The City's Backyard

Matt Zako
  • 4.9 (12)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The City's Backyard with Matt Zako. A Podcast For New York City's Backyard or any city's backyard across the world! Covering Arts, Entertainment, music and the community! 

  1. The City's Backyard Ep 186 ROSIE FLORES who is touring with ROBERT PLANT from LED ZEPPELIN is our special guest for The Holidays talking about her new album Impossible Frontiers and what it's like to tour with a rock legend!

    2D AGO

    The City's Backyard Ep 186 ROSIE FLORES who is touring with ROBERT PLANT from LED ZEPPELIN is our special guest for The Holidays talking about her new album Impossible Frontiers and what it's like to tour with a rock legend!

    Most musicians would only dream of opening for Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin on tour but for Rosie Flores the dream came true! Rosie drops by The City's Backyard Podcast on this episode to talk about her music, career, and new album called Impossible Frontiers with her band The Talismen! Plus she speaks about what it's like to be on the road opening for Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian. Rosie Flores, triple-threat Texas musician, has never allowed the challenge of navigating the male-centric worlds of rock and country music slow her down. In fact, she often drew upon those challenges as source material in sharply observed songs she not only wrote and sang with authority and passion, but also brought to life musically as a widely respected lead guitarist in a string of notable bands. Rosie is one of the 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellows! In September 2024 she accepted her gold medal award at the Library Of Congress, appearing at the Kennedy Center as well as the White House.  A daughter of San Antonio whose musical journey also has included quality time in Austin, Los Angeles, and Nashville, Flores has adroitly absorbed, helped preserve, and extended the musical legacies of influential Texas musicians as varied as country music’s King of Western Swing Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, blues guitar master T-Bone Walker, and Tex Mex innovator Doug Sahm. In the 1970s, she became one of the most celebrated performers on the “cowpunk” circuit (a hybrid of punk rock and country), alongside such other rising stars as Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Rank & File, and Los Lobos (2021 NEA National Heritage Fellows). The release of her 1987 debut solo album Rosie Flores proved her to be a singer and songwriter of the first rank, and helped lay the foundation for what coalesced into the alt country movement. Flores became the first Latina to crack Billboard’s country music chart. For her enthusiastic participation in and ongoing promotion of Austin’s deep and wide music scene, including the annual South by Southwest Conference, the city has proclaimed Rosie Flores Day in 2006. Flores has remained a spark plug live performer for more than five decades, a goosebump-inducing electric guitarist and songwriter as well as champion of the trailblazers who preceded her. Notably, she lured pioneering rockabilly heroines Wanda Jackson (2005 NEA National Heritage Fellow) and Janis Martin (“the female Elvis”) back into recording studios and onto concert stages for lauded late-career rejuvenations. Flores won a 2007 Peabody Award for her narration of the NPR rockabilly documentary, Whole Lotta Shakin’. For more on Rosie and her tour click here > https://rosieflores.com/tour/

    37 min
  2. The City's Backyard Ep 185 STEVIEMAC's Diane and Andie are ON AIR checking in about what makes a great Fleetwood Mac Tribute band plus their upcoming holiday show at The Palace Stamford and 2026 tour dates!

    DEC 15

    The City's Backyard Ep 185 STEVIEMAC's Diane and Andie are ON AIR checking in about what makes a great Fleetwood Mac Tribute band plus their upcoming holiday show at The Palace Stamford and 2026 tour dates!

    This episode we are talking "FLEETWOOD MAC" with Diane Lutz and Andie Baldwin from STEVIE MAC... the Fleetwood Mac tribute that is lighting up the stage all over the country! Diane and Andi are the Stevie and Christine McVie of the original iconic band and talk about their passion for the music.  About StevieMac StevieMac authentically and flawlessly pays tribute to the legends of Fleetwood Mac. In this mesmerizing theater production, StevieMac replicates the most popular hits and the most memorable live performances spanning the decades long careers of Fleetwood Mac as well as the solo careers of Stevie Nicks, Christie McVie and Lindsay Buckingham. Time period wardrobe, multimedia and story-telling transport the audience to the specific eras being celebrated, immersing the audience in a multi-sensory experience you will be talking about for years to come. For more on the band  https://www.steviemactribute.com

    28 min
  3. The City's Backyard Ep 184 Talkin COMEDY with 3 great comics! Helaine Witt, Michael "Motts" Pelazza, & Rich Carucci! Coming to WESTPORT, CT for a holiday show!

    DEC 8

    The City's Backyard Ep 184 Talkin COMEDY with 3 great comics! Helaine Witt, Michael "Motts" Pelazza, & Rich Carucci! Coming to WESTPORT, CT for a holiday show!

