Midwest Beat is BACK just in time for the holiday season. Classical Blast joins us this evening as they talk upcoming performances, the writing process of mashing together songs, and address member changes.

Kool & The Gang join Tom Lounges as they discuss new music, changes of their classic sound, and future endeavors on this funky episode of Midwest Beat!

Join Tom Lounges as he speaks with a local musician! Young but talented, Geddy Trezak joins the show!

Listeners of “Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges” were introduced to songwriter/musician MAIA SHARP when she made a guest appearance on the program in support of her 2021 album “MERCY RISING,” and the feedback and response to her music was strong.Sharp now returns to chat with show host Tom Lounges about her ninth and newest full length album – “RECKLESS THOUGHTS” – 10-songs written both solo and in collaboration with other gifted fellow song crafters. Two advance singles – “Kind” and “Old Dreams” -- have already been released and building excitement about the full album, due to drop worldwide on August 18th.Born in California’s Central Valley, Sharp moved with her family to Los Angeles when she was five. Following in the footsteps of her Grammy-winning songwriter father, Randy Sharp (Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris etc.), she studied music theory at California State University Northridge, but was originally a saxophonist.Fortunately, she soon embraced her destiny to become a wordsmith and melody maker. Over the last quarter century, Sharp has become a respected song crafter who aside from penning songs for her own recordings, has written for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Cher, and Art Garfunkel, to name but a few.“Reckless Thoughts” is the latest foray in Sharp’s journey. It features a new batch of reflective and personal songs drawn from life experiences that are relatable to others. Sharp has a real knack of connecting with everyday people, who identify with the emotions, stories and experiences she shares through her music. More: www.maiasharp.com

The "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" interview/music program on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio, recently welcomed the Southshore Roller Derby Girls SPIRIT CRUSHER and DEX BA-BOMB -- as in studio guests.The ladies talked about the resurgence of roller derby in recent years, how they each came to join the skating ranks, and they risk injury by competing in a rough and tumble sport. We also talked about a few of their upcoming events.Catch live roller derby with the Southshore Roller Derby on June 24th at Bulldog Park in Crown Point. Pictured here are Spirit Crusher (aka Olivia) and Dex BaBoom (aka Autumn). Follow the ladies at: https://southshorerollerderby.org

This evening on "Midwest BEAT," host/producer Tom Lounges will chat with the guests about a special event happening from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, June 25th at Hobart Art Theater (230 Main St.) in downtown Hobart.This event is a special fundraising screening of -- "THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY" -- the soon to be officially released film documentary on the career of legendary Radio DJ/Air Personality -- DICK BIONDI. The film features many of the stars whose careers were helped by Biondi, including: Frankie Avalon, Brian Wilson & Al Jardine (Beach Boys), Tom Dreesen, Tony Orlando, Jim Peterik, Paul Shaffer, and many others.Prior to the film being screened, there will be a pair of short live musical performances by KENNY JAMES (the "Buddy Holly" of national tribute group, RAVE ON!) and JOE CANTAFIO (band leader and front man of Chicago's iconic and recently reunited band, JADE 50's.)The film's executive producer PAMELA PULICE will talk on air about the event, the film project and why Dick Biondi warrants the attention and the nine years she has personally invested into this project. There will be a silent and live auction for some cool rock 'n' roll items, and ticket drawings for a few rockin' baskets. Funds from this screening event will be used to wrap up the final details needed to get the film entered into film festivals and get an official public release.Tickets for the debut screening of the independent film -- "THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY" -- are available at www.brickartlive.com.

Tom Lounges is joined by beloved tribute band All My Brothers Band, as they chat about endeavors and the love of music.

Tonight was fun as my friend Marco Villarreal --- a most amazing guitarist and multi-Instrumentalist -- joined me as a special guest on tonight's "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" program. The weekly celebrity interview program is broadcast Tuesdays on Lakeshore Public Radio.Join Marco and I tomorrow (Wednesday) at Montego Bay Grille in downtown Hobart for our 6pm "Guitar Speak", an entertaining and educational gathering for guitar students and players of all ages and all skill levels. Learn from one of the Midwest's best.Everyone is welcome. Free admission, full cash bar and a full menu is served.

An iconic entertainer, TONY ORLANDO, has been in show business since the age of 15, as a songwriter, producer, record label executive, television variety host and hit-making recording artist with 19 Top 40 charted singles, including three Top 5 hits --"Candido," "Knock Three Times," "Sweet Gypsy Rose," "He Don't Love You Like I Love You," and his internationally famous signature song, "Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ol' Oak Tree."Currently back on the road and touring with his good friend and fellow show biz legend WAYNE NEWTON, the entertainment duo which Orlando describes as "the last of the old school Vegas-style acts still on the road," will be performing this Saturday at The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.Tonight, I talk with Orlando about his fabulous 64-year career in the entertainment business -- on stage, on television, and behind the scenes. Some of our chat will including his sharing some very unique stories about some of his biggest hits, the impact that "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" has had on American veterans over the decades, and how he has "backed into" some of the biggest breaks of his career.

Singer/Songwriter Peter Case calls in while on the road promoting his new solo album "Doctor Moan"