On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to speak with my friend, Maria Howell. Maria and I met years ago and played in the Livin' Large band. She is one of my favorite singers and people on the planet.

Maria was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, and graduated from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She worked as a jazz singer and made her film debut in The Color Purple (1985). Later, she began appearing in film and television. She lived in Okinawa, Japan, from 1995–2001.

In the 2000s, Howell returned to the United States and made guest appearances on television series such as Drop Dead Diva, Army Wives, The Game, Necessary Roughness, and The Vampire Diaries, and well co-starred in films including Daddy's Little Girls (2007), Mississippi Damned (2009), The Blind Side (2009), and What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012). In 2013, Howell played Seeder in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Also in 2012, she was cast in a recurring role in NBC's post-apocalyptic series Revolution as Grace Beaumont. In 2013, she played Ida Hayes in the Lifetime comedy-drama Devious Maids.

From 2016 to 2018, Howell played Lt. Theresa Hawkins in the Bounce TV prime-time soap opera Saints & Sinners. In 2019, she co-starred opposite Kristin Chenoweth in the Hallmark Channel Christmas film A Christmas Love Story. In 2021, she had a recurring role in the BET+ thriller series Sacrifice.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I'm thrilled to welcome my longtime friend and phenomenal percussionist, Michael LaMattina. Michael and I go way back when we first met at the District Honor Band in Georgia. Our shared passion for music saw us performing together in various ensembles throughout high school, setting the stage for Michael's illustrious career.

Now, Michael holds the prestigious position of Principal Percussionist with The Dayton Philharmonic and serves as the Director of Percussion Studies at Miami University. He conducts the Miami University Percussion Ensemble there, bringing his expertise to the next generation of musicians. With the DPO, Michael dazzles audiences through classical programs, pops concerts, chamber music, ballet, and opera. His summers are equally dynamic as he steps into the role of principal percussionist with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra.

Michael's impressive resume includes past roles such as Principal Percussionist with The Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, Principal Timpani & Percussion with The ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, and Principal Percussionist of the

Canton Symphony Orchestra. He's also showcased his talent as a Section Percussionist with the Erie Philharmonic and an Associate Section Percussionist with the Columbus Symphony. Beyond these roles, Michael has performed with the Cincinnati and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras.

Michael's academic credentials are equally remarkable. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree from Cleveland State University. His formative years were further enhanced by attending the Music Academy of the West in 1997 and being a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in 1998.

Join us as we dive into Michael's journey from our humble beginnings in school bands to his distinguished career. We'll explore his experiences, the nuances of his various roles, and the vibrant world of percussion.

Be sure to check out Michael’s YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelLaMattinaPercussion

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled and honored to sit down with the incredible Luke Bulla, one of my all-time favorite instrumentalists and vocalists. Our conversation is a deep dive into his remarkable musical journey and the experiences that have shaped his illustrious career.

Luke's life has been steeped in music from an early age. At age four, he began touring and singing with his family band and took up the fiddle at seven. His prodigious talent quickly became evident as he went on to win the National Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho, six times in his respective age categories. At sixteen, he made history by becoming the youngest winner of the Grand Champion division. By age ten,
Luke had already made a mark at Nashville’s Grand Master Fiddle Championship as the youngest top-ten finalist.

In the spring of 1999, Luke moved to Nashville, diving headfirst into a full-time music career. His early years in Tennessee were marked by his stint with Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder, where his exceptional fiddle playing earned him his first Grammy Award. Following this, he joined the John Cowan Band. He performed and recorded with a host of renowned artists including Brandi Carlile, Jim Lauderdale, Darrell Scott, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, and many more. His collaborations read like a who’s who of the music industry, featuring names such as Bryan Sutton, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Shawn Colvin, Tony Rice, Chris Thile, Peter Rowan, Patty Griffin, Glen Phillips, Rodney Crowell, and Earl Scruggs.

Luke was a perennial instructor at Mark O’Connor’s fiddle camps during his early years in Nashville. Alongside his long-time friend Casey Driessen, Luke founded the band Wisechild, which toured briefly with John Mayer and Counting Crows. He also played a pivotal role in the band W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration), a collaboration that included notable members like Sean Watkins, Glen Phillips, Sara Watkins, Benmont Tench, Pete Thomas, Greg Leisz, and Davey Faragher.

In 2009, Luke released a solo EP featuring a stellar lineup of musicians, including Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, and Aoife O’Donovan. That same year, he joined Lyle Lovett’s Large Band and toured full-time with them until 2023.

In 2015, Luke co-founded the Bluegrass/Americana record label, Pure Music | Nashville, with music and business executive John L. Heithaus. The label released his LP, Who Loves You Better, in May 2016. Recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Nashville studio and produced by Grammy winner Bryan Sutton, the LP showcases Luke's extraordinary musical talent.

Join us for an enriching discussion as we explore Luke's diverse musical influences, his approach to songwriting, and the incredible journey that has led him to where he is today. This episode is a celebration of his enduring contribution to music and his unwavering passion for his craft.

Music from the Episode:

Luke Bulla - Temperance Reel (Luke Bulla/Guy Clark/J.R.Stuart)
Luke Bulla - Who Loves You Better (Feat: Sarah Jarosz) (Lyle Lovett)
Luke Bulla - On the Turning Away (David Gilmour and Anthony Moore)
Luke Bulla - Tie Me Down and Set Me Free (Luke Bulla/J.R.Stuart)

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to have a conversation with my friend, Wes McElmoyle. Wes and I crossed paths years ago, and since then, my admiration and respect for him have only grown, both musically and personally. Introduced by our mutual friend, Steve Ward, I've had the privilege of sharing the stage with Wes numerous times, each experience more memorable than the last.

