green rooms as  most musicians - famed rock and roll photographer, Jay Blakesberg. Join the podcast as Jay recounts the events of many great Sweetwater moments, but one in particular in 1989 you absolutely don’t want to miss. 

https://onlyinthegreenroom.com/episodes/sweetwater-50th-anniversary

Mount Tam Media is thrilled to launch its Tales From the Green Room Podcast with a special season of episodes celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, California. The roster of artists that have crowded onto the club's little stages, first at the original Sweetwater location two blocks away, and now at the new location which opened in 2013, reads like a Who's Who of roots & rock music: Bob Weir, Aaron Neville, Big Mama Thornton, Carlos Santana, Elvis Costello, Etta James, Greg Allman, Van Morrison… the list of musical luminaries is endless. In the 80's, the Times of London hailed Sweetwater as one of the best nightclubs in America and the legacy continues!  Mount Tam Media has been granted special access to Sweetwater’s green room during the venue’s 50th anniversary year to interview musicians, photographers, managers and the like, and capture their favorite moments and memories, preserving the untold secrets of what has graced these hallowed walls for half a century, before they are lost forever.

As Women's History Month comes to an end, we pay homage to the ladies with the  re-release of an insightful and lively roundtable discussion with Lisa Marlsberger, Halina Janusz (Jerry's Middle Finger), Sunshine Garcia Becker (Furthur, Zach Nugent's Dead Set) and Lisa Mackey (Dark Star Orchestra) reflecting on the challenges of women navigating their way to equality in the music industry.  This episode is part of Mt. Tam Media's "The Women Are Smarter" series of podcasts, now published under the "Tales From The Green Room" banner.