Excursions

Together as Duke of Owls, Aaron Maheu, Ben Johnson, Matt Wolfe, John Diamond have just released their debut EP.  Here the band performs live in the WYSO studios and talks to Niki Dakota about forming the band and working toward their first recording.

An offshoot of the legendary Rhythms in Shoes, Shoefly combines old time music and dance.  They recently released a new album, Six-Fifty.  Here they perform live on Excursions and chat with Niki Dakota about the new album, musical influences and plans for the new year.

Dayton-area bluegrass group Sawgrass stops by Excursions for a fun performance and interview in advance of their performance at GearFest 2011.

Sawgrass, which formed in 2005 as an outlet for Springfield singer/songwriter Ryan Judy, is a modern interpretation of the musical stylings of artists such as Hank Williams and Bill Monroe. The group plays high-energy bluegrass music, full of strong harmonies and rich instrumentation.

In this Excursions performance, the group tears through a four-song bluegrass set, which includes the uplifting “Workin’ on a Building.”

Local musician Tom Scheidt passed away earlier this week.  Scheidt was a long-time member of the Miami Valley music scene, playing in a number of bands including Chazz and Orion—and was a founding member of Fannigan’s Isle in 1984.

Here Niki Dakota talks with Rick Fannin, Scheidt's longtime musical partner in Fannigan's Isle.  Dakota and Fannin discuss Scheidt's legacy as a musician, teacher and storyteller in the Miami Valley.

Daniel Dye and the Miller Road Band make a return visit to the WYSO studios ahead of their appearance at the Madden Road Music Festival this Saturday in Mutual, Ohio.  Dye is hosting the festival, which takes place in the Mutual, Ohio's historic town hall and proceeds go towards restorations on the building.  More information is available at www.maddenroadmusic.com