105. Brandon Piasecki - October 16, 2016

On this episode of Podcast Stockton, we feature a great interview with Brandon Piasecki. Brandon is a high school chemistry teacher at Stockton Collegiate in downtown Stockton, but that barely scratches the surface of who Brandon is and what he does in Stockton.

Brandon Piasecki
Photo by Shannon Lea Rock

As a talented musician, and using the name Mista P, Brandon created some impressive YouTube videos to help teach chemistry principles to his students. He also recently released an EP, Touch The World, recorded at Press Recording Studio in downtown Stockton. The proceeds from which will go toward his Grace Notes Music Project to give local students the chance to record music in a professional recording studio. As the hype man for Channel Brewing, Brandon helped get the Kickstarter campaign off the ground and helps put on events for the brewery. 

Brandon is also a member of Little Free Library Stockton and is the host of the Third City Podcast. 

Follow Brandon on Instagram @mrp_chemistry and Twitter @mrp_chemistry.

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This week, we welcome back an old friend of the show, Gabriel Reyes, as co-host. A talented local artist and former podcaster himself, Gabriel has co-hosted a number of Podcast Stockton shows in the past. It's great to have him back on the show! Gabriel recently took part in the Upside Down art show at Empresso, featuring local art based on the Netflix series "Stranger Things".

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The music for episode 105 is "Collide Someday" from Brandon's new EP, Touch The World. Check out the whole EP at brandonjames209.bandcamp.com. We also played a sample of "What's the Table For?", the video is a must-see!

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94. Michael Klooster - June 9, 2014

In this week's episode, Matt and Greg are joined in studio by musician Michael Klooster.

Still Very Stockton

Michael Klooster

While many people will recognize him as the keyboardist with Smash Mouth, in Stockton, Michael Klooster is much more. Although he and his wife, also a  Stockton native, and their two sons recently moved to southern California, he has maintained deep ties to the Stockton music scene. Michael has worked with many local bands including Snap Jackson and the Knock On Wood Players, and The Mundaze. He is in town working as a guest producer at a University of the Pacific summer program. 

He is also in town to perform.

Next week, his solo project, Klooster, is playing at The Whisky Barrel along with The Mundaze and Letter Blue. The show is on Tuesday, June 17 at 8 PM.

This summer, he and the rest of Smash Mouth will be joining Uncle Kracker, Sugar Ray, and Blues Traveler on the Under The Sun Tour.

Michael brought his left-handed baritone ukulele and was joined by Klooster guitarist Stanley Raquel on "Give Them A Show" and "I'll Move On". 

93. Marquis Harris - June 2, 2014

This week, Matt and Rod sit down with Marquis Harris from Marquis Entertainment. 

Entertainer

Marquis Harris

Starting his entertainment career organizing and hosting shows in Tracy, Marquis soon found himself performing in bands, hosting fashion shows and emceeing events throughout the area.

A love for basketball brought Marquis to the University of Montana Western on a full-ride scholarship. After college, Marquis returned to Tracy and shortly thereafter, Stockton, where he has made his home ever since.

Since 1989, Marquis has been building a very successful DJ and entertainment business. He and his team have performed at countless weddings and corporate events, as well as regularly hosting karaoke at local bars. 

For more information on Marquis Entertainment, call him at 209-951-1982, visit marquisentdjs.com, or find him on Facebook. Learn the steps to Superman Glide by watching this video, or text "supermanglide" to 55469.

87. Bill and Wendi Maxwell - part 2 - April 8, 2014

In today's episode, Matt and Susan continue their conversation with Bill and Wendi Maxwell. Don't forget to go back to yesterday's show and listen to part one of our conversation.

Wendi and Bill Maxwell

Bill tells the story of how he and Wendi met more than 35 years ago and how he got his start in the book business. Bill also worked in a mortuary before  eventually becoming the proprietor of The Bookmark and re-naming it Maxwell's Bookmark. Bill is still an active bookseller and continues his business online. Bill also talks about his current role as Archivist for the Bank of Stockton. 

Lastly, Bill and Wendi talk about their thoughts on a renaissance of sorts going on in Stockton today.

For more information on Maxwell's Bookmark, visit maxwellsbookmark.com.

The music on today's show was "Everything I've Got" by Wendi Maxwell and Tres Hot Jazz. For more information on Wendi Maxwell, visit her website wendimaxwell.com. Also, download the new CD from Wendi Maxwell and Tres Hot Jazz, Help a Good Girl Go Bad on CDBaby or iTunes. Don't miss seeing her and the band perform live in Stockton. Check out their schedule here. Visit newschoolaikido.com for more information on Wendi's local work in Aikido.

