Songs & Stories Podcast
1) Idris Ackamoor: Building a Future You Can Dance To
Episode SummarySaxophonist, composer, and theater-maker Idris Ackamoor joins us to talk about Afrofuturism, ensemble storytelling, and why his performances are designed as communal happenings—part rit...Show More
2) Yilian Cañizares on Roots, Ritual, and the Road to Vitamina Y
Episode summaryViolinist–vocalist Yilian Cañizares joins Backstage Bay Area to talk about the musical DNA that powers her work—classical discipline, Afro-Cuban tradition, and the open-ended spirit of ...Show More
3) Bach, Bebop & Bay Area: Paquito D'Rivera’s Jazz Odyssey
Show Notes:On this episode of the Backstage Bay Area Podcast, host Steve Roby sits down with the legendary Paquito D'Rivera—multi-Grammy-winning saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer—for a lively con...Show More
4) Lineage, Lift-Off: Sarah Hanahan’s Alto Speaks in the Present Tense
Show Notes:In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with acclaimed alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. Sarah shares her musical upbringing, the influence of jazz legends, and the s...Show More
5) An Evening with Andy Summers: Sound, Vision, and Stories in Real Time
Episode Summary:Legendary guitarist and multimedia artist Andy Summers (The Police) joins Steve Roby on Backstage Bay Area to discuss his innovative one-man show, which focuses on live guitar, storyte...Show More
6) Arturo O’Farrill: “The Arts Belong to the People”
Show Notes:Welcome to Backstage Bay Area! In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill for a deep dive into the intersections...Show More
7) OKAN: Joy as Resistance, Rhythm as Home
Show NotesBackstage Bay Area welcomes the vibrant Afro-Cuban duo, OKAN—Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne—for an inspiring discussion about music, identity, and resilience.In this episode, host ...Show More
8) Dominique Fils-Aimé: Jazz as Freedom, Healing, and Connection
Show NotesBackstage Bay Area welcomes Montreal-based, award-winning singer-songwriter Dominique Fils-Aimé. In this episode, Dominique shares her creative journey, the healing power of music, and the i...Show More
9) LabRats at SFJAZZ: Groove Experiments and the Mwandishi Connection
Show NotesOn this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby chats with Jacob Swedlow, drummer and band leader of Sacramento’s jazz fusion group, LabRats. Jacob shares the story of how the band fo...Show More
10) Lady Day Reimagined: Stella Heath’s Jazz Story
Episode Summary:In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes singer Stella Heath for an intimate look at the Billie Holiday Project—a heartfelt tribute to Lady Day’s music and legacy. Ahead of her perfor...Show More