    Tri state area Comics Helaine Witt, Michael "Motts" Pelazza, and Rich Carucci  have fun chatting it up on this episode talking about their love for comedy, the arts, and what to expect from their upcoming shows in the  area and their show together coming up soon in WESTPORT, CT!  To purchase tickets for Westport, CT click here: -Comedy Night at VFW Post 399 on Friday December 12th.  Doors open at 6pm. Show at 8pm.  Plenty of free parking. - Featuring 4 great comedians!  Rich Carucci, Helaine Witt, Michael "Motts" Pelazza, John Malkin, and Joe Pontillo. -Location: 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport CT -VFW has a full bar and drink specials sponsored by Spacecat Brewing -Tickets: Eventbrite $20. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-comedy-show-the-vfw-westport-friday-december-12th-tickets-1830545704479?aff=oddtdtcreator

    33 min
  4. The City's Backyard Ep 183 NEW YACHT CITY a Tribute to Yacht Rock returns to the show and tours The Tri-Sate area this winter playing Toto, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, The Doobies, Ambrosia, and more!

    DEC 1

    The City's Backyard Ep 183 NEW YACHT CITY a Tribute to Yacht Rock returns to the show and tours The Tri-Sate area this winter playing Toto, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, The Doobies, Ambrosia, and more!

    NEW YACHT CITY from New York and New Jersey, a tribute to Yacht Rock returns! On this episode we chat with Manish Nag  singer and keyboardist as well as  singer Megan McCafferty about the genre of what Yacht Rock means to it's fans!  If you love Steely Dan, Toto, Christopher Cross, The Doobies, Ambrosia and more you will love this band! Check them out for a fun time you and your friends will always remember!  For more info on shows, ticket info, merch and  the band check out their website!  https://www.newyacht.city/#shows To purchase tickets for WESTPORT click link below!  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-yacht-city-yacht-rock-at-the-westport-vfw-tickets-1783236541499?aff=oddtdtcreator

    25 min
  5. The City's Backyard Ep 182 Multilingual Singer-Songwriter and Actress Laura Budzelek releases her sophomore album Timeless Turquoise! Laura debuts her latest singles, "Cheers to Love" & "I'm Done" that just recently dropped!

    NOV 24

    The City's Backyard Ep 182 Multilingual Singer-Songwriter and Actress Laura Budzelek releases her sophomore album Timeless Turquoise! Laura debuts her latest singles, "Cheers to Love" & "I'm Done" that just recently dropped!

    Laura Budzelek is a multilingual singer-songwriter and actress. Her music sounds like classic rock with hints of today and lands from far away.  Listeners often reflect on soul and folk elements as well, yet Laura's operatic background makes her stand apart from other singers. Her sophomore album, Timeless Turquoise, is scheduled for release this December! Fans will be pleased to discover fresh tracks that experiment with new genres, while maintaining Laura's signature style. Her latest singles, "I Became the Rock," "I'm Done" and "Cheers to Love" recently dropped! Her previous single "Relish the Romance," was recorded at Abbey Road Studios on none other than Valentine's Day. The modern rock 'n roll track has been remastered and featured on her new album. For more on Laura click on her website below!  https://www.laurabudzelek.com

    29 min
  6. The City's Backyard Ep 181 BLACK DOG:The Music of Led Zeppelin has local tour dates in the tri state area! We talk with lead Rob Malave about the rockumentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" and Black Dog's tour dates!

    NOV 17

    The City's Backyard Ep 181 BLACK DOG:The Music of Led Zeppelin has local tour dates in the tri state area! We talk with lead Rob Malave about the rockumentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" and Black Dog's tour dates!

    Black Dog proudly pays tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin with an extensive catalogue of songs comprised of classic masterpieces like "Dazed and Confused", "Heartbreaker", and "Stairway to Heaven", as well as the less heard  B-sides to satisfy the more discerning fans.   A complete acoustic set recreates an intimate setting with mandolin and custom tuned guitars played on stools, bringing to life songs like "Going to California", "Friends", and "That's the Way".   The show also includes extended versions that recapture the true live experience such as The Song Remains the Same's "Whole Lotta Love", complete with Page's magical Theramin solo!   The members established the band in early 2000, and they are all accomplished musicians with considerable experience. Black Dog is the definitive Led Zeppelin tribute band.   Keeping the music of Led Zeppelin Live! To purchase tickets to Black Dog at The Post in WESTPORT, CT log on here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/black-dog/black-dog-westport-vfw?fbclid=IwY2xjawOIfK5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyCGNhbGxzaXRlAjMwAAEe1OEv2UZ01adwP3cMSZtdSh3iQ6UtzAIqmqStABUIin1nvAPluCJ5cIBuu-E_aem_S8OJVoAZEGGXTfSSax1fkw For more on Black Dog log on  here and for more tour dates check out the "Shows" tab!  http://www.blackdogzeppelin.com

    27 min
  7. The City's Backyard Ep 180 Brooklyn-based singer from North Carolina, WALLETTE with The Re-Release Of A Cult Classic "Listen To The Music" by Judy Carter talks about her passion for music!