86. Bill and Wendi Maxwell - part 1 - April 7, 2014

In this episode, Matt and Susan are joined by Bill and Wendi Maxwell, a truly one-of-a-kind Stockton couple. 

Wendi & Bill Maxwell

Wendi and Bill Maxwell have each left their mark on Stockton in their own way, and are continuing to bring positivity to our city as active members of our community. 

In today's episode, we talk with Wendi about being a musician and her professional life before retiring several years ago. Wendi, who is a fourth degree black belt, was recently named manager of Aikido programs at New School Aikido. 

Don't worry, Bill will have plenty of time in tomorrow's episode. Come back then to listen to our next interview and the rest of the Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell story.

For more information on Wendi Maxwell, visit her website wendimaxwell.com. Also, download the new CD from Wendi Maxwell and Tres Hot Jazz, Help a Good Girl Go Bad on CDBaby or iTunes. Don't miss seeing her and the band perform live in Stockton. Check out their schedule here. Visit newschoolaikido.com for more information on Wendi's local work in Aikido.

For more information on Maxwell's Bookmark, visit maxwellsbookmark.com.

The music on today's show was "Better Than Anything" by Wendi Maxwell and Tres Hot Jazz.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow to hear the second half of our interview with Bill and Wendi.

85. Stockton Earth Day Festival - March 31, 2014

In this week's episode, Susan and Rod talk with Matt about the 26th annual Stockton Earth Day Festival, which takes place on Sunday, April 6, at Victory Park.

History

Christie Kelley from the Peace & Justice Network of San Joaquin County talks about the early days of the Stockton Earth Day Festival and how it grew to what it is today, while keeping true to it's original goal of being an event focused on environmental education.

Art

Ryan Camero, a Delta College student, artist, community organizer, and Earth Day Festival volunteer committee member discusses some exciting new art activities for this year's festival. In addition to spearheading fun arts activities for kids and live art exhibits, Ryan helped bring an interactive art scroll, "It's the Same Thing" by New York based artist Rachel Schragis, to Stockton and will have demonstrations throughout the day. Ryan attended Gabfestry, a national art activists conference in Machias, Maine last year and participated in a similar activity with the scroll.

What To Expect This Year

Susan and Rod turn the tables on their podcast partner, Matt, and interview him about this year's Stockton Earth Day Festival. 

There will be lots of great information booths where kids can have fun while learning ways to protect the environment. 

Where's the beef? Just as it has been for the past 25 festivals, the Stockton Earth Day Festival is a no meat event. Food vendors will be serving vegetarian and other non-meat items as a way to encourage festival goers to eat lower on the food chain. 

JoDee Eatmon, a passionate local yoga instructor, is back this year to lead yoga at 10 a.m.

Registration for The Family Fun Bike Ride, sponsored by St. Joseph's Medical Center, starts at 10:30 a.m. Ride your bike to the festival and keep it checked in to the bike corral sponsored by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition. 

Live Entertainment

There will be lots of great live entertainment next Sunday on the Cal Water Main Stage.

11:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. Kin No Yama Waidaiko Taiko Drums

11:25 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. DeltaNights Blues Band

12:15 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Stockton PowWow

12:40 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. The Mundaze

1:40 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Teacher Awards

2:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. One.Charter Ensemble

2:50 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. Miss Lizzie & Her Cadillac Kings

4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Drummm Circle

For more information about the Stockton Earth Day Festival, visit livegreensanjoaquin.org. Also find them on Facebook.com/stocktonearthday, Twitter @stocktongreen and Instagram @stocktonearthday. 

Thanks to three of this year's entertainers, Miss Lizzie and Her Cadillac Kings, Delta Nights Blues Band, and The Mundaze for letting us play some of their music on today's show. We hope you'll all come out and support them at the festival. The Mundaze are wrapping up work on their new album, Love This Life, which will feature the title track heard in today's episode.

Leave us a message, or text us, at 209-565-3229 or send your e-mail to PodcastStockton@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @podcaststockton and Instagram @podcaststockton.

Listen below or click here to download the audio. Or right click / control click to save the audio.

74. Erin Odessa - November 11, 2013

The Music Edition

In this episode, Matt and Susan talk about music. From the genres of music they grew up listening to, to their first live concert.  Music has definitely been a huge part of all our lives.

Erin Odessa, hosting Open Mic at Whirlow's on October 30, 2013

Erin Odessa

We are joined in the Outback Studios by local musician, music teacher, and ukulele advocate Erin Odessa. 

