Motif's Roots Report

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with singer-songwriter, ANI DiFRANCO. She is known for her folk rock/alt rock style of socio-political and introspective songs. She releases her music on her own label, Righteous Babe. ANI DiFRANCO will bring her Spirit of Love tour to Veterans Auditorium on May 8.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with singer-songwriter, CHRIS TRAPPER. Chris is known for his time with the band The Push Stars and for the many songs of his that have been included in movie and TV soundtracks. He is a hard working, solo, touring musician who plays 150 shows a year all around the country. Chris Trapper will be at The Parlour in Providence on May 2.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with music legend, ROGER McGUINN. McGuinn is best known as the leader of the iconic 60’s band The BYRDS. These days Roger tours as a solo act presenting a show of Byrds music, folk songs, and stories. Roger McGuinn will be at the Park Theatre in Cranston on April 18.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with music legend, GRAHAM NASH. He is known for his work with Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young as well as the Hollies and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is also known for his work in photography. Graham Nash will be at the Garde Theatre in New London on April 10th.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with actor, comedian, writer and television host , Craig Ferguson. He is best known as the host of the Late, Late show but has done so much more. He has written, directed and starred in films, written books, provided voices for animated movies, written music and played in a punk band, hosted game shows and a podcast, won peabody and emmy awards and the list goes on. Ferguson also does stand up comedy and will bring his Pants On Fire show to...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with musician and photographer, HENRY DILTZ. He is known for his iconic images of Crosby Stills and Nash, Joni Mitchell, The Eagles, The Doors and countless others. He is also a member of the The Modern Folk Quartet that was formed in 1963. Diltz will be bringing a multimedia presentation of his work along with the stories behind the images and album covers. Henry will be at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on March 5. For more about the...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with ALLY THE PIPER. She is an internet bagpipe sensation that made the leap from online videos to successfully touring and recording. She is known for her covers of hard rock songs such as “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osborne and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by Charlie Daniels, and others. She also writes and records her own music. Ally the Piper will be at The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on February 21. For more about the show, “Follow Thr...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with RANDY JACKSON. He is best known as the front man of the band Zebra who scored hits in the early 80’s with songs such as In “Tell Me What You Want” and Who’s Behind The Door”. Randy Jackson will be the guest vocalist for Windborne's The Music of Pink Floyd and will be performed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor/arranger Brent Havens. The orchestra will play Dark Side Of The Moon in its entirety as well as other F...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with PAUL WILLIAMS. He is Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar winning singer, songwriter and actor. He wrote songs for A Star is Born and won an Oscar for “Evergreen”. He wrote “Rainbow Connection” for Kermit the Frog. He scored multiple hits with songs covered by The Carpenters such as “We’ve Only Just Begun”, ‘Rainy Days and Mondays” and Three Dog Night’s “Old Fashioned Love Song” and “Family of Man”. He has a legacy of songs to his credit. He has also appeared in films a...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with JASON BONHAM. He is the son of the late, legendary drummer of Led Zeppelin, John Bonham. Jason has had quite a lengthy career of his own playing with artists such as Jeff Beck, Sammy Hagar, Heart, Foreigner, Ann & Nancy Wilson, as well as his father’s former band-mates in Led Zeppelin.  JASON BONHAM will bring an Evening of Led Zeppelin celebrating 50 year of the album Physical Graffiti to Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Nov 12.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with COLIN MOCHRIE. He is best known for the improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood are bringing their Asking For Trouble improv show to the Park Theatre in Cranston on October 17.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with David Freiberg and Cathy Richardson of Jefferson Starship.  Freiberg is an original member of Jefferson Starship, a member of Jefferson Airplane and original member of Quicksilver Messenger Service. Richardson has been a member of Jefferson Starship since 2008. Jefferson Starship will be at the newly renovated Uptown Theatre on October 5.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with actor, singer, director, producer, writer, radio DJ, and  inventor, Micky Dolenz . He is known for being one of the four Monkees, but has done much, much more.  They talk about his life and career. Dolenz will be at The Greenwich Odeum on September 27.