OUR FEATURED ARTISTS

Bruce is a professional guitarist, singer, and entertainer focusing on jazzy electronic rock. Currently residing in Globe, AZ he loves to write original music and to loop fun chord progressions in creative ways.

Melissa Farley and Marshall Shore are Arizona-based media personalities, storytellers, and community connectors known for creating meaningful, high-energy conversations that blend culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, history, and human connection. Together, they have built a loyal audience through The Morning Show and their shared passion for amplifying local voices, uncovering fascinating stories, and bringing authenticity, humor, and heart into every conversation. Their dynamic combines Melissa’s thoughtful depth and emotional insight with Marshall’s signature flair as “Arizona’s Hip Historian.”

Joey Gutos is a genre-bending indie pop artist from Tempe, Arizona, creating emotionally charged songs for lovers, dreamers, and explorers taking the road less traveled. Blending modern energy in the spirit of sombr, Teddy Swims, and Foster The People with roots in Motown, 60s psychedelia, and classic folk songwriting, his sound feels both fresh and timeless.

Deon Doughty is an Arizona-based artist, comedian, musician, and AI Systems Architect. Through Stupid Funny™ by Deon, he blends fine art, comedy, music, storytelling, and AI into a unique creative universe built to make people laugh, think, and feel something real.

Eric Douglas is a performing songwriter who paints a vivid American landscape, with songs from the Southwestern desert, the Great Plains, and the open road.

He began performing in New York City bars and coffeehouses in the late 90s, and has lived in Arizona since 2002.

Eric's most recent albums are On the Road, six original songs of highways and memories, and a remake of Springsteen's classic album, Born in the U.S.A.

Guest details TBA

Diana Lee Messana is a 5th-generation Arizona musician, Phoenix-raised vocalist, pianist, composer, and longtime music educator whose roots run deep in the local scene, including growing up in her family’s Glendale music store, Arizona Music Center. An ASU graduate, she has spent more than 20 years teaching music and built an extensive performance career, touring internationally with Sister Sledge and sharing stages with artists including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and George Benson. She has released multiple recordings, including work with Donnie Dean, and continues to be known for her powerful vocals, musicianship, and deep connection to Arizona’s music community.

Justin Olson, aka PTNA “patina,” is a Texas-born singer-songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumentalist who has called Arizona home for nearly 40 years. A former Phoenix Boys Choir member and ASU graduate, Justin has performed across Arizona and beyond, using music, sound design, and fine art as a source of healing, connection, and inspiration.

Chuck Hall is a seasoned guitarist with 60 years of experience sharing music with audiences across much of the United States and Scandinavia. Over the years, he has performed countless shows, always driven by one central intention: to use his abilities to spread the positive energy that lives in music. With a lifetime of dedication to the guitar, Chuck brings warmth, experience, and soul to every performance.

Corey Woods has served Tempe for more than 14 years, first on City Council from 2008–2016 and as Mayor since 2020; he ran unopposed in 2024 and his current term ends in 2028. His leadership priorities include affordable housing through Hometown for All, revitalizing Downtown Tempe, historic preservation, and equity and inclusion, including Tempe’s long-standing perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Professionally, Woods is Executive Director of Community Relations at ASU Preparatory Academy and has earned several community leadership awards for his work in housing, sustainability, health, and civic service.

Blaise Lantana is KJZZ’s music director and longtime host, bringing decades of experience as a jazz/blues musician, composer, broadcaster, and interviewer of legends like George Benson, Ornette Coleman, Jim Cullum, and Wynton Marsalis. Since joining KJZZ in 1995, she has curated the station’s weeknight jazz programming with a love for both classic artists and emerging talent, always searching for new sounds listeners can fall in love with.

Laura Joy is an LA-based, nationally touring artist known for her soul-stirring songs, and a signature style that defies comparison. Her award-winning songwriting has earned First Place at the Great River Folk Festival, Best Original Song from NPR’s WDCB, and repeat honors at the Acorn Theater Songwriting Contest.

