This month we go back to the archives for a panel discussion recorded at the 21st Annual Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference on November 14, 2015 at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, New York. Sonny and her co-host Meg Griffin converse with radio icon Vin Scelsa, veteran singer-songwriter Eric Andersen, and Lowell Levinger -“Banana”, a founding member of the 60s band the Youngbloods.

Eric Andersen is an American singer-songwriter renowned for his contributions to the folk and rock music scenes of the 1960s and 1970s. With a distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, he has crafted influential songs that have been covered by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and the Grateful Dead. Andersen's career, marked by both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, continues to reflect his enduring impact on contemporary music.

Lowell Levinger, also known as "Banana," is a musician and songwriter best known as a founding member of the influential 1960s rock band The Youngbloods. His innovative guitar work and harmonious vocals contributed to the band's hit songs, including the iconic "Get Together." Levinger's enduring career has spanned various musical projects and collaborations, reflecting his versatility and impact on American rock and folk music.

Vin Scelsa was a pioneering radio personality known for his influential work on New York City’s WNEW-FM and WFUV, where he championed alternative and eclectic music. His unique broadcasting style, characterized by deep, thoughtful commentary and an extensive knowledge of music, earned him a dedicated following and significant respect in the industry. Scelsa's career, spanning over four decades, left a lasting impact on radio broadcasting and the music community.

This month’s Wisdom of the Elder’s Podcast features three distinguished artists - Deidre McCalla, Dan Navarro (Lowen & Navarro), and Rex Fowler (Aztec Two-Step). Hosted by series creator Sonny Ochs with co-host Ron Olesko, the discussion centers around changes in the music industry and adapting to the challenges to marketing music in our current environment.

DAN NAVARRO - Dan Navarro’s eclectic 40-year career as a songwriter, artist, singer and voice actor,includes 17 acclaimed albums, thousands of concerts, Oscar-winning films “Coco” and “Happy Feet”, television, videogames, commercials, and writing hits like Pat Benatar’s Grammy-nominated “We Belong”. In early 2019, after 20+ years with Lowen & Navarro, he released his first studio-recorded solo album, “Shed My Skin”, to rave reviews.

DEIRDRE McCALLA - Black woman, mother, lesbian, feminist - has long been in the forefront of Black musicians expanding the understanding of how Black folk can do folk. Deidre is riding high on her current release ENDLESS GRACE which dominated the June 2022 Folk Radio Charts as the #1 Album with the #1 Song - Shoulder To The Wheel and the #3 Song - I Do Not Walk This Path Alone, and finished for the year as the #13 Top Album on FAI Folk Radio. In 2023 Deidre’s song Shoulder To The Wheel won the 19th Annual International Acoustic Music Award for Best Folk/Americana/Roots song.

REX FOWLER - Originating from a chance meeting in 1971 at an “open mic night” in Boston, Rex Fowler & Neal Schulman went on to form Aztec Two-Step, recording four albums on Elektra and RCA Records that helped usher the music of the 60’s into the 1970’s and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the musical genre. Since Neal retired in 2018, Rex and his wife Dodie Pettit are now the heart and soul of Aztec Two-Step 2.0, expanding and exploring the band’s musical legacy with fan favorites, forgotten gems and outstanding new original compositions.

This month’s Wisdom of the Elder’s Podcast will be a Rounder Roundtable”, a discussion on the history of Rounder Records II was recorded in May of 2015 at SERFA (Southeast Regional Folk Alliance) and featured a panel that includeds Rounder Records founders Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin. They were joined by two artists who recorded for Rounder - folk singer Alice Gerrard; and songwriter, author, and activist Si Kahn. The panel iwas moderated by Art Menius.writer, music festival and concert presenter, non-profit and trade association executive, and radio host.
Recorded on Saturday May 16, 2015 at the South East Folk Alliance Conference at the Montreat Retreat Center in Black Mountain North Carolina.