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with Comedian, actor and writer, Fortune Feimster. She is known for her comedy specials Crushing It, Good Fortune, Sweet & Salty, and I'm a Tuesday Night Stripper as well as the Netflix series FUNAR. They chat about her comedy, acting and her upcoming Taking Care of Biscuits show at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston on October 11.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with guitarist, singer, manager and record producer, PETER ASHER. He is most well known as being one half of the British Invasion Duo Peter & Gordon. ASHER is also famous for his management and production work with other artists such as James Taylor, Lind Ronstadt, Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond and many, many others. PETER ASHER will be bringing his intimate Songs and Stories show to The Unlikely Story Bookstore in Plainville, MA on September 23.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with   comedian BETH STELLING.  She is known for her appearances on Late Night TV as well as he comedy specials If you Didn’t Want Me Then on Netflix and Girl Daddy on HBO. They chat about her comedy, social issues, politics, raccoons, and field hockey. Beth Stelling will be at the Comedy Connection in East Providence August 14-16 for 5 shows.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with actor, producer and singer HANK AZARIA. He is an Emmy Award winning actor and is known for roles in films such as The Birdcage, America's Sweethearts, Along Came Polly, Run Fatboy Run, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian as well as voicing several characters on the long running show, The Simpsons. Azaria is known for his ability to mimic voices and he is using this talent when he fronts his BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN tribute show,  Hank Azaria & The EZ S...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  Americana/Alt Country, Australian singer-songwriter, KASEY CHAMBERS. She released her 13th album, BACKBONE, a few months back and is currently touring the US. She will be at City Winery in Boston on July 3 and The Iron Horse in North Hampton, MA on July 5.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  singer-songwriter, TRACY BONHAM. She is best known for her Grammy nominated, hit song “Mother, Mother” that was in heavy rotation in the mid 90’s. In addition to her solo career she has also performed with other artists including Blue Man Group. Bonham will be at City Winery in Boston on June 30.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with singer-songwriter, AIMEE MANN. She is known for her solo work as well as being the singer, bassist and songwriter of the band Til Tuesday. She will be at The Park Theatre in Cranston on June 5.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  music legend, GRAHAM NASH. He is known for his work with Crosby, Stills, and Nash as well as the Hollies and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with both groups. He is also known for his work in photography.  Graham Nash will be at the Park Theatre in Cranston on July 19.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  comedian ALEX EDELMAN. He’s won an Emmy, a Tony, and other awards.  His comedy specials include Millenial, Everything Handed to You and Just for Us. Alex is starting his What Am I Going To Do tour in Providence on March 30 at Veterans Auditorium.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  comedian Tammy Pescatelli. She is known for her comedy specials Finding The Funny and The Way After School Special as well as her appearances on Last Comic Standing. Tammy Pescatelli will be at The United Theatre in Westerly on Friday, March 28.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  Canadian fiddler, NATALIE MCMASTER. She has won two Juno Awards for best instrumental album, recorded many albums and collaborated with others such as The Chieftans, Carlos Santana and Allison Krauss.   MCMASTER along with husband Donnell Leahy and two of her seven children are the Four on the Floor tour and will be at the Garde Theatre in New London on March 15.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  singer-songwriter, actor, and more, LISA LOEB. She is best known for scoring a #1 hit with “Stay” without having a record contract. She has gone on to write musicals, childrens music-for which she won a GRAMMY, childrens books, tv and film roles, and so much more. She has a new album called  “that’s what it’s all about,” LISA LOEB will be at the Greenwich Odeum on February 27.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with comedian, actress, and writer SARAH SILVERMAN. Sarah has many comedy specials to her credit-Someone You Love, Speck of Dust and her Emmy winning We Are Miracles. She has won awards for other projects as well. She also known for her appearances in films such as School of Rock, Take This Waltz, A Million Ways to Die in the West, and many others.  SILVERMAN will be bringing her POSTMORTEM Tour to Veterans Auditorium on January 23.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with  singer, drummer, keyboardist and guitarist JOHN COWSILL. John is a member of the legendary RI band, THE COWSILLS. He is also part of the ACTION SKULLS with his wife Vicki Peterson of the Bangles, and Billy Mumy of Lost In Space fame and COWSILL was a member of the BEACH BOYS for twenty years. John Cowsill will be lead vocalist for the SMITHEREENS when they play the Greenwich Odeum on December 12.