Wes is an extraordinary violinist, possessing a touch and tone that stand out as some of the best I’ve ever heard. Beyond his musical talents, he is also one of the kindest and most genuine people I have been fortunate enough to know. His presence is inspiring, and it brings me great joy to have had the opportunity to sit down with him for this podcast episode.

Join us as we delve into Wes's musical journey, his unique approach to the violin, and the experiences that have shaped his remarkable career. This episode is not only a tribute to his exceptional talent but also a celebration of his wonderful spirit and the profound impact he has had on those around him. Don’t miss this engaging and uplifting conversation with one of the finest musicians and human beings I know.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to have a conversation with my multifaceted friend, Art McNaughton. To me, Art epitomizes the term "Renaissance Man." He is not only a talented musician but also a distinguished visual artist and graphic designer, among other things.

Our paths crossed years ago, and since then, we have shared the stage for numerous gigs. His boundless energy and meticulous attention to music have always amazed me, making every performance with him a joy.

Beyond his musical prowess, Art is a highly respected visual artist. His work has garnered numerous commissions from private collectors and has been featured in film and television. You might recognize his art from the film Reptile, starring Benicio del Toro and Justin Timberlake, where his creativity added a unique visual element to the movie.

Join us for an engaging discussion where we explore Art's diverse talents, his approach to his various crafts, and the intersections between his artistic endeavors. This episode is a celebration of creativity, passion, and the joy of collaboration.

Check out his portfolio at www.artmcnaughtonfinart.com

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to sit down with my dearest friend, Jody Abernathy. Our friendship started back in 2013, and from the very beginning, I felt a profound connection with Jody, both musically and personally. Over the years, we had the incredible pleasure of playing and singing together in the band Across the Wide, a period that stands out as the most musically joyous time of my life.

During our conversation, we delve into Jody's diverse musical tastes and his unique approach to songwriting. Jody's ability to draw inspiration from various genres has always intrigued me, and in this episode, he shares the influences that shape his music.

In addition to discussing his musical journey, we explore a more personal and poignant topic: Jody's path to sobriety. He candidly shares his experiences with addiction and recovery, offering insights into how these challenges have profoundly influenced his writing and performing. His story is one of resilience and transformation, and it adds a powerful layer to our understanding of his artistry.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the honor of chatting with the incredible Stanton Moore. Stanton Moore is a GRAMMY award-winning artist, teacher, and performer. Born and raised in New Orleans, he is a dedicated drummer, performer, and educator who is especially connected to the city, its culture, and its collaborative spirit. In the early ‘90s, Moore helped found the New Orleans-based essential funk band Galactic, which continues to amass a worldwide audience via recording and touring globally.

Moore launched his solo career in 1998 and has nine records under his own name, with the most recent being "With You In Mind: The Songs of Allen Toussaint."

Throughout his 25-year career, Moore has played and/or recorded with a diverse group of artists, including Maceo Parker, Joss Stone, Irma Thomas, Leo Nocentelli and George Porter (of the Meters), Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine), Corrosion of Conformity, Donald Harrison Jr., Nicholas Payton, Trombone Shorty, Skerik, Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter, Will Bernard, Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He has also made numerous appearances on the Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien, and Seth Meyers late-night TV shows.

With a bachelor’s degree in music and business from Loyola University, Moore stays involved in education by constantly presenting clinics and teaching master classes and private lessons worldwide. He has released two books and three video projects. His book "Groove Alchemy" was picked by Modern Drummer as one of the top 25 instructional drum books of all time. To continue his passion for teaching and become more closely connected with his students, he recently launched his own online drum academy, StantonMooreDrumAcademy.com.

On a personal note, my son, Skyler, was able to study drumset with Stanton while he was artist-in-residence at Louisiana State University.

I encourage you to check out Stanton's music and schedule at stantonmoore.com.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, "Playcation", was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with my dear friend Adam McKnight, a gifted musician and singer whose talent knows no bounds. As we embark on a journey down memory lane, Adam and I reminisce about the countless gigs we've shared together and the indelible mark they've left on our musical journeys.

Adam's story is one of resilience, determination, and unbridled passion for music. From his humble beginnings in South Carolina to his bold leap into the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, Adam's journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one's dreams. Along the way, he shares poignant insights into the importance of listening and the profound ability of music to stir the deepest emotions within us.

But Adam's musical odyssey extends far beyond the confines of traditional performance spaces. As a passionate advocate for the arts, he has found joy and fulfillment in sharing the beauty of ballet with young children through his involvement with a local dance company. Through his experiences, Adam underscores the importance of representation and the need to break down barriers that limit the potential of our youth.

Throughout our conversation, Adam's infectious enthusiasm for music shines through as he shares stories of his early inspirations, his unforgettable encounter with the legendary Elton John, and the profound impact that music has had on shaping his identity and worldview. His songs, featured throughout the episode, serve as a poignant reminder of the universal language of music and its power to connect us all.

I invite you to join us on this captivating journey as we celebrate the extraordinary talent and boundless creativity of Adam McKnight. And be sure to visit adamlmcknight.com to discover more of his incredible music – because great music is meant to be shared with the world.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.