Erin talks with Matt and Susan about her early start with music, and about her passion for creating music. Erin, an accomplished song writer and performer is also known to scores of children and families in Stockton for The Afternaps, a childrens music program that has been performing for several years. The Afternaps perform every Tuesday at 5 PM inside Yogurt My Way on the Miracle Mile.

Erin is available for ukulele, guitar, vocal, and group percussion lessons. She can be reached by e-mail at afternapsmusic@yahoo.com.

Erin is also the hostess of Open Mic at Whirlow's on the Miracle Mile, every Wednesday night. At a recent Open Mic night, Matt spoke with two performers.

Erin and Daniel Page perform two new original songs, "Won't Be Soon", and "Life Goes On".

Listen to more music by Erin Odessa at soundcloud.com/erinodessa. She can also be found at facebook.com/erin.odessa.

65. We're Back! - July 15, 2013

Welcome back to Podcast Stockton!  After nearly two years, we are back!

On this episode: 

We welcome our new co-host, Susan Spracher, a lifelong resident of Stockton. Susan is also a freelance writer, magazine columnist & creator of the blog, "The Four O'Clock Martini".  

Looking for Live Music in Stockton?

Visit www.visitstockton.org and check out their calendar of events for a complete schedule of concerts in the park.  

Other venues where you can find great live music and food... 

Whirlow's Tossed and Grilled located on the Miracle Mile. 

Take 5 Jazz Club 

The Plea for Peace Center Stockton 

The Bus Stop

The Victory Grill

Rod Villagomez

We catch up with Rod Villagomez and talk about GoLocal Radio.

GoLocal Radio showcases a wide variety of local music from throughout the Central Valley, providing a place for local musicians to have their music heard. 

GoLocal radio can be found at Facebook.com/golocalradio as well as their website at golocalradio.net.

Music for today's show is "Shoebox" by BrokeNote UnderTone. You can like them on Facebook and listen to their music at facebook.com/BrokeNoteUnderTone

61. Pat Filippone, Stockton Ports - May 4, 2011

Welcome to Podcast Stockton. On this week's show:

The Stockton Weekend Activities Guide from Wes Rhea and the Stockton Conference and Visitor's Bureau. Be sure to sign-up for their weekly e-mail newsletter.

A review of last weekend's Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. The 4th annual event put on by the Women's Center of San Joaquin County was last weekend. See the last post for links to pics.

An interview with Stockton Ports President, Pat Filippone. Rod sat down with Pat to discuss minor league baseball and your Stockton Ports.

A few things to do on Cinco de Mayo. Lots of great places to hang out with friends on Cinco de Mayo.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

60. Podcast Stockton for Monday, April 25, 2011

Welcome to Podcast Stockton. On this week's show:

Rod, Splash and Matt

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. The 4th Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes is this Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Banner Island Ballpark. Every 90 seconds a woman is raped in this country. This event asks men to come walk a mile in her shoes to protest rape, sexual assault and gender violence. And by "walk a mile in her shoes" they literally mean a mile in ladies shoes. Matt sat down with Lisa Jordan from the Women's Center of San Joaquin County to talk about this great event as well as the history of the center and what services they offer.

Last year, Matt and Rod both walked the mile, in pointy toe and spiky heal shoes. Registration starts at 8 AM and the walk starts at 9 AM. Come out and walk a mile in her shoes, or come out and watch Matt and friends try it without falling. Walkers receive a free event tee shirt and a voucher for a Stockton Ports game. For more information on the national movement, visit walkamileinhershoes.org.

The 80th Annual Strawberry Breakfast is this Sunday at UOP. The University of the Pacific Center for Community Involvement (CCI) is hosting its 80th Annual Strawberry Breakfast Sunday, May 1st, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at University of the Pacific's Regent's Dining Room. This annual event normally happens on Mother's Day but was moved one week early this year.

The return of Sports with Lowell Tuckerman.

The 1st Annual Steelhead Festival is this Sunday! This inagural event is this Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM at Tuxedo Avenue, right off the Miracle Mile. The Steelhead Festival is a free community event to help educate citizens on issues affecting our local water ways. There will be slow-cooking demonstrations and live music (including The Afternaps and Mom's Chili Boys). Here's a link to the schedule of events. Also, on Monday, May 2, the Friends of the Lower Calaveras River are hosting a State of Our Rivers Symposium at the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) Regional Building at 330 E. Channel St.

Prowlin' Pacific was last Saturday. Matt gives his review of last weekend's event. Yet another free community event, this year on the grounds of the University of the Pacific. There was a car show, lots of games and things for kids to do, and some great live local music (including Matt's favorite local band, Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players and Latin Magic). Check out the pictures here and a short video here.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod