Illinois Drifter Podcast

Justin Conn
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Music Commentary

Illinois Drifter is my way of celebrating music — live shows, new records, old records, books, documentaries ... everything that makes you feel something. illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  1. Jul 24

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: A Black Crowes weekend to remember

    When the word “meet-up” started getting thrown around for the Indianapolis stop of the Black Crowes’ Southern Hospitality tour, I was excited — that’s Illinois Drifter territory! But then the excitement just kept growing as more people got involved. Illinois Drifter All-Stars Shawn Hillman and Jim Hennessy were the first to sign on, followed by our friends from the State of Amorica and Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews podcasts, both of which Shawn co-hosts. Then, about a week before the show, we found out we’d be meeting Black Crowes founding members Chris and Rich Robinson before the concert. Along with Shawn and Jim, I’m joined by State of Amorica/R4 producer Jason Doncis, State of Amorica’s Justin Frey, and R4 legends Ray Perme and Lou Fugaro for a lively conversation about a weekend none of us will ever forget. We all met on the internet because we love music, and somehow that led to hanging out with Chris and Rich Robinson. It’s a pretty great story about what can happen when a shared passion brings people together. I had the shortest trip — about three hours from Decatur. Add a couple more for Shawn and Justin from the Chicago area, longer drives for Jason from Michigan and Jim from Maryland, and flights for Ray from Texas and Lou from New Jersey. Though, for a while, it looked like Lou might become an Indianapolis resident when New Jersey refused to take him back. This crossover episode also appears on the State of Amorica and Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews Patreon feeds. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:55 – Welcome and introductions 03:58 – How the Indianapolis gathering came together 06:11 – Ruoff Music Center (Deer Creek) impressions 09:28 – The meet-and-greet begins 15:24 – Judy steals the show 18:48 – Debating “The Seeker” with Chris and Rich 21:02 – Setlists, songwriting and band stories 21:56 – Group photos and memorable moments 24:02 – Why the Robinson brothers left such a great impression 29:10 – Southall and Whiskey Myers 33:26 – Black Crowes take the stage 37:27 – Setlist highlights and Three Snakes surprises 44:26 – Chris Robinson’s voice and the current lineup 53:03 – Sleepy Bear Campground adventures 59:27 – What’s next for State of Amorica and R4 1:08:29 – Illinois Drifter outro 🎵 For more State of Amorica and R4 ✅You can find the State of Amorica podcast here. Also, read why I love the podcast so much here. ✅You can find the Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews podcast here. 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  2. Jul 20

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: Margo Price, Bob Dylan and Black Crowes memories with Angela Winters

    One of the Midwest’s most experienced concertgoers, Angela Winters, joined me to talk about Margo Price, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, the Gregg Allman documentary and, of course, the Black Crowes. The conversation begins with Margo Price’s outstanding performance at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn — it’s a special place to Angela! — before moving to Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams, the Greg Allman documentary, and some amazing Black Crowes stories, including Angela’s experience attending the Cabin Fever recording sessions at Levon Helm Studios. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:18 – Intro: Angela Winters joins the podcast 00:38 – Fitzgerald’s: why it’s one of the Midwest’s great music venues 01:20 – Angela’s history with Fitzgerald’s, including getting married there 03:25 – Outdoor shows at Fitzgerald’s 04:27 – First impressions of Margo Price 06:33 – Margo Price’s outstanding band and Logan Ledger 08:00 – Highlights from Margo’s performance 10:03 – Politics, personality and authenticity in Margo Price’s music 11:09 – The intimate atmosphere of the show 13:09 – Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams at Northerly Island 14:36 – Lucinda Williams’ latest album and current band 16:43 – What it’s like seeing Bob Dylan in 2026 20:38 – Dylan’s ever-changing setlists and approach to performing 22:50 – Greg Allman documentary discussion 27:46 – Angela’s unforgettable backstage Allman Brothers / New Earth Mud story 30:46 – Black Crowes memories: Cabin Fever sessions and Levon Helm Studios 35:29 – Favorite Black Crowes eras and shows 36:34 – Thoughts on the current Crowes lineup 37:22 – Chris and Rich Robinson’s reunion and longevity 38:00 – The one question Angela would ask Chris and Rich Robinson 39:24 – Outro 📖 For more Allmans Gregg Allman’s revealing biography, My Cross to Bear, can be found here.: https://shop.thebighousemuseum.com/products/gregg-allman-my-cross-to-bear Galadrielle Allman’s riveting book about her father, Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman, can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Please-Be-Me-Father-Allman/dp/1400068940 😮 Coming soon Did you like the Crowes talk? There’s much more coming! 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  3. Jun 29

