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

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, we sit down with Portland guitarist, singer-songwriter, and rising Pacific Northwest powerhouse Andrew Matthews for a deep dive into the music, the grind, and the freedom of live performance. Andrew opens up about starting guitar on a cheap beginner Strat copy, cutting his teeth at blues jams in Oregon City, and how playing with veterans helped shape his sound, stage confidence, and understanding of band dynamics.

We get into the bigger questions behind the music: what makes a great live set, why dynamics and volume matter, how musicians communicate onstage, and what it really takes to make the jump from playing covers to writing and performing original material. Andrew talks candidly about learning from the blues scene, getting pulled into more punk and alternative spaces through his partner Violet, and how those worlds changed the way he writes, records, and performs.

There are also some especially interesting moments in this conversation, including Andrew’s thoughts on the “three chords and the truth” punk stereotype, the pressure of original music versus covers, the realities of venue support and why he believes musicians should keep playing with people who challenge them. He shares stories about his first paid gig filling in for a Rolling Stones tribute band, playing major stages like the Waterfront Blues Festival, and the mindset that lets him improvise huge solos while staying locked in with the band.

If you love honest talk about performance, tone, improvisation, and the work behind the art, this episode delivers.

Andrew currently leads The Andrew Matthews Band, fronts original punk/alt-rock duo The Slightest Bits, plays guitar with The Revival Brothers Band (an Allman Brothers tribute), and is active in multiple other projects including Daddy’s Vinyl (cover band), The Rock Doctors, Rolling Tones, Valhalla (Led Zeppelin tribute), Californication, and Arena Rock Gold. You can find his upcoming shows, music, and more at AndrewMatthewsLive.com.

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn sits down with Saron Khut, owner of Mekong Bistro and leader of the multicultural Mekong River Band, for an inspiring conversation about music, diversity, culture, and community.While Saron does not tell his entire life story in this episode, he reflects on his journey from the Killing Fields of Cambodia to the land of opportunity in America and how those experiences continue to influence his music, community work, and vision for the future. To hear more about Saron’s life and background, listen to his previous interview on Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Episode 41.The focus of this conversation is Saron’s evolution as a musician and songwriter. Although he never originally planned to write his own music, he was encouraged to transform his experiences and emotions into songs. He discusses preparing fifteen original compositions centered on love, compassion, human connection, and the belief that anything is possible.A major focus is Saron’s commitment to diversity. He explains why he intentionally brings musicians from different cultural backgrounds together in the Mekong River Band and why he believes food and music are among the best ways to connect people. For Saron, the band is more than a collection of performers—it is a community where different cultures, instruments, stories, and experiences come together to create something beautiful.Saron also discusses the importance of supporting local musicians, the work behind every live performance, and why artists deserve more than applause—they deserve meaningful support from their communities. He shares his dream of taking the Mekong River Band to Cambodia to celebrate his culture, reconnect with his homeland, and show people the beauty of Cambodia beyond its painful history.The episode also features Dario Jungić, a guitarist and member of the Mekong River Band, who joins Saron for part of the conversation. Dario, who owns Marino Adriatic Cafe, offers additional perspective on how music, cultural exchange, and welcoming spaces can bring people together.Tune in for a conversation about Saron Khut’s music, his commitment to diversity, the importance of supporting local artists, and the power of creating a place where everyone is welcome.

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, we sit down with Portland guitarist, singer-songwriter, and rising Pacific Northwest powerhouse Andrew Matthews for a deep dive into the music, the grind, and the freedom of live performance. Andrew opens up about starting guitar on a cheap beginner Strat copy, cutting his teeth at blues jams in Oregon City, and how playing with veterans helped shape his sound, stage confidence, and understanding of band dynamics.

We get into the bigger questions behind the music: what makes a great live set, why dynamics and volume matter, how musicians communicate onstage, and what it really takes to make the jump from playing covers to writing and performing original material. Andrew talks candidly about learning from the blues scene, getting pulled into more punk and alternative spaces through his partner Violet, and how those worlds changed the way he writes, records, and performs.

