In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly Greg

This week's episode, was recorded remote from the Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center (Seneca Iroquois National Museum) in Salamanca, NY, where we explored Native American music, dance and culture with Alan Dowdy, the museum's Lead Cultural Interpreter. Alan is a member of the Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan and was born and raised on the Seneca Allegany Territory where he resides with his family. He and his girlfriend have six children who are heavily active in their way of life—singing, dancing, ceremonies, and sports. Alan's two sons play their traditional game of lacrosse, and his daughters play softball. They all hunt, fish, and harvest food from the garden, woods, and river.

This week's edition of the podcast was recorded live from the Town of Tonawanda Public Library (Kenmore Branch) on Wednesday, June 17 to celebrate Kenmore Porchfest. Founder Eric Nagel was there to talk about the incredible grassroots festival that transforms local front porches into vibrant community stages. Since its kickoff in 2021, Porchfest has grown every year, bringing neighbors together for an unforgettable day of music and community spirit. Joining the fun is special musical guest akloh.! After diving full-time into music in late 2023, akloh. has taken the WNY scene by storm, even taking home Buffalo Spree's 2025 Best Original Music Artist award. We chat about his signature "anthem arena rock" sound, his dynamic acoustic sets, and his brand-new six-piece band, akloh. & co. Plus, we dive into his debut LP anthology (Deluxe Edition) and his latest hit single, "love of the game."

Exploding onto Buffalo's music scene, Samantha Hoy has raised her voice in celebration of the local soul with gritty intoning, raw belting, and a spirited passion for performance.   Samantha is Currently lead vocalist for one of Western New York's newer rock bands, "Bubblegun." Samantha brings a unique and personable energy that she credits to some of her favorite artists: Thom Yorke, Trent Reznor, and Björk.   Come September of 2026, Samantha will be making her theatrical debut by starring in an homage to the one and only, late, great, Janis Joplin. Showcased at the D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre.   Samantha sat down with Rockabilly Greg In the Flamingo Lounge on June 8 to share her stories and an original track from "Bubblegun." Samantha  is a star on the rise.

This week marks the debut session of "Favorites," a captivating new series where I step outside the 716 area code to shine a spotlight on my personal favorite artists. These are the trailblazers, icons, and sounds that have shaped my musical DNA.   Blaise Dahl, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and lead vocalist of the Midnight Cowgirls, virtually visited the Flamingo Lounge on Thursday, June 11 to talk about music and the Cowgirls upcoming tour. Blaise also shared an original Cowgirls tune, "Born Ready."   THE MIDNIGHT COWGIRLS are a powerhouse feminine collective poised to revolutionize the music scene with their electrifying blend of country, rock, metal, post-punk, and rockabilly. Their fresh sound defies genre conventions, seamlessly blending twangy guitars with pulsating bass lines and driving rhythms. Conceptualized by songwriter, bassist and fashion designer/stylist Jennie Vee, the band is also led by multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and lead vocalist Blaise Dahl, drummer, vocalist and composer Marlhy Murphy, and guitarist and vocalist Cassidy Fleeman. The band spent the Summer of 2024 opening for rockabilly legends The Stray Cats during their U.S. tour and quickly gained the attention of Sirius XM Outlaw Country, who have since premiered two of their singles and aired them as the last in-studio live performance of the year. In 2025, the band were invited to open for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jack White, Eagles of Death Metal and most recently performed alongside First Lady of Outlaw Country Nikki Lane at the Patron Desert House Stagecoach party.  Get ready to saddle up and ride into a rockin' musical adventure with The Midnight Cowgirls—this is just the beginning of their unforgettable journey.

This week's guest is an international musician and entertainer whose journey is fueled by passion, creativity, and a mission of female empowerment. Courtney B. Holmes, known to fans worldwide as DrummerGurl and DJ CoCo B., started her musical path singing at four years old and drumming in church at thirteen. Since then, she has brought her immense talent to major venues like the KeyBank Center for the Buffalo Sabres, Bandits, and events associated with the Buffalo Bills. She has also hosted drumming seminars in Belize, Central America, and opened for R&B legends Ginuwine and Jeffrey Osborne. Courtney visited the Flamingo Lounge on May 27, 2026.

Dee Adams has been playing guitar and singing for over three decades, with twenty of those years spent as a staple in the Buffalo music scene. While solo acoustic is how most folks are used to hearing her lilting, lyrical voice, she shines in a full band, whether it's as a leader or a backing vocalist. With roots firmly set in acoustic folk and pop, with lots of room for growth into the beautiful blooms of country, rock and roll, and jazz, Dee uses her voice as the main storyteller, weaving tales of human nature and imagined timelines. Dee visited the Flamingo Lounge on May 20, 2026 to share her stories and music.

NSS's musical direction is stylistically hard to pin down as he refuses to be categorized, bracketed, nailed down, pinpointed, shepherded, or grouped but one might suggest, taking a little Frank Zappa, adding a generous portion of The Allman Brother's Band, throwing in a dash of Harry Chapin then mix thoroughly with the essence of King Diamond, chill, distill through a Jean Michele Jarre filter, and serve with a slice of attitude on the side. Noel visited the Flamingo Lounge on May 13, 2026 to talk about and share his music.