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: Comparing two Marcus King shows a few cities apart

    Illinois Drifter East Coast correspondent Jim Hennessy returns to compare notes after we both attended Marcus King shows on the same tour — Jim in Washington, D.C., and me near St. Louis. We discussed how King’s live show has evolved, the band’s current lineup, the heavy emphasis on Darling Blue and No Room for Blue, and how the same tour can produce very different moments from city to city. They also talk about opener Penelope Road, Marcus’ growing confidence as a songwriter and performer, and speculate about where his music may head next. We ended by talking about the upcoming State of Amorica meetup at the Black Crowes’ show near Indianapolis, and Jim’s plans to see the Steepwater Band. ⏱ Episode Timeline Marcus King – Comparing Two Shows with Jim Hennessy 00:19 – Intro: Jim Hennessy returns to the podcast 00:42 – Why compare two Marcus King shows from the same tour? 01:20 – Jim’s history with Marcus King and discovering his music 02:24 – Justin’s Marcus King journey and previous shows 03:36 – Washington, D.C.’s Anthem venue and Marcus’ draw there 06:07 – Comparing The Anthem and The Factory in St. Louis 09:54 – Opener Penelope Road: first impressions 12:09 – Marcus King’s evolving live band and changing sound 15:09 – How the new Darling Blue / No Room for Blue songs translate live 18:17 – Covers: Bob Seger in St. Louis vs. Chuck Brown in Washington 24:31 – Why Marcus is leaning heavily on new material 26:55 – Marcus’ storytelling between songs 27:38 – Songs they hoped to hear but didn’t 29:57 – What’s next for Marcus King? 32:26 – State of Amorica / Indianapolis Black Crowes meetup preview 34:56 – Jim plans to catch Steepwater Band 35:59 – Outro 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  4. Jun 18

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: State of Amorica's Shawn Hillman on the Southern Hospitality Tour

    No. 1 concert buddy Shawn Hillman joined me to recap a road trip to Cincinnati for The Black Crowes’ Southern Hospitality Tour, featuring Whiskey Myers and Southall at Riverbend Music Center. The conversation covers the venue, the crowd, first impressions of Whiskey Myers, and what may have been one of the strongest Black Crowes performances either has seen since the band’s reunion. Along the way, we discuss setlists, band chemistry, the impact of new members like bassist Mark “Muddy” Dutton, and why this current era of the Crowes feels different — all you have to do is hear them on “Thorn’s Progress” to know it’s true. Remember to reach out if you’re going to be at either the Indianapolis or St. Louis shows. I’d love to see you! ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:22 – Intro: Shawn returns and the concert buddy rankings 01:08 – Black Crowes history, show count and Southern Hospitality Tour overview 02:42 – First impressions of Riverbend Music Center 04:10 – Comparing Riverbend to Tinley Park, Maryland Heights and Ravinia 06:06 – Amphitheater design, parking and summer show realities 08:18 – Lawn tickets, empty seats and overzealous security guards 10:43 – Finding a viewing spot on the lawn 11:15 – Crowd makeup: Black Crowes fans vs Whiskey Myers fans 13:06 – Missing opener Southall and first impressions 13:35 – Whiskey Myers: Shawn's first experience with the band 16:13 – Justin's take on Whiskey Myers and their audience appeal 18:20 – Turning attention to The Black Crowes 18:43 – Why this may be the best Crowes show since the reunion 20:00 – Chris and Rich's current chemistry and comfort level 22:40 – New blood in the band and Muddy Dutton's impact 24:18 – The "Thorn in My Pride" / "Thorn's Progress" jam discussion 27:18 – Setlist thoughts and balancing old vs new material 29:24 – Looking ahead to Indianapolis and St. Louis shows 31:19 – Why it's a fun time to be a Crowes fan 32:26 – Final thoughts on Whiskey Myers 33:27 – Shawn plugs State of Amorica 33:48 – Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews discussion 34:49 – Outro ✅ Check out 👉If you’re not familiar with the State of Amorica Podcast, check out why I love it so much and then go listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-amorica-a-black-crowes-podcast/id1463302176 👉The Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews Podcast is a must for music lovers. Check out the episodes I’ve appeared on (Johnny Blue Skies, Passage du Desir; Larkin Poe, Bloom; Mofro, Lochloosa), and a back library that will keep you busy for months: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ridiculous-rock-record-reviews/id1266169765 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu Thanks for reading Illinois Drifter! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  5. May 23

