The Desert Vibe
The Desert Vibe Podcast covers the Arizona music scene with full-length conversations and interviews with local musicians, plus shout-outs to bands and live music events. Hosted by Walt Richardson, Glen Gardner, and Jamirae, it spotlights artists, venues, open mics, festivals, and the stories behind the songs from Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson, Flagstaff, and beyond. New episodes are posted weekly, focusing on independent artists and supporting local music.
Episodes
From A Glendale Music Store To Global Stages | The Desert Vibe · Ep 39
We sit down with Diana Lee Messana to trace the real path from a Glendale music store to major stages, studio sessions, and a life built around performance. We also map out where live music is vibing across Arizona right now, from Jerome and Bisbee to Flagstaff and Prescott.Website: https://www.facebook.com/diana.lee.5872682• her first recordings and how format changes shape a career• favorite Ari
What If Your Day Job Is The Muse | The Desert Vibe · Ep 38
We sit down with Justin Olson, aka PTNA, to talk about the leap from writing songs in private to sharing them on real stages and letting people see what the music is really made of. We also tour the Arizona live music map with venue picks and open mic nights across Sedona, Queen Creek, Tucson, Show Low, and Tempe. Listen to Justin Olson "PTNA": http://Ptna.bandcamp.com• first open mic me
What If Starting Over Is The Whole Point | The Desert Vibe · Ep 37
We catch up with blues guitarist Chuck Hall as he looks back on decades in the Arizona music scene and talks through a bold, open-ended move to Bend, Oregon. We also share fresh live music intel across the state, from an all-arts open stage in Casa Grande to festival news up in Flagstaff. WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/chuckhallmusic.page• Chuck’s first leap into Arizona and how jam nights turn
How Tempe’s Mayor Sees Music Powering A City | The Desert Vibe · Ep 36
We talk with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods about how a personal decision to put down roots turns into long-term public service and a hands-on approach to community building. We also dig into why live music and entertainment are not a luxury in Tempe, but part of the city’s identity, economy, and future. https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-woods-29817169/• Corey’s path to Tempe through ASU and why he stays
Who Are You When The Mic Turns Off | The Desert Vibe · Ep 35
We sit down with Blaise Lantana as she closes out a long run at KJZZ, tracing how a working musician became a trusted jazz voice for Arizona. We talk honestly about loneliness, sobriety, creative drive, and what it means to step into a new chapter after a life spent serving listeners and local music. Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1196271322• retiring as music director and on-air
Phoenix Vs LA For Working Musicians | The Desert Vibe · Ep 34
We catch up with Laura Joy to compare what it really feels like to build a music life in Phoenix and Los Angeles, from getting paid solo gigs to finding your people in a huge scene. We also dig into her percussive acoustic style, the extra pressure women face in the industry, and why DIY infrastructure can be the smartest path forward.Website: www.laurajoymusic.com• comparing Phoenix and LA for ac
The Go To Violinist In Arizona | The Desert Vibe · Ep 33
We sit down with Arizona violinist Tim Sadow and dig into how he becomes the rare kind of musician who can jump genres, find the right part, and make a band feel bigger without getting in the way. Along the way, we talk Arizona community, live music authenticity in an AI era, and the choices that separate playing a lot from playing what matters. Tim's Website: www.timsadow.com• Tim’s early cl
Sandra Bassett Explains Why Artists Deserve More Pay | The Desert Vibe · Ep 32
We sit down with singer and arts leader Sandra Bassett to trace how a business mindset can protect a creative life and expand opportunity across a whole community. We dig into fair pay, authentic performance, and why the arts are not background noise but real economic power in Arizona. Website: www.thesandrabassett.com• negotiating a business major while keeping music central • leaving corporate l
How To Steal A Song Without Getting Sued | The Desert Vibe · Ep 31
We talk with guitarist and songwriter Hannes Guevara about friendship, craft, and the quiet skills that make a musician indispensable onstage. The conversation moves from global life stories to concrete songwriting systems, plus the Tempe and Phoenix live music community that keeps pulling great players together. Website: HannesK.com• Seeing economics and music as the same search for patterns • Gr
How A Single Mom Of Six Turns Pain Into Songs | The Desert Vibe · Ep 30
