エピソード

  • Mark Dignam: Dublin Roots, Pittsburgh Soul

    Mark Dignam: Dublin Roots, Pittsburgh Soul
    2026/09/25
    From the streets of Dublin to the stages of Pittsburgh, Mark Dignam has built a life around songs, stories, and the people he’s met along the way.

    On this episode of CODA, Mark sits down with Jonny Hartwell for a conversation that goes well beyond the usual musician interview. He talks about growing up in Finglas, learning his craft busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street, the friendships and fellow musicians who shaped him, and the winding road that eventually brought him to Pittsburgh.

    Mark also opens up about songwriting, success, fatherhood, the strange experience of looking back at songs written by a younger version of yourself, and how his definition of “making it” has changed over the years.

    It’s a conversation about Ireland, Pittsburgh, friendship, memory—and why, after all these years, Mark Dignam still has something to say every time he picks up a guitar.

    Mark Dignam: Dublin Roots, Pittsburgh Soul — on CODA.
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Shelley Duff: Smart, Talented & Seriously Cool

    Shelley Duff: Smart, Talented & Seriously Cool
    2026/09/21
    She’s got the whole package—smart, talented, beautiful…and genuinely nice.

    On this episode of CODA, Jonny Hartwell sits down with vocalist and guitarist Shelley Duff, a familiar face—and unmistakable voice—on the Pittsburgh music scene.Shelley talks about her life in music, the experiences that shaped her as a performer, and what keeps her excited about getting on stage after all these years.

    It’s a conversation about talent, persistence, connecting with an audience, and the passion it takes to make music such a big part of your life.

    But there’s more to Shelley than what you see under the spotlight. Jonny gets to know the person behind the performer—the stories, laughs, lessons learned, and the personality that has helped make her a favorite with audiences throughout Western Pennsylvania.

    Great voice. Great stories. And one of those people who’s every bit as enjoyable offstage as she is on it.

    Meet Shelley Duff on CODA.
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    53 分
  • Jimmy Bastard The Bearded Bastard of Pittsburgh (Pints, Punk & Pittsburgh)

    Jimmy Bastard The Bearded Bastard of Pittsburgh (Pints, Punk & Pittsburgh)
    2026/08/28
    On this episode of Coda, Jonny Hartwell & Annie Pugar sit down with Jimmy Bastard, frontman and founding member of Pittsburgh’s own Bastard Bearded Irishmen.

    Since forming in 2008, the band has built a loyal following with its rowdy blend of traditional Irish music, Celtic rock and punk attitude. Jimmy talks about how the Bastard Bearded Irishmen came together, the evolution of their sound, the Pittsburgh music scene, and the energy and camaraderie that have made their live shows a local favorite.T

    hey also talk about the band’s Irish influences, memorable moments on and off the stage, the challenges of keeping a band together for nearly two decades, and why the music—and the party surrounding it—still means so much to Jimmy and the fans.

    Grab a pint, turn it up, and meet the man behind the music—and the bastard behind the beard—Jimmy Bastard of the Bastard Bearded Irishmen, on Coda.
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    52 分
  • Brad Yoder: Pittsburgh's Musical Storyteller (Take Two)

    Brad Yoder: Pittsburgh's Musical Storyteller (Take Two)
    2026/07/23
    Sometimes technology wins.

    After somehow losing our first conversation (yes...the entire thing), I sheepishly asked Pittsburgh singer-songwriter Brad Yoder if he'd be willing to sit down with me again. Thankfully, he said yes—and I'm glad he did, because this second conversation may have been even better than the first.

    Brad has been writing and performing music for more than 30 years, and while his songs have even found their way onto television shows, this episode is less about the resume and more about the person behind the music. We talk songwriting, the Pittsburgh music scene, where inspiration comes from, and what keeps him creating after all these years.

    And one thing became crystal clear...Brad is hilarious. His quick wit and self-deprecating humor had me laughing throughout the conversation, making this one of the most enjoyable interviews I've had in a long time.

    I also asked Brad replay one of amazing songs, "Skyler," giving you a chance to hear the heart behind the stories we talked about.

