PODCAST · music
The High Note
by Shaun Smith
Shaun Smith brings you the latest in new music, concert reviews and music news as well as music-related information in the Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey region.
Episodes
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Adam Ezra
In Episode 52 of The High Note, I talk with Adam Ezra of the Adam Ezra Group ahead of the band's return to the Philadelphia Folk Festival, where they close out Friday night, Aug. 14, at the 63rd annual festival at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. Adam looks back on the...
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Rob Lincoln
In Episode 51 of The High Note podcast, I talk with Philadelphia-area singer-songwriter Rob Lincoln about his new album, "American Tales & Presidents: 250+ Years of American History, Fact and Fiction," released July 1 to mark the country's 250th anniversary. Rob has written more than 1,088 songs...
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Keller Williams
In this milestone 50th episode of The High Note, I welcome back Keller Williams to talk about his new live album, "Keller Williams' Grateful Grass Live at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum," out now and recorded during the farewell weekend of the "Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey" exhibit in...
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Tina Notaro
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…
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Just Wiln
In this episode of The High Note podcast, I sit down with New Jersey alternative rock artist Just Wiln 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...
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John Flynn
John Flynn stops by The High Note to talk about his long history with the Philadelphia Folk Festival, his meaningful work with incarcerated individuals through New Beginnings - Next Step, and his new album "Kindred Spirits," which is out now. We also get into his friendship with the legendary…
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John Brancy
Grammy-winning baritone and New Jersey native John Brancy 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...
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Jayne Toohey
On this episode of The High Note podcast I'm joined by Jayne Toohey — photographer, author and the press contact for the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Jayne is the creative force behind "Smiling Banjo: A Half Century of Love & Music at the Philadelphia Folk" Festival, a beautiful collection of…
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Captain Cork
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...
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Dave Gunning Returns
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. You can listen to our first conversation from 2019 here. Time Stamps &]:mt-2...
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A Day Without Love
In this episode of The High Note podcast, I sit down with Brian Walker of A Day Without Love 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…
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Shanna In A Dress
In this episode of The High Note, I sit down with Shanna in a Dress, a delightful singer-songwriter whose humor and heartwarming stories captivated audiences at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. We dive into her creative process, stories behind her songs, and the inspiration she draws...
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Sug Daniels
I sit down with the incredibly talented Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and ukulele player, Sug Daniels. Originally from Smyrna, Delaware, Sug has carved out a unique space in the music world with her soulful blend of folk, rock, and alternative influences. We delve into her journey from...
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Tony Trischka
In this episode of The High Note podcast, I chat with banjo legend Tony Trischka about his latest project, "Earl Jam," which he will be performing at the 61st Philadelphia Folk Festival. Tony discusses his tribute to banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs which led to him collaborating with musicians Billy...
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Kimberly Sinclair
Join me on this week's podcast as I interview Philadelphia Folk Festival Artistic and Marketing Director Kimberly Sinclair. We explore the exciting plans for the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, which will take place from August 16-18, 2024 at the historic Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford...
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Tall Tall Trees
Mike Savino, the brainchild and founder of Tall Tall Trees, is my guest on The High Note to chat about his most recent album "Stick To The Mystical, I" which was released Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 via Joyful Noise Recordings. We talk about his journey in music from being a metalhead to a deadhead to...
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Emily Faye
Singing songs, surfing and sailing the seas of Web 3; is there anything Emily Faye can't do? I met the multi-talented British-based singer-songwriter at VeeCon 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she captivated a packed crowd with her song "Playstation" at Lucas Oil Stadium with Gala Music.…
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Valerie Ann
Valerie Ann is a Utah-based songwriter with a magical touch for creating children's music that appeals not only to the young ones but also to the adults who care for them and those in between. I met Valerie Ann at VeeCon this past year in Indianapolis, Indiana and thankfully, we re-connected just...
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Keller Williams and Steve Poltz
Keller Williams and Steve Poltz are both accomplished singer-songwriters individually who together have performed a "Shut the Folk Up and Listen" series across America. They join me for a conversation about their careers, folk music and their run of shows. You can see them Friday, March 3 at The...
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Crys Matthews
Crys Matthews stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw her perform. Join me in a conversation with one of my favorite singer-songwriters about her songwriting process, her journey in music and how growing up as the daughter of a preacher influences her on stage. She is based in Washington…
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Mohsen Amini
Mohsen Amini is probably the best concertina player you have ever heard. I met him as co-founder of the multi-award-winning Celtic trio Talisk, based out of his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. Amini talks about his adventures since we last spoke last at the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival...