We sit down with Tucson artist Maria Montanini to talk about raising six kids while building a real music business. She shares how pain shaped her songwriting, why discipline matters more than hype, and what authenticity looks like in a filtered industry. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/5HEzzeNekWSleEuqLQyTYj?utm_source=generator• balancing single motherhood with gigs and rehearsals
Who Gets To Decide What Music Matters | The Desert Vibe · Ep 29
We sit down with Johnny Dixon to trace how a kid chasing radio voices and free promo 45s becomes a lifelong advocate for Arizona’s overlooked records and artists. John Dixon is a legendary Arizona music historian, on-air radio personality, Capitol Records exec, and all-around nice guy. Along the way we talk segregation-era airwaves, major-label promotion at Capitol, and why the desert sound still
Paul McCartney’s Feet And Other Studio Truths | The Desert Vibe · Ep 28
We sit down with legendary Tempe engineer and producer Clark Rigsby of Tempest Recording and trace how a tight local scene can shape careers far beyond Arizona. We trade stories about making records, working with major artists, and why honesty, prep, and real struggle still matter more than shiny tools. Clarke Rigsby: www.TempestRecording.com• Clark’s early road years and why he chose Tempe over L
What Should Stay Imperfect In Music | The Desert Vibe · Ep 27
A great record doesn’t start with a microphone. It starts with taste, tough choices, and someone willing to say, “That’s close, but it’s not right yet.” We’re joined by Sean Cooney, recording engineer and owner of Three Leaf Recording in Sunny Slope, for a deep look at how real music production works inside a Phoenix recording studio.Sean Cooney's Socials: www.Instagram.com/3leafrecordingwww.
A Denny’s Conversation That Changed Two Lives | The Desert Vibe · Ep 26
A cracked acoustic guitar sits on the table, Glenn strums a chord, and our guest looks up and says the one line you never expect to hear: he’s the person who helped put that exact guitar into the world. From there, the conversation opens up into something bigger than gear, because Rich McDonald isn’t just a player, he’s a former Fender executive vice president and chief product officer who helped
What If Your Best Book Is Hiding In A Chorus | The Desert Vibe · Ep 25
We sit down with Arizona singer-songwriter and author Nancy Elliott to talk about desert inspiration, creative discipline, and the surprising moment a single song turns into a full Western novel. She shares how she protects her time, captures place in lyrics and poetry, and keeps making new work across music, writing, and design.• managing a packed creative life by batching email, texts, and socia
How A Working Musician Survives Touring And A Broken Industry | The Desert Vibe · Ep 24
The music business can feel like it’s floating in midair, and somehow you’re still expected to build a career on it. We sit down with touring songwriter Bobo Burns, calling in from Anaheim, to get honest about what it takes to survive as an independent musician while still making work you’re proud of. He talks about years of touring through Arizona venues and festivals, why the Arizona music commu
What It Really Takes To Plan A Festival That Doesn’t Crash And Burn | The Desert Vibe · Ep 23
We trade the romance of live music for the reality of making festivals work, from Glendale’s folk stages to city‑ringing mega shows. Hard lessons, fun wins, and the playbook that keeps crowds safe, hydrated, and happy without killing the vibe.• why long lead times save events• building teams and committees that cover blind spots• budgeting for insurance, security, and cleanup• planning for weather
Throw A Rock In Tempe, Hit A Musician | The Desert Vibe · Ep 22
We sit down with Ryan to unpack how Tempe’s music scene is rebuilding around public spaces, intentional production, and a vision to turn Hayden Flour Mill into a destination stage. Along the way, we talk loudness, ear protection, kava vs alcohol, and why venues are the hidden key.• shifting from dreamer to producer with hands‑on logistics• creating a container for musicians to feel safe and heard•
Inside A Desert Venue’s Band Showcase And The Open Mic Debate | The Desert Vibe · Ep 21
We explore how open mics actually work, from swift changeovers and strong backline to a flexible, inclusive ethos that still guards against karaoke creep. Stories from standout bands, a spur-of-the-moment wedding, and the wider Arizona scene show how community grows when hosts say yes with care.• the monastery’s weekly open mic and monthly band showcase• balancing tracks with live performance with
How A Cajon, A Washburn, And A Marriage Built A Big Sound | The Desert Vibe · Ep 20
We welcome Old Town Love for a lively, generous conversation about craft, values, and the unique way two musicians can fill a room with rhythm and heart. From candy debates to cajon engineering to rebranding with purpose, the story moves fast and lands with warmth.• Arizona live, loud and local focus • Old Town Love’s origin from cover band to duo • Rebrand story anchored in Old Town Scottsdale •
Jamirae Unplugged: Jamirae's Story of Music, Family, And Grit | | The Desert Vibe · Ep 19
We turn the mic on Jamirae to trace a life shaped by Mesa roots, immigrant grit, and Southern soul, and how loss refined her voice and purpose. From talent shows to running a 6,000-cap venue, she shares why every song must feel true and how community keeps art alive.• Arizona upbringing with Lebanese and Southern family roots• Learning by ear, clarinet to woodwinds, love of lyrics• First live perf
Portland To Tempe: A Young Artist Balances Science, Grief, And Song | The Desert Vibe · Ep 18
A new voice arrives with a poem over guitar, a memorial song written at fourteen, and a plan to balance ASU biology with a growing presence on Arizona stages. We explore grief, growth, and why an open, all-ages music community can change an artist’s path.• Origins of “Shoeless” and a spoken-word style over guitar• New original “I Tried” and leaning into folk textures• Writing “Ellie’s Song” as a h
How A Pianist Found Her Voice, Built A Career, And Chose The Long Road | The Desert Vibe · Ep 17
We sit down with Annie Moscow to trace the arc from classical prodigy to songwriter, lyricist, theater maker, and fearless live performer, and we dig into how she reclaimed her voice, built community in Arizona, and balances DIY independence with industry machines. We close with local show picks, including Annie’s upcoming dates.• classical training shaping a unique songwriter’s voice• writing for
KISS Made Me Do It, And A Pool Table Was My Stage | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 16
We sit down with songwriter and guitarist Shawn Royer to explore collaboration, craft, and why releasing finished songs matters more than waiting for a gatekeeper. The talk moves from KISS-fueled drum lessons to Arizona’s diverse scene, the Bluebird’s magic, and the small venues where music hits hardest.• how The Steady Kind formed with Rhonda and Freddie• moving from pitching publishers to self-r
2025 Best of Show COMPILATION | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 15
Here is the latest -- It's The Best of 2025 and takes a 30-minute tour of what the show is all about. Happy New Year and look for a brand new episode next week!We celebrate a music community that puts collaboration first, from a guitar‑making school’s global legacy to a sold‑out MIM showcase built on desert‑seasoned wood. Along the way, we weigh tech’s impact on shared culture, open up about
Barry White Voices, Flaccid Reindeer, and 2026 Plans | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 13
The Desert Vibe Podcast hosts (Walt Richardson, Glen Gardner, and Jamie Ray) do a relaxed “thank you + looking ahead” check-in about the Arizona music scene and why spotlighting musicians in Arizona matters. Recorded on December 11, 2025, this one is all about community, great venues, open mics, and what’s coming next as the show heads into 2026.They share a few hilarious stories (yes, including t
From Truck Life to Tempe Stages with The Matthew Allen Project | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 12
On this episode of The Desert Vibe Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Allen of The Matthew Allen Project, one of the hardest-working independent artists in the Arizona music scene. If you care about musicians in Arizona, local community, and the power of songs to literally change a life, this one’s for you. Watch the full episode to hear the whole story.In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Turning
The Untold Story of Roberto-Venn with William Eaton | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 11
A WWII pilot’s wood stash, a desert Quonset hut, and a Stanford business plan converge to form the Roberto Venn School of Luthiery. William Eaton traces the school’s roots, the 50th-anniversary builds for MIM, and how Arizona’s climate shapes guitars and the people who make them.• John Roberts’ reclaimed wood journey from Nicaragua to Phoenix• Founding of the school and early Quonset hut era• Stan
Farm Beats: How Live Music Grew Schnepf Farms | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 9
We sit down with Carrie Schnepf to trace how a working farm became a music landmark, from early peach festivals to hosting Country Thunder and building stages on the fly. Expect hard truths about promoter economics, sweet backstage moments, and a clear case for why live music is the glue that holds great events together.• Arizona roots and a family steeped in music• Tempe’s live scene and Mornings
How A Teen Radio Intern Became A Community Builder | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 10
