My First Car

Musician and educator James McMahon finally comes by the studio to share some stories of his beloved 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Station Wagon, complete with classic wood paneling. James reflects on the formative years that shaped his musical journey with family road trips from Idaho to North Dakota and early days of his first band Speak Easy. He opens up about how music theory unlocked a whole new world of creativity and how growing up alongside three equally musical brothers didn’t breed competition but mutual inspiration. After making the move to Bismarck he found his calling in teaching and 22 years later he’s still at it bringing a heartfelt approach to music education. We also get a glimpse into his time with local BisMan favorite Fat Dad, collaborating with his brother in The McMahon Bros, and his new project The Peace Garden Collective. Whether he's coaching tennis, performing on stage, teaching the next gen, or being a proud grandpa, James continues to create and carve out a little time for clarity and self-reflection.
 
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Singer songwriter Mike Swenson has a gift for music and a curse for vehicles. His first car begins with a 79 Chevy pickup careening downhill after failed brakes. Then his vehicle's luck gets worse from there with blown engines, spontaneous fires, and rabbits turning his car into a snack. We vent about the agony of backing up trailers, the unpredictable highs and lows of gig life, and trace Mike’s musical roots back to a home filled with music growing up. Mike just keeps rolling with a smile, grateful for every chance he gets to share his music no matter how many vehicles he has to bury along the way.
 
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

David Martel is a longtime friend and legendary musician who joins me in the studio for a ride through his life and career. We kick things off with a tale about his cool dorky '81 Chevy Chevette and dive deep into his roots of growing up as a farm kid in a small town where boredom was beat by pulling sleds with his car, blowing up G.I. Joes, and smashing guitars. A born entertainer, David always knew he wanted to make people laugh, think, and feel, and even got his start by making quirky home videos. David takes us through his musical evolution by sharing stories from his time with bands like Little Devious Me, Gypsy Foot, Anonymous Phenomenon, and Artificial AI's. Above all, David is driven by the desire to create something entirely his own, hoping his work will inspire others to break free and do the same.

Darren King's '85 (½) Mercury Lynx was a perfect first car for his upright bass to ride shotgun.  That Lynx caught air, caught fire, and even caused a bit of a stir at a retirement home. From a young age his dad immersed him in sports, literature, music, and culture, setting the stage for a lifelong artistic journey. After watching a documentary on R&B, funk, and soul, became enamored with the groove of the bass guitar. Darren shares stories of joining the Air Force, playing gigs across the globe, and inspiring the next gen as a music teacher.

Singer songwriter and word nerd Sonda Sauers joins me for some laidback conversation. How very trusting of her to leave the keys to her '92 Pontiac Grand Am on a soda machine for friends to borrow. So it's easy to see how she was so warmly welcomed into the music scene after moving back to Bismarck,ND. Sonda shares some of her story of journaling since a kid, being a community organizer,  and running a half-marathon. We chat about her creative alter ego, Mz Mondegreen, showing off her passion for words. Plus, we bond over our mutual love of camping and escaping humanity. 

Make them a bassline they can't refuse.Timothy 'Timo' Reed stops by the studio to catch up with me this week.  A fan of history and music Timo is a  bassist currently playing with Green Boots, The Swentones, and Johnny Spud. Back in Davenport Iowa Timo used his first car, a 82 Pontiac Grand LeMans to speed deliver Godfathers Pizza to Happy Joe Whitty. After relocating to North Dakota he dove headfirst into the local music scene, connecting with a vibrant community of artists who became lifelong collaborators and friends. Timo also opens up about witnessing a tragic accident in his youth and how it shaped his perspective.  And we talk about his love for Devo, hosting a radio show, taking roadtrips, and how travel is the best form of education.  Overall Timo is a good soul who's about lifting others up and making sure we all thrive along the way.
 
GreenBoots at Laughing Sun Brewing with Harsh Light Saturday June 7th. Www.facebook.com/GreenBootsInc/
The SwenTones www.Facebook.com/theswentones/
 
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
 

In this episode, I sit down for a cup of joe and a deep conversation with my uncle D.W. Groethe a true cowboy of the arts. A ranch hand by trade and a poet singer-songwriter by calling, D.W. shares stories from a life lived off the beaten path. He may have never technically owned a car, but his first ride was a 66 Dodge van fully outfitted with a fridge, cabinets, and a bed. As lifelong musician he eventually traded in the band life for the simplicity of a single acoustic guitar going solo with his songs and stories. He opens up about the joy and grit of being a traveling musician while never chasing fame but doing what he does best. From performing at the prestigious Kennedy Center to playing small town festivals and cozy small room shows, D.W.'s journey is a testament to the power of music and poetry of a well worn road.
https://www.loc.gov/item/2021687784/
https://www.westernfolklife.org/blog/2024/2/29/leap-year-cowboy-poetry
 
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

This week I’m joined by Gus Lindgren the owner of Rhythm Records and we share our love for comic book fandom and music. Gus shares stories of his first car a 2005 Chevy Aveo nicknamed "The Flash" and how this lil car became the backdrop for some of his most pivotal moments. A road trip to San Diego Comic Con where he met his future wife and the inevitable wreck that led to a second Aveo "The Flash 2." We also dive into his unexpected career trajectory from a weekend news director where Will Ferrell, in full Ron Burgundy character, took over the news desk, to his musical journey playing keyboard for Boreal Gardens and Avantide, and hosting his radio show, A Musical Journey. Gus never intended to become a businessman, yet here he is running a beloved record store in town. 
Avantidehttps://avantideband.com/avantide-home
A Musical Journeyhttps://radioaccess.org/a-musical-journey/
 
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Singer-songwriter Kit Pines joins me in the studio with stories of reinvention, traveling, and rock 'n' roll. After a few too many close calls she was forced to sell her beloved New Yorker and make some major life changes. Moving in with her guitarist uncle sparked a new chapter by trading bad influences for garage band jam sessions and diving headfirst into the Bismarck music scene. We talk about her creative evolution, thrifting adventures, and the importance of trusting your gut. 

Bass player and rocker for life Dustin Geiger drove the piss out of his first car a 1991 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat. Geiger and I reminisce about years of playing gigs, recording sessions, and the raw energy of the music scene. He takes us on a trip down memory lane sharing the evolution of his early days with Perosity and the band's transformation into the powerhouse that was Omnipotent Belligerence. We also touch on his latest project, Penumbra, and their upcoming shows: Minot on Saturday May 17th w/ Avantide and June 20th. Sweat, passion, and a whole lot of stories from one of the coolest, most laid back dudes you’ll ever meet. 
 
PENUMBRAhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Penumbra-music/100092526987529/
 
Omnipotent Belligerence - The Power To Overcome
https://youtu.be/BLn7sbleswk?si=7bFudt_UOHLG1fWF
 
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com