Tim is a classically trained violinist and violist. Although he is a private instructor mostly in the classical genre, his performances are mostly improvisational in popular alternative music genres. Tim performs regularly with Walt Richardson, Blaine Long and many others in the Phoenix area.

Sandra Bassett is a Detroit-born arts executive, performing artist, and nonprofit leader based in the Phoenix/East Valley area, whose career spans over 17 years of corporate sales experience with industry giants including Mars, Frito-Lay, and Heineken, and an MBA from Walden University. A multi-instrumentalist and bandleader, she fronts September Soul and her Motown Experience Tribute Band, with performance credits that include opening for The Temptations and delivering the National Anthem at Phoenix Suns and Mercury games. As Board Chair & Founder of PHX BIPOC Arts, Chair of the East Valley Ebony Collective, and Development and Donor Engagement Manager at the Chandler Center for the Arts, Sandra bridges the worlds of business, community, and culture with distinction.

Hannes Kvaran has been lurking around the Phoenix music scene for decades, playing a lot of music with Walter Richardson, writing musicals, performing solo and as a member of various bands, including, currently, Up A Creek.

Maria Montagnini is a singer, songwriter, business owner, and mother. Originally from the Appalachian foothills in south eastern Ohio, she began singing and playing guitar to folk, bluegrass, and celtic music. She developed her own style of Americana folk, inspired by today's Americana music greats - Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, Charles Wesley Goodwin, Colter Wall, and many more. Her band, Uncommon Crossroads, has toured throughout the Southwest. She's currently based in Arizona, where the country western music of the area influence her writing.

Johnny Dixon is an Arizona music historian and vinyl archivist who has spent years preserving the stories, sounds, and legacy of the state’s music scene. Through his work with the Arizona Music Archive, he highlights Arizona singers, bands, records, and studios from the 1950s through the 1980s, helping ensure this rich musical history is not forgotten.

Music is first at Tempest Recording. For over 40 years, musicians from all genres have relied on Clarke to produce successful, quality recordings. From jazz to country, classical to blues and everything in between, Clarke retains his reputation for being “musically militant.” Tech savvy engineering and production experience are invaluable assets in the recording process, but in the end, the music is first.

Sean Cooney is an award-winning music producer, recording engineer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans more than 100 studio albums. As owner of 3 Leaf Recording in Phoenix, Arizona, he is known for his technical precision, musician-first approach, and commitment to sonic authenticity. Drawing from his experience as both an engineer and recording musician, Sean helps artists shape records that feel polished, creative, and timeless. Through 3 Leaf Recording, he has built a trusted creative space for projects from tracking to final master.

Rich McDonald is the retired Executive Vice President and Chief Product Strategist of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, a member of the NAMM Board of Directors, and a recipient of the Music & Sound Retailer Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the author of Rock Your Gig and Get Promoted, a book focused on career growth, personal differentiation, and building momentum in the music industry.

Nancy Elliott is an Arizona singer-songwriter and author whose work blends music and storytelling through what she describes as “Southwestern Americana.” Her debut novel, Autumn’s On Its Way, grew from her song of the same name and brings the Arizona high country to life in a story shaped by resilience, landscape, and western heritage.

Bobbo Byrnes is a California-born troubadour, author, and independent artist who has built his career the old-fashioned way — one mile, one song, and one story at a time. Blending folk, rock, and Americana, he’s toured relentlessly across the U.S. and Europe, earning a reputation as a sharp-witted storyteller with lived-in honesty, humor, and heart. For podcasts centered on creativity, resilience, independent artistry, or the real life behind the romance of the road, Bobbo brings hard-earned insight and unforgettable stories.

Ryan is a Tempe-based producer and scene-builder focused on creating live music experiences that feel effortless, warm, and community-first—where sound supports the song and anxiety goes quiet. Through Mill Music Sessions (and the broader Song Rush vision), he’s helped reignite post-lockdown energy by treating venues as “containers” for connection, bridging siloed sub-scenes with intentional lineups, hospitality, and dialed-in audio. With a practical, empathetic approach to dynamics, monitoring, and family-friendly volume, Ryan champions public-use spaces and flexible models that make live music more accessible, sustainable, and rooted in place.

