Brian Oake Show

Now, more than ever, we need Cindy Lawson. Armed with shiny new armor-piercing EP called Long Live The Resistance!, Cindy is more than ready to get you fired up this election season.  Come rally around the future at here release show this Saturday at Cloudland! Here, we talk about the songs, the movement and the need for every single one of us to do everything that we can for our friends, our families, and ourselves. We also rock the fuck out. Viva la Resistance!!

Lifelong Minneapolis Southsider Jim Walsh is a chronicler. Through his music, his writing...always documenting and celebrating this amazing place we call home. This time, he brought along his stories, his insight, and his latest record, One Brave Thing by Jim  Walsh and The Dog Day Cicadas. We could have talked for hours. Enjoy!

WowwowWOW!! Emily Bjorke is a force!! Bright, articulate, and incredibly talented, she's gone from humble teenage beginnings in SheRock SheRock to writing the WNBA theme song for CBS, and so much music-making in between! Formerly of Last Import, Emily has a release show in the Entry this Thursday, 10/15, for her brand new solo album, which drops the following day. Check this one out!!

Hilary Yoder (Wren & Wilde) stopped by for a great conversation and some hauntingly lovely folk music from W&W's new album, Serial Dreamers. We talked about her life in music, the album release show on Weds 10/7 at Icehouse, and she even brought her guitar for a live acoustic treat! Lovely! Enjoy!

Local band, Harlow joined us to give us a taste of their fantastic new album "Dumb Luck".  You know when you hear a band ascending?  That's what's happening with Harlow.  Des, Sam and the rest of the band will be at Mortimer's in Minneapolis Friday night to release their new album.  Good luck!

Duluth-based singer/songwriter Teague Alexy is a bright, energetic musical voice from Northern Minnesota. On his inaugural visit with the show, we cover his new album, Effervescent, and the journeyman troubadour life that has led him to this moment. An engaging artist and a lovely human, he'll definitely be back. Enjoy!

 Scott Allen is as MN Music as it gets. He's done sound for EVERYBODY and has made music in his own right for decades. His latest endeavor is a new album called June (out now!). So many great stories, told through the lens of experience and gratitude. Enjoy!

Annie and Kari are back! Annie and The Bang Bang are part of this year's 4th Annual Parkinson's Foundation MN Fundraiser (along with the Flamin' Oh's!) this Friday at The Hook & Ladder. They both bring such great energy, hilarious stories and proper rock action to every time they stop by. Enjoy!

Holy wow! Mikkel Bee, washboardist extraordinaire AND legendary West Bank cowboy troubadour Pop Wagner on the same podcast?!? Yes! These two will be sharing the stage at some genuinely great upcoming shows. So many great stories on this one. Enjoy!

I always love our visits with Michael Anschel of OA Design+Bulid+Architecture. Yes, he sponsors the podcast, but he also happens to be an interesting, thoughtful, and hilarious human being. He has wonderful stories and insight. He also makes fantastic musical pulls every single time. Make sure you listen to the final segment! Enjoy!

Robert Wilkinson (Flamin' Oh's) and Dave Egemo (Parkinson's Foundation) stop by to give us the lowdown on the upcoming 4th Annual Parkinson's Foundation Minnesota Fundraiser. Coming up on Friday, Sept 25th at The Hook & Ladder, the evening will feature two blistering MN Music acts, Annie and the Bang Bang AND The Flamin' Oh's! Get the details here and check it out!

Jacob and Daniel of Modern Wildlife stop by to talk about how they got where they are today, their sophomore record (A Glamorous Facade), which came out back in the spring, and their show coming up this Friday and Birdhaus. Check 'em out!

It's the return of our favorite skydiving, music-loving punk rock librarian, Jon Copeland! These days, he calls Vermont home, but once a year he comes back to town to reconnect with friends and soak up some amazing live music. We talk about his recent shows, what it was like to watch his hometown occupied by ICE from afar and, as always, he makes some excellent musical selections. Cheers!

Legendary Minnesota musician, (by the way of Connecticut and Texas) Mary Cutrufello joins us with  great insight on the upcoming Do Re Me Too event at The Parkway Theater on September 12th, supporting Abortion Access Front.  Get tickets!  Mary told some incredible stories...and laughter was constant.  Enjoy!

Jenny Case is back! For more than 3 decades, she's been a performer, composer, producer, and educator. This time, we focus on her role as bandleader for The ManEaters, the house band for the upcoming DoRe#MeToo celebration at The Parkway Theater. This annual event is an evening of righteous feminists reclaiming sexist songs (brilliant!), all to benefit Abortion Access Front.  Jenny is an inspiration. Enjoy!

Timmy and Tom from MN punk outfit FarFarAway stop by to talk all about their new full-length (out Friday 8.14!), some upcoming shows, and the enduring power of a proper live show. Let's rock!

Ed Cohen (SmartStartMN) is a sponsor of the show, a good friend, and the most voracious consumer of live music that Sean and I know. This episode is one of his regular visits to talk about just a few of the live shows he's recently attended, and to feature some amazing new music from Dugar and Social Distortion. We love Ed. Enjoy!

Rachel (vox/guitar) and Angie (drums/ backing vox) are Lips Speak Louder, and they make way more delicious Rock racket than any two people should be able to. Two musical vets from Nashville who have chosen the Twin Cities as their new home, they have some incredible stories, great perspective, AND! a huge reveal at the end of the show! Squeee! This was a fun one. Enjoy!

Boom (guitar) and Johnna (fiddle) of the 6-piece, all-women bluegrass band The Rosie Daze Band stop by to talk about their latest album and a slew of upcoming shows! Deft songwriting, harmony hugs, and hilarious stories? Yes, please!! Enjoy.

