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  • The Henhouse Prowlers on Music, Diplomacy, and Global Unity

    The Henhouse Prowlers on Music, Diplomacy, and Global Unity
    2025/11/20
    Back in October at Suwannee Roots Revival, I found myself tucked under the pines with a band whose music has ventured far beyond the campground, the Henhouse Prowlers. These four outstanding pickers from Chicago have toured more than 30 countries, performed in embassies around the world, and counting. We recorded this conversation right at my campsite. We talked about everything: the evolution of their music, the challenges and freedom of leaving the single-mic setup, touring for more than two decades, and the incredible work they do through their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors, which has taken them everywhere from Kazakhstan to Rwanda to the middle of the Sahara Desert.They shared stories with me about learning national anthems in new languages, discovering the banjo’s ancestral roots in West Africa, emotional embassy performances, and what they hope to leave that will outlast them.

    Episode Highlights
    [00:01:00] Favorite Chicken Breeds
    [00:02:20] 20+ Years Together & Changing Their Stage Setup
    [00:04:45] Wireless Gear, Energy, and Staying Connected Onstage
    [00:05:50] Learning Kazakhstan’s National Anthem
    [00:07:00] Emotional Moments in Cultural Diplomacy
    [00:09:00] Bluegrass Ambassadors: The Mission
    [00:12:00] Embassies, Workshops & Worldwide Touring
    [00:14:00] Banjo Roots in West Africa
    [00:18:00] Recording, Guest Players & Evolution of Sound
    [00:20:00] Songwriting, Influences & Band Chemistry
    [00:23:00] Co-Writing & Collaboration Through the Years
    [00:24:30] Upcoming Tours & Where to Find Them
    [00:27:00] Legacy, Connection & The Power of Music

    About the Henhouse ProwlersWith more than two decades of wild dreams behind them and plenty of road still ahead, the Henhouse Prowlers continue to push bluegrass into new territory with curiosity, heart, and undeniable chemistry. Ben Wright, Chris Dollar, Jon Goldfine, and Jake Howard have toured 30 countries across 5 continents through both the U.S. State Department and their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors, using music as a bridge between cultures. Their sound blends tradition, innovation, intricate musicianship, and storytelling shaped by countless life-changing encounters around the world. Learn more: henhouseprowlers.com
    Bluegrass Ambassadors: bluegrassambassadors.org
    Follow: @henhouseprowlers

    Sponsor An Episode!
    This episode is brought to you by ADF Media.
    ADF Media is my small but mighty creative business where I help artists, festivals, and storytellers shine. I assist with everything from podcast production to Patreon setup, newsletters, filming on location, and full marketing support. I travel across Florida helping creatives bring their projects to life.If you’d like to sponsor an episode or book a discovery call, email createwithadfmedia@gmail.com.

    Join Our Community
    Email: createwithadfmedia@gmail.com
    Instagram: @sunshinestateshowcase.fl
    Facebook: Sunshine State ShowcasePresented by ADF Media
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    32 分
  • Festival Preview:Suwannee Roots Revival 2025

    Festival Preview:Suwannee Roots Revival 2025
    2025/10/06
    Suwannee Roots Revival Festival PreviewThere comes a time when everyone needs a fearless escape one that revives your soul and reminds you who you are. For me, that time always comes with Suwannee Roots Revival. In this episode, I share my love for this magical festival happening October 9–12 at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.I walk you through this year’s incredible lineup featuring Oteil & Friends, Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan, and so many more, including Florida favorites like The Ain’t Sisters and Walter Parks. You’ll hear stories from years past, tips for first-timers, and what makes this gathering feel like a family reunion beneath the Spanish moss.
    Episode Highlights
    [00:01:00] Festival Overview & Headliners
    [00:03:00] Florida Artists to Watch
    [00:05:00] Returning Favorites & Suwannee Legends
    [00:07:00] Singer-Songwriter Showcase
    [00:10:00] Featured Artists at Large
    [00:11:00] Venue Details & Park Amenities
    [00:14:00] Camping, Quiet Zones & Late-Night Picking
    [00:16:00] Festival Community & Camp Culture
    [00:18:00] Family Activities, Vendors & Workshops
    [00:21:00] Closing ReflectionsAbout Suwannee Roots Revival
    🎟 Festival Dates: October 9–12, 2025
    📍 Location:     Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, Florida
    🌐 Tickets & Info: https://suwanneerootsrevival.com/lineup/
    Join Our Community!
    Subscribe:
    Email: createwithadfmedia@gmail.com
    Follow: @sunshinestateshowcase on Instagram and Facebook