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Perry Thompson
Perry Thompson is the president of the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society based in Atlantic City, New Jersey whose mission is to preserve and promote Black music culture through education and experiences. He has held lectures in person at Stockton University featuring Reggie Reg from Cash Crew...
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BRAN NU
BRAN NU is a rapper and artist based in South Jersey. He has been rhyming since he was in high school and is currently touring throughout the east coast. During a brief break in his touring schedule, we chat about his influences, his music career, his most recent tour and the projects he is...
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Mike McKenna Jr.
Mike McKenna Jr. is a helluva singer-songwriter from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. He carries on the Canadiana folk music tradition in his songs his homespun lyrics with historical references and a warm voice. We talked Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022 at the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk…
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ADG7
South Korean shamanic folk-pop band ADG7 quickly became one of my favorite acts of the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival - so much so that I, along with many, many others, saw the nine-piece band Saturday night and again Sunday morning. See all the show notes, links and photos here. Follow...
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Talisk Returns!
My old friends from Talisk, concertina player Mohsen Amini and guitarist Graeme Armstrong return to The High Note podcast and bring along their new fiddle player Benedict Morris to chat about performing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival for the fourth year in a row, and the recording process for...
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Episode 26 - Can't Miss The Philly Folk Fest
It's been a while, friends! I dust off the microphone as I prepare for the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival this weekend - Aug. 18-21, 2022 at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. I run through the list of my can't miss performers including Emily Drinker, Talisk,...
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Steve Dawson
Steve Dawson is one of my favorite singer-songwriters. I first discovered him through the album "Funeral Bonsai Wedding" and I fell in love with the song "Ezra Pound and the Deep Wood River." He currently teaches songwriting at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. His latest solo album…
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Episode 24 - Originaire
Ken Shiles and Cibon, two-thirds of the Atlantic City acoustic folk band Originaire join The High Note podcast for this episode, recorded Saturday, Jan. 25 at Ventnor Coffee. We chat about the band's debut EP "Off the Ship," set for release Feb. 21, 2020, their songwriting process including…
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Episode 23 - Talisk
Talisk is a Scottish Celtic band consisting of three incredible musicians, Mohsen Amini on concertina, fiddle player Hayley Keenan and guitarist Graeme Armstrong. They have accumulated multiple accolades across the United Kingdom. We met for a chat Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 at the 58th annual...
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Episode 22 - Dave Gunning
Folk singer-songwriter Dave Gunning has a lot of passion. The pride of Pictou County is passionate about both his music and his hometown, particularly dedicating a decade to trying to clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill, which is polluting the local beaches and waterways. We met after his "Wheel...
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Episode 21 - Steve Poltz
Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz is one very talented and interesting fella. From Halifax, Nova Scotia to San Diego, California, Poltz has blazed his own path toward the American dream. He was the frontman for the indie-rock band The Rugburns and co-wrote "You Were Meant For Me" with Jewel. His…
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Episode 20 - Bush, Live and Our Lady Peace Review With Justyna
Justyna and I review the Bush and Live with Our Lady Peace concert at the Etess Arena at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City on the drive home. I 100 percent had a few New Belgium Voodoo Rangers, as you will hear, but this is a fun one. Gavin Rossdale ran past us and I'll drop the video…
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Episode 19 - Dean Randazzo
Dean Randazzo is a professional surfer, surfing instructor, surf shop owner, real estate agent and four-time cancer survivor. He is the first New Jersey competitor to qualify for the Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour. In 2001, at the height of his career, he was…
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Episode 18 - Renée Wahl
Singer-songwriter Renée Wahl of Nashville, Tennessee joins me for this episode of The High Note podcast. We discuss her album "Cut to the Bone," released March 15, 2019 and our connections to Philadelphia and greater Pennsylvania. She's a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and went to school for…
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Episode 17 - Patsy
Patsy is a singer-songwriter based in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York. He incorporates elements of The Great American Songbook, folk, rock 'n' roll and surf rock on his debut "The EP" released Friday, March 1 on Broad Channel Records. We talk about his roots in music and surfing, being a local…
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Episode 16 - Clive Carroll
Clive Carroll is a guitarist and composer who has toured across the world, including with John Renbourn and Tommy Emmanuel. Hailing from Chelmsford, Essex in England, Carroll graduated from Trinity College of Music in London. We discuss his composing process, alternate tunings and what he does to...
