E95 - Kristi Ormand, singer/songwriter
Queen City Music Podcast
2026 is off to a great start and on this episode 95 of the QCMP I’m pleased to be speaking with my friend singer/songwriter Kristi Ormand. Kristi has released several new singles recently and fronts the cover group StellaRising. I sat down with her discuss her musical history, the release of new music and who this Stella person actually is... ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Kristi Ormand ____________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ...
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E94 - Coconut Groove Band, cover band
Queen City Music Podcast
To kick off 2026 and this episode 94 of the QCMP I’m speaking with members of Charlotte’s most notable cover group - Coconut Groove Band. The group formed in the late 90’s and have developed a broad repertoire of songs which spans decades as well as genres. The band's deep catalog, along with their dedication to musical excellence has earned the Coconut Groove Band an impeccable reputation in the Charlotte area as well as being a top choice for entertainment for corporate events, weddings, festivals, and venues throughout the region. ________________________________________________ ...
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E93 - The Spongetones, power pop band
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 93 of the QCMP I’m speaking with local music legends The Spongetones! The group formed in 1979 from a desire to play the music of the Beatles and other artists of the 1960s they admired. Their music can best be described as “Power Pop” highlighted by jangly guitars and Beatlesque vocals. Although their lineup has slightly changed over the years - the current lineup of Jamie Hoover, Steve Stoeckel, Pat Walters and Eric Wilhelm are in the studio to talk about The Spongetones past, present and future. ________________________________________________ ...
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E92 - Rick Thurmond, Confluence
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 92 of the QCMP I’m speaking with Rick Thurmond from Confluence. If you are not familiar with Confluence, it is the must-attend annual gathering for music professionals, artists, and industry leaders across the Carolinas and the Southeast. Confluence was held here in Charlotte in October from the 8th - 11th. There were guest speakers and panel discussions during the day and evening performances throughout the city at some of our most popular venues like The Evening Muse. ________________________________________________ ...
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E91 - Sean Michael Smith, composer
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 91 of the QCMP I’m speaking with self-trained composer Sean Michael Smith. Sean has an interesting background as a metal musician, with a foot in the classical realm. His first symphony “The Wolf” is to be performed on October 24th by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra at the Dale F. Halton Theater. A symphony is quite an ambitious work for a new composer, especially when it is the first piece they have written. __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Sean Michael Smith ...
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E90 - Local Music Business Roundtable, w/ Pam Taylor, Ephraim Sommers and Nicholas Rhodes
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 90 the QCMP has its first rountable! We're talking the business of music as a local musician. Host Matthew Ablan is joined by Ephraim Scott Sommers, Pam Taylor and Nicholas Rhodes. It's an interesting discussion between four musicians who are navigating the Charlotte scene. Featuring the songs "Man Enough" by Ephraim Sommers, "Mountain" by Pam Taylor and "It All Depends on You" by Matthew Ablan. __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Ephraim Scott Sommers ______________________________________________ Pam...
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E89 - Philip Funderburk, cover artist
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 89 cover artist Philip Funderburk who can be found tickling the ivories as a soloist and dualing pianist. Philip digs into his background as a pianist, what brought him to Charlotte and a whole lot more! __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Philip Funderburk ______________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners
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E88 - Big Greg, rap artist
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 88 rap artist Big Greg also known as PLK “The Punch Line Kid”stops by to talk. Big Greg can best be described as "genre less" and has been cited as one of the most diverse artists in the south. Not to mention he’s received accolades from: Charlotte Music Awards, Carolina Music Video Awards (CMVA) and Indie Grind Music Awards (IGMA) to name a few. Equally at home in the studio or on a stage you can be sure Big Greg will always bring his best. __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Big Greg ...
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E87 - Desmond McDonald, bassist
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 87 of the QCMP I'm speaking with bassist Desmond McDonald who recently finished a tour with blues/rock guitarist Eric Gales. Dez fills us in on his music background, what attracted him to the bass, plugging into the Charlotte music scene, the pressure of jumping into a tour and a whole lot more. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Desmond McDonald _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor ...
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E86 - Tara Taylor, vocalist
Queen City Music Podcast
This month on episode 86 of the QCMP vocalist and good friend Tara Taylor stops by to discuss her musical history, plugging into the Charlotte music scene and the various groups she performs with. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Tara Taylor _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners
info_outlineThis month Matthew Ablan speaks with Matthew Hedrick, founder of Prog for Wishes. Prog For Wishes is an annual Progressive Rock Concert of All-Star Charlotte Musicians Benefiting Make-A-Wish.
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