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Episode 69 features a conversation with Linda Cournoyer — longtime lighting director, album cover artist, and merchandise designer for Max Creek. In this episode, Linda discusses her role directing the lighting for Max Creek’s live shows and how her paintings and creativity have shaped the band’s iconic album covers and merchandise designs. This episode also features clips of the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Orange Sunshine from January 27, 2000: https://archive.org/details/mc2000-01-27.Rich.flac16/mc2000-01-27d2t01.flac LFS from February 26, 1987: https://archive.org/details/mc1987-02-26.KL.flac16/mc1987-02-26track02.flac If you have feedback about this episode, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/08/episode-69-linda-cournoyer-discusses-lighting-art-and-music-with-max-creek/

Episode 68 features a conversation with Sally Rider — lifelong fan of Max Creek, wife of bassist John Rider, and founder of Rider Productions. In this episode, Sally discusses how she fell in love with the band’s music as a teenager, her memories of meeting John Rider and raising three boys alongside the band, and her unique perspective on the band’s enduring legacy. This episode also features clips of the song Wild Side performed live by Max Creek at Eastover Resort in Lenox, Massachusetts, on April 26, 2003: https://archive.org/details/mc2003-04-26.shnf/mc2003-04-26d1t03.shn If you have feedback about this episode, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/07/episode-68-sally-rider-talks-about-max-creek/

Episode 67 features a conversation with author and longtime Max Creek fan Tom Flanagan. Tom returns to the podcast with a major update. His new book is finished. It’s called Max Creek: A Rumor in Their Own Time. Tom shares details about the book and what it was like documenting the history of Max Creek and the community that surrounds the band. Learn more about the book Max Creek: A Rumor in Their Own Time: https://maxcreekbook.com This episode also features the song Emerald Eyes performed live by Max Creek at Broadbrook Opera House in Broadbrook, Connecticut, on April 25, 2026: https://archive.org/details/mc2026-04-25.WilcoxMedeirosMaster/14+Emerald+Eyes.flac If you have feedback about this episode, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/05/episode-67-tom-flanagan-discusses-finishing-his-book-about-max-creek/

Episode 66 features a conversation with Mike Maresca, the longtime tour manager and monitor engineer for Max Creek. Mike has been an essential part of the band’s crew since 2004, working to ensure the band is happy with the sound they hear on stage and that their live shows run smoothly. This episode also features the song Said and Done performed live by Max Creek at Sterling Stage in Hannibal, New York, on September 3, 2016:https://archive.org/details/MC2016-09-03.MaxCreekSterlingStageHannibalNewYorkNight1Soundboard/12SaidDone.flac If you have feedback about this episode, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website:https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website:https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/04/episode-66-mike-maresca-discusses-max-creek/

In episode 65 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson takes a step back and asks a simple question: what if Max Creek was the only band you ever loved? Framed as a thought experiment, the episode looks at how the band’s music changes with us, how listening can be shaped by time and distance, and how tapers and fans help carry the music forward. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: You Write the Book from May 25, 1986: https://archive.org/details/mc1986-05-25.set1.flac16/mc1986-05-25d1t02.flac Calypso Wind from September 11, 2022: https://archive.org/details/maxcreek2022-09-11.telefunken-ela-m260.flac2448/maxcreek2022-09-11t08.flac Devil’s Heart from March 21, 1997: https://archive.org/details/mc1997-03-21.flac16f/mc1997-03-21d1t03.flac Crystal Clear from January 8, 1983: https://archive.org/details/MC1983-01-08.MaxCreekTaurusBallroomHartfordCtTaperJonesCollectionSBD/05CrystalClear.flac Time from January 24, 2026: https://archive.org/details/mc2026-01-24.-KM140-SBD/MC\_20260124\_KM14-SBD\_S02-04.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/01/episode-65-if-max-creek-was-the-only-band-you-ever-loved/

Episode 64 features a conversation with Michael Wegner from the band Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead tribute band. Michael talks about his introduction to Max Creek, how the band influenced his approach to music, and what it was like performing with Mark Mercier. Learn about Michael Wegner: https://michaelwegner.com Learn about Cosmic Charlie: https://cosmiccharlie.net Listen to Cosmic Charlie’s live performance at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 13, 2025: https://archive.org/details/cosmic-charlie2025-09-13 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/09/episode-64-michael-wegner-from-cosmic-charlie-talks-about-max-creek/

Episode 63 features a conversation with John Spignesi — guitarist, songwriter, and frontman of the John Spignesi Band. John talks about the making of his band’s new album and the