Jeff Nixon is widely recognized for his defensive career with the Buffalo Bills, yet his life is equally defined by his craftsmanship as a musician. A dedicated songwriter and guitarist, Jeff blends the precision of a professional athlete with the soulful depth of the blues—a talent honored by Buffalo Nightlife when they named him R&B Guitar Player of the Year for three consecutive years (2006–2008). This year, Jeff is hosting the 2nd Annual Bills Alumni Music Festival on Saturday June 13, featuring local and national music acts and Buffalo Bills veterans to raise money for charity. Jeff visited the Flamingo Lounge on May 6, 2026, to talk about his music, his career with the Bills and the Music Festival.

Hailing from Buffalo with a "Rust Belt Rock 'n' Roll" sound, Letter to Elise masterfully balances 80s alt-pop shimmer with raw, modern energy and blue-collar grit. Following a breakout run on NBC's The Voice as part of Team Reba, where Reba McEntire herself praised their high-energy performance and harmonies, the band has solidified their hometown pride with their debut record, Risen From Rust. Having shared the stage with icons like Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls and captivated festival crowds like Music is Art, the group continues to build a loyal following through their authentic blend of soaring synths, driving guitars, and a story of resilience that proves something golden can always rise from the Rust Belt. Elliott and Chris visited the Flamingo Lounge on April 28 to talk about and share their music.

This week's guest, Sal Andolina, is the BPO's hottest switch-hitter in his permanent position of clarinetist, bass clarinetist and saxophonist. He has been a full-time member of the BPO for the past 21 seasons. His association with the Orchestra began in the late '70s when he was a standout performance major at the University at Buffalo as a full-scholarship student on the clarinet. Upon completion of his degree at UB under former BPO clarinetist James Pyne, Andolina pursued advanced clarinet studies with Stanley Hasty at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and coaching with the legendary Benny Goodman in New York City. In addition to appearing as a soloist with the BPO, Andolina has been featured with the Rochester Philharmonic, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Fresno Philharmonic, the Arts Nova Chamber Orchestra and the North American New Music Festival. More significantly, Andolina has been featured on at least 15 studio recordings, including his prized CD: "Like Benny to Me," a tribute to Goodman. Note, this episode was originally recorded on April 9, 2026 where we talked about his association with Michael Tilson Thomas. Sadly Mr. Thomas passed away on April 22, 2026.

The Trend is a Buffalo-based band formed in 1966, known for covering '60s rock 'n roll and rhythm and blues at High school parties and CYO dances. They often performed at local venues including Point Gratiot in Dunkirk NY. Fifty-plus years later, the lineup has evolved, but the core of that 1966 spirit is still there. Joining me in the lounge today are three of the guys who have been keeping The Trend moving from the garage days to right now. The Trend members - Dave Chiarmonte, Dave Roach and Bill Basil reminisced In the Flamingo Lounge on April 20, 2026 about their days as a garage band up to the present.

The Spin Wires are a four-piece outfit from Buffalo, New York, delivering a high-energy fusion of punk, dance rock, new wave and garage rock. Recently celebrating their ten-year anniversary, the band has released four original albums and seen their music licensed across major platforms—including the Showtime series Shameless, CBS's Player Style Files, and various PlayStation and Nintendo titles. While they are serious about their craft, The Spin Wires never take themselves too seriously; that sense of fun is the heartbeat of their recordings and the defining spark of their live shows. Tyson Prince (Guitar/Vocals) and Jay Organek (Guitar/Vocals) of The Spin Wires joined Rockabilly Greg in the Flamingo Lounge on April 11, 2026. Beyond a fantastic conversation, the duo showcased their songwriting talents with performances of their original tracks, "Slam Van" and "Goodbar Good Night."

This week's episode falls on a very special day for the audiophiles, the crate-diggers, and the music obsessed. It is Record Store Day, and we are celebrating in the best way possible. Joining us is a man who has turned his passion for vinyl into a Western New York institution. Phil Machemer started his journey in 2010 selling records out of his garage. Fast forward to today, and he's the owner of Revolver Records, operating the two largest shops in the region. His Elmwood Village location isn't just a store; it's a vital Buffalo venue where local and national acts take the stage every week. On top of running a vinyl empire, Phil is a proud father of three and was recently inducted into the Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School Wall of Fame in 2025.

Richie English is a nationally recognized composer, pianist, arranger, and producer. He has worked on several Billboard-charting albums by artists including the Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Franti, and Moody Blues founder Denny Laine as orchestral composer and co-writer. English was the youngest registered piano teacher in NYS at 11 years old, studying under Juilliard-trained pianists Frieda & Stephen Manes. He graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a piano performance degree and a master's in music theory. In 2006 English performed two recital programs for the Dalai Lama during his visit to UB. With co-host Stratton Rawson, English can be heard on Fridays at 10.a.m and 10.p.m on BTPM Classical's Stratton and Richie: Entering Music. Listeners can also catch English solo on Wednesday nights at 10.p.m on From the Piano Bench. Download the BTPM app or tune in to 94.5 FM radio. Richie joined Rockabilly Greg in the Flamingo Lounge on March 9, 2026, for an engaging deep dive into his musical journey. The episode concludes with a special performance of his original composition, 'Singularity.

This week's guest, Singer/instrumentalist Joe Rozler visited the Flamingo Lounge on March 5, 2026. Joe Rozler has been a fixture in the Buffalo music scene for decades. He's active as an entertainer and recording artist in pop, jazz, rock and less classifiable music. In 2008, Rozler was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.  In his varied career, Joe has created music for soap operas, video games and TV commercials and several locally produced movies, sang a lead role in a chamber opera, written orchestral arrangements and toured Europe with a heavy metal band (!).

