Downstage Center

In Episode #8, JZ sits down with none other than the legendary guitarist and performer Eric Gales. Known for his fiery playing, soulful voice, and raw authenticity, Eric shares his journey through music, recovery, the church and the stage — giving us an unfiltered look into what drives one of the most electrifying guitarists of our time! Hit follow so you never miss an episode, and share with your fellow music lovers!

Season 2, Episode 3 of DownStage Centerfeatures powerhouse blues vocalist and bassist Danielle Nicole.Known for her soulful voice, commanding stage presence, and deeply rooted blues sound, Danielle joins host John Zaskoda and talks about her journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern blues.

In Episode 2 of Season 2, host John Zaskoda sits down with Randy Rogers, front man of the legendary Randy Rogers Band.Randy talks about the early days of grinding it out on the Texas circuit, the stories behind the songs, and what it takes to keep a band moving forward after decades of touring, recording, andselling out dance floors across the country.Recorded in the heart of the world’s largest honky-tonk, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of life in a working band, the evolution of Texas music, and the passion that keepsartists coming back to the stage night after night.

We’re kicking off Season 2, Episode 1 with the incredible Kaitlin Butts. From her rapid rise in country music to the hard work and discipline behind her fitness journey, Kaitlin opens up about what it really takes to keep climbing while staying grounded. She’s not only one of the most exciting voices in country music right now, but genuinely one of the nicest and most humble people in the business! Enjoy!

Episode 12: Giovannie of Giovannie & The Hired Guns — Season FinaleDownStage Center brings you an unforgettable conversation with Giovannie of Giovannie & The Hired Guns. This season-closing installment features exclusive live performances from the Billy Bob’s Texas stage, behind-the-scenes moments from backstage, and a wide-ranging discussion with host JZ that moves from the band’s early days to their current momentum.Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their sound, this episode delivers the energy, honesty, and transparency that define Giovannie & The Hired Guns. A perfect finale to a standout first season. Tune in and step backstage with us one more time before Season #2 begins!

This week on DownStage Center, John Zaskoda sits down with the one and only Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke for a laid-back, behind-the-scenes conversation abut his life on the road, songwriting, musical influences, and the stories that shaped him.Charlie brings his signature warmth, wit, and Southern soul straight to the studio at Billy Bob's Texas.

Step into the heat of the action with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at XKO 71: Summer Bash—filmed live at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas! From the weigh-ins to the adrenaline-charged fight night footage, we’re taking you inside the heart of the fighters, the energy of the crowd, and the unforgettable moments that made this summer bash one for the books. Don’t miss your all-access pass to the World’s Largest brought to you by Downstage Center!Xtreme Knockout

In Part #2, go behind the scenes with DownStage Center, presented by Billy Bob’s Texas, as country superstars Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson team up with Post Malone and more of today’s biggest artists for an unforgettable night of music and giving back. From backstage laughs to heartfelt moments, step inside the World’s Largest Honky Tonk and see how legends and rising stars came together for a cause bigger than the stage.

In the first episode of this 2-part vlog series, get a sneak peek into Billy Bob's backstage, experience soundcheck, and as a bonus... an exclusive performance from Post Malone himself!

 DownStage Center Vlog #4 — Featuring Ella Langley at Billy Bob’s Texas! In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes with country powerhouse Ella Langley as she brings her high-energy show to the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas. From side-stage moments to the electric buzz of the crowd, this vlog puts you right in the middle of it all — lights, sound, and pure live music magic. You’ll catch glimpses from the stage, inside the venue, and a sneak peek of Ella’s intro — complete with the first part of her opening song.It’s as close as you can get to being there — without the ticket.  Turn it up, hit play, and step into the spotlight with us.#DownStageCenter #BillyBobsTexas #EllaLangley #LiveCountryMusic #BehindTheScenes #TexasMusicScene #CountryConcert #BackstagePass #HonkyTonkLegend #RealTexasMusic

DownStage Center – Episode #10: Samantha FishFor our 10th episode, we’re turning up the heat with our very first female guest! The show kicks off with a sneak peek behind the curtain and an exclusive live performance of her mesmerizing take on “I Put a Spell on You.”Then, join host Josh Zaskoda for a laid-back, no-frills conversation with the guitar goddess herself. From life on the road to her creative spark and signature sound, Samantha opens up about what drives her music and how she continues to redefine the blues. DownStage Center, presented by Zodiac Watches — where the legends play as time unfolds.

In this special episode of DownStage Center, we take you behind the scenes of ChoateFest at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas—a night filled with music, community, and purpose. The stage came alive with unforgettable performances from Cody Jinks, Josh Weathers Music, Ward Davis, Adrian Garza, and Michael Lee... all coming together to honor the legacy of Nick Choate. Every note played carried a deeper meaning, as proceeds from ChoateFest went directly to support the Nick Choate Foundation, an organization dedicated to making a lasting impact in his memory.Want to be part of the cause? You can still contribute to the foundation and keep Nick’s legacy alive by visiting the Nick Choate Foundation Donation Link in the comments below, Tune in for a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at an incredible night of music and community at Billy Bob’s Texas.Brought to you by our friends at Zodiac Watches.

In Episode #9 of Downstage Center, Jz sits down with Jay Buchanan of RIVAL SONS for a soulful and revealing conversation that takes listeners deep into his journey as a frontman, songwriter, and artist. Blending interview with performance, this episode features exclusive live footage of Rival Sons electrifying the stage at Billy Bob's Texas, along with an intimate moment as Jay delivers a moving solo performance of the band’s song “Shooting Stars.” Brought to you by our good friends at Zodiac Watches.

Episode #7 of DownStage Center takes you ringside and backstage with none other than Tim Sylvia aka “The Maine-iac”. From his legendary MMA career to life beyond the cage, the two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion shares raw stories, surprising insights, and plenty of laughs with host Josh Zaskoda. You won’t want to miss this one!

Join Jz as he sits down with rancher supreme, Jiu-Jitsu Brown belt, and all-around gentleman, Seth James. They discuss Seth's relationship with Delbert McClinton, the gentle art, and the future of the country funk artist.

Join Jz as he sits down with guitar-god-in-the-making and member of Snarky Puppy, Mark Lettieri . Learn about how the California native grew Fort Worth roots and used his University education to shape a career that has seen him performing with the likes of the Fearless Flyers, Erykah Badu, Kirk Franklin, Dave Chappelle and more!"

Join Jz as he speaks to the one and only "People's Champ" himself, Paul Wall. Learn about Paul's passion for Houston Rap, cool cars and his number one priority, his family. Known for his world famous grill and undeniable flow, Paul gets personal but as always, is a complete professional.

Join John "JZ" Zaskoda as he sits down and chats with his old friend, Cody Jinks about it all! Learn about Jinks rise to stardom, his humble roots and how he plans to use his success to change the world of music and children's lives.

In vlog #5, we’re taking you right into the heart of Billy Bob’s Texas for a night that was anything but ordinary. Friends, music, and a packed house came together to celebrate one of our own — Robert Gallagher’s 80th birthday — and the party did not disappoint.From backstage moments to side stage antics, clips of unforgettable performances and a whole lot of Texas-sized fun, you’ll get an inside look at the party of the year! 

Jz sits down with Cross Canadian Ragweed founding member and frontman, Cody Canada. They talk about the bands reunion, the break up, what it all means to Stillwater, Ok and the rest of the music world!