    ▶️ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: Sunshine State Showcase Channel
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    22 分
  • Florida SongCraft with Rachel Grubb

    Florida SongCraft with Rachel Grubb
    2025/09/11
    What does it take to turn the wild wonder of Florida into song? In April, I sat down with singer-songwriter Rachel Grubb at the Florida Americana Music Festival, surrounded by the live energy of the Florida Sand Music Ranch. Rachel’s music has always resonated with me as a fellow Floridian, and it was a treat to catch her set and then talk with her about the creative process, her love for rural Florida, and the stories behind her new album, “Florida Home.”Rachel shares how she found her songwriting voice later in life, the inspiration she draws from Florida’s wild places, and the community that shaped her as an artist. We talk about the making of “Florida Home,” collaborating with The Krickets, the importance of preserving Florida’s natural beauty, and what’s next for her music.


    Episode Highlights:
    [00:01:37] Album Release
    [00:03:51] Songwriting Journey & Inspirations
    [00:04:55] Florida Folk & Nature Themes
    [00:05:43] Musicianship & Production Process
    [00:12:01] Collaboration with The Krickets
    [00:14:19] Reflections on Florida & Advocacy
    [00:17:06] Favorite Venues & Festivals
    [00:21:06] Upcoming Projects

    About Rachel Grubb:
    Raised in rural North Central Florida, Rachel grew up singing harmony to songs from the Baptist Hymnal and The Mamas and the Papas. Fascinated by lyric and melody from an early age, she wrote poems, sonnets, and sang other people's songs until her early 30s when she decided to give songwriting an earnest try. Rachel released her debut album, “Twists + Tangles,” in August 2016. Her second album, “Florida Home,” a collection of songs about rural Florida, is now available!

    Website: rachelgrubbmusic.com
    Facebook: Rachel Grubb
    Instagram: @RachelGrubbmusicGet your tickets for Florida Americana Music Festival’s Sister Festival, Florida Winter Music Festival, happening November 5th-9th, 2025 at Florida Sand Music Ranch, Brooksville, FL:
    www.Foggylongbritches.comJoin Our Community
    Subscribe: sunshinestateshowcase.com
    Email: createwithadfmedia@gmail.com
    Follow: @sunshinestateshowcase on Instagram and Facebook
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    25 分
  • Inside Atomic With The Ain't Sisters

    Inside Atomic With The Ain't Sisters
    2025/06/12
    Back in April I recorded this conversation with The Ain’t Sisters live at the Florida Americana Music Festival. It was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time. I got to share my original songs, soak up some incredible performances, and record interviews from my camp, thanks to Foggy Longbritches and their generous hospitality.This conversation with Barb and Arrie was one of my favorites. They had just played a set the night before and were gearing up for another, but they made time to sit with me and talk about their new double vinyl album Atomic. We talked about their songwriting process, how some songs took decades to come to life, and how they ended up trademarking the phrase “Shake Your Taint.” We also talked about grief, growth, DIY touring, and what it takes to keep a band growing. If you were at the festival, you know how special it was. If you weren’t, I hope this episode paints a vivid picture of our experience there. You can also check out the Florida Americana Music Festival YouTube channel for a bunch of videos and more interviews that our team captured all weekend long.

    Episode Highlights.
    [00:02:15] Atomic as a Concept Album
    [00:06:00] Writing Through Tragedy & Transformation
    [00:12:00] “Bug Song” Summer Camp, and Writing in 5/4
    [00:18:45] Videos, Visuals & Vinyl Dreams
    [00:24:00] Band Growth, Team Building, and Touring
    [00:31:20] Songwriting Partnerships
    [00:36:00] What’s Next

    About The Ain’t Sisters:
    The Ain’t Sisters are a genre-bending, harmony-driven band from Atlanta.They combine folk, funk, punk, and soul with sharp wit and raw honesty. Their new double vinyl Atomic is a journey through grief, joy, chaos, and creation! and I’m so honored they shared the story with me.
    Learn more and grab the album at theaintsisters.com
    Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheAintSisters
    Join Their Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/252696622046953
    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaintstagram/?hl=en
    Get your tickets for Florida Americana Music Festival’s Sister Festival Florida Winter Music Festival Happening November 5th-9th 2025 at Florida Sand Music Ranch Brooksville Fl:     www.Foggylongbritches.com
    Join Our Community

    Email: createwithadfmedia@gmail.com Follow: @sunshinestateshowcase on Instagram and Facebook
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    52 分
  • Celebrating Suwannee Spring Reunion With Sunnie Rae Click

    Celebrating Suwannee Spring Reunion With Sunnie Rae Click
    2025/04/10
    As creatives, we often ponder over what we will leave behind. We wonder how to spark a fire in the world, build meaningful relationships, and create a community that celebrates creativity. Our dreams involve:
    🌿 Overcoming our struggles with greater strength.
    🌿 Accepting the raw truth.
    🌿 Producing art that profoundly connects with those we encounter on our journey.

