On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, I sit down with Nayibe “Geebs” Rojas, powerhouse vocalist and bandleader of The Infatuation. Geebs shares her journey from singing and theater as a kid to building a powerful presence in the Pacific Northwest blues scene.

We talk about finding her voice in the blues, the lessons learned on the road, the importance of sobriety, and why the best live music is built on mutual respect, audience connection, and a band that knows how to listen to one another.

Geebs also gives love to the incredible musicians who have helped shape her musical journey, including Mike Zilas, Larry McCoy, Jesse Broderick, Dave Lucas, Fred Ingram, Brett Momquist, Sean Patrick Martin, James Mason, and the late Ben Rougeot. From Ma Fondue and Jeebsville to The Infatuation, this conversation celebrates the people, stories, and community behind the music.

We also talk about what makes a venue musician-friendly, why audience feedback matters, and Geebs’ message for new artists: stay curious, learn your craft, and put your own fingerprints on the music.

Find The Infatuation at infatuationband.com, Facebook at Infatuation PDX, and Instagram at @infatuation_band.

Sullivan’s Backstage Pass is honored to welcome the legendary Chuk Barber—master percussionist, longtime member of the Lowrider Band, producer, songwriter, world-traveling rhythm maker, and host of the unforgettable Chuk Barber’s Soul Lounge on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.

This is one of those conversations you do not want to miss.

Chuk takes us inside a lifetime in music: from his early lessons with legendary drummers Louie Bellson and Hal Blaine, to building one of America’s first samba schools in New Orleans, studying rhythms in Brazil, Africa, and Cuba, and ultimately joining the band that brought the world classics like “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Cisco Kid,” “The World Is a Ghetto,” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness.”

And yes—he shares an incredible Prince story. Chuk remembers being backstage at Taste of Minnesota with The Lowrider Band and The Temptations when Prince’s camp laid down a few rules. Then, just minutes before showtime, Prince himself appeared at the door to personally honor Howard Scott and tell the band how much the Low Rider Band had inspired him. It is a beautiful reminder that even the greatest artists carry the influence of those who came before them.

Chuk also talks about sharing stages, bills, and musical moments with an unbelievable list of icons and innovators: James Brown, Snoop Dogg, The Ohio Players, The Bar-Kays, En Vogue, Tina Marie, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, John Cleary, Anders Osborne, Daniel Lanois, Irma Thomas, Marva Wright, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Kingfish, Ivan Neville, Booker T., the California Honeydrops, and more.

We get into the magic of Chuk Barber’s Soul Lounge—those late-night, unrehearsed Blues Cruise jams where musicians step up, ask only “what key?”, and create something that may never happen again. Chuk explains why his lounge has become a destination for musicians and fans looking for more than the same old three-chord blues.

Chuk also opens up about his music, his creative process, and his powerful album Blues’ Next Evolution—a project where blues, funk, Latin jazz, Afro-Brazilian percussion, New Orleans grooves, and global rhythms meet. He talks about music as healing, the importance of making people feel something, and creating a legacy for the generations coming behind him.

This interview is full of stories, truth, laughter, musical history, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life lived in rhythm.

Listen to Chuk Barber’s music, including Blues’ Next Evolution, on major streaming platforms, and keep an eye out for more from this living legend.

Be kind. We all live on the same planet, breathe the same air, and this world would be better if we treated one another with kindness and respect.

#SullivansBackstagePass #ChukBarber #LowriderBand #BluesNextEvolution #BluesCruise #Percussionist #FunkMusic #NewOrleansMusic #Prince #MusicHistory #PodcastInterview

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn Sullivan sits down with the one-and-only Giselle of Giselle’s FATAL Butterfly—a fearless, theatrical artist blending horror punk, alternative rock, vaudeville flair, tap dance, costumes, and unapologetic self-expression.

Giselle shares the remarkable path that took her from childhood ballet and musical theater to becoming a bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and solo performer. Hear why she calls herself a “stage addict,” how performing helped her reclaim her creative freedom, and why every outfit, song, tempo, costume change, and set list is part of one larger story.

In this candid conversation, Giselle also talks about:

• Starting her performing career later in life after raising triplet sons

• Building songs from the bass up—including her sparkly first bass, “Sparkly Sugar Balls”

• Creating a full musical journey rather than simply playing a set

• The influence of ’90s women artists, rock, punk, grunge, metal, and theatrical performance

• Collaborating with drummer Josh Owen and recording at PEEL Studios

• Her family project, Giselle’s Triple Shots

• Why independent venues need to be safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for disabled and LGBTQ+ music fans and artists

• The importance of commitment, chemistry, authenticity, and respect in a band

Giselle’s FATAL Butterfly describes its sound as raunchy alternative horror punk in a vaudevillian fusion show—and this interview makes it clear: this is an artist who refuses to be boxed into one genre, one look, or anyone else’s expectations. Check out her original music, including “Zombie Luv Doll,” and subscribe to follow her evolving musical world.

Find Giselle’s FATAL Butterfly:

YouTube: @fatalbutterfly5548

Facebook: FATAL Butterfly

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a comment: What is the most memorable live performance you have ever seen?

#SullivansBackstagePass #GisellesFatalButterfly #HorrorPunk #AlternativeMusic #IndependentMusic #WomenInMusic #LiveMusic #MusicInterview #DisabilityInclusion #PacificNorthwestMusic