Grassroots Podcast

11/04/2025

On episode 63, my special guest is John Colby Elswick of The Kind Thieves. Him and the band made their return to Live at “The Shop” on 3/7/25 in Dunbar, WV.

New episode premiers at 8PM TONiGHT on YouTube and Rumble. Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/DslbY8Rfl0Q?si=OX9JL5AH90cihmGl

John “Colby” Elswick is a prominent figure in the Appalachian music scene, known for his dynamic role as the lead guitarist and vocalist of The Kind Thieves, a genre-blending band rooted in West Virginia. The group’s sound fuses elements of rock, funk, blues, and jam-band improvisation, drawing inspiration from acts like the Allman Brothers and Pink Floyd. Beyond his work with The Kind Thieves, Elswick has pursued solo endeavors under the moniker “John Colby Elswick & The End,” performing at various venues and festivals. He has also collaborated with other musicians, including the group “Hogs on the Nile,” demonstrating his versatility across different musical projects. Originally from Tazewell, Virginia, Elswick currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. He maintains an active presence on social media, sharing updates and connecting with fans through platforms like Instagram.​

07/04/2025

On episode 62, my special guests are Gary, Seth, and Jesse from the LivFree Music Festival. They sat down to chat about how it started and where it’s going. 2025 marks the third year for the event.

Premiers tonight at 8pm on YouTube and Rumble. 👉🏾 https://youtu.be/M6CgkEIOk4o?si=ByjCJsB-JsICLjNR

The LivFree Music Festival is an annual three-day event taking place at Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing, West Virginia on August 21-23rd. This year’s headliners are Bubba Spar### Music kicking off Thursday night, THE M.F.B. on Friday, and CKY closing out the festival on Saturday. The event features a variety of musical acts and offers camping options alongside the adventure activities available at the venue. For tickets and info visit https://www.livfreemusicfestival.com
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01/04/2025

Big laughs and wild moments on episode 61 with Chirp! 🌭

29/03/2025

On episode 61, my special guests are Jay, Brian, Sam, and Patrick from Chirp. They made their return to Live at “The Shop” in Dunbar, WV on February, 28, 2025. New episode premiers tonight at 7pm on YouTube and Rumble.

WATCH HERE 👇
https://youtu.be/g6hoswVsY1U?si=2MlISiU94esf8X-6

Based in Detroit, MI, Chirp is a four-piece band that does their fair share of genre-hopping. Often playing in the styles of progressive rock/funk and jazz-fusion, their sound maintains a melodic center. The group features a wide array of originals and covers in their live sets and puts together dynamic, high-energy shows. Though their music ties in many technical elements, an equal emphasis is put on grooving and keeping people moving. Chirp takes influence from Snarky Puppy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Yes, Daft Punk, Vulfpeck, and The Beatles to name a few.

Chirp has been hard at work since their formation in 2015, touring and recording consistently since the project began. Their fresh sound has taken them touring across the Midwest to play a large variety of venues and festivals. Chirp is Jay Frydenlund, Brian Long, Sam Naples, and Patrick Blommel.

On episode 61, my special guests are Jay, Brian, Sam, and Patrick from Chirp. They made their return to Live at "The Shop" in Dunbar, WV on February, 28, 202...

20/03/2025

On episode 60, my special guests are Lynne Holloman, Brian Holloman, Cam Harrahy, and Sammy Stiles of Lucid Evolution. They made their debut at Live at “The Shop” in Dunbar, WV on February, 28, 2025. On this episode we talk about the forming of their band, psychedelic jam bands, and the use of psychedelic drugs, therapeutically and recreationally.

Premiers tonight at 8pm on YouTube and Rumble. Click the link below to watch.👇

On episode 60, my special guests are Lynne Holloman, Brian Holloman Cam Harrahy, Sammy Stiles of Lucid Evolution. They made their debut at Live at "The Shop"...

20/03/2025

Join us for a CAN'T MISS show on April 12th featuring; Larry Keel Experience, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle & MORE!

18/03/2025

BIG NEWS from The Ries Brothers! They just signed to a new label and are working with Amex Hexum (from 311) and producer Phil Joly (The Kills, The Strokes, Daft Punk) to create their new album to be released this summer. I’m so stoked for these guys! Congrats Charlie and Kevin! 🎸

01/03/2025

On episode 59, my special guests are Nick, Eric, Charlie, Kirby, and Blair from Hyryder. They’re a Grateful Dead tribute band from Indianapolis, Indiana. They made their debut at Live at “The Shop” in Dunbar, WV on February, 22, 2025.

New episode premiers tonight at 8pm on YouTube and Rumble. Checkout this episode and more, just click the link below (in comments).👇

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! 🙌🏾

25/02/2025

On episode 58 my special guests are BRRO - a backwoods blues rock band from Charleston, WV. They made their return to Live at “The Shop” on 12/27/24. Tune in tonight at 8pm for the premier on YouTube and Rumble.



https://youtu.be/GGiPgEDIP2M?si=FTaYsz9vl90rzVvp

https://rumble.com/v6ozfz9-brro-forming-the-band-influences-and-new-music-grassroots-304-podcast-58.html

On episode 58, my special guests are Ben, Rory, Rob, and Olivia from BRRO. They're described as Backwoods Blues Rock, with influences of folk, and reggae. Fo...

