In this episode, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson explore the journey of Sunshine Garcia Becker (Furthur, Sunshine Garcia Band) on her mission to curate an all-female Grateful Dead tribute band, with the purpose of expanding the involvement of women as key players in the live music scene. Sunshine is joined on the show by drummer Anna Elva ( Smokedaddies, Mark Karan’s Buds, West Grand Boulevard, Stu Allen & Mars Hotel ), bass player Jen Rund ( Jenerator, Talley Up, Mangobu, Lumanation )...
Jul 31, 2025•33 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of Tales From The Green Room - mixed with joyous reflection, levity, and emotion - drummer extraordinaire Danny Luehring discusses the origins and evolution of Danny's Live Dead , a weekly Grateful Dead show hosted by him every Wednesday at Peri’s Tavern in Fairfax, California. Danny shares insights into how the show started after the closure of Phil Lesh's beloved Terrapin Crossroads , the challenges and rewards of curating a rotating lineup of musicians, and the significance of...
Jul 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of 'Tales from the Green Room,' the hosts engage in an enlightening conversation - and history lesson - with singer-songwriter, Cajun culture activists, and International recording artist, Zachary Richard . Richard first reflects on his deep ties with Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA - playing and hanging with Huey Lewis and Bob Weir - before musing on his touring experiences and unique cross-cultural identity as both an American and French Canadian artist. The interview ...
Jun 25, 2025•38 min•Ep. 37
Super-creative, virtuoso pianist , Holly Bowling joins the show in the first-ever podcast recorded in The Green Room at Garcia’s Chicago . Holly shares the etiology of her genre-crossing and improvisational style in between her two incredible debut appearances at this spectacular venue - playing the music of Phish and The Grateful Dead on solo piano! The episode delves into Holly’s classical training, influences, and balancing the dual aspects of meticulous arrangement and spontaneous performanc...
Jun 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 36
In this engaging episode restaurateur, music promoter, and local legend Chris 'Shaggy' Davis welcomes Tales From The Green Room and listeners to Day 2 of the 10th annual NOLA Crawfish Festival, a celebration that marries New Orleans' rich musical heritage with its vibrant culinary culture held at The Broadside New Orleans . The episode features an interview with rising star keyboard player/vocalist/singer song-writer, and band leader, 15-year-old River Eckert and his father, Jake Eckert. Father ...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min•Ep. 34
Join hosts Tami Larson and Dennis Strazulo as they dive into the vibrant atmosphere of JazzFest 2025 , with this episode recorded at The Broadside in New Orleans during the 1 0th Annual Crawfish Festival . In this episode, the first of several generated from JazzFest, the focus is on the experiences of the captivating, modern New Orleans funk band, The Rumble, authors of a sound they dub "New Orleans Mardi Gras Funk!" Special guest co-host, Wally Ingram , joins the first part of the episode, eng...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of 'Tales from the Green Room,' we welcome the band Spafford in the green room at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA to discuss their origins, musical influences, and journey. The conversation covers the genesis of their unique band name, evolving from 'Officious Tortfeasor' to 'Spafford,' inspired by a close friend. Members, Brian Moss, Nick Tkachyk, Corey Schechtman, and Shon Gordon share personal anecdotes about their musical backgrounds, influences from legends like the...
Apr 15, 2025•40 min•Ep. 22
Celebrating 50 Years+ of Sweetwater Music Hall with Tommy Castro! Tales From The Green Room redux! In Mount Tam Media's first drop of it's “one from the vault” series of never released episodes -recorded during Sweetwater Music Hall's 50th Anniversary celebration in Nov. 2022 - host Dennis Strazulo sits down with legendary blues musician, Tommy Castro. Castro reminisces about his deep connections with the iconic venue, including early gigs, significant milestones, and memorable performances alon...
Mar 23, 2025•24 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of "Tales From The Green Room" Sam Grisman Project mainstays Max Flansburg and Chris English visit with hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson backstage at Terrapin Crossroads' Sunday Day Dream Vol. 4 in San Rafael, CA. Max Flansburg shares his experience of visiting California for the first time, his musical beginnings in the Finger Lakes region, and joins the roster of stellar guitar players marveling at the mystical encounters surrounding their playing of Jerry Garcia's iconic ...
Mar 12, 2025•38 min•Ep. 30
In an insightful discussion on the "Tales from the Green Room" podcast, Reed Mathis provides host Dennis Strazulo and listeners with a detailed preview of his upcoming podcast series “The Gifts of Improvising” which debuts January 29, 2024 on the Osiris Media Podcast Network. Reed opens the door to a new, profound exploration of the role and challenge of artists as they navigate improvising the music of their heroes and legends, analyzed in detail during discussions with fellow musicians through...