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Episode 15 - The Barrett Brothers
I sit down with the Barrett Brothers - Kevin and Dave Barrett for this special episode of The High Note podcast. We talk about our love of vinyl, our favorite music and the best concerts we've seen - including some we've seen together. We also chat about Dave's documentary project, which includes...
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Episode 14 - Talkin' Bob Dylan With Mum
Hop in the car with me and my mum as we talk about Bob Dylan following his show Saturday, Nov. 17 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Neither one of us are Dylanologists but we talk about his musical legacy and his various performances in New Jersey and Philadelphia including this…
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Episode 13 - Dweezil Zappa Review with Nick Valinote
My friend Nick Valinote and I review Dweezil Zappa's Choice Cuts tour show Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. Fresh from the concert, we talk about Frank Zappa and how Dweezil is carrying the family torch in the form of the guitar that Jimi Hendrix set ablaze at the 1967...
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Episode 12 - Know Yourself Mashup
For this swapcast episode of The High Note with Shaun Smith, I welcome Dan Udale, a counselor and the host of the podcast "Know Yourself" based in the United Kingdom. We talk about how he met Gary Vaynerchuk, who connected us, and the impact music has on mental health. We both created playlists…
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Episode 11 - David Myles at Philly Folk Fest
David Myles is a singer-songwriter who hails from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and was a featured performer at the 57th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. We speak before his first performance Saturday, Aug. 17, 2018 in the hospitality tent on the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township,...
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Episode 10 - Christopher Kent
Christopher Kent is a singer, songwriter and musician who has been writing and performing on stage since he was a teenager. He joins Shaun Smith on The High Note to talk about what he has learned during his long musical career, the creative process and he explains some of his most popular songs....
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Episode 9 - Lisa Schaffer
Lisa Schaffer, photographer, DJ and overall Philadelphia-based badass joins host Shaun Smith for this episode of The High Note. We talk about the magic of the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the journey of a working photographer, DJing, vinyl and music! Follow Lisa @LisaSchafferPhotography and...
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Episode 8 - Kevin Barrett
Kevin Barrett, also known as H-Pizzle, aka Blue Blur joins Shaun for this episode of The High Note podcast. We reminisce about playing in a punk band in high school, how he began playing drums, how he started creating video game music and his latest projects including recreating the music of…
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Episode 7 - _the_yearlong_revue
Alex and Elizabeth Sinari from _the_yearlong_revue_ join Shaun for this episode of The High Note podcast - recorded Saturday, April 21 at Ventnor Coffee. We go deep about the songwriting process and what it's like to make music using more than 700 effects pedals. The opening song is "only hurts…
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Episode 6 - Ventnor Summer Concert Series preview
Shaun talks to the members of Boycot and The Mountain Waves about the Ventnor Summer Concert Series. Recorded Saturday, April 7 at Ventnor Coffee with Boycot founders Tyler Gehringer and Ellie Dotson, and CJ Sooy, Kevin Velazquez and Sergio Ripa of The Mountain Waves. To donate to the concert...
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Episode 5 - Philadelphia Folk Festival with Baile An Salsa
First, I talk about Mordecai's debut album "It's Never Enough." Read my blog for info and see Mordecai Wednesday, Aug. 30 at Holocene in Portland. Next, I talk about the Philadelphia Folk Festival. I interview members of Baile An Salsa about their crowdfunding campaign for their second album...
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Episode 4 - Hittin' The High Note With Amazing Mike
Shaun Smith sits down with Michael Einwechter, Director of Amazing Ventnor and Music Director of Ventnor Coffee. Recorded live Thursday, May 18 at Ventnor Coffee. For concerts in Ventnor see: http://amazingventnor.com/ Twitter: @AmazingVentnor Instagram for Mike: @VentnorMike Special thanks to...
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Episode 3 - New Music Friday And Ben Folds Review
The High Note Episode 3 - New Music Friday And Ben Folds Review Shaun Smith talks about new music releases from Friday, April 21 and Adam Hernandez joins the podcast for a discussion about the Ben Folds concert on Friday at Borgata in Atlantic City. Playlist: DREAMCAR - "Kill for Candy" JAZZ IS...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The High Note have?
The High Note currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The High Note about?
Shaun Smith brings you the latest in new music, concert reviews and music news as well as music-related information in the Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey region.
How often does The High Note release new episodes?
The High Note has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The High Note?
You can listen to The High Note on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The High Note?
The High Note is created and hosted by Shaun Smith.
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