Acoustic Alternatives

Chicago area songwriter Joe Goodkin has, at the time of this posting, 14 records to his credit - some solo, some with his band Paper Arrows. Two of his projects are ambitious retellings of Homer's The Odyssey and The Illiad and he has toured these records in every state in the US and abroad as well.Get to know Joe and hear an as of yet unreleased song in this performance and conversation with a modern bard.Songs written by Joe Goodkin:Somebody Loved (The Invocation)What Kind of Love (Patroclus to Achilles)Hands of Grief (Priam to Achilles) Winedark LifeMore information about Joe:https://www.joegoodkin.com/All things Acoustic Alternatives including how to support my efforts on Patreon:https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesAll the love goes to my host Grove Studios without whom none of this happenshttps://grovestudios.space/

Myron Elkins is from the small town Otsego, MI(About 17 miles north west of Kalamazoo). His friends from school probably didn't see him as the guy who would one day play shows with Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Marcus King and Kaleo, and have his second release produced by one of the most in demand producers in the Americana genre, Dave Cobb, but he did just that. With unique voice and a love of music from another time, Myron Elkins isn't like any other artist I've met who was born since the 2000's began. Hear his stories and a brand new, as of yet unreleased, song in our conversation from Grove Studios.Songs written by Myron Elkins"God Bless The Rain""Testimony""Red Ball" "Winnin'"Learn more about Myron (until he's able to get his own website back from Elektra records) at https://www.myronelkins.com/Find other Acoustic Alternatives podcasts and playlists:https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesEndless thanks to my hosts, Grove Studioshttps://grovestudios.space/

One of most prolific, gifted, kind hearted, and gentle people you'll ever meet - oh and she has an angelic voice, May Erlewine joined me at Grove Studios to talk about her career and newest album 'What It Takes.' I've been wanting to put her in the spotlight pretty much since I started doing the podcast back in 2020. I feel like there is more we could have done to show the uninitiated the wonderful world of May, but I hope this glimpse gives you the spark to explore more.Songs written by May Erlewine:My SpeedDown To ThisLove and DesireNothing But LoveFind out more about May Erlewine:https://www.mayerlewine.com/Find out more about Acoustic Alternativeshttps://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesGrove Studios deserves and award. Find more about them here:https://grovestudios.space/

15 years after her debut EP, Ann Arbor, MI area musician Abigail Stauffer has finally released her 4th full length record. Delayed by a pandemic and the distance her collaborator Dave Haughey (aka Dave the Cellist), the newest release doesn't fit neatly into a musical category, but rather is an extension of the genre bending folk on her previous releases. Abigail opens up in this conversation about her past and present for Acoustic Alternatives.Songs written by Abigail Stauffer, except where noted:Alone To Dream Pulling Teeth (co-written with Dave Haughey)Wanderer (co-written with Dave Haughey)BlanketMore about Abigail: http://abigailstauffer.com/Support Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesGrove Studios is the best! https://grovestudios.space/

Boston area singer/songwriter/storyteller/delightful human Hayley Reardon joined me for a conversation in Grove Studios on April 23, 2025. She's been on my radar for over a decade, but this was our first chance to meet and talk.Songs written by Hayley Reardon:Enough Is EverythingGood NewsBone DanceThe Little SadnessMore info on Hayley: https://www.hayleyreardon.com/More info on Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesMore info on Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Portland, OR based duo Fox & Bones joined me and gave me a peek into their world. They also played a couple new songs (including one, as of the time of publishing this, unreleased).Meet Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives.Songs written by Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort"Ain't Giving Up Tonight""Strange and Wonderous Place""Long Time Honey""The Borderline"More about Fox & Bones: https://foxandbones.com/More about all things Acoustic Alternatives, including how to support me on Patreon https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesEternal love and gratitude to Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

It's been a decade since I last visited with this gifted vocalist. He's certainly had some great experiences since we last spoke. His voice and songwriting have only gotten better. Let me introduce you to, if you don't already know him, Greer , South Carolina's Noah Guthrie.Including performances of:Root Down (written by Noah Guthrie, Joy Williams and Bobby Hamrick)Only Light I Need (written by Noah Guthrie, Adam Roth & Tim Bruns)Choose to Love You (written by Noah Guthrie)Follow Noah Guthrie: https://www.noahguthrie.com/Join my Patreon page and/or hear other Acoustic Alternatives related things: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesNothing happens without Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Kyle Joe has previously visited the podcast under the name Kyle Rasche of Chain of LakesKyle has been through some life changes and a name change since the last visit to Grove Studios. Learn more about what he's been up to and hear some music from his new release Take It Easy including the premiere of the extra verses for his song "Michigan Man"All songs written by Kyle Joe (Rasche)"Take It Easy""Line of Work""Knots""Michigan Man"See/Hear our previous session together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4PzKjV3X0YExplore Kyle's website: https://kylejoemusic.com/Learn more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support what I am doing: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesNone of this happens without the support of Grove Studioshttps://grovestudios.space/

Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe made his second visit to Grove Studios on 2-16-25. A new Verve Pipe album is ready for release and a lot has happened in his life since we last visited in October of 2021. One of my favorite songwriters has done it again with another collection of songs that utilize words that paint vivid pictures. Join us for a chat and learn more about the man behind the songs and hear new music before it's released.All songs written by Brian Vander Ark and Channing Lee"Hollow Bones""Easy Way Out""Dust"Find out more about Brian and/or The Verve Pipe at his websites:https://www.thevervepipe.com/https://www.brianvanderark.com/Learn more about all things Acoustic Alternatives here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesAnd huuuuuge thanks to Grove Studios. Booking information here:https://grovestudios.space/

I really enjoyed this conversation and was really disappointed with myself for not double checking both of my audio recording sources. The first 4 minutes of audio you hear are being captured from the microphone on my laptop as opposed to the direct source I expected to use. The backup audio from the mixer in front of me....well, I failed to launch it at the beginning of the session, so it kicks in around the 4 minute mark. He said so many great things in the first 4 minutes that I am kicking myself.But I think this conversation with the award winning musician and vocalist, known for his work with We Banjo 3, is worth putting up with crappy audio for 4 minutes.Songs you'll hear:Feel It (Written By David Howley)Chapter 1 (Written By David Howley)Haven (Written By David Howley, Martin Howley, Fergal Scahill, Enda Scahill, Kiana June Weber)Mary & The Soldier (Traditional)Find more information about David Howley HEREMore about Acoustic Alternatives HEREMore about the fabulous Grove Studios HERE

This singer songwriter originally from Long Island, NY first got attention with her cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Dolly herself appeared in the video and performed the song on television with her a few times. Her debut single "Come To Jesus" is a beauty of a song and a 10 on the John Bommarito 1-10 scale.Mindy stopped by Grove Studios in Ypsilanti on a night off to talk a bit about life and play a couple of songs from her great new album "Quiet Town"Songs performed include:"Jericho" (written by Mindy Smith and Matraca Berg)"Come To Jesus" (written by Mindy Smith)"I'd Rather Be A Bridge" (written by Mindy Smith and Kevin Scott Rhoads) Learn more about Mindy here: https://mindysmithmusic.com/Learn more about Acoustic Alternatives and how you can support my efforts here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesHuge thanks to Rick and the team at Grove Studios. Find out about the home of the podcast recordings here: https://grovestudios.space/

Another emerging artist from the rich Michigan music scene is my guest on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives. 18 year old Kanin Wren has already captivated large audiences as a tribute artist. Now she's ready to start releasing more of her original music. It's good. It's really good. Meet Kanin Wren from Dewitt, MI on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives.Songs include:Hell or Minnesota (written by Aron Rosing)Could've Been (written by Kanin Wren)I Was There (cowritten by Lauren Veil and Kanin Wren)Cry Baby (written by Kanin Wren)Learn more about Kanin Wren.Subscribe to all things Acoustic Alternatives (and find the Liz Longley session I mention herein).Book Grove Studios and stop bugging your neighbors with your noise!

Steven Page is not just another great guest to me. He sings on one of my top 15 albums of all time, Gordon. He's a multiple Juno award winner and Grammy nominee with his former band Barenaked Ladies. As part of that group he's sold over 15 million albums and singles and is in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. There is so much more I could have talked about with this gifted singer and songwriter. So many awesome experiences he's had that I didn't have time to ask about (opening for The Who for example), but I think if you are already a fan, you'll still learn a thing or two you didn't know. If you aren't already a fan, welcome to the club.All songs written by Steven Page:What a Good Boy (co written by Ed Robertson)A New Shore (co written with Craig Northery)The Golden Age of Doubling DownOver Joy (co written with Stephen Duffy)More about at this link Steven Page More about all things Acoustic Alternatives related HEREAnd it doesn't happen without Grove Studios.

