Discover
Brian Oake Show
541 Episodes
Reverse
Kathleen Johnson has done it all. From being a long time member of Soul Tight Committee to performing/recording with the likes of Alexander O' Neal, Keri Noble, Billy McLaughlin and Prince, Kathleen has a genuinely incredible voice. She's also the co-producer of 'The Greats Gone 2 Soon' who have an evening of 'The Spirit Of Whitney' coming up this Sunday. Listen and enjoy!
MN-based filmaker Eric Tretbar makes his first visit ti the SmartStartMN studio to talk about his 30+ year career as a filmmaker AND the 25th anniversary showing of his critically-acclaimed film SNOW at the Parkway Theater in mid-february. Pers usual, we ran out of time long before we ran out of stories and insight. We will definitely have him back. Enjoy!
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce KickStart! A seven piece band of Minneapolis teenagers that are making a difference. Eddie (13, bass) and Sebastian (14, guitar) stop by to tell us all about the band's School Of Rock origins, their commitment to the Rock Code and the big benefit gig they have coming up this Saturday. Rock and Roll is alive and well, friends. The kids are alright. Cheers!
Adam Levy and Barb Brybstad (we miss you Savannah Smith!) of Turn Turn Turn stop by to talk about their new album! They have a kickstarter going right now. So listen to this then go hlp them out! Peace to you all. Be Safe.
Emmy Woods is a MN singer/songwriter with an innate ability to articulate the complexities of emotion through her songcraft. Gentle, articulate and honest, she was a wonderful guest. She's got a show coming up this weekend at The Cedar. Thanks for listening. Cheers!
Wow! Our final guest of 2025 is world-class cellist Rebecca Arons. She's a 25+ year member of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, and has played with the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Arons has played with an incredible array of artists from Stevie Wonder to Ed Sheeran to Prince! She is also co-founder of STRINGenius, who provided that incredible orchestral backing for the Snoop Dogg NFL Halfrime spectacular at US Bank Stadium on Christmas Day! A perfect way to round out a truly incredible calendar year. Cheers!
It's our annual Christmas music special! We play many secular and non-secular songs old and new. There are stories shared of Christmases past and just enough gratitude to get you in the holiday spirit. Thank you to all of you for another great year!
We are so lucky to be joined by my dear friend and the biggest DJ in the Twin Cities, Jake Rudh. For 25 years, Jake has been filling dancefloors and sharing his deep, passionate love of musc with the faithful. From his weekly Transmission event at the Uptown VFW to some major events he has on the way (A Stranger Things-themed NYE celebration? Yes, please!!), we cover a lot of ground, and, of course, his musical selctions for this episode are exquisite. Enjoy!
The incomparable Lizz Winstead returns! Here annual year end wrap-up is coming up at the Parkway theater New Year's Eve. She remains fierce, funny and a genuinely compassionate human being. One of our very favorites. Enjoy!
Rock and Roll, baby! MN punk legend Cindy Lawson returns to the 'cast to talk holiday music, the big Lennon Tribute at The Fitz, a couple of cool upcoming shows AND a new record in the new year! She is always so delightful, and this coversation is no exception. Enjoy!
Andra Suchy is back with a new album! Battle Cat is a 9 song missive that feature's her signature vocal prowess and songwriting chops. She's also surrounded herself with a band comprised of amazing Minnesota Music A-Listers. Check out the big release show on the 17th at The Amsterdam! Enjoy!
He's back! Ben Cook-Feltz returns to talk about his annual Holiday Shindig at The Cedar on Sunday, Dec 14th! Think of a light-hearted, seasonal variety show featuring an excellent lineup of local musical talent. It'll be funny, poignant and whimsical. AND!! extremely family-friendly! Listen and get into the spirit of the season. Cheers!
Sumanth Gopinath and Beth Hartman, both of The Gated Community, stop by to talk about their latest album Goodbye Work, their particular brand of Americana and some fun upcoming shows. Including the band's 20th anniversary celebration! Enjoy!
There's a new Red Eye Ruby single on the way! There's also a single release show at the 331 Club in just a coule short weeks! This was a great conversation about Ruby, the band and what it means to be a music maker in the modern era. Enjoy!
Holy wow! This episode features a MN pro wrestling legend, THE Jumpin' Jim Brunzell! He shares so many amazing stories about his youth, his decades-long pro wrestling career and his gratitude for what has been a genuinely amazing life. This episode is a perfect example of exactly why Sean and I have loved doing this podcast for more than 6 years. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Cheers!
Peter Jesperson. You likely know him best as the man that signed and managed The Replacements, but he is so much more. Producer, tastemaker, author and a man with a million stories that matter to all uf us. This is one of my very favorite conversations that we've ever had on this show. I hope you feel the same. Enjoy!!
Friday, December 5th is a momentous ocassion! It's the 25th anniversary of the release of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. To celebrate, Chris Holm, Berek Awend and a multitude of other amazing Minnesota musicians with gather to celebrate at the Granada Theater. Learn more about the artists, the history and the truly crucial music that will make this a night no to be missed. Enjoy!
6 years! It's wild to think about the fact that we've spent that whole time talking to so many amazing voices from our community and! All that music!! the world has gotten strange and terrible in so many ways, but there are still so many things to learn and celebrate. Here, Sean and I reminisce and play some music to remember this whole crazy endeavor. Thanks to every single one of you. Cheers, friends!
One of the all-time Minnesota Radio greats, TD Mischke is back in our studio! He's iconic, iconiclastic and has an absolutely unique way of putting things. Here, we talk about his career, his current podcast and more than a little conversation regarding music, sweet music. There's a reason this guy is one of my personal heroes. Listen and all will be revealed. Cheers!
Now THAT'S a podcast!! We had a spectacular time talking with Tina and Laura Schielske about the 20th anniversary of Tina's debut solo release, Slow Burn. To celebrate, Tina, Laura, et al will be performing this Friday at Icehouse followed by a performance and album signing at the Electric Fetus the next day. This was an hour of laughter, reflection and real joy. Enjoy!























