Raising the Standards

We chat with Todd Lefkovic, owner of Foods of NY about his terrific tour business, along with the effects of tourism. Also, we heard a wonderful version of Stand By Me by Ben E. King.

We talked to Chef Hasham from El Halal Amigos which was recently featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. He shares how his appearance came together and why Guy Fieri was so impressed with his restaurant. Also our underachieving friend College Boy joined us.

Jeff Idelson joined Michael Jacobi and Bill Wolverton. We heard about the Willie Mays Foundation. Say Hey! Jeff and Willie became friends when Jeff was the president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. These days Jeff is busy with Grassroots Baseball.

We hear of the National World War Two museum in New Orleans, from the curator, Erin Clancy Curator, as well as of the Eliza Jane Hotel there, from the concierge John Fitzpatrick

Jacobi had to settle for looking across the studio at Bill Wolverton instead of Rachael Shelton. Everything else was really good. Mark Winkler schooled us on song writing, and talked about the creation of a music video. Hilary Gardner shared stories of her new album, and more. Herb Alpert appeared in the Liner Notes.

Jacobi and Bill Wolverton were in the studio to pay tribute to Frank Sinatra, shortly after the 110th anniversary of his birth. They were joined in the effort by Chuck Granata, of San Diego's Jazz 88.3 FM - KSDS. His show Sinatra Standard Time is live there every Sunday. Then several stories of life with Sinatra were told by The Man Who Made Sinatra Laugh, Tom Dreesen. Liner notes featured the song The Lady is a Tramp, from the 1957 film, Pal Joey.

Bill Wolverton joins me in studio as we welcome a couple of old buddies. The irrepressible John Fitzpatrick from The Eliza Jane Hotel in New Orleans.   John has been a mainstay on the program for a number of years. Concierge extraordinaire and treasure trove of knowledge about. “The Big Easy.”   Author and raconteur Andy Nottenkamper will talk about his new book, “Killshot” an exciting new work from the man who introduced us to Harrison Pius, know as “The Pope” in “Rule Number One.”   Plus we’ll chat with Bruce Labadie about next week’s Monterey Jazz Festival. Busy day. Finally, Weekend Liner Notes will feature Spike Lee and Aaron Copeland. Now there’s a pair to draw to.

The Rythms of Hope: An Interview with Lauren Monroe, Founder of the Raven Drum Foundation

Monterey Jazz Festival with guest Managing Director Bobbie Young We heard some music from Gregory Porter. We relived an iconic scene with a young Tom Cruise. Gene Autry fans may or may not want to listen.  

Bill Wolverton filled in for Rachael co-hosting and putting up this podcast. Noah Lucé of New Canon Theatre was with us to talk about the upcoming play he will direct, Life Sucks. It opens August first, in Moss Landing. Then we chatted with Michael Henderson of TPC Monterey at Pasadera. It's a new name, but the same great facilities and service. Finally, we were treated to a performance by Julie London of her first hit, which remains her signature song, Cry Me a River.

We heard from Colleen about what has been happening and what is coming up in Salinas Valley businesses. You'll have to listen to the end to hear the list of the five cities in the commerce. There was a great bit of film trivia in weekend liner notes.

Old pal Tony Baker of Bakers Bacon pays a visit to our stuio to tell us about his marvelous product.

The Papacy and the Stuff that Dreams are Made of

I had the good fortune recently of interviewing San Jose State Head Coach, Ken Niuatalolo. Marvelous man and a terrific coach. We talked about everything from portals and off-season training to his time at Navy. He led The Spartans in his first year last season to a bowl game and as they say, “The best is yet to come.”   Speaking of the best, our pal Judy Wexler will join us. One of my favorite vocalist and a dear friend. We’ll chat, play some of her music and share some memories.   Weekend Liner Notes is simply, out of this world. Tune in, I bet that you haven’t heard this song in years.   Join my buddy Bill Wolverton, Brando and myself for “Raising The Standards.” The Internet’s finest hour…anywhere.

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Jacobi interviews John Fitzpatrick of the Eliza Jane hotel in New Orleans.

Michael Henderson from The Club at Passadera talks about their 25th anninversary. Senior Vice President of Pinnacle Bank Jennifer Kuyper talks about the spirit of giving. Weekend liner notes gives a nod to the late David Lynch.

We chat with ex-49er and superbowl winner Dwight Hicks about this weekend's NFL playoffs. We will talk to jazz vocalist Julie Wexler and play a hit off her new CD No Wonder. Continue our discussion about beanie babies. Give and early Valentine's gift in liner notes with Chet Baker.

Rachel is taking the day off, but I will be with my buddy Brando in studio for what promises to be a very interesting hour.    We will chat with Andrew Vie of The Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County about their marvelous holiday program, “Adopt a Family.” It really is a special opportunity to make a difference.    We will also talk to our great friends for Children’s Musical Theatre about their upcoming production of “Beautiful” a tribute to the legendary Carole King. CMT’s Musical Director, Kevin Hauge will fill us in on this profile of an American icon.    Weekend Liner Notes will feature Amos Lee. Don’t know him? Neither did I untill Rachael turned me onto this performer and his music.   Join us for “Raising The Raising the Standards. The Internet’s finest hour. Saturday noon to 1 pm and anytime on Spotify and Apple Music.   Brandon Walsh Rachael Shelton Santa Cruz Voice Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County Children's Musical Theater San Jose

Fascinating hour with producer/musician/artist Adam Spaletta, about his new album and how it all came together. If you're a budding musician, a must listen.