    NOV 10

    The City's Backyard Ep 180 Brooklyn-based singer from North Carolina, WALLETTE with The Re-Release Of A Cult Classic "Listen To The Music" by Judy Carter talks about her passion for music!

    Special Guest Brooklyn-based singer from North Carolina, who's music roots began in church! WALLETTE debuts her rework of Judy Carter's "Listen To The Music" out now via TuneCore!   After nearly 150 participants and almost 20 new entries each week, the Rabanne and Miraval Studios has officially crowned the winner of the #RabanneRemix challenge: WALLETTE, a rising singer-songwriter from New York City. With her powerhouse voice, natural charisma, and undeniable artistry, WALLETTE quickly distinguished herself among a highly competitive field of young, passionate artists. “WALLETTE embodies everything this challenge was about — raw talent, creativity, and a true passion for music,” says Miraval Studios. “We’re thrilled to work with her and can’t wait to share what’s next.” WALLETTE just released from Miraval Studios  where she  recorded the new version of the song Listen To The Music from Judy Carter. Her highly anticipated rework was released worldwide via TuneCore on November 7!  Listen to the song in this episode along with Wallette's comments on her singing career and love for the arts!  Fans can discover  more on WALLETTE by checking out her website! https://wallette.co

    25 min
  8. The City's Backyard Ep 179 Cartoonist GREG WALKER son of MORT WALKER from BEETLE BAILEY! Greg speaks about the new book out called Beetle Bailey: 75 Years Of Smiles commemorating Mort Walker's long and dedicated commitment to cartooning!

    NOV 3

    The City's Backyard Ep 179 Cartoonist GREG WALKER son of MORT WALKER from BEETLE BAILEY! Greg speaks about the new book out called Beetle Bailey: 75 Years Of Smiles commemorating Mort Walker's long and dedicated commitment to cartooning!

    Greg Walker, son of famous cartoonist Mort Walker drops by to chat about the new book out called 75 Years Of Smiles commemorating Mort Walker's long and dedicated commitment to cartooning! Greg Walker studied at Syracuse University and has worked in film, commercial photography, newspapers and graphic arts. He started his cartooning career writing and drawing comic books, including such well-know titles as Rocky and Bullwinkle, Barney and Betty Rubble, Underdog, Sarge Snorkel and Beetle Bailey. He began providing gags to his father's strips in the early 1970's and, in addition to writing, currently does the inking and lettering on Beetle Bailey. In the 1980's, Greg also collaborated with Guy and Brad Gilchrist on the Rock Channel comic strip and with brothers Brian, Neal and Morgan on Betty Boop and Felix! About the book Beetle Bailey: 75 Years Of Smiles Old cartoonists never die. They just erase away...' This was one of Mort Walker's favorite sayings, and until his final days, he lived by his motto, engaging millions of readers through his beloved comics. Walker had the longest tenure of any cartoonist on his original creation in the history of comics. He produced Beetle Bailey for 67 years, 3 months and 12 days - that's 24,576 strips. He penciled his last week of daily strips on December 16, 2017. Beetle Bailey: 75 Years Of Smiles is a coffee table retrospective commemorating Mort Walker's long and dedicated commitment to cartooning, spotlighting the anniversary of his most popular and beloved creation. In addition to the 75 Sunday pages reproduced from color syndicate proofs, 135 daily and Sunday strips scanned from original artwork, and close to 200 additional images, this beautifully designed volume, impeccably researched and written by his son Brian, also includes rare photographs, historic debut character appearances, syndicate promotional materials, posters, merchandise, personal drawings and memorabilia from the family archives, as well as biographical sketches and anecdotes. Dubbed 'The Dean of American Cartooning,' Walker was one of the most prolific cartoonists in the comics business, with the creation of nine different syndicated strips during his lifetime, including Beetle Bailey, one of the most widely syndicated strips in the world. Beetle Bailey remains a popular feature in newspapers today and is currently produced by his sons Greg, Brian and Neal.

    32 min
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4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The City's Backyard with Matt Zako. A Podcast For New York City's Backyard or any city's backyard across the world! Covering Arts, Entertainment, music and the community! 

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Zako
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    362
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The City's Backyard
  • Show Website
    The City's Backyard