On January 23, 2026, Anita West joined me for a great conversation on her life's journey in music. Anita West is the embodiment of energy and musical passion. Her commercial rock journey began in Atlantic City in 1983, eventually leading her to Buffalo in 1988, where she became the midday personality of 97 Rock. A self-proclaimed "music head," Anita's life revolves around the industry; when she's off-air, she stays busy as a promoter, talent buyer, and event coordinator. When it's time to unplug, you'll find her tending her garden, cycling, hitting the Lake Erie beaches, or chasing the horizon on the back of a motorcycle. You can catch her on-air Saturday mornings at 10:00 am on "The Saturday Meet Up" and Sunday nights from 9:00-10:00 pm on "Get the Led Out".

On February 20, 2026, the Kenilworth Library hosted an intimate evening with Dick Bauerle, a celebrated Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee. Bauerle captivated the audience with stories from his expansive musical journey, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a professional musician. A poignant highlight of the night was Bauerle's tribute to the late Art Kubera, emphasizing Kubera's profound and lasting influence on the Western New York music scene. The event felt even more historic with fellow Hall of Famer Carol Jean Fremy Swist in attendance. Swist added her own voice to the tribute, sharing personal reflections on her professional association with Mr. Kubera, further cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of the local industry. From a $20 acoustic guitar inspired by the Beatles' debut to the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Dick Bauerle's career is a masterclass in musical evolution. A veteran of the Western New York scene, he rose to prominence with the legendary band Hardtimes before co-founding Select Sound Studios in 1975. As an elite producer and session guitarist, he's collaborated with icons like Rick James and Paul Shaffer. Whether topping smooth jazz charts on Atlantic Records or landing tracks in Mel Brooks' Spaceballs, Bauerle's "musical muse" has traversed pop, country, and jazz. This is the story of a true sonic architect.

Mark Hodges is the Principal Percussionist of the Grammy Award–winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. An accomplished recording artist, he has appeared on more than 60 recordings with the BPO and has also recorded extensively with the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. He has toured internationally across multiple continents, performing both standard and contemporary repertoire. Alongside his performing career, Hodges is deeply committed to education. He serves on the percussion faculty at the Eastman School of Music and SUNY Buffalo State University, and is a highly sought-after clinician, adjudicator, and lecturer. Mark's work also extends beyond the concert hall and classroom. He is the founder of Druminar, a Buffalo-based program that uses music-driven, hands-on experiences to support corporate training, leadership development, and team building. Through Druminar, Mark works with organizations to strengthen communication and collaboration, partnering with Fortune 100 companies, national banks, international manufacturers, and nonprofit organizations. Hodges holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music/ Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Capella University. Mark visited the Flamingo Lounge on

Harry Altman: Buffalo's Master Showman, by Susan Fenster, is a biography about the impresario who ran the famous Town Casino and Glen Casino in Western New York, bringing major stars like Sammy Davis Jr. and Jayne Mansfield to the region from the 1920s to the 1960s. The book details his rise from a Russian-Jewish immigrant to a major entertainment figure, navigating challenges like antisemitism and organized crime, and covers the history of his venues and the subsequent rock venue, The Inferno. Published in late 2025, it's available through Buffalo History Books and other local retailers. About Susan Fenster Susan Fenster graduated from Buffalo State University with degrees in history and journalism. For more than 30 years, she has built a career as a writer and author specializing in non-fiction with a focus on New York State history. She now lives in Williamsville, New York, near Glen Park. Susan visited the Flamingo Lounge on February 16, 2026.

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Buffalo String Works Development Manager, Whitney Dann and Outreach & Engagement Manager, Aye Min Thant visited the Flamingo Lounge on February 10, 2026. n March 2014, a performance at Buffalo's P.S. 45 revealed a profound truth: music transcends language. After hearing Brahms, a young student poignantly identified the music's theme as "love," prompting founders Elise Alaimo, Yuki Numata Resnick, and Virginia Barron to address a critical gap in local arts education. What began in September 2014 as a modest program for 17 violinists has evolved into a cornerstone of the Buffalo arts community. Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, Buffalo String Works provides comprehensive string instruction to 160 students across three campuses, dedicated to fostering excellence and community through music.

In the Flamingo Lounge this week, from the Theatre of Youth Company Inc., affectionately known as the TOY, is Executive Director, Tracy Snyder  About the Theatre of Youth Company, Inc. TOY, which is Currently celebrating their 54th season, stimulates the imagination, nurtures the creative spirit and enhances the education of young people by engaging them in relevant, child-centered, and professionally-produced live theatre programs. TOY believes meaningful childhood experiences in the theatre develop confidence in creative thinking skills, cultivate empathy and establish a life-long connection to the arts. TOY is a place where all families, children, cast and crew feel included, represented and inspired. We strive to reflect the community that gave rise to our theatre, both on and off the stage, and to improve access to the magic of children's theatre and arts education for all. TOY is a safe haven where children can explore and be creative in comfort, with diversity in our productions and ensuring that our community has a voice in everything we do. About the Executive Director – Tracy Snyder Ms. Snyder joined TOY in August 2019. Tracy (she/her) is a Buffalo native and a graduate of both SUNY at Buffalo (B.A. in Theatre Performance) and Niagara University (M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in business and theatre). Snyder also completed an acting residency at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, UK. Prior to joining TOY in 2019, she was the Education Director and Office Manager for Shakespeare in Delaware Park. She has worked with many Buffalo theatre companies as an actor, stage manager, playwright, director, wardrobe mistress and teaching artist. Her play, Apple of My Eye, was selected to be a part of the Road Less Traveled Production's Emanuel Fried New Play Workshop. She recently made her film directorial debut with "This Is Not A Pipedream" (Leaves Are Falling Fast Productions). This episode was recorder February 5, 2026.

