Ronversations w/ Ron Ross

On this episode of Ronversations, Ron Ross sits down with Frederick native and American Idol Top 20 contestant Rae Boyd for a fun, high-energy conversation you don't want to miss. Rae shares her incredible journey from singing in an empty bar in Las Vegas to being discovered by an American Idol producer and performing in front of music legends like Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. She opens up about the whirlwind experience of the competition, the friendships formed along the way, and what it's really like behind the scenes. Plus, Ron puts Rae in the hot seat with some rapid-fire questions, covering everything from her favorite Frederick hangouts to her go-to comfort food and even a hidden artistic talent you might not expect. It's a hometown success story filled with laughs, inspiration, and plenty of Frederick pride. Don't forget to tune in, support Rae, and be part of the excitement as her American Idol journey continues.

In this episode of Ronversations, Ron Ross sits down with multi-platinum artist Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick of Fitz and the Tantrums ahead of their upcoming show at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Fitz talks about life on the road, the powerful connection between music and fans, and the unforgettable moment he first heard a crowd singing his songs back to him. He also shares the story behind how Fitz and the Tantrums came together, the creative freedom that shaped their latest album Man on the Moon, and how today's music landscape, from streaming to social media, has changed the way artists create hits. Plus, stick around for Ron's "Five Fast Facts" segment, where Fitz reveals his favorite road food, a surprising hidden talent, what he's listening to right now, and the very first song he ever performed in public.

Tyler Connolly, frontman of the multi-platinum rock powerhouse Theory of a Deadman, joins Ron Ross for an in-depth Ronversations that blends music, stories, and laughs. Tyler opens up about the band's songwriting process, their acoustic tours, and why keeping songs raw and simple can be the most powerful choice. From their Canadian roots to upcoming new music, he shares what keeps the band energized after two decades of hits. Plus, we run through Five Fast Facts for a few surprising sides of Tyler you've never heard before. And the timing couldn't be better — because Theory of a Deadman is hitting the stage this Saturday at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia. Expect a night packed with fan favorites, new energy, and the undeniable force that has made them one of hard rock's most enduring bands. 🎸🔥 🎟️ Tickets are going fast — grab yours now before they sell out: Get Tickets

Ron sits down with Steel Panther's thunderous timekeeper Stix for a high-voltage pre-show chat. He shares morning writing rituals, why serving the melody matters, the band's Viper Room origins and on/off-stage chemistry, plus first drum crushes ("When the Levee Breaks"), a little guy-liner talk, what he's spinning now (Big Wreck/Ian Thornley, Royal Blood, BRKN LOVE, Low Lives), and three-part advice for working musicians, be relentlessly persistent, create because you have to, and don't chase trends. 🎙️ Ronversations w/ Ron Ross Don't miss Steel Panther live—Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (Charles Town, WV), Friday, September 12. Tickets on sale now: https://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/entertainment

In this episode of Ronversations, Ron Ross chats with the legendary Ben Bridwell, frontman of the Grammy-nominated indie rock group Band of Horses. With over 20 years of music under their belt, Ben reflects on the band's origins, his journey as a singer-songwriter, their acoustic album Live at the Ryman Vol. 2, and the unexpected joys of fatherhood and performing with newfound confidence.  Plus, don't miss Band of Horses live in concert at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charlestown, West Virginia on Saturday, June 14th! Get your tickets now at  hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com This episode is part of the Listen Frederick Podcast Network — learn more at ListenFrederick.com

In this special episode of Ronversations, Ron Ross sits down with the legendary Ricky Skaggs—an icon in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. Ricky shares stories from his decades-long career, including his first time playing the Grand Ole Opry at just 16, the mystery of Scaggsville, MD, and the heartfelt tale of his very first mandolin. Plus, get the inside scoop on his upcoming performance with Kentucky Thunder at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown on Friday, June 6th. This is a show you don't want to miss—tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly! Event: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Location: The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, MD Date: Friday, June 6th Tickets: Available now For more local shows and interviews, visit ListenFrederick.com.

In this special episode of Ronversations on the Listen Frederick Podcast Network, Ron Ross of WWEG-FM The Eagle sits down with Brad Gillis, legendary guitarist of Night Ranger, for an exclusive conversation ahead of the band's upcoming show in West Virginia. Brad shares stories from the road, insights into the band's latest symphonic live album "40 Years and a Night with Contemporary Youth Orchestra", and what fans can look forward to at their next performance. Catch Night Ranger live at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virginia on Friday, May 16, 2025. Show time: 8:00 PM Tickets available at hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com With over 17 million albums sold and decades of unforgettable hits, this quick 10-minute episode is a must-listen for rock fans everywhere. Follow @nightranger on Instagram and X Visit nightranger.com for tour dates, merch, and more!