There are also some especially interesting moments in this conversation, including Andrew’s thoughts on the “three chords and the truth” punk stereotype, the pressure of original music versus covers, the realities of venue support and why he believes musicians should keep playing with people who challenge them. He shares stories about his first paid gig filling in for a Rolling Stones tribute band, playing major stages like the Waterfront Blues Festival, and the mindset that lets him improvise huge solos while staying locked in with the band.

If you love honest talk about performance, tone, improvisation, and the work behind the art, this episode delivers.

Andrew currently leads The Andrew Matthews Band, fronts original punk/alt-rock duo The Slightest Bits, plays guitar with The Revival Brothers Band (an Allman Brothers tribute), and is active in multiple other projects including Daddy’s Vinyl (cover band), The Rock Doctors, Rolling Tones, Valhalla (Led Zeppelin tribute), Californication, and Arena Rock Gold. You can find his upcoming shows, music, and more at AndrewMatthewsLive.com.

On this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Olga Smith Dongvilla, acupuncturist and founder of Kismet Farms Animal Sanctuary, for a heartfelt conversation about rescue, healing, and second chances. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the sanctuary, Olga shares the origin of Kismet Farms, her lifelong bond with animals, and the deeply personal vision that turned into a place of refuge for neglected, abandoned, and abused animals.

Listeners will hear about the sanctuary’s remarkable growth, the animals who have found safety there, and the daily realities of keeping a rescue operation running — from veterinary care and quarantine to feeding, fencing, fundraising, and volunteer support. The conversation also highlights the emotional side of sanctuary work, the power of community involvement, and the joy of giving animals a safe place to land.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

• Kismet means “serendipity.” Olga named the farm after her horse Kismet and describes the sanctuary as “a place for second chances” for elder, neglected, and abused farmed animals.

• The sanctuary cares for roughly forty four-legged animals, plus geese and chickens, including potbelly pigs, goats, donkeys, alpacas, cows, and a Canadian goose that keeps returning.

• New arrivals are quarantined and screened by vets (for things like CAE in goats), then slowly introduced to the herd once cleared.

• Animals respond strongly to human energy. Volunteers read to anxious animals, brush them, and simply sit with them to help them feel safe.

• Anatolian shepherd dogs patrol the property at night and help protect the herd from predators like cougars.

• Donkeys and goats need companions; keeping them alone is not ideal. Olga emphasizes that many of these animals are herd animals and thrive in groups.

• If someone must rehome an animal, Olga advises: try to keep the animal if at all possible; if not, contact a rescue or sanctuary first, and don’t just give animals away for free online because they can end up in dangerous situations.

• The sanctuary is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible, and they rely heavily on community support, auctions, and occasional grants.

• Ways to help include financial donations, volunteering to wash bowls, feed, or clean corrals, and spreading the word about the sanctuary.

• Kismet Farms can be found on Facebook and at kismetfarmsanimalsanctuary.org, with options to donate via Venmo, PayPal, and other platforms.

In this powerful episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Juli Ray Joy, founder and Executive Director of Black Joy Oregon, for a deeply honest conversation about community, compassion, poverty, disability, faith, and the urgent need to treat people with dignity.

Juli shares the heart behind Black Joy Oregon, a nonprofit rooted in visibility, mutual aid, and joyful resistance for Black communities across Oregon, while also building connections, offering resources, and uplifting Black culture in rural and urban spaces alike.

Together, they talk candidly about houselessness, mental health, service-connected disability, autism, and the harm caused when people are judged instead of supported. Their conversation is a reminder that community care is not optional — it is how people survive, heal, and move forward.

If you believe in Black joy, mutual aid, disability justice, and honest conversation that centers humanity, this episode is for you.

About Black Joy Oregon: Founded in 2020, Black Joy Oregon was created to uplift Black people through joy, visibility, advocacy, and community support, including leadership development and events across Oregon.