Jacob Nicholson is a Buffalo based musician, music therapist, and music educator.  Jacob studied general music at Onondaga Community College, and music therapy at SUNY Fredonia with a focus on singing as his primary instrument.  He has sung bass in multiple professional choirs in Central and Western New York, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.  Now, he performs on keyboard with multiple groups such as Ellen Pieroni and the Encyclopedia of Soul, Brass Machine, Hunks of Funk, Zak Ward and the Million Dollar Question, The 1/2 Trays, and others.  He also leads his own band, The JT Nichol Trio.  The JT Nichol Trio consists of original songs and unique arrangements written by Jacob.  The groups sound is a blend of elements of jazz, R&B, and rock, with a focus on songwriting, grooves, and improvisation.  Jacob is also the artistic director for Momentum Choir.  Momentum choir is a group that consists of adults living with disabilities that share a common passion for music and singing.  Jacob directs the choir in rehearsals and performances, with a goal of highlighting their wonderful musical abilities. Jacob visited the Flamingo Lounge on January 29, 2026 to share his stories and an unreleased JT Nichol Trio song, "Wait for the Time", that was mixed and mastered by Jacob that will be officially released on February 20, 2026. It features Jacob on keys, Josh English on drums, Michael Johnston on Bass and features Peter Heuer on guitar.

From scoring sci-fi films with blenders and hair dryers to shredding with the Hall of Fame jazz group Gamalon, guitarist Dave Schmeidler has spent a lifetime coloring outside the lines. A Kenmore native who cut his teeth alongside legends like Billy Sheehan and studied under icons like Joe Pass, Dave's career spans prog, Celtic, blues, and experimental rock. While his resume boasts award-winning chops and a 20-year tenure at Buffalo's Top Shelf Music, the true thread through his work is a signature sense of wit—proving that "no style of music is safe from him." Whether he's performing with the Blues Daddios or crafting his next solo record, Dave remains fueled by a relentless curiosity and the simple, infectious joy of the performance. Dave Schmeidler joined me In the Flamingo Lounge virtually on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Buffalo-based folk duo Sally Schaefer (fiddle, vocals) and Tyler Bagwell (guitar, vocals) breathe fire into folk songs old and new, including a treasure trove of Americana, Celtic, and Erie Canal music. Sally is a well-known ethnomusicologist and musician around the Western New York area, appearing with numerous bands and recording for various projects representing an array of musical genres. Tyler is an award-winning historian and patchwork songwriter with a busker's voice in search of couplets within the notion that "history rhymes." Together, they invent and reinvent songs highlighting events, people, and places of local and national note. For larger shows, they often play with the addition of bass and drums as folk-rock band The Travesties. Tyler and Sally visited the Flamingo Lounge on January 14, 2026 for an engaging session telling stories and discussing their newest projects and sharing live renditions of some of their new music.

Diane Kallay is a highly-regarded vocalist and staple of the Western New York music scene, originally hailing from East Lovejoy. Her national recognition includes opening for legendary acts such as Dave Mason, The Marshall Tucker Band, .38 Special, and Kim Mitchell at major local concert series like Artpark's "Tuesdays in the Park" and Buffalo Place's "Thursday at the Square." Her versatile musical style covers Pop, Blues, R&B, and Country music, earning her multiple awards across these categories. She was recognized as "Best Female Blues Vocalist" at the 2001 Buffalo Music Awards and, most recently, received the award for "Best Lead Blues Vocalist" at the 2024 Night Life Magazine Awards Show. After performing in Las Vegas and California, Diane returned to her hometown to continue her musical journey with The Diane Kallay Band. Her 2007 CD, Paisley Blues, showcases her powerful vocals backed by a "smoking" rhythm section and powerful horns featuring veterans of the Buffalo music scene. A long-time supporter of the community, she has performed at numerous benefits throughout her career.   Diane visited the Flamingo Lounge on January 8, 2026 to talk about her music and we listened to a couple tunes off her CD "Paisley Blues"

This week is a special week. We first dive into the fourth session of Rockabilly 2 Rachmaninoff – our acclaimed series with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. And, this week marks a major milestone: the 200th episode of In the Flamingo Lounge! Joining us this week for an exciting conversation is my featured guest, Jonathan Borden from the renowned Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra! Double bassist Jonathan Borden is a dedicated member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has performed since 2014. A Juilliard-trained musician, Borden's commitment to the orchestra extends beyond his musical contributions. He has actively volunteered his time on the Board of Trustees, shaping the organization's strategic direction through his involvement in Education, Marketing, and Artistic committees. Driven by a passion for making classical music accessible, Borden has spearheaded initiatives aimed at expanding the orchestra's audience, including BPO UpClose and the ongoing Musician's Nightcap series, where he leads engaging discussions with fellow musicians to answer audience questions.  Jonathan has also performed with the Aspen Chamber Orchestra, the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra in Sapporo, Japan, the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra, and at the Caroga Lake Chamber Festival. Beyond his orchestral duties, Borden is an educator, sharing his expertise through outreach programs and private lessons. His commitment to fostering a love of classical music is evident in his ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Outside of his musical duties, Borden can be found on the tennis court, the golf course, or the curling rink. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2025

