Chances are you've heard this low-end thumper in your bass woofers, or have seen him perform around Michigan (as well as the world). He's performed with various national acts, including Bettye LaVette, Sturgill Simpson, Brett Lucas, Mitch Ryder, and more. He's a 'first-call' from the bass master. himself, Michigan's Don Was for multiple studio projects. Chuck Bartels lives, eats, breathes, and is raising a happy family out of Detroit and happy to offer his services for a variety of musical styles, as he often as he can.
Chuck jumped into performing in the early '90s and has rounded the 'bases' with jazz, jam, Americana, blues, tribute showcases, R&B, soul, rock, and so much more. His ability to be as down-to-earth has garnished him quite a 'word-of-mouth' career. The MMHP was so grateful to line up this world-class bassist for a career retrospective in Bay City in early 2025. In part 1 of 2, Chuck takes us on a journey from his very beginnings, to life on the road with television cameras in his face, Grammy nominations, and the humble outlook of what living in Detroit and playing music for life has afforded him.

Tune in and enjoy the easy conversation!

A Grammy Award winning world renown man of harmonicas--acoustics, intellect, incredible sound telepathy, time signatures, and known to play many styles, Peter 'Madcat' Ruth joins the MMHP for a two-part series that discusses his career, his styles, his sounds, and we touch base on many of his guest sessions. He even performs for us!
Here in Part 2, Madcat offers historical retrospective on bands, performances, his endorsements, and showcases that both worked and didn't work so well. He performs and gives back story to his many bands such as the Carma Quartet and Triple Play, and Madcat's Pressure Cooker. He talks about his "Anyone Can Play Harmonica" book/DVD series which was produced with the late Happy Traum, a not so great session and gig with Rory Block, and the ins-and-outs out of being a longtime disciplined performer from Ann Arbor. Sir Fred recalled a meeting with Madcat and blues legend Lazy Lester, much to Madcat's surprise. Tune into Part 2 and finish what 'ya started, NOW!

A Grammy Award winning world renown man of harmonicas--acoustics, intellect, incredible sound telepathy, time signatures, and known to play many styles, Peter 'Madcat' Ruth joins the MMHP for a two-part series that discusses his career, his styles, his sounds, and we touch base on many of his guest sessions. He even performs for us!
In Part 1, Madcat gives us the Brubeck family background he was touring with from the '60s into the '70s, and brings us around to sessions with Blackfoot and George Clinton. There are many stops along this historic podcast way. Tune into part 1 of 2 NOW!

And in part two, finally for our second round with the guitar master, the MMHP989 are offered news on his current top of the charts smooth jazz single, 'Sunset Beach' as well as a deep peek into the making of the new Question Mark & The Mysterians documentary, 'Everything Comes To Me which is due out in 2026, along with the first issuing of the long lost 'third' Question Mark & The Mysterians album.

Bobby is currently on the charts again with 'Sunset Beach' after hitting number one with the track 'Any Moment' in 2022 and of course '96 Tears in 1966. Bobby has been promoting the single with shows with the Mysterians, Question Mark & The Mysterians (two reunions this year alone), solo events and a duo along with MMHP's own Scott Baker. Baker also is a co-producer on the new documentary along with former MMHP guest and LA resident Daniel Ralston (Fake Zombies podcast!). Here is a good place to get the true backstory on the band and what to expect from Balderrama going into 2026. Bobby also plays some guitar for us! Hit PLAY NOW!

For our second round with the guitar master, the MMHP in the 989 are offered news on his current top of the charts smooth jazz single, 'Sunset Beach' as well as a deep peek into the making of the new Question Mark & The Mysterians documentary, 'Everything Comes To Me which is due out in 2026, along with the first issuing of the long lost 'third' Question Mark & The Mysterians album.

Bobby is currently on the charts again with 'Sunset Beach' after hitting number one with the track 'Any Moment' in 2022 and of course '96 Tears in 1966. Bobby has been promoting the single with shows with the Mysterians, Question Mark & The Mysterians (two reunions this year alone), solo events and a duo along with MMHP's own Scott Baker. Baker also is a co-producer on the new documentary along with former MMHP guest and LA resident Daniel Ralston (Fake Zombies podcast!). Here is a good place to get the true backstory on the band and what to expect from Balderrama going into 2026. Jump in and turn up the knob NOW!

The MMHP989 sat down with Mike Richards in the summer of 2024, with lead singer and guitarist of ADABOY!, a group that has spanned the past decade with growth and adjustment moving around players and parts, as well as songs and styles, to create one of Mid-Michigan's burgeoning bands that have recorded albums from Bay City to Nashville. Richards has spoken about releasing singles, pulling down past albums in focus of their new management and progression in the industry, and staying true to not one style, but positivity in his music. Following his heart.

In episode one, Richards gave us his past to present, with a new drummer on the horizon, wanting to issue singles as the months go by. Here in episode 2 recorded just weeks ago in 2025, Richards gives us a real-time update with the inclusion of his new single for the Detroit Lions, 'Uncaged' as well as where the band has gone professionally and with their goals over the course of the past year. This episode is a great two part series for people wondering how true bands stick to their guns and how much time is actually put into fulfilling their musical goals. Red39 Records is also in the picture now, as ADABOY! has upped their ante on a national level. Tune into Episode 2 of 2 and get in the mix with a true forward moving band....

HOLD THE PRESSES:

While you await part two with Mike Richards from ADABOY! (dropping Thursday, Oct. 2)--Here is the lowdown for the 2025 Hells Half Mile Independent Film and Music Fest. We annually feature this episode to promote the bands that come to Bay City's acclaimed festival each year for our listeners that happen to be heading to Bay City to hear the independent acts and catch some films. This year's music includes La Rosa Noir, Hot Joy, The Courts, Yam Haus, and Bandeau. Links to sample all of this can be found from HHM on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/33lWqjyivxLsf9s37NI7i7?si=1fc6a955f559421d

Special Thanks to all at Hells Half Mile, including Don Hessell and Spencer Biery...tune in NOW

The MMHP in the 989 sat down with Mike Richards in the summer of 2024, with lead singer and guitarist of ADABOY!, a group that has spanned the past decade with growth and adjustment moving around players and parts, as well as songs and styles, to create one of Mid-Michigan's burgeoning bands that have recorded albums from Bay City to Nashville. Richards has spoken about releasing singles, pulling down past albums in focus of their new management and progression in the industry, and staying true to not one style, but positivity in his music. Following his heart.

In episode one, Richards gave us his past to present, with a new drummer on the horizon, wanting to issue singles as the months go by. We will update his story in part 2 in two weeks--showing the true projection and reflection of a band in action, growth, and its relationships with its fans. Richards spills the info on his life, mental illness, and his desire to be an assistant to society's growth, rather than be a negative flash-in-the-pan. Tune into Episode 1 of 2, NOW....