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with John Lodge, bass guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and songwriter of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band the Moody Blues. Lodge wrote hits such as "Ride My See-Saw", "Isn't Life Strange", "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)", "Steppin' in a Slide Zone", and many others for the Moody Blues. John Lodge will be at the Park Theatre in Cranston on Thursday, November 14.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with singer-songwriter, Matthew Sweet. He made his breakout in the early 90’s with his CD Girlfriend and his latest release, his 15th, is titled Catspaw. They talk about touring with Hanson, working with various members of the Bangles, Mike Myers & Austin Powers, his upcoming acoustic show and more. Sweet will be at the Narrows Center for the Arts on Oct 15.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with humorist, author, and comedian Paula Poundstone. She has a podcast called Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone and is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me. She has been featured on TV, in films and comedy specials during her 40+ year career. John and Paula talk about air travel, space travel, TV, sleep, Columbo, flip phones, cats, and lots of other random things that Paula always makes funny. Poundstone will be at the Garde Theatre in New London...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with Singer-Songwriter, Jon Anderson. Jon is best known for his time with the band Yes but has produced countless projects since his time with that band. Currently Anderson is performing with the Band geeks and has just releases a new 9-song album titled True. Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks will be at the Garde Theatre in New London on Wednesday, Sept 25.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with award -winning, Singer-Songwriter, Tom Chapin. Tom is known for the 1970’s tv show Make A Wish and for being part of National Geographic Explorer tv in the mid 80’s. He is also the younger brother of the late Harry Chapin. Tom, the Chapin Sisters, Jen Chapin and other members of Harry Chapin’s band will be performing Harry Chapin’s The Greatest Stories Live Show at the Garde Theatre in New London on Friday, Sept 13.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with Singer-Songwriter, Producer and more, Mark Hudson. They talk about his career, the Laurel Canyon CSNY tribute band and lots of other fun stuff. Mark rose to fame in the 60’s along with his 2 brothers Brett and Bill in the Hudson Brothers band and the 70’s with the TV comedy, the Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle show. He is a Grammy winning artist and has worked with Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Cher, Ringo, Ozzy, Nilsson, Aerosmith and so many more. Hudson is currently part o...

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with Canadian Singer-Songwriter, Kathleen Edwards. They talk about her birthday plans, songwriting and cowriting, coming back to music after her hiatus, and much more. She is currently on tour and will be at The Spire in Plymouth, MA on July 27.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with comedian Tom Papa. He is known for his many Netflix comedy specials, his podcast Breaking Bread, Sirious XM Radio show come to papa, his books, and much more. They talk about his beginning, working with Jerry Seinfeld, Frank his dog, baking bread, his family and more. Tom Papa will be at The Comedy Connection in East Providence June 6-8 for four shows.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with comedian Tom Papa. He is known for his many Netflix comedy specials, his podcast Breaking Bread, Sirious XM Radio show come to papa, his books, and much more. They talk about his beginning, working with Jerry Seinfeld, Frank his dog, baking bread, his family and more. Tom Papa will be at The Comedy Connection in East Providence June 6-8 for four shows.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member (as well as many other music halls of fame!), Felix Cavaliere. They discuss Nashville, songwriting, recording, his 60 year career, having the Beatles open for his band, Ringo’s All Starr Band, The Young Rascals vs The Rascals, the B3 organ and so much more! Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals with The Lovin’ Spoonful will be at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket on May 18.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with guitarist and original member of the band Kansas, Rich Williams. Kansas is known for their prog rock music and many hits such as “Carry On Wayward Son”, “Dust In The Wind”, and "Point of Know Return”. They are out on tour celebrating 50 years and release of a 3 CD compilation called Another Fork in the Road. Kansas will be at Providence Performing Arts Center on May 17.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with singer-songwriter-pianist, band leader, and Empire Revue organizer, Keith Munslow. Empire Revue is described as a cabaret-style, full-tilt variety show, bringing you sketch comedy, musical interludes from their live house band, special guests, and general devilment! Empire Revue will present the Silver Lining Show and it will happen on Sunday, April 7 at the Wilbury Theatre located in the Waterfire Arts Center on Valley St in Providence.

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with legendary guitarist, former member of KISS, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Ace Frehley. He has a brand new album titled 10,000 volts and will be bringing his band to The Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket on March 29