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: Getting to know Eric Saylors from The Steepwater Band

    Steepwater Band guitarist Eric Saylors joined the Illinois Drifter Podcast for a conversation about his musical roots, years on the road and finding a long-term home in one of the Midwest’s great blues-rock bands. From growing up in small-town Indiana around bluegrass and country music to touring nationally with Healing Sixes and eventually joining Steepwater Band, Saylors reflects on nearly three decades of life in working rock bands. The conversation also dives into the upcoming Steepwater album, the band’s writing process, memorable jams with artists like Marc Ford and Luther Dickinson, and the realities of balancing music, work and family life. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:20 – Intro: getting to know Eric Saylors beyond the stage 01:07 – Growing up in Bunker Hill, Indiana 02:10 – Early musical influences: country, bluegrass & his father’s guitar playing 03:36 – First real band: Wanted 05:40 – Henry Lee Summer years & early touring lessons 09:23 – Joining Healing Sixes & working with Jason Bonham 11:30 – Touring years, New York recording sessions & Kevin Shirley 13:27 – First meeting the Steepwater guys through shared gigs 15:28 – Telling Steepwater: “If there’s ever a fourth guy…” 17:04 – Joining the band with no rehearsal 18:44 – Finding his role alongside Jeff Massey 20:01 – Learning the Steepwater catalog & adapting parts live 21:15 – Realizing the chemistry worked 23:22 – Balancing Steepwater with work and family life 25:26 – Long-term life in touring bands 25:54 – Memorable sit-ins & playing with Marc Ford 27:17 – “Whoa” moments: backstage with Warren Haynes, Rich Robinson & Marc Ford 28:45 – Excitement around the upcoming Steepwater album 29:06 – How the new material differs from recent records 31:32 – Soundcheck riffs, writing process & road inspiration 33:06 – Relearning the new songs for live performance 34:17 – How Steepwater writes and develops material together 35:19 – Closing thoughts & future conversations 35:39 – Outro ✅ Check out For all things Steepwater Band, go to steepwaterband.com. For more about Doug Henthorn and Healing Sixes, go to doughenthorn.com. 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  6. May 5

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: James McMurtry and a night at the Castle

    I was back at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington to see James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review on Friday, April 24. I knew McMurtry’s music going in, but I didn’t really know what to expect live. In this solo episode of the podcast, I break down the night — from the venue, to the crowd, to the opener, BettySoo, who plays a unique dual role on this tour. I love that the band has been playing with McMurtry for years, I love that the bass player’s name is Cornbread, and I love that there were stickers of Cornbread (Michael Traylor), along with guitarist Tim Holt and drummer Daren Hess. But what I loved most was an unexpected moment when McMurtry and BettySoo stepped in front of the mics to serenade an appreciative audience. I’m still in awe. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:22 – Intro: solo episode & return to Castle Theatre 01:00 – Discovering James McMurtry & getting into his catalog 02:45 – Castle Theatre setup, favorite standing spot & sound discussion 03:30 – Crowd size, vibe & Castle comparisons 05:10 – Crowd energy: engaged fans vs chatty back section 06:15 – Merch stand overview (vinyl, posters, stickers) 07:00 – BettySoo opening set & dual role (opener + merch) 08:30 – Opening set impressions (quiet, intimate, uneven energy) 09:30 – McMurtry joins opener → energy shift 10:00 – Full band performance: tight, polished, album-accurate sound 10:45 – McMurtry storytelling & “Black Dog and the Wandering Boy” 11:30 – Emotional peak: “Blackberry Winter” front-of-stage performance 12:15 – Crowd reaction & standout concert moment 12:45 – Overall show takeaway: unique, organic, DIY feel 13:10 – Why taking chances on unfamiliar artists pays off 13:30 – Closing thoughts & recommendation 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show’s theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  7. Apr 28

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: Larkin Poe, Gov't Mule and a solo night at The Factory