    This episode features singer-songwriter Sunnie Rae Click, whose journey from festival campfires to the stage embodies what it means to rise, reinvent, and remain rooted in creativity.

    Recorded live at the Suwannee Spring Reunion in Live Oak, Florida, this heartfelt conversation dives deep into Sunny’s musical upbringing, her memories of Doc Watson, her creative rebirth, and the power of journaling and songwriting as healing tools. We talk about community, resilience, and how the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park helped shape who she is today.

    🎧 Episode Highlights:

    [00:06:20] Spirit of The Suwannee Memories
    [00:12:45] Musical Beginnings & First Gigs
    [00:21:30] Songwriting Process & Rediscovered Journals
    [00:29:15] Tribute to Scout
    [00:37:00] Upcoming Album & Creative Future
    [00:44:10] Festival Community & What's Next

    Follow Sunnie Rae at @sunnysidelivemusic on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    🌞 Join Our Community
    Email us your stories at createwithadfmedia@gmail.com
    Follow on Facebook @sunshinestateshowcase
    Instagram @Sunshinestateshowcase.fl
    🎪 Upcoming Florida Festivals
    📍 Florida Americana Music Festival – April 17–20 | Brooksville, FL
    📍 Spring Bluegrass Festival – May 1–3 | Laurel Hill, FL
    📍 Florida Folk Festival – May 23–25 | White Springs, FLFind all the details and tickets at www.foggylongbritches.com
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    41 分
  • Writing With Hope Featuring Joshua Reilly

    Writing With Hope Featuring Joshua Reilly
    2024/08/15
    In this episode, we meet Clearwater's own Joshua Reilly and discuss his remarkable journey as a musician, from performing in local clubs to supporting his community by organizing regular songwriting events in the Clearwater area. Joshua also shares updates on releasing singles with Ybor City Records, planning a vinyl EP, and his approach to collaborating with other musicians. Stick around after the interview to stay informed about some fantastic cultural events throughout the Sunshine State.

    Episode Highlights:
    00:32 Meet Joshua Riley: Singer, Songwriter, and Entrepreneur
    02:21 Joshua's Journey to Florida and Musical Evolution
    03:21 The Birth of a Songwriting Community
    04:25 Insights into the Songwriting Process
    07:29 Performances and Festivals
    16:10 Upcoming Events and Festivals in Florida
    17:41 Next Episode Preview

    Links & Resources:
    Crooked Thumb Brewery
    Suwannee Roots Revival
    Florida Winter Music Festival
    Florida Caribbean Music Festival
    Joshua Reilly
    Joshua Reilly on Spotify
    Follow Joshua on Instagram
    Joshua Reilly's Facebook

    Thank you for tuning in to Sunshine State Showcase! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @SunshineStateShowcase.FL and Facebook. Stay updated with all my adventures by joining the email list at SunshineStateShowcase.com. A big thank you to Laura Linero for sharing her inspiring story. Be sure to catch her performance at the Florida Winter Music Festival in November. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast
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    18 分
  • Reflections On Songwriting With Laura Lonero

    Reflections On Songwriting With Laura Lonero
    2024/08/01
    Have you ever feared looking back on your life and realizing you never pursued your true passion? In this episode of Sunshine State Showcase, we take a close look at the inspiring journey of singer-songwriter Laura Lonero from the Tampa Bay area. Laura shares how she conquered self-doubt, embraced her love for music, and has recently released recorded music! From her early days playing at open mics to her breakout performance at The Florida Americana Music Festival, Laura's story is a beacon, constantly reminding us to follow our creative dreams.

    Episode Highlights
    [3:30] How we met.
    [5:15] Laura's early influences and receiving her first guitar.
    [9:45] Overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in music.
    [15:20] Laura's upcoming music releases and working with Everlovin Studios.
    [22:40] Laura's experience at open mics and her journey to performing live.
    [30:10] The importance of branding and her collaboration with a graphic designer.
    [35:25] Laura's first music festival performance and the thrill of playing original music.
    [40:50] Laura's future plans and upcoming performances.
    [45:00] Upcoming events in Florida.