Jan 23, 2025•55 min•Ep. 29
The Journey and Legacy of Sweetwater's Uncelebrated Icon - An Interview with the late Austin de Lone In this interview, which took place in October 2022 before Mount Tam Media launched its Tales From The Green Room podcast, Austin de Lone sits down with host Dennis Strazulo to discuss his rich musical journey and his pivotal involvement with Sweetwater Music Hall, as the venue approached its 50th Anniversary. This is the raw recording of Dennis's visit with Austin for the purpose of writing a fe...
Jan 09, 2025•49 min•Ep. 28
Link to Tales From The Green Room Episode 27 Photography Gallery In this bonus episode of Tales from the Green Room, hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson interview Jack Barton of Jack Barton Entertainment, discussing the behind the scenes operations running Grateful Guitars Foundation. Jack delves into his involvement with Grateful Guitars, sharing insights into its charitable work, including supporting music programs in schools and donating instruments to musicians. The conversation covers Jac...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 27
Link to Tales From The Green Room Episode 27 Photography Gallery In this episode of Tales From The Green Room , Mount Tam Media takes listeners backstage at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco during the Grateful Guitars Foundation Second Annual Benefit. Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally shares some of his experiences with Jerry Garcia and his storied history with the band; David Hidalgo ( Los Lobos) also reflects on his personal relationship and poignant moments with Garcia; Sam...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 27
Tales from the Green Room hits the road with its debut visit to the iconic Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York, sitting down backstage with Dark Star Orchestra lead guitarist, Jeff Mattson! Recorded in between DSO’s first two shows since the passing of Phil Lesh, Jeff reflects on his memorable interactions with Phil and how the band prepared for these memorable performances at one of his favorite venues. The episode continues with Jeff expressing gratitude and sharing memories about being ...
Dec 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 26
In this very special episode of Tales from the Green Room - recorded backstage at Terrapin Crossroads’ Sunday Daydream Vol. 3 in San Rafael, CA on July 21, 2024, on what turned out to be the late Phil Lesh’s final performance - hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson sit down with legendary musician Stanley Jordan, Greg Loiacono ( Greg Loiacano and Stingray, Mother Hips , and Jerry Saracini ( Forgotten Space ) all who shared the stage with Phil that day. The conversation is steeped in rich history...
Dec 14, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 25
Steve Kimock: Reflections and Revelations on Zero’s 40th Anniversary In this special episode of Tales From The Green Room, Steve Kimock shares his insights and experiences backstage at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his band, Zero. The conversation, recorded less than two weeks after Phil Lesh’s passing, delves into the weight Steve was still experiencing after that event, and touches on memorable moments, including his emotional handling of a significant gui...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 23
In this episode of Tales from the Green Room , hosted by Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson of Mount Tam Media, listeners get an exclusive look into conversations with members of Steely Dead backstage at the renowned Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, CA. The episode features lively discussions with band members Dave A'Bear, Matt A'Bear, Chris Sheldon, and Dylan Teifer as they share insights about their music, the etiology of Steely Dead , touring, the energy of the green room, banjo side projects, and D...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of ' Tales From the Green Room ,' the hosts welcome guest co-host Paul McCaffrey ("Paulie Mac") - formerly of the 'Murph & Mac' morning sports radio show on KNBR - for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation with members of Boston-based band, Bearly Dead, Nick Swift, Michael "Butzy" Butler, and founder Tyler Brooks. Recorded backstage at the iconic Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, the discussion traverses topics from the evolution of their musical journey, the influenc...
Nov 07, 2024•49 min•Ep. 20
Mother Hips' Journey: Past, Present, and California Current Join Greg Loiacono and Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips in the latest episode of 'Tales from the Green Room' as they discuss their journey, starting from the early days in Marin County to the release of their latest album, California Current. Recorded at The Junction in Mill Valley, CA, this episode covers the band's deep connection with their fan base, the evolution of their music, and the intricate process behind recording their 18th albu...