She's back! And we couldn't be more delighted! Tricky Miki swings by to talk all about her free, family-friendly outdoor DEI (Disco Energy Infusion) Dance party this Saturday - all about community, celebration, and shaking your ass.  We also cover such important topics as the universal appeal and transcendent nature of house music, smashing the patriarchy, and the fact that Pilates would likely kill someone as soft as me (Oake). Enjoy!

Erik Brandt (Urban Hillbilly Quartet) has been making music since the mid-90s. He makes his first-ever visit to the 'cast to talk about his 4th solo record, Folksinger. Passionate, articulate, and very funny, Erik was genuinely delightful company. Enjoy!

Ciaran Daly (The Stress of Her Regard, Idle Hands) returns for another lovely 'chin wag'. A talented musician, a thoughtful Human, and an exceptional storyteller, Ciaran is always a fascinating guest. TSOHR has new music out this weekend and a show at Cloudland on Friday. I think you should check them out. Cheers!

Ciaran Daly (The Stress of Her Regard, Idle Hands) returns for another lovely 'chin wag'. A talented musician, a thoughtful Human, and an exceptional storyteller, Ciaran is always a fascinating guest. TSOHR has new music out this weekend and a show at Cloudland on Friday. I think you should check them out. Cheers!

Legendary MN songwriting/folk duo Johnson & Drake are back! They've toured with Earth, Wind & Fire, Linda Ronstadt and many others. They were the opening act for Jim Croce and were nearly on the plane that crashed and took his life. A fascinating story, and a slew of new releases on the way! Enjoy.

Mark and Terry of The Silverteens are back!  Buy it everywhere records are sold and on their bandcamp!  Check out their show at the Parkway tonight!  Also, watch Jay's Longhorn, a great doc on Amazon Prime created by Mark Engebretson.

Nick Leet (High On Stress) returns! It's been 6 years since the last High On Stress release, so Nick brings us up to speed on the hiatus and the new album, Still Here. He also features a couple of killer bands that he's been working with recently. A veteran stalwart of the Twin Cities music scene and just a decent human, Nick is always great to talk to. Enjoy!

Corrine and Pamela from Black Widows join to talk not only about the new full-length Creatures Of The Night, but also what life is like in one of the most badass femme/surf/psych/punk bands on the planet. This kind of band is why Sean and I do this podcast. Enjoy!

Chrisy Hughes is a championship-winning sailor. I swear, you can see the determination in her eyes! She is also heavily involved with the Minnetonka Yacht Club. Both Sean and I are working with MYC for this year's Stars, Stripes and Sails on the 4th of July - a glorious evening on Lighthouse Island (Lake Mtka) featuring live music and a truly spectacular fireworks display at dusk. There were only 20 tickets left as of this posting, so get a move on! Enjoy.

Kaatwalk makes her first-ever visit to the SmartStartMN Studio! She's a delightful singer-songwriter with a show tonight at the Aster Cafe to celebrate her forthcoming EP, A Week In June. Get in on the ground floor with a very promising young talent. Enjoy!

Hannah Von Der Hoff, perhaps better known as HOLY HANNAH! is back! Our favorite global troubador stops by to talk about life in Mexico, her upcoming 'Ramblin' Woman' tour, and her hometown gigs at Anumales BBQ this Friday and a full-band night at the Aster on June 27th. There's a reason we keep having her back. Enjoy! 

Ryan Otte (aka Cole Diamond) makes his inaugural visit to the 'cast! We talk all about the new record, the big release/birthday show coming up July 3rd at the Turf club (only $15!!), and the enduring popularity of honky tonk music. Great energy and even better music. Enjoy!

Mother Banjo (Ellen Stanley) and her husband Ben Cook-Feltz have a relatively rare joint show tomorrow evening at The Aster Cafe! Ellen stops by to talk about the gig, the rigors of parenting as a working musician, and the fact that her Womenfolk Radio Show is almost 25 years old! Wow!! Ellen is such a delight, we love her visits. Enjoy!

Hopefully, you've already heard that we're MCing the big Minnetonka Yacht Club Stars, Stripes and Sails 4th of July Celebration this year, and you're invited! Craig Laing, Commodore for the MYC joins us to talk about the event, and the Minntonka Sailing School, the biggest in the country! He also picks some fantastic music. Enjoy! 

Peter 'Spike' VanDusartz stops by to talk all about his debut full-length release 'What You Gonna Be?'. It features loads of local musical luminaries and was produced by none other than John Munson (Trip Shakespeare, Semisonic). The big release party is happening this Saturday at The Aster Cafe. Enjoy!

Josh Cleveland (along with his band Wonders) has a brand new album on the way!  Prove The Sound will arrive July 10th, and to celebrate, they have a big show at The Granada Theater this Thursday! Josh has great stories and a huge heart. Enjoy!

Billy's Back!! It may have taken nearly 500 episodes, but here we have Billy Morrisette (Dillinger Four, Butcher's Union) back in the studio! Billy rocks the bass in an excellent Cars tribute band, Kars 4 Skids, and they'll be playing live at the 4th of July celebration on Lake Minnetonka, an event put on by the Mtka Yacht Club and hosted by The Brian Oake Show! Summer awaits. Enjoy!

Hugo Klaers and Steve Price of  legendary Minnesota musical mainstays The Suburbs stop by to talk about the good ol' days, the good new days and! the brand new record A Pagan Ritual: Live At The Cabooze 1983. The new record is rad and the boys do not disappoint. Love Is The Law!!

This episode we're joined by Sir Chadwick, bass player for Minnesota's premier Action Rock band, Fret Rattles!! They've got a brilliant, bombastic new full-length record out 'As The World Falls Apart. To celebrate, there's a massive rock n roll circus happening under the canopy at The Hook & Ladder. Are you ready? Wake Up Now!!!