    So pull up a chair and enjoy a fun, honest, and entertaining conversation with one of Pittsburgh's favorite musical storytellers...Brad Yoder.
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    1 時間 21 分
  • Ronny “Moondog” Esser: Keeping Pittsburgh Rockin’

    Ronny “Moondog” Esser: Keeping Pittsburgh Rockin’
    2026/08/21
    Ron “Moondog” Esser has spent more than four decades helping shape Pittsburgh’s live music scene — as a musician, club owner, promoter, philanthropist and tireless champion of local artists.

    A Pittsburgh-area native and Point Park University graduate, Esser got his start in the music business managing the legendary Graffiti Showcase Lounge in Oakland before opening Moondog’s in Blawnox in 1989. What began as a small neighborhood club grew into one of Western Pennsylvania’s most enduring live music venues, hosting generations of local favorites along with nationally known artists including Joe Bonamassa and Keb’ Mo’.

    But Moondog’s impact reaches far beyond the stage. For more than 20 years, he helped lead the Pittsburgh Blues Festival, raising more than $2 million for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. His charitable work earned him national recognition from the Blues Foundation and the Volunteer Philanthropist of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Western Pennsylvania.

    In 2016, Esser and John Vento co-founded Band Together Pittsburgh, using the power of music to create performance opportunities, friendships and a sense of community for people on the autism spectrum.

    From discovering artists and keeping live music alive to using that music to help others, Ron “Moondog” Esser has become one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Pittsburgh’s music community.
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    54 分
  • Joffo Simmons: The Heartbeat of Pittsburgh Rock

    Joffo Simmons: The Heartbeat of Pittsburgh Rock
    2026/07/10
    For more than four decades, Joffo Simmons has been one of Pittsburgh's most respected drummers, best known for keeping the beat alongside Joe Grushecky. His career has put him shoulder-to-shoulder with rock legends and given him a front-row seat to some unforgettable moments in music history.

    In this episode, Joffo shares incredible stories from his years on the road, including memorable experiences with Bruce Springsteen and the legendary Levon Helm. He also reflects on the friendships, the performances, and the moments that have shaped a remarkable career behind the drum kit.If you love rock 'n' roll, great storytelling, and hearing what really happens behind the scenes, you won't want to miss this conversation with one of Pittsburgh's true music veterans.
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Frank Czuri: Pittsburgh's Enduring Rock & Roll Legend

    Frank Czuri: Pittsburgh's Enduring Rock & Roll Legend
    2026/06/12
    Frank Czuri is a Pittsburgh music legend whose career has spanned more than six decades. A Penn Hills native, he began performing professionally at age 14 and first gained national attention when Atlantic Records signed his band, The Igniters. He later performed with Pittsburgh favorites The Jaggerz, fronted the hard-rock band Diamond Reo, and became the voice of The Silencers, whose music earned MTV airplay and critical acclaim. Czuri also spent 25 years with the popular doo-wop group Pure Gold and has performed with Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners. Known for his powerful tenor voice and dynamic stage presence, Czuri remains one of Pittsburgh’s most respected and enduring entertainers.
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    1 時間 20 分
  • Cheryl Rinovato: Pittsburgh’s Soulful Voice of Blues, R&B, and Heart

    Cheryl Rinovato: Pittsburgh’s Soulful Voice of Blues, R&B, and Heart
    2026/05/15
    Cheryl Rinovato is a dynamic Pittsburgh-area vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist whose music blends the heart of Soul, the grit of Blues, and the timeless grooves of R&B and Jazz. Best known as one-half of the soulful duo Soulful Femme, Cheryl has built a reputation for powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and performances that connect deeply with audiences.

    A familiar face in the Western Pennsylvania music scene, Cheryl has performed at respected regional venues and events including the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, Rivers Casino, and the Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts. Whether delivering an intimate acoustic set or fronting a full band, her style combines raw emotion with seasoned musicianship.

    Through Soulful Femme and her solo work, Cheryl continues to champion original music rooted in classic soul-blues traditions while bringing her own modern energy and personality to every stage. Passionate about live performance and creative expression, she remains an active and respected presence in Pittsburgh’s vibrant music community.
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    54 分