We turn the mic toward Glen Gardner to trace his path from a teenage FM apprentice to a builder of Arizona’s music community. Along the way we unpack how humor, restraint, and care turn a room into a home for artists and listeners.• early FM radio days and learning live craft• the power and limits of a 50,000-watt signal• fragmentation versus shared cultural moments• hosting principles that welcom
It's Walt Richardson Ya'll, Give Him Some Love | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 8
Walt Richardson joins The Desert Vibe Podcast for a special co-host “guest” interview rooted in the Arizona music scene. If you love hearing how musicians in Arizona build community, find their voice, and keep showing up, watch the full episode here.Glenn Gardner and Jamirae (Jamie Ray) put Walt in the hot seat to talk about where his calm leadership style really comes from—growing up as the oldes
Industry Can’t Box Her Sound, But Our IKEA Shelves Tried | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 7
We trace Lisa Hightower’s path from newcomer to cornerstone in Arizona’s music scene, from finding open mics to building a mission-driven community. A harrowing car crash catalyses healing, gratitude, and the launch of Church of Sound to uplift and fund artists.• surveying a new city’s scene and finding open mics• assembling the right band through intent and chemistry• defining “earthy soul” and i
From a Bar Harmony to a Life in Music with George and Georgia | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 5
We sit down with George and Georgia to trace a chance harmony from a Denver bar into a full creative partnership shaped by the desert, open mics, and the Phoenix community. We unpack their arranging process, their influences, and the power of space, restraint, and true listening rooms.• how a spontaneous duet became a duo• moving to Phoenix for the desert and community• balancing love, rehearsal,
Eric Ramsey On Finding His Sound Beyond Labels | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 4
We sit down with Eric Ramsey to explore how a song picks its own path, why labels rarely fit, and how Arizona’s stages and open mics shaped a late-career leap into full-time music. We close with a tour of upcoming shows, festivals, and where to find Eric’s work.• resisting genre boxes and letting songs lead• writing across instruments and timbres• evolving arrangements from studio to stage• inspir
From Dairy Farm To Five Stages: Inside The Laveen Folk Festival | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 3
We sit down with organizer and multi-instrumentalist B Graves to explore how a volunteer-powered folk festival grew from a few stages into a free, family-friendly cornerstone at a working dairy farm. Along the way we share booking tips, hidden Valley venues, and why community keeps this scene alive.• Levine Folk Festival origin, growth to five stages• Venue details at LaSalvia Dairy beside South M
How A No-Alcohol Venue Built AZ's Most Welcoming Music Community | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 6
We sit down with Sal from The Chill Room to unpack how a no-alcohol, kava-forward venue is reshaping Arizona’s live music community. From Brooklyn roots and tribute-band craft to open mics that launch careers, we trace the systems, stories, and spirit behind a growing scene.• origins of the chill room and its stage-first vision• balancing life as a touring guitarist and venue owner• role of open m
So I Tried To Quit Music… The Universe Said “Nope” | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 2
A legendary room, a fresh start, and a reminder that local stages can change a life. We shine a light on Phoenix’s Rebel Lounge—once the Mason Jar—and its Summer Heat Series while welcoming Hall of Fame honoree Rhonda Joe to share how grit, community, and collaboration carried her from cover sets to a decade of originals ready to see daylight. From hauling gear for weekly showcases to championing
From COVID Startup To A Guitar Hub In Cave Creek | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 14
Ever wondered how a guitar store becomes the heartbeat of a city block? We sit down with Ed Heisler of Black Mountain Guitar Company to trace the unlikely path from a COVID-era electronics business to a thriving Cave Creek destination where players gather, bands form, and music spills into the streets. What begins as a need for hands-on, real-wood shopping turns into a scene powered by weekly jams
He Brought A Hat, A Feather, And Two Tearjerkers | The Desert Vibe Podcast · Ep 1
The desert has a way of stripping a song down to what’s honest, and that’s exactly where we go with our guest, Cowboy Wrecks. We dive into the difference between Western and country, the power of listening rooms that champion original music, and how a melody can pull images into focus until the lyric finally tells the truth. Along the way, Wrecks performs two standouts—Heat of the Road and Raggedy
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