Excursions

As the temperature slowly escalates to the upper 90's, Northern Howl passes by the WYSO studio to provide a wintery mix on a hot summer day. In her interview, Niki Dakota speaks to the young band about life on the road in their second tour through the Midwest and East Coast.

Singer-Songwriter Meg Cavanaugh performed at the Songwriters Showcase at Canal Street Tavern with fellow Dayton-area natives Tod Weidner (Shrug, The Floods) and Chris Montgomery. Niki Dakota spoke with Cavanaugh the day of her performance about her new album, life in the UK, and how it feels to be back home.

Bella Ruse arrived at the WYSO studios with a guitar and an organ in a suitcase. In an interview with Niki Dakota, Kay Gillette (vocals, keys) and Joseph Barker (guitar) explain their affection for the suitcase organ and other unusual instruments like a kazoo shaped like a trumpet.

The Minneapolis duo formed in Febraury of 2009 and spent the rest of that year releasing three EPs and touring the Midwest and West coast. Bella Ruse just set out on their latest Midwestern tour and plans to release their first full length album this fall.

Niki Dakota interviews Sharon Leahy and Rick Good of Rhythm in Shoes on Excursions. Rhythm in Shoes will be performing their final show at this weekend's CityFolk Festival in downtown Dayton.

LaVette is renowned for her eclectic musical style, combining elements of rock, funk, R&B, country, gospel, soul, and blues.

In her interview, LaVette reminisces over her early beginnings in 1965 and her experiences with famous artists such as Otis Redding and James Brown humorously admitting, "Well, he wasn't that big then."

After listening to the original recording of her chart single "Let Me Down Easy" on Excursions, she states, "I almost cried."