Nov 01, 2024•33 min•Ep. 19
Hosts Dennis Strazulo and Tami Larson sit down backstage with a divergent group of talent at S ound Summit 2024 , the annual music festival atop majestic Mt. Tamalpais across the Bay from San Francisco. Fresh off her releasing her debut album, Wine on Venus , and her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live , rising Nashville star and Gibson Guitar endorsed phenom, Grace Bowers (Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge) , chats about how she was influenced by BB King and her humble rise to prominence - from pl...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 18
Listen in as Tales From The Green Room corrals three star power artists from the 2024 Mill Valley Music Festival ! Margo Price joins the green room conversation after her festival performance and moments before her late night exclusive show at Sweetwater Music Hall later that evening - musing on demystifying psilocybin, her journey to “California Sober” status, touring with her husband of 20-years, and her penchant for speaking out on important issues. Dobbrow guitar-player-extraordinaire, Ander...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 17
Ever wonder what it was like growing up as a true child in the Grateful Dead family? Trixie Garcia (Jerry’s daughter), Jess Hunter Keilt (daughter of lyricist Robert Hunter), and Merry Prankster/Author Ken Kesey’s daughter, Sunshine Kesey share fond stories of the circus atmosphere surrounding their upbringing. In a rare interview with these three ladies together, while guests backstage at the Skull & Roses Festival in Ventura, CA, they also share thoughts on the amazing longevity of the mus...
Aug 02, 2024•56 min•Ep. 16
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Americana and roots singer-songwriter Jackie Greene before his second of three sold-out shows at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA in February 2024. Joined by his wife, Kyle, who reveals some lesser-known stories and behind-the-scenes moments about their life together, Jackie muses about his musical journey, upcoming shows, side projects, being a father and his all time favorite passion he’d give up music to do full time. Whether you're a longt...
May 20, 2024•55 min•Ep. 15
Michael Franti, the amazing and crowd loving singer, songwriter, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and rapper. We sat down with Michael backstage at the Mill Valley Music Festival, 2023. In honor of Mother’s Day we are releasing this now as in this interview, Michael reflects on his own Mother and how she influenced his life and music. Michael also shares a special story about one of his other great mentors, time spent at the University of San Francisco and how Woody Harrelson played a ro...
May 10, 2024•22 min•Ep. 14
Elliott Peck, the beloved and multi-talented San Francisco Bay Area singer/songwriter/guitarist visits with host Dennis Strazulo before her sold out “In The Pines” EP Release Party at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA. Elliott is both charming and authentic in sharing her thoughts and emotions before the show, while also reflecting on the path that led to her big moment, including her days “growing up” as a musician at Phil Lesh’s Terrapin Crossroads and her current experiences as a membe...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 13
Wolf Jett founding members Jon Payne (drums) and Chris Jones (guitar/lead vocals) share their evolution from playing in their first band together (Scary Little Friends) leading to their soon-to-be released (March 8, 2024) second album, “Time Will Finally Come.” Their journey took an unexpected turn when they were hunkered down during COVID at Jon’s 3 acre property in the Santa Santa Cruz Mountains. Just days after construction of Jon’s dream studio was completed, his home on the property - and t...
Mar 07, 2024•51 min•Ep. 12
More interviews from the green room at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco during Grateful Guitars’ inaugural benefit concert with members of Dark Star Orchestra (DSO). Keyboard player, Rob Baracco details his his experiences playing piano and organ on original Grateful Dead gear; drummer Dino English gives a lesson on tone and shares detail on his amazing side projects; and bass player Skip Vangelas is effusive about his appreciation for a special gift bestowed on him that evening by Gra...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 11
Backstage interviews during Grateful Guitars’ Inaugural Benefit Concert at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco: Music director and show participant Alex Jordan talks about herding the group of talented musicians playing at the show; Zach Nugent (Zach Nugent’s Dead Set) chats about his history of playing the famed guitars supplied by Grateful Guitars; Gary Lambert (Sirius Radio Tales From The Golden Road host) reflects on his Grateful Dead journey and the band’s staying power; and keyboard...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 10
Andy Logan, Founder/President of Grateful Guitars and owner/steward of the famed “Alligator” guitar which was once gifted to Jerry Garcia by Graham Nash, talks about sharing and gifting his amazing collection of instruments with prominent members of the jam band scene. Listen to the story of one of the community’s most beloved members as he talks about guitars, gear, music, and family two weeks before Grateful Guitar’s Inaugural Benefit Concert featuring members of Dark Star Orchestra and an arr...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 9
Terrapin Crossroads – Sunday Daydream Vol 2 (Featuring Moonalice) – Part 1 Join Tales From The Green Room backstage at the Terrapin Crossroads Sunday Daydream 2 music fest as they visit with members of Moonalice (John Molo, Barry Sless, Pete Sears, Lester Chambers, Dylan Chambers) and sit down with concert host Phil Lesh’s bass tech Brian Rashap and fellow extraordinary bass player, Angeline Saris – all on hand to celebrate the unforgettable 10-year history of Terrapin Crossroads while carrying ...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 8