Legendary Poison frontman and solo artist, Bret Michaels, talks with Ron Ross about his early days playing in local clubs in Frederick, Maryland like The Rabbit's Foot, what made him leave the area for LA, and why he listens to classic Christmas music at any time. And Bret has fun answering Ronversations' Five Fast Facts including his secret talent.  And he's bringing his Birthday Party Celebration the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia, Friday April 11th.  

From being a contestant on The Voice to being his own country singer-songwriter, Kameron Marlowe hangs with 100.5 and 93-5 MAX Country's Ron Ross talking about writing the 2nd album, (it's a little harder to do), working with the great Vince Gill, and even shares his secret talent in Ronversations' Five Fast Facts.  With the release of his third album, "Sad Songs for the Soul," Kameron brings his show to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia, Friday, March 7th.   

Ryan Stasik, bassist from the band Umphrey's McGee joins Ron Ross for a Ronversation. Ryan talks about his early musical influences, why he picked up the bass, and what to expect at the Umphrey's McGee show with rock, metal, funk, jazz, blues, reggae, electronic, bluegrass and folk jams. Umphrey's McGee, Saturday at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia, Saturday, January 18th on their Cruising Altitude Tour. 

In this episode, Easton Corbin joins to discuss his current tour and the success of his latest single, "Lonesome Drinker." He shares insights into his recording process, including his love for traditional country sounds like fiddles and steel guitars. Easton reflects on the honor of working with top musicians and his excitement for new music coming next year. He also talks about his favorite covers, meeting country legends like Alan Jackson, and how he stays healthy on the road. Catch Easton live at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races on October 11th! https://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/

In this episode of Ronversations, Ron Ross chats with Josh Todd, the energetic frontman of the hard-hitting rock band Buckcherry. Celebrating 25 years in the industry, Josh talks about the band's latest album, Volume 10, their ongoing tour, and how they're already working on their 11th record. He shares insights on the band's longevity, his passion for performing, and how modern tools like iPhones and in-ear monitors have revolutionized his creative process and live shows. Plus, Josh reveals his love for tennis and how he's mastering racket stringing. Buckcherry fans, don't miss their upcoming concert on Friday, September 13th, at Hollywood Casino in Charlestown, West Virginia!https://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/

Half of LOCASH, Chris Lucas, sits down with Ron Ross talking about his Baltimore roots, (he has Old Bay on the tour bus), meeting his partner, starting a new record label and a very obscure Christmas tune! LOCASH coming to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia, Friday, August 2nd. 

John Cooper, bassist and founder of Skillet sits down to talk with Ron Ross about the album Dominion, going out on tour again and a little gear talk about his basses. And he drops a little scoop. 

From the platinum-selling legenday reggae band, UB40, drummer Jimmy Brown sits down with Ron to talk about how a boy from Birmingham, England playes reggae, the album UB45, and back on the road for another tour. And movies. Jimmy loves movies and he has some recommendations. In concert July 6, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia. 

A member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as a co-founding member of KISS, he's in Guitar World's Top 15 of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitaritsts of All Time. He just released and unbelievable tenth full length solo alubm, 10,000 Volts, bringing his thundering riffs for one night only, Saturday, June 15th, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia Grammy nominated, The Spaceman, Ace Frehley!!

Southern Rock and Outlaw Country artist The Steel Woods' Wes Bayliss hangs with Ron Ross before their show at the Hollywood Casinos at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virgina talking about how it all started, their latest release "On Your Time," and the tribute to the legacy of Jason Rowdy Cope. 

Wayne Nelson from the legendary band that Glenn Frey of Eagles called "The best singing band in the world," The Little River Band, sits down with Ron Ross talking about how he joined the band, and what it's like onstage to do show then verses super modern 2024.  Little River Band in concert Friday, May 3rd at Hollywood Casinos at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia. 

On this episode Ron interviews Steve Berlin: American Saxophonist, keyboardist, record producer and member of the band Los Lobos. Where can you see the band next? Find out on this episode, along with some fun insights into Steve's everyday life. This Ronversation is electric! 

John McEuen, Grammy winner, co-founder of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Steve Martin banjo teacher and album producer, calls in to 106.9 The Eagle's Ron Ross with a bunch of great stories from the road, recording the landmark album Will The Circle Be Unbroken, and one of his first jobs with Steve Martin. 

On this episode Ron talks with Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Touring musician and songwriter Kenny has just released his latest album Dirt on my Diamonds and is touring all over the east coast. Find out more about this incredible artist at https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/