Michael Swain is an Arizona open mic host and community-builder who runs The Monastery, a sprawling 3.5-acre outdoor venue in Mesa featuring a monthly band showcase and a Wednesday night open mic. Known for a welcoming, “read-the-room” approach, he balances inclusivity with smart curation—keeping the vibe strong while making space for everything from beginners to seasoned veterans (and even the occasional pop-up wedding between sets). With a dialed-in backline and fast, respectful changeovers, Swain turns a simple open mic into a living blueprint for how local music scenes are actually built.

OLD TOWN LOVE is an Arizona-based husband-and-wife songwriting duo crafting soulful, acoustic-driven music rooted in authenticity and emotional storytelling. Led by Julianne’s expressive vocals and multi-instrumental depth alongside Dennis’ signature cajón rhythms, the pair creates warm, cinematic songs that resonate with depth and intention. Their single “Get This Groove” earned 1st place in the R&B category of the 2025 USA Songwriting Competition, marking their rise as award-winning writers. Focused on catalog building, publishing, sync, and select live performances, OLD TOWN LOVE continues to create music designed for meaningful moments in film, TV, and real life.

With a commanding Southern-rock presence, Jamirae leads The Blindsiders and has shared stages with icons including George Jones, Steve Martin, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, ZZ Top, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, and many more. A driving force in Arizona’s music community, she produces events, collaborates with venues, and uplifts local talent. On The Desert Vibe Podcast, she delivers a powerful blend of artist insight, industry experience, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating the creative spirit of the Valley.

An 18-year-old original artist on the verge of a breakout, heading into a high-stakes California audition this Friday. She’s still early in her public rollout, but her songwriting and performance feel like they’re already outgrowing the “local gig” lane.

Annie Moscow is a Phoenix, Arizona-based singer-songwriter known for her diverse, narrative-driven music, often compared to artists like Carole King and Billy Joel, with a strong connection to Arizona through her music (like the Arizona Humane Society theme) and her work with the Arizona Commission on the Arts. She's released several CDs, including her recent "Land of Dreams," blending pop, folk, and rock, and has written songs for Disney and films, showcasing her significant local and broader music presence.

Shawn Royer is a Phoenix, Arizona-based singer-songwriter, known for performing with his duo, Rhonda Jo & Shawn Royer, blending Pop, Country, Rock, Bluegrass, and Americana with powerful storytelling, often appearing on local platforms like AZ On The Rise and showcasing original music. He and Rhonda Jo Hitchcock-Mast focus on original songs, sharing stories with audiences and connecting through their unique musical blend.

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, mentorship, and a showroom that treats tone like a craft rather than a checkout button.

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. Listen to the full episode to hear the whole story.

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.

If you are a guitar fan, you must watch this! Master luthier William Eaton joins The Desert Vibe Podcast for a deep dive into the Arizona music scene, the origins of Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, and the desert-inspired craftsmanship that shaped thousands of musicians in Arizona and beyond. If you love handmade instruments, local Arizona bands, or the history behind great guitars, this episode is a must-listen.

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.

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.

Walt Richardson (Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame) joins The Desert Vibe Podcast for a special co-host “guest” interview rooted in the Arizona music scene. 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 oldest of eight kids, moving around in a military family, and learning how to connect with people so they feel safe and heard.

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.

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.

Singer–songwriter duo George and Georgia join The Desert Vibe Podcast to talk about their journey through the Arizona music scene, life as musicians in Arizona, and how a spontaneous harmony at a Denver bourbon bar sparked a partnership that carried them all the way to Phoenix, AZ. This episode dives into the creative chemistry, influences, and community that shape their acoustic folk/Americana sound.

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.

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 women songwriters valley-wide, her story is a blueprint for how scenes grow when we build them together.

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 Ann—offering a lived-in portrait of persistence, longing, and the landscapes that shape both.