13/02/2025

Episode 57 with Fruit from Strangers premiers tonight at 8pm on YouTube! Link below in comments! Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!! 🍍

19/12/2024

Something exciting is on the way! Stay tuned for a special announcement after Christmas – a little present for everyone.

15/12/2024

On episode 56, my special guests are the guys from Hustle Souls out of Asheville, NC. They made their return to Live at “The Shop” in Dunbar, WV on December, 6, 2024.

Watch here 👉🏾 https://youtu.be/t_SSjhse4Ng?si=LctR_cg_4iW_iBXe

Hustle Souls, based in Asheville, NC, masterfully blend Retro-Soul, Brass Band Funk, and Singer-Songwriter Americana into a unique and captivating sound. Lauded by American Blues Scene as a "generation-jumping mashup of new school second line funk with old school vintage soul," and described by Bluestown Music as “intimate soul…with a Curtis Mayfield like warmth,” the band has earned a spot as one of Music Connection Magazine’s “Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands.”

Overflowing with energy and spontaneity , Hustle Souls features roaring B3 organ and jubilant brass, balanced with three-part vocal harmonies and a passion for songwriting. Their music has been praised by Aldora Britian Records as “worthy of being included in that brilliant soul music canon, a heritage that features some of the greatest performers and writers that have ever graced this earth.”

In 2024, Hustle Souls released their vinyl debut and lead singer Billy Litz was invited to perform at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, as an endorsing artist for the prestigious Santa Cruz Guitar Company. The band also represents Seydel Harmonicas as endorsing artists. Hustle Souls have been featured on major festival lineups such as Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion and Shakori Hills Grassroots Music Festival, and have shared the stage with legends including Kofi Burbridge and supported bands like Dumpstaphunk.

HUSTLE SOULS BAND MEMBERS:
BILLY LITZ (VOCALS, KEYBOARDS, TRUMPET, ACOUSTIC GUITAR, HARMONICA)
JONATHAN TAYLOR (VOCALS, BASS GUITAR)
KEVIN SCOTT (VOCALS, DRUMS)
JUSTICE MANN (VOCALS, TROMBONE)
REID PARLER (VOCALS, ELECTRIC GUITAR)

Find ​⁠ at:
http://www.hustlesouls.com
IG ​⁠
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/hustlesouls

Find Me:
Instagram:
Rumble: GRASSROOTS304POD - https://rumble.com/c/c-1567202
Fakebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassrootsPodcast304

Checkout Charleston's newest music venue, Live at "The Shop" at https://www.facebook.com/liveattheshop


Located at 1233 Ohio Avenue, Dunbar WV

Special Thanks to Sacred AV Solutions LLC.
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Original Music by ​⁠

24/10/2024

On episode 55, my special guests are Brett O'Connor, Destiny Pivonka, and Danny from Sneezy. They made their return to Live at “The Shop” in Dunbar, WV on October, 18th, 2024.

Episode premiers tonight at 8pm. Watch here: 👉🏾 https://youtu.be/ALddgcFNOE8?si=rlQH5lFTLwhCHXO4

Hailing from the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, Sneezy’s sound is the perfect culmination of all things good in music. It fuses the genres of pop, reggae, hip-hop, and rock, and it has a natural, summery sunshine feel to every track. Their neo-soul undertone provides a little something extra to their music and creates an infectious, addicting rhythm that you’ll be glad to have stuck in your head.

Like James Brown, Sneezy turns in a killer show and leaves it all on the stage, every time. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Sneezy’s catchy, cascading rhythms spiral onwards, leading scores of carousing fans dancing & singing along with songs they know by heart. From frontman Brett O’Connor: “We’re always having fun on stage, and you really get our music when you see us live. Our mission is to create an ever-growing community through our music.”

Find Sneezy at:
www.sneezymusic.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sneezymusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6q8zf3mxlxOVOm1YXM5JJp?si=bZD8l8iQSDSGQ2WTQqWg7A

Find Me:
Instagram:
Rumble: GRASSROOTS304POD - https://rumble.com/c/c-1567202

Checkout Charleston's newest music venue, Live at "The Shop" at www.liveattheshop.com - Located at 1233 Ohio Avenue, Dunbar WV

Special Thanks to Sacred AV Solutions LLC.

Original Music by ​⁠Asher Shashaty Music

18/10/2024

On episode 43, my special guests are The Ries Brothers - Charlie and Kevin Ries. They made their debut at Live at “The Shop” in Dunbar, WV on January 27th, 2024.

Hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, The Ries Brothers (pronounced “Rees”) are a force to be reckoned with on the music scene. This dynamic duo blends rock, blues, funk, and reggae into a soulful and sophisticated sound that captivates audiences. They’ve graced major stages sharing the spotlight with renowned artists like G Love & Special Sauce, Stick Figure, Pepper, Galactic, Stephen Marley, 311, Iration, and BIG Something. They’ve also rocked major festivals like Okeechobee Music Fest, Sunfest, Cali Roots, Gasparilla, and Summer Camp. See them live TONIGHT with Sneezy in Dunbar, WV as they make their return to Live at “The Shop”!

Checkout this episode and more here 👉🏾 https://youtu.be/VfTG8dySkWY?si=Q2I0a1Y6nWeWxpss

09/10/2024