Vocalist, Guitarist & Leader Danny Garrison of Kansas City-based Bluebird Ramblers

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with vocalist, guitarist, porch philosopher and bandleader Danny Garrison of Kansas City-based Bluebird Ramblers.

We caught up with Danny during his day job as an assistant principal to talk all things music, Kansas City culture, and the band’s mission to keep the golden age of American music alive.

The Bluebird Ramblers broadcast straight from the roots of honky tonk swing, early rock and roll, rockabilly drive, and classic country charm. Their sound feels at home under neon lights, inside a dance hall, or beneath a wide-open Midwestern sky. Every show is a jukebox time machine packed with shuffle beats, vintage vibes, and pure Americana energy.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Kansas City music scene

• Honky tonk and rockabilly revival

• Balancing education and music

• Preserving classic American roots music

• The mission behind the Bluebird Ramblers

If you love classic country, early rock & roll, roots music, or Kansas City live music, this conversation is for you.

🎶 More on the Bluebird Ramblers:
https://www.thebluebirdramblers.com/

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Seattle-based Jazz Saxophonist & Educator Kate Olson

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series 🎷 On this episode, we talk with Seattle-based jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator Kate Olson about her new 2026 CD So It Goes.

Since moving to Seattle in 2010, Kate has immersed herself in the local, regional, and international improvised music scenes. With a BA in Music (Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Wyoming and an MM in Improvisation from the University of Michigan, she now serves on the jazz faculty at Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound.

Kate’s growing international résumé includes performances in Russia, Latvia, Turkey, Switzerland, South Korea, Cuba, and Slovakia — reflecting her commitment to creative improvisation and global collaboration.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The inspiration behind So It Goes

• The Seattle jazz scene

• Life as a working jazz musician

• Teaching and mentoring the next generation

• The power of improvisation in modern jazz

🎷 Get the album:
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22246

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China-born, New York-based Arranger & Composer Zhengtao Pan

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series 🎼 On this episode, we talk with Shanghai, China-born, New York-based arranger and composer Zhengtao Pan about his third studio album Air With Layers, released on Pinch Records.

At just 22 years old, Zhengtao dives into his first fully orchestrated Symphony and Piano Concerto — marking his bold entry into contemporary classical music. The album showcases his versatility, cinematic sensibilities, and global musical perspective.

We discuss:

• The creative process behind Air With Layers

• Writing his first Symphony and Piano Concerto

• His musical beginnings in Shanghai, China

• Growth and evolution in New York

• Influences from video game soundtracks and film scoring

• His studies at Berklee College of Music, the Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio, and the Film Scoring Academy of Europe

This is a powerful story of international artistry, youth, and creative ambition bridging contemporary classical, orchestral music, and cinematic sound.

🎧 Get the album:
https://www.zhengtaopan.com/music

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Author & Founder of Virx-Leonatus Culture Keenan Lee McBride

Welcome to a new edition of Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino 🎙️ On this episode, we talk with Author, Founder & Leadership Developer Keenan Lee McBride, founder of Virx-Leonatus Culture.

With over 20 years in corporate learning and leadership development, Keenan has worked across manufacturing, education, and executive training — helping professionals refine confidence, image, and character. His latest work, Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex, presents a quieter form of power built on discipline, empathy, culture, and presence.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The philosophy behind Virx-Leonatus Culture

• Leadership rooted in emotional intelligence

• Building executive presence without force

• How art, history, and culture shape powerful leaders

• Commanding respect through discipline and character

This episode is ideal for executives, entrepreneurs, managers, and aspiring leaders seeking a refined, thoughtful approach to influence and impact.

📘 Learn more about Keenan:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G64JRLYP
Website: https://vxculture.com/

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Austin, TX-based Career Musician, Songwriter, Recording Artist & Author Fletch Wiley

Welcome to a new edition of Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino 🎙️ On this episode, we talk with Austin-based career musician, songwriter, recording artist, and author Fletch Wiley about his remarkable late-career musical renaissance.

After releasing his 2000 album Songs From My Window Seat, Fletch continued writing — believing he might return to the studio soon. But 18 years passed without a new recording, leaving him with a deep catalog of unreleased songs.

Then came an unexpected turning point. Long-time Little River Band guitarist and producer Rich Herring heard one of Fletch’s songs and offered to produce it. That collaboration led to the 2021 album What Love Makes Us Do, which landed on the first Grammy ballot in five categories.

In this conversation, we cover:

• His early career and 2000 release

• The 18-year creative gap

• The breakthrough moment with Rich Herring

• Recording What Love Makes Us Do

• The Grammy ballot recognition

• Why it’s never too late to create

This is an inspiring story of persistence, artistry, and second chances in music.

🎵 Learn more about Fletch:
https://fletchwiley.com/

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Author & Speaker Jim Carlough on The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership

Welcome to a new edition of Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino 🎙️ On this episode, we talk with Author & Professional Speaker Jim Carlough about his powerful book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success.

Jim brings depth of wisdom, humility, and a heart-centered approach to leadership that resonates at every level. His message is clear: leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about integrity, consistency, authenticity, and genuine care for others.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership

• Why authenticity is essential for modern leaders

• Leading with courage and compassion

• Building trust through integrity and consistency

• Practical strategies for leadership growth

Jim walks his talk. His roadmap is both timeless and actionable — making this a must-watch for executives, entrepreneurs, managers, team leaders, and anyone striving to grow as a leader.

📘 Learn more about Jim:
http://www.jimcarlough.com/

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Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Engagency Stephen Baer

Welcome to a new edition of Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino 🎙️ On this episode, we talk with Stephen Baer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Engagency.

Stephen leads a firm built on the belief that human engagement is the engine of business performance. With a 30-year career focused on the science of connection, motivation, and activation, he helps organizations build meaningful, measurable connections with both their workforce and customers.

Before Engagency, Stephen co-founded and led The Game Agency, which was later acquired by ELB Learning. He also held sales and marketing leadership roles at Atari and General Electric, where he became a Six Sigma Black Belt Certified leader and received GE’s Global Marketing Excellence Award.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The science behind employee and customer engagement

• Behavioral insights that drive performance

• How organizations can activate motivation at scale

• Lessons from leadership roles at Atari and GE

• Building measurable, sustainable business growth

If you're a business leader, HR professional, marketer, or entrepreneur interested in motivation, engagement strategy, and performance culture, this episode delivers practical and high-level insight.

🔎 Learn more about Stephen:
https://stephenbaer.com/

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