Midwest BEAT

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!

Each week's program finds producer and host Tom Lounges blending together various styles and eras of the blues -- from the old school legends, to the top contemporary players of today, along with some of the up and young guns deserving to have their music heard. Audiences will hear the guitar greats, the harp blowers, the piano pounders, the singers, and the shouters. Some of club-hopping Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland's regional players also get showcased on this program.

Each week's program finds producer and host Tom Lounges blending together various styles and eras of the blues -- from the old school legends, to the top contemporary players of today, along with some of the up and young guns deserving to have their music heard. Audiences will hear the guitar greats, the harp blowers, the piano pounders, the singers, and the shouters. Some of club-hopping Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland's regional players also get showcased on this program.

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

Join Tom Lounges as he has an old time friend of the show Dave Rudolph! Dave has been around both in and in music having an eclectic repertoire of music ranging from jazz and Americana, to Children's tunes and Summer vibes!

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.

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 week's theme is NEW BLUES RELEASES! I do a double shot of songs from several NEW album releases for the entire 2 hour program. Among the artists who have new albums featured are: Ally Venable, Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Chris Duarte, Marc Broussard, Mike Zito, Joanna Conner, Eddie 9V, Taj Mahal, Nigel Mack, and Michael Jerome Browne.

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