    Links & Resources:
    • Podcasting Morning Chat on Clubhouse
    • Florida Americana Music Festival
    • Everlovin Studios
    • Crooked Thumb Brewery
    • Play Music on the Porch Day
    • Suwannee Roots Revival
    • Florida Winter Music Festival
    • Florida Caribbean Music Festival
    • Laura's Instagram
    • Laura's Website

    Thank you for tuning in to Sunshine State Showcase! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @SunshineStateShowcase.FL and Facebook. Stay updated with all my adventures by joining the email list at SunshineStateShowcase.com. A big thank you to Laura Linero for sharing her inspiring story. Be sure to catch her performance at the Florida Winter Music Festival in November. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Until next time, take it easy, but take it!
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    34 分
  • Bear & Robert: Stirring Up a Recipe For Songs, Stories, and Community

    Bear & Robert: Stirring Up a Recipe For Songs, Stories, and Community
    2024/05/09
    This episode of Sunshine State Showcase features Bear & Robert, a husband-and-wife duo who blend folk and blues seamlessly, creating a sound that embodies the spirit of Florida. During our conversation, recorded at the Barberville Spring Frolic—a music festival held at the Pioneer Settlement in Barberville, Florida—Franc Robert and Cindy Bear share their musical journey, the joy and challenges of collaboration, and their passion for preserving Florida's folk music legacy. We get a close up look into the making of their latest album, Travels with Bear & Robert, and how they are stirring up a recipe for songs, stories, and community.

    Main Highlights:
    1. Ignition Story at Sweat Fest: How a chance encounter at the Farm in Brooksville brought Bear & Robert together and ignited a musical partnership.
    2. Creative Collaboration: The unique blend of folk and blues that Bear & Robert have crafted, and how their songwriting process has evolved.
    3. Advocacy and Legacy: Their commitment to preserving Florida's folk music legacy through nonprofits like the North Florida Folk Network and their dedication to community building.
    As we wrapped up this episode, I was struck by the love, passion, and authenticity Bear & Robert bring to their music and the Florida folk scene. If their story has stirred a spark in you, follow Sunshine State Showcase for more inspiring stories that celebrate Florida's creative spirit.

    [00:00:00] Introduction
    [00:06:48] Ignition Story at Sweat Fest
    [00:15:30] Creative Collaboration and Songwriting Evolution
    [00:28:12] Advocating for Florida Folk MusicAbout Bear & Robert:

    Bear & Robert are a folk-blues duo known for their captivating storytelling and harmonies that resonate deeply with their audiences. Their latest album, Travels with Bear & Robert, brings a unique blend of songs that celebrate love, history, and the spirit of community. They are passionate advocates for preserving Florida's folk legacy and regularly perform at festivals and events across the state.Connect with Bear & Robert:
    • Website: bearandrobert.com
    • Follow On Facebook!
    • Follow On Instagram
    Connect with Us: We love hearing from our listeners! If you have stories to share or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us at ashley@sunshinestateshowcase.com.

    Join Our Community: Don't miss out on updates or upcoming episodes! Sign up for our email list at sunshinestateshowcase.com and become part of the Sunshine State Showcase family.

    Upcoming Events:
    • Sunshine Get Down at Florida Sand Music Ranch, Brooksville (May 16-18, 2024): Three days of music, camping, and good vibes await you at this eclectic festival.
    • Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs (May 24-26, 2024): A celebration of Florida's rich folk heritage with music, dance, crafts, and delicious food.
    • Hippie Fest at The Farm, Brooksville (June 21-23, 2024): A weekend of peace, love, and music with tie-dye and groovy tunes.
    • Suwannee Roots Revival at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (October 10-13, 2024): A blend of roots music, camping, and family-friendly activities.
    • Florida Winter Music Festival at Florida Sand Music Ranch, Brooksville (November 7-10, 2024): Four days of musical bliss with an impressive lineup of musicians.
    • Barberville Fall Jamboree at the Pioneer Settlement (November 2-3, 2024): Music, crafts, and living history to welcome the fall season.
    As we end this episode, I'd like to thank Franc and Cindy for sharing their inspiring journey with us, and a special thank you to the Barberville Pioneer Settlement for providing the perfect setting. Please keep an ear out for upcoming episodes featuring Laura Lonero and Joshua Reilly, two singer-songwriters from the Tampa Bay area. They were recorded live at the Florida Americana Music Festival and are stories you won't want to miss.
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    1 時間 18 分