On December 17, 2025, the Flamingo Lounge welcomed the prolific Josh English for an in-depth conversation about his life behind the kit. Josh shared insights into his primary work with the high-energy group Grosh, as well as the various other musical projects that keep his schedule packed. Josh has shared the stage with many national acts, including Larkin Poe, Gary Numan, Hollerado, Goo Goo Dolls, and many more. His hard hitting, driving feel will make sure you're on your feet when you see him perform. The episode explores his versatile drumming style and what it's like juggling multiple creative identities within the music scene. Featured Tracks To wrap up the episode, we've included two tracks that showcase Josh's impeccable timing and groove: The Nursery – "Everybody's Famous" Zak Ward and the Million Dollar Question – "Hoodwinked" Note: Josh provides the percussion for both of these featured recordings, highlighting his range across different genres.

This week's guest In the Flamingo Lounge, Tod Kniazuk, serves as Artistic/Executive Director of the nonprofit music and mentoring organization The Big Easy in Buffalo and is planner for Buffalo's Best Kielbasa Contest. Tod has been recognized as a top local arts agency leader and has presented at the NYS Public Safety Symposium on grant management and alternative programs. Tod also serves as Board President of the Friends of St. Adalbert Basilica, on the Festival Committee for Music is Art, and on the Grants Committee for the Threadhead Cultural Foundation in New Orleans. Tod has a distinguished history as the first executive director of Arts Services Initiative (ASI) of WNY and the founding executive director of Robby Takac's Music is Art. His prior experience includes advancement at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and roles at the UB Regional Institute and Erie County Legislature. He is currently the Senior Grants Manager for the Buffalo Police Department. This session was record In the Flamingo Lounge on December 11, 2025

Chris Panfil is a solo performer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist bluegrass musician. His musical palette includes vocals, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, and various guitar styles. His passion is writing, singing, and playing his original Americana-influenced songs, but he also enjoys performing Pop/Rock and Country "chestnuts." The Panfil Brothers Chris and his brother, Mark Panfil, were inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2016 as the Panfil Brothers. They continue to perform together as the Panfil Brothers, moving seamlessly between various styles, including bluegrass, folk, country, Irish, and acoustic jazz. The duo has released three CDs under this name. Creek Bend Chris is a long-time member of the award-winning bluegrass band, Creek Bend, with whom he has recorded six projects. • He first joined Creek Bend in 1985 on mandolin. • He rejoined the group in 1994, again on mandolin. • He later switched to guitar around 2005. Nashville Career A former studio musician from Nashville, Chris spent over ten years as a multi-instrumentalist in Florida and Nashville. While in Nashville, he was an in-demand musician, playing with touring acts, working as a session player, and holding a steady gig at the Stagecoach. Chris visited the Flamingo Lounge on December 3, 2025 to talk about his illustrious career and share his story.

Charlie Coughlin, born in Buffalo's Irish heritage district, brings a unique blend of Irish and American tunes, folk songs, and new music sensibility to his solo act, forming his own Neo-Folk sound. As the fiddler for Crikwater, The Brothers Blue, Steel City Rovers, and Bánóg, Charlie has been performing in the Buffalo area for more than ten years. He has played on stages from Buffalo to New York, Baltimore, Ireland, and beyond. He has also performed at many great festivals across the country, such as the Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, The Virginia Scottish Festival, and The Southern Maryland Celtic Festival, among many others. Charlie is also a proud recipient of the Irish Echo's Arts and Culture Award in 2023. In the fall of 2025, Charlie opened the Buffalo Academy of Irish Music. Its aim is to bring in-depth traditional Irish music lessons to youth and adults in the Buffalo and Western New York region. Its goal is to further enrich the already fantastic Irish traditional music scene in the area with more young players and masterclasses from highly skilled teachers from Ireland. Charlie joined Rockabilly Greg In the Flamingo Lounge on November 15, 2025 to talk about the Buffalo Academy of Irish Music, his music and play some traditional and non-traditional fiddle tunes.

This week's guests In the Flamingo Lounge are Cami Clune and Mason Laboski. They joined Rockabilly Greg on November 13, 2025 to tell their story and perform some original music. Cami first gained national recognition as a four-chair turn finalist on NBC's The Voice. A versatile powerhouse, she blends pop-rock originals with subtle touches of country and theatrical flair, influenced by icons like Ann Wilson and Alanis Morissette. Beyond her growing catalog of original music, Cami is the official Buffalo Sabres anthem singer, has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and opened for artists like Cee Lo Green. From solo acoustic sets to her high-energy band, Cami transforms personal stories into music that resonates across generations. Get ready to be captivated! Mason is a guitarist and songwriter whose playing masterfully blends blues-rooted soul with modern rock and country. Largely self-taught, he draws inspiration from icons like John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughan, showcasing his skill on both electric and acoustic guitar. Mason writes original country and singer-songwriter music and is a key co-writer for Cami Clune. He performs across Western New York in multiple projects, including Cami and The Fringe, Smells Like Dave Grohl, and Bloodline, bringing a grounded, soulful energy and a lifelong passion to every performance.

This week's guest In the Flamingo Lounge is Grace Lougen. Grace is an accomplished, award-winning guitarist and songwriter known for taking listeners on a journey with her intense, tasteful solos. Grace has toured in the US and Europe with award-winning bandleader Robert Parker and with another incredible local artist, Grace Stumberg. Grace has lent her talents to over a dozen records, and worked as guitar tech for Joan Baez and also worked for the Indigo Girls. In 2018, she co-founded the rock supergroup Grosh, whose current album, Start Again, was recently launched in March of 2025. Grace talked about her musical journey with Rockabilly Greg on November 3, 2025 and also played original music on acoustic and electric guitar.

ECHO 23 joined Rockabilly Greg In the Flamingo Lounge on October 16, 2025. ECHO 23 is an attitude-fueled alternative rock band channeling the best of the '90s and '00s. They officially formed post-COVID in 2021 and began tearing up their home base, The 33 Speakeasy, in May 2022. The band's centerpiece is the fierce, young, lead singer Cassandra Warren, who uses her incredible voice and attitude to captivate every crowd. On the rhythm section, you'll find lifelong friends Charlie Forness on bass and Steve Wellenc on drums (who also manages the band). With the addition of CJ Ambrosia on guitar, the lineup for ECHO 23 is complete. What sets E23 apart is their unique setlist. With Cassandra's incredible vocal range, they crush songs by Paramore, Alanis Morissette, and Lady Gaga. They then instantly flip the script, bringing you bangers from Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco—plus a side of Poison—making them one of the most eclectic and must-see bands in WNY!

Gus Walters is an award-winning songwriter, audio and video producer, and an accomplished show runner. Bands that he's helmed have gone on to place top 3 in the world in the 2014 Hard Rock Battle of the Bands, which led to opening for national acts such as Weezer, Brand New, Theory of a Deadman, The Tea Party and Canadian rock heroes Lowest of the Low. "On the scene" since 1994, he's cut his teeth in bands such as Milkrun, Dirty Smile, At The Helm, The Cinematics, Murder! and Flat Top Riot. He's also self-taught in graphic design, audio recording, audio mastering, video editing, and video directing. On this episode of In the Flamingo Lounge, Walters reflects on three decades in the Buffalo music scene — the bands, the friendships, and the chaos that made it all worth it. But this story takes a turn as he opens up about his recent colon cancer diagnosis and the life-saving power of a routine colonoscopy. Listeners - Even if insurance makes it hard, there are real, accessible ways to get screened.

Joining us on the third episode of the "Rockabilly 2 Rachmaninoff" series, is conductor Bradley Thachuk. Maestro Thachuk, is the Music Director of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (NSO). He has been connected to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for over 10 years, conducting occasional Pops and Rock series performances each concert season. Post-pandemic, he's served as the conductor of the Rock series, which is comprised of three concerts per season.  A versatile and diverse musician, Maestro Thachuk has also established himself globally as one of the handful of conductors who moves easily between the classical and rock worlds. He is a highly sought-after symphonic arranger, with numerous collaborations. Recent and upcoming projects include Steve Hackett of Genesis, the music of Leonard Cohen, a tribute to the Tragically Hip, Dave Mason of Fleetwood Mac and Traffic, ABC's Dancing with the Stars franchise, Tony-Award winning Heather Headley, Sarah Slean, Chantal Kreviazuk, The Beach Boys, and Air Supply. 

Miranda Wilcox is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter fresh on the Western New York music scene. Currently studying Music Education with a concentration in voice at SUNY Fredonia, music plays a multitude of roles in Miranda's life. From sound recording to operatic performance, Miranda can be seen enjoying music in several different ways. This young musician will thrill you with her eclectic music set, which hits everything from R&B to rock to country, plus her original music. Miranda traveled to the Flamingo Lounge from Fredonia to talk about her music and perform two very personal songs.

The Edward Honeck's Night-Life Music Awards are a prominent event in the Western New York music scene, dedicated to honoring local bands and musicians. Originally conceived by the late Ed Honeck, who was a major music supporter known as "Mr. Night Life" and associated with Night-life Magazine. The awards were brought back in 2023 to honor Ed Honeck and the Buffalo music scene by Will Schulmeister. These newly formatted awards feature multiple categories, with winners selected by a combination of committee input and a public vote. Beyond celebrating music, the event serves as a charitable fundraiser, with proceeds frequently benefiting WNY Drummers for Homeless People Inc., a non-profit organization supporting homeless shelters in the region. Will Schulmeister and Shane Davis visited the Flamingo Lounge on October 2, 2025 to talk about the Awards process and the Event itself.

The dynamic voice behind Buffalo's acclaimed rock band, Grosh, is none other than Megan Brown. Known for her powerhouse vocals and electrifying stage presence that anchors Grosh's blend of hard rock, blues, and funk, Megan has been a fixture in the Western New York music scene for years. While Grosh continues to thrive—most recently with their Tim Lefebvre-produced album Start Again—she is also an accomplished performer in her own right, with a deep history in musical theatre and other local acts. Today, we're excited to dive into a different side of her musical journey as we discuss her solo career and projects outside of the band. Megan joined Rockabilly Greg In the Flamingo Lounge on October 8, 2025.

