The High Note
In Episode 51 of The High Note podcast, I talk with Philadelphia-area singer-songwriter about his new album, "," released July 1 to mark the country's 250th anniversary. Rob has written more than 1,088 songs since 1975 and once released a 300-song, 18-hour debut album. For this one, he pulled 15 of them into chronological order, starting around 1740 with a cherry tree that was never chopped down and ending in the present. We get into the story behind nearly every track: "History," written in 1984 and updated with a new closing line about Saddam Hussein and the Ayatollah; "Father Abraham" and...
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In this milestone 50th episode of The High Note, I welcome back to talk about his new live album, "," out now and recorded during the farewell weekend of the "Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey" exhibit in Owensboro, Kentucky. Keller shares why that night earned a release, the story behind his first-ever performance with Lindsay Lou on "Eyes of the World," and why the Grateful Dead's music hits even harder acoustically - a thread that runs from "Reckoning," the album that hooked him as a teenager, through The Seldom Scene and Old & In the Way to the current Grateful Grass lineup that grew...
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Atlantic City's own Tina Notaro joins The High Note Podcast to talk about her remarkable journey as an event creator, community builder, and the beating heart of Atlantic City's arts and nightlife scene. We dig into her work with Noetrope — the movement she built around creating noetic experiences — the legendary Beach Rave at Crystals beach, the New Moon Night Market at Anchor Rock Club, and her role as Program Manager at the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. Tina also shares how she became an officially licensed clown in Atlantic City, how she got the permit that brought Making Waves to the...
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In this episode of The High Note podcast, I sit down with New Jersey alternative rock artist to discuss his debut full-length album "Primer," released Dec. 12, 2025. We dig into the creative process behind compiling updated mixes of previously released singles alongside brand new material, and explore what makes this his most personal and raw record yet. About Just Wiln Justyn Wielenta, known to music fans as Just Wiln, is an alternative and country rock artist from Hamilton, New Jersey. His sound blends elements of alternative, folk, grunge, indie, and rock into something distinctly his...
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stops by The High Note to talk about his long history with the Philadelphia Folk Festival, his meaningful work with incarcerated individuals through , and his new album "," which is out now. We also get into his friendship with the legendary Kris Kristofferson. You can catch John live this fall and winter. On November 23rd, he'll be in Devon, PA for . On Thursday, December 4th, he's playing the storied Lansdowne Folk Club in his native Delco—get details at . And finally, on December 18th, John continues his annual tradition (30 years now!) with a fundraiser for Camp Dreamcatcher, a...
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Grammy-winning baritone and New Jersey native joins The High Note ahead of his show John Brancy and Peter Dugan Live at the 609 Club this Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Celebrity Theatre inside The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City. We talk about his South Jersey roots, his career on the world’s greatest stages and the cabaret-style performance he and pianist Peter Dugan are bringing home as part of the North to Shore Festival. Listen to "" Get tickets to benefiting the . Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and Follow...
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On this episode of The High Note podcast I’m joined by Jayne Toohey — photographer, author and the press contact for the . Jayne is the creative force behind "Smiling Banjo: A Half Century of Love & Music at the Philadelphia Folk" Festival, a beautiful collection of images and stories that capture the heart of the event. The 62nd annual Philadelphia Folk Festival kicks off Thursday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. It’s the longest-running continuously held outdoor music festival in North America, celebrating a mix...
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In the latest episode of The High Note, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Atlantic City-based DJ and producer Captain Cork. My good friend Cory Kaisand and I talk about his creative process, the art of crafting engaging DJ sets, and his experiences performing across the country. For fans eager to catch Captain Cork live, he has several performances scheduled in Atlantic City, including Dec. 28 at and Jan. 9 at . Keep an eye on his Instagram for the latest updates and event details. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts...
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Dave Gunning returns to The High Note Podcast to discuss his musical journey since we last spoke in 2019, including his success in environmental activism, new community initiatives, and his partnership with JP Cormier. Time Stamps [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] Dave's return to Philadelphia Folk Festival [00:02:45] Navigating the pandemic [00:07:00] Collaboration with JP Cormier [00:11:00] Discussion of "The Same Storm" album [00:16:00] Environmental activism and mill closure [00:24:00] Musical collaborations and future projects [00:30:00] Zero Hunger Fund initiative Key Topics...
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In this episode of The High Note podcast, I sit down with Brian Walker of at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. We discuss his songwriting process, the significance of playing at the folk festival and in Philadelphia, his experiences moving from Philly to Boston, and his latest album. Brian shares insights on overcoming challenges, the role of music in healing, and his mission to inspire others to be the best version of themselves. Key Topics: A Day Without Love’s journey from Philly to Boston Brian’s songwriting process and inspiration The importance of community and...
info_outlineOriginaire will play an EP release show 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Philadelphia Folksong Society. Get "Off The Ship," and see where Originaire is performing at OriginaireMusic.com and follow @originairemusic.
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