    I was trying to think of the name of the first song I ever heard by Gov’t Mule, then they opened the show with it — complete with someone in an Uncle Sam outfit holding signs. It was the kind of moment that makes going to see live music special, and why I don’t mind going to shows alone. It had been about six months since I’d been to a show by myself— this one felt worth breaking the streak for. Larkin Poe opening for Gov’t Mule at The Factory in St. Louis is about as strong a lineup as you’re going to find, and I wasn’t missing it. It also seemed like a fitting time to introduce the first solo episode of Illinois Drifter. Here’s a look at what the episode covers: ⏱ Timestamps 00:16 – Intro: first solo concert in six months 01:00 – Larkin Poe familiarity and recent listening 02:00 – Govt Mule background and Allman Brothers connection 03:30 – The Factory venue overview 05:00 – Crowd behavior and standing vs sitting 06:30 – Meeting a fellow concertgoer 07:30 – Phone use and concert etiquette rant 10:00 – Merch experience and pricing thoughts 12:30 – Larkin Poe live performance breakdown 15:00 – Govt Mule set: tone and highlights 17:00 – 420 nod: “Don’t Step on the Grass, Sam” 18:30 – Band performance and musicianship 20:30 – Larkin Poe joins for “Sugaree” (highlight moment) 21:30 – Encore: “Soulshine” and crowd reaction 22:30 – Final thoughts on venue and crowd 23:00 – Outro and upcoming shows ✅ Check out 👉 To find Gov’t Mule live shows, including the show from The Factory, go to nugs.net. Streaming takes a subscription, but you can buy and download shows without a subscription. 👉 Are you a stander or a sitter? Check out more of my thoughts here. 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song: * “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme) You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: Thanks for reading Illinois Drifter! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

  8. Apr 22

    Illinois Drifter Podcast: Edward David Anderson on Backyard Tire Fire, family and a lifetime in music

    Singer-songwriter Edward David Anderson joins the Illinois Drifter Podcast ahead of a show at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn with Backyard Tire Fire and Steepwater Band. From his early days in Illinois to touring the country and eventually scaling back to focus on family and creative fulfillment, Anderson shares a candid look at 30 years as an independent musician. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that includes how I first discovered EDA, the origins and evolution of Backyard Tire Fire, why he never chased the traditional “music industry” path, moving to rural Wisconsin and embracing small-town life, the impact of family and fatherhood on his career, the “Let It Shine” documentary and much, much more, inclucing — of course — some Black Crowes discussion to finish. ✅ Check out 👉 For tickets to the Steepwater/Backyard Tire Fire show at FitzGeralds, go here: Tickets 👉 You can watch the outstanding documentary on Edward David Anderson, “Let It Shine” on YouTube here: 👉 For everything else EDA, including Backyard Tire Fire, go to Anderson’s website: https://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/ ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:19 – Intro: discovering EDA at Danenberger Family Vineyards 02:41 – Background on Backyard Tire Fire & musical style 04:23 – Bloomington-Normal years, early band life & meeting his wife 05:05 – Intro to FitzGerald’s show with Steepwater Band 05:39 – Moving to Wisconsin & life in the Driftless region 08:15 – Illinois roots & importance of Chicago scene 09:55 – Fitzgerald’s as a key venue 10:22 – Why he never fully chased Nashville/industry path 12:44 – Touring life: “46 states” era 14:03 – Pandemic shift & rediscovering home life 15:49 – Havana, Illinois & creative inspiration (Still the River) 16:15 – Let It Shine documentary & unexpected impact 18:00 – Music as legacy for his daughter 20:27 – Work-life balance & scaling back touring 23:29 – Current lifestyle: fewer shows, more intention 25:45 – Evolution from 200+ shows/year to ~30/year 26:52 – Learning to play & early musical development 29:32 – Growth as a songwriter over time 31:49 – Industry realities & staying motivated 34:37 – Challenges of the music business & mental toll 36:00 – Early career break: record deal & Brother Jed 38:47 – Backyard Tire Fire rise & touring years 40:55 – Reuniting Backyard Tire Fire 43:30 – Current lineup & band chemistry 45:49 – New album (with Steve Berlin) 47:18 – Recording process & what to expect 49:49 – FitzGerald’s show preview & Steepwater collaboration 51:47 – Solo work & Black Dirt Revival trio 54:04 – Other projects (Dead band, local gigs, etc.) 57:04 – Grateful Dead influence & musical evolution 59:09 – Managing multiple projects & creative fulfillment 01:01:16 – Closing thoughts on current phase of career 01:01:47 – Outro 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their songs: “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme) “Sweet Vermillion” (bumper music) You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Illinois Drifter is my way of celebrating music — live shows, new records, old records, books, documentaries ... everything that makes you feel something. illinoisdrifter.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Conn
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Justin Conn
  • Show Website
    Illinois Drifter Podcast