Borderland Band Camp is a 3-day summer music program (August 25-27, 2025) for middle-school and high-school teens with a BIG goal—to share the stage with professional musicians for two live performances, culminating in a spot on the Homespun Stage at Borderland Music + Arts Festival. There's nothing more tantalizing to a musician than a chance at a big stage—and the Homespun Stage at Borderland Music + Arts Festival is pretty dang big. This is a serious opportunity for young musicians to spread their wings. Last year's Camp was a big success, and was capped off by a well-received set at the Borderland Festival before a large crowd. Our 'campers' really knocked it out of the park with their individual and collective performances. This year, response to the Camp has been more than enthusiastic, with nearly double the number of students our team of professional musician mentors will be able to serve. Also, badly needed scholarship funds to deserving students were awarded through the Sportsmen's Americana Music Foundation. Buffalo Music Club partner Eric Crittenden joined band campers Gracie, Evelyn, Alex and marko for a livel discussion outlining the program and discussing their lived experience at Borderland Band Camp 2025.

Greg Klyma is prolific songwriter and seasoned road performer known for his energetic live performances and clever storytelling lyrics that deliver entertaining rides through hilarity, reflection, passion and loss. Buffalo-born and based, Klyma is a scholar of rock 'n' roll and country music. From that foundation, he has developed a distinctive and compelling sound that resonates with audiences across the country — and even worldwide, with international indie artists having covered his songs. You may also have heard his original tunes on SiriusXM, the Midnight Special, and Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. Guitar lessons at the age of 13 led to songwriting at age 18. In time, Greg taught himself to play harmonica, mandolin, piano, and tenor banjo. After nearly 30 years of touring and with more than a dozen studio albums under his belt, Klyma isn't slowing down. The Singles Project shows a songwriter who has matured and whose craft continues to evolve. Klyma change is real. Greg visited the Flamingo Lounge on September 29, 2025 and shared his stories and original composition, "Two Degrees in Buffalo",  a well-known song by Greg, featured on his 2008 album Rust Belt Vagabond.  Photo credit: Gary Stanfield

Sue Kincaid's journey began in 1981 at a small club on Delaware Road in Kenmore, New York. Since the tender age of 14, Sue has been singing songs that inspire her and bring peace to others. From those early days of singing popular rock 'n' roll, Sue's repertoire has expanded to include all genres of music. Yet, her main passion remains writing and recording. Sue has performed countless original pieces, both her own and those composed by other local Buffalo musicians. She has also lent her vocals to radio and television advertisements. Throughout her career, Sue has received numerous music awards and has had the honor of working with many Buffalo Music Hall of Fame musicians. Her style is a signature blend of passion, sensuality, and soul—a voice that is uniquely and beautifully her own, whether she's performing with a guitarist, a keyboardist, or a full band. For Sue, life's work extends beyond the microphone. As a certified Yoga Therapist, she has spent decades helping individuals suffering from cancer and dementia. For her, music and wellness are two sides of the same coin—gifts she shares to heal and inspire. The incredible talent of the Buffalo music community has not only championed her efforts but also humbled her, solidifying her deep appreciation for the city she calls home. Sue joined Rockabilly Greg in the Flamingo Lounge on September 9, 2025.

Andrew Loefke, also known as LoF or andy13, is a veteran bassist and vocalist with decades of experience in rock and roll. His sound is heavily influenced by British blues, East Coast punk, and psychedelic rock, resulting in a heavy, loud, and relentless musical style. Loefke is an active member of the Buffalo, New York music scene, currently performing with six bands: Chloroform, Iron Fist, Tombstone Hands, Shoot Ya, Cowboy Vampires, and Bitey. He also regularly organizes and participates in one-off projects and short-term musical events for charity and tributes. Music runs in his family, with his grandfather, Alvin Loefke, being a professional pedal steel player who had charted songs in the 1950s. Loefke's career began early; he was playing clubs by the age of 12 and touring North America in his twenties. Throughout his career, he has released multiple records, worked as a session musician, and even composed music for a ballet. In addition to his performance career, Loefke spent over eight years as the front-of-house sound production manager at Mohawk Place, a well-known music venue in Buffalo. Andrew visited the Flamingo Lounge on September 8, 2025 for an intmate conversation on his music and touring life.

This week marks the second session of "Rockabilly 2 Rachmaninoff," a captivating new series of "In the Flamingo Lounge" dropping every two months on the second Saturday. Each episode promises unique insights, featuring a special guest from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Joining us on the second episode of the "Rockabilly 2 Rachmaninoff" series, is Classical crossover tenor Jay Dref. Jay inspires audiences with his passionate, transcendent voice. His uplifting, timeless interpretations of classic standards and modern material has quickly made him one of the premier vocalists of his generation. Reviewers have called him "Groban-like" and his music has become very popular on classical crossover and adult contemporary playlists on Spotify where he has over 100,000 listeners in 157 different countries.  A Buffalo native, Jay is a graduate of The Juilliard School. He has toured internationally and performed at venues such as New York's Lincoln Center, Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Jay also has appeared in concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.  Most recently, Jay has collaborated with world-renowned soprano Sarah Brightman on several concert tours spanning four continents. He will continue to tour with Ms. Brightman throughout this year.

Danielle A. joined Rockabilly Greg "In the Flamingo Lounge" on August 21, 2025 after a 14-hour drive from Atlanta. Danielle shared her story and a heartfelt rendition of her song "Better". Danielle is a Buffalo-born soul fusion artist whose music blends gospel, R&B, jazz, and other influences into a sound that is both powerful and deeply personal. With a background in theater, poetry, and music, she weaves soulful vocals and poetic storytelling into performances that feel intimate, explosive, and unforgettable. As the founder and lead voice of Diyené, Danielle channels her community's grit and warmth, creating music that breaks barriers and builds connection. When she is not in the artistic sphere, she is an educator. She is going into her 4th year in the school system. In the classroom, she inspires the next generation of community members with the belief that everyone has something important to say; they just need the space and skill to say it.