Jen Cass grew up in the Metro Detroit area and now calls Flushing, MI home. After three successful solo albums, she started a new project with her husband Eric Janetsky called The Lucky Nows. Their excellent second album is due out in June of 2024. Jen talks about her life and plays three emotionally charged songs from the new album and one from their first.All songs written by Jen Cass (except where noted):Broken Homes and Hearts of GoldSyracuseThe Lesson (Jen Cass, Michael Robertson, Eric Janetsky, Jack Redmond Barnes)Girl With No NameFind out more about The Lucky Nows: https://theluckynows.com/homeGet information about all things Acoustic Alternatives related including how to support me on Patreon so I can do better videos: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesIt doesn't happen without the support of the team at Grove Studios. Musicians or DJs, this is a place you can practice and make as much noise as you need: https://grovestudios.space/

It's been a long and varied journey for Dan Navarro. From co-writing one of the biggest hits of the 80s, to voice acting, to touring and releasing a plethora of material as part of Lowen and Navarro. If you only know his music, get ready to learn more about some of the other things he's been part of and is also known for. If you don't know him at all, get ready to hear what you've been missing.Songs written by Dan Navarro:"She Dreams In Music""Better Man""Circling the Drain" (co write with Deborah Holland)""All Is Quiet"More about Dan Navarro: https://dannavarro.com/More about Acoustic Alternatives and how you can support it: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesFind Grove Studios, the home of the podcast, at: https://grovestudios.space/

Dearborn, MI's Jo Serrapere's first visit to the podcast happened as part of a live show at Trinity House in Livonia, MI in April of 2022. I encourage you to go back and listen to that one to learn more about this Michigan treasure.Jo is ambitiously releasing two albums at once this Spring and the second chat was based around celebrating that. Hear acoustic versions of some of the songs before they are released into the wild.All songs written by Jo Serrapere:"In the Arms of Angels""This American Dream""Life and All"Find out more about Jo on her website:https://joserrapere.com/Find out more about what I am doing and how to support it via Patreon:https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesGrove Studios makes it all possible. Rent their space to practice in:https://grovestudios.space/

Here is the audio only visit with Australian born guitarist extraordinaire, Kyran Daniel. You may want to watch the video too in order to enjoy his guitar playing with your eyes. Tommy Emmanuel thought he was good enough to take him on tour when Kyran was just a teenager, so you know you are dealing with someone very talented, even if you haven't heard him before.Learn more about him and how to support him here: https://www.kyrandaniel.comAll songs written by Kyran Daniel"Pensieri" "Sangria""Like the Night Itself"Interested in supporting me on Patreon and finding out about the other things I am doing? https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesNone of this happens without Grove Studios. Need a place to practice and be loud?https://grovestudios.space/

Mike Vial is an Ann Arbor based singer/songwriter, teacher, father, and husband who is doing a 20 year celebration of playing gigs, teaching books, and ranting rants at The Ark in Ann Abor on May 23, 2024, opening for a mutual favorite (and previous podcast guest), Ari Hest. Vial is prepping a new release due out soon and he plays a couple of new ones and a couple of old ones and we both have a strong reaction to his third performance. Don't miss it.Songs written by Mike VialFree To DreamI Just Want To Be Your LastTwo Angels (June 22, 1996 - Ann Arbor)Burning BrightFind out more about Mike:http://mikevial.com/?fbclid=IwAR1hjEpVSE2VKEUCPl54ucYGM2c2IoLCAQTsY4VKkSkGCLiAHKrZbd_dCX0Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support it:https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesFind out more about Grove Studios:https://grovestudios.space/

Harmonica legend, Grammy winner, blues, folk, world music and rock musician not to mention all around beloved member of the Ann Arbor music scene, Peter Madcat Ruth joins me to celebrate 3/4 of a century of life and a life mostly spent playing music.His 75th birthday celebration takes place at The Ark in Ann Arbor on April 2, 2024.Songs includeJaw Harp Improvisation (Ruth)Pocket Full of Soul (Ruth)Phonograph Blues (Robert Johnson)Walk Right In (Gus Cannon)Visit his website: https://www.petermadcatruth.com/ to learn even more about him.Visit my website https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives to find out how to support me and my other related activities.Visit Grove Studios website to book space for your band, podcast, etc. https://grovestudios.space/

Will Kimbrough plays rock, stripped down folk, Americana, and Country. He is an in demand guitar player, producer and songwriter. Oh and an author working on a book of the stories of his life. You'll hear tales of his adventures and collaborations with Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, and a young R.E.M.My relationship with his music started in 1989 with a self titled record by his band Will and the Bushmen (which I recommend if you are a fan of Crowded House, find it HERE). One of my favorite songs of all time that you've probably never heard is on there. It's also within our conversation.Will has a lot to say and has a great story. Get comfortable. This is a long one.Songs performed written by Will Kimbrough except where noted:"I Like It Down Here""Bubbles Up (co written with Jimmy Buffet)""Like Laughing""Closer To the Ground"Find out more about Will here: https://www.willkimbrough.com/Found out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support me on Patreon for bonus content: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternativesFound out how to book Grove Studios for your band practice, podcast, DJ practice, etc. here: https://grovestudios.space/