Seeing Them Live Charles Zona

In this episode, hosts Charles and Doug engage with ZouZou Mansour, the dynamic lead singer of the Philadelphia-based band Soraia. Soraia has opened for major bands like Joan Jet and Jon Bon Jovi. ZouZou reflects on her earliest concert experiences, including how seeing Hall and Oates and Iggy Pop significantly shaped her musical path. The conversation explores Soraia’s discography, their fan interactions, and their collaboration with major artists like Steven Van Zandt and Jon Bon Jovi. Additionally, listeners get tantalizing details about the band’s upcoming vinyl re-release of 'Shed the Skin,' their social media presence, and upcoming shows.

In this episode of "Seeing Them Live," Charles and Doug host members of the New York City band Mad Meg—vocalist Ilya Popenko, Dan Vexler, Jason Laney, and Igor Reznik. The discussion delves into the band's origins within New York's Russian-speaking community and their diverse musical influences. They share stories about their concert experiences, notably a unique performance at a women's correctional facility in Lithuania, and highlight the energy of their live shows. Additionally, they explore Ilya's filmmaking ventures, including his animated music videos and a documentary on the antifolk scene in New York. The episode provides an in-depth look at Mad Meg's creative process and the synergy between their music and visual artistry.

This episode features an engaging conversation with Barry and his daughter Emma, highlighting Emma's extraordinary journey as the world's youngest concert photographer. At just eight years old, Emma has already photographed several prominent bands and artists, thanks to the mentorship of her father Barry, a seasoned freelance photographer who began his career in 1997, working for JAM TV. Barry has a rich history in photography, contributing to notable publications such as the Rolling Stone Network, Rollingstone.com, Forbes magazine and wire services like Getty Images and the Associated Press. The podcast delves into Emma's first concert experiences, her progression from using a Polaroid to a professional-grade camera, and the unique souvenirs she's collected along the way, showcasing her growing passion for music and photography. Emma and Barry also provide listeners with some tips for photographing your favorite bands.

Charles has an in-depth conversation with Rick Onstop who hosts the Rock Talk Studio podcast. Rick is a seasoned veteran of the music industry with a rich history in music distribution, blogging, and podcasting. Rick shares his journey from working in a record store in Hollywood, experiencing in-store appearances by big names like Bruce Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Patrick Swayze and Itzhak Perlman, to attending iconic concerts, including an unforgettable KISS concert at the young age of 14. Rick’s deep-rooted connections within the music scene unfold as he describes his personal encounters with music legends and one near encounter with Bob Dylan.

This episode features an engaging conversation with our guest, Steve Pothel. Steve, an accountant with a deep passion for live music, shares a series of captivating stories that highlight his experiences attending various concerts over the years. Initially mentioned in Charles' book, "Ticket Stub Stories, A Memoir of Live Music," Steve's anecdotes cover a wide range of memorable moments from his first concerts in 1992, including shows by The Cure, artists at Lollapalooza, and U2’s Zoo TV tour, to later events like seeing L7 and the Psychedelic Furs. Throughout the episode, Steve, Charles, and Douglas delve into the nuances of live performances, the significance of certain venues, and the personal connections they’ve made through music. Additionally, discussions about Steve’s transition to DJing, his encounters with bands like Monster Magnet and L7, and reflections on the impact of the late Mars Williams of the Psychedelic Furs. The candid dialogue not only encapsulates the vibrant live music scene from the 1990s to the present but also touches on their evolving tastes and the legacy of the artists who’ve shaped their musical landscape.

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles and Doug host Jessica Catena, a seasoned podcaster and avid concert-goer. Jessica shares her musical journey, offering in-depth stories from live music events and shares the inspiration behind starting her podcast. Discussions include her first concert featuring George Michael, navigating concerts during unpredictable weather, and her most surprising concert experiences, including Lady Gaga and the Global Citizen's concert. Jessica also reflects on missed opportunities to see performances, such as the Nashville TV series cast, and explores the intriguing realm of misheard lyrics, including a notable Iggy Pop song. The interview concludes with Jessica’s plans for upcoming podcast episodes and her passion for connecting people through music.