Adam Bronstein (ABtrio) and Ellen Pieroni joined Rockabill Greg In the Flamingo Lounge on August 20, 2025. Ellen Pieroni, a soul jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from Buffalo, NY, has been a prominent figure in the local music scene for over a decade. Her band, Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul (EoS), was recently featured on NPR's All Things Considered as a "jazz standout" in this year's Tiny Desk Contest. Their smooth, original music, inspired by artists like Grover Washington Jr. and King Curtis, is driven by Pieroni's captivating melodies and the band's thoughtful improvisations over deep grooves. Buffalo, NY guitarist Adam Bronstein is known for his clever songwriting and playful improvisation, creating instrumental music that blends bebop, fusion, soul-jazz, and psychedelia. With three studio albums released in the past two years—Intention/Invention, ABtrio, and Jazz ≠ Jazz—as well as the live album Live at Black Dots, Bronstein has established himself as a prolific artist. While touring with Louis Prima Jr. & The Witnesses and Ellen Pieroni and The Encyclopedia of Soul, he also leads his trio, ABtrio, on frequent tours across the Northeast and Midwest.

Biff Henrich, original member of the Vores, Visited the Flamingo Lounge on August 13 to review the history of the band and share some original music. The Vores first stalked the stages of Buffalo rock events during the New Wave era of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their music was labeled punk at the time, but much of the tense dissonance they perpetrated was actually ahead of its time. Their style of music has since come to be categorized as "Post Punk." Incorporating elements of punk, funk, pop, no wave, industrial, and surf, The Vores created their own sound. During their initial active period, only a handful of studio recordings were made, and even fewer were released to the public. Comprised of Biff Henrich, Gary Nickard, and others, their most notable release was the "Love Canal" 45, a powerful and direct commentary on the environmental crisis that was unfolding in their own backyard. This song, and their music in general, captured the raw, urban anxieties of the era. The band took an unplanned, unintentional hiatus. As the '80s wore on, the band quit performing in places from New York to Toronto and went on to careers in art, photography, computer software development, and teaching. In 2002, a somewhat miraculous double-disc collection of New Wave era Buffalo music was released. The "This Is It" compilation included a couple of The Vores' recordings, and when a release concert celebration was planned, they were invited to participate. This led to two new CDs of original music: "Moment of Uncertainty" in 2005 and "Common Scar" in 2012.

This week in the Flamingo Lounge I sat down with visual artist, Jeff Garbaz, on August 7, 2025 to get a behind-the-scenes viewpoint. Jeff Garbaz has been directing videos and photography for the last 20 years in the entertainment business. He has made a name for himself in the industry by directing video screens in a live atmosphere and has worked all over the world. Some of the venues where he has directed video include Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, Roseland Theater in New York City, the Hard Rock in Vegas, and the Masters golf tournament in Augusta. He has also directed tours all over California, the West Coast, and the East Coast. Jeff has worked with over 100 Grammy Award winners in many different genres, including artists such as Crosby, Stills and Nash; B.B. King; Weezer; Buddy Guy; Bonnie Raitt; Doc Watson; Lou Reed; and David Sanborn. He is also one of Carl Palmer's (of Emerson, Lake and Palmer) video directors. Jeff began his career as the singer and songwriter for a band out of Buffalo called "Last Lemming." After performing on most of the prominent stages in Buffalo, New York, and touring in places like New York City, Jeff moved from being on stage to photographing and doing portraits for other bands. Jeff's photography has been featured in newspapers and magazines, such as The Buffalo News, in over 100 issues.

Jacob Jay and Dalton Sharp from the Jay/Sharptet visited the Flamingo Lounge on July 30, 2025. Based in Buffalo, NY, the Jay/Sharptet performs music with a focus on original compositions and arrangements. Founded by musicians Jacob Jay and Dalton Sharp, this versatile ensemble can perform as a trio, quartet, quintet, or even a big band. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like the Miles Davis Quintets, Chet Baker, and Roy Hargrove, they strive to make every performance a unique musical statement that is engaging for their audience. Past performances include the Northwest Lewiston Jazz Festival, Queen City Jazz Festival, CMC Jazz Festival, and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Festival, as well as renowned venues like the Palmetto Theatre and Pausa Art House.

Tom began his musical journey as the drummer for the recording group, Weekend, known for their top ten hits "Together" and "Everyday." In 2000, the band members of Weekend were inducted in the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Tom has shared concert stages with legendary bands including Grand Funk RR, the Guess Who, Fleetwood Mac, STYX, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Marshall Tucker, Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren & other prominent performers. Tom's band, Weekend, toured nationally with pop singer Bobby Sherman when Tom was just 18 years old. The single "Together" was released and rose nationally to the top ten when Tom was 20 years old. He performed with Weekend for ten years. Later he joined the Vincent Michaels Band, Watchers, SLAM, Win Lose or Draw, Rod Nickson Project, The Soul Providers, Brother 2 Brother, and the popular Tom Petty tribute, Learning to Fly.  Tom enjoys traveling and has visited over 30 countries, 8 Canadian provinces and 38 US states. He enjoys performing and recording with various music projects. He lives in Lewiston, NY, enjoys wines from around the world, growing heirloom tomatoes and tending to his flower gardens. Tom visited the Flamingo Lounge on July 28, 2025 and talked about the many bands he's played with, including "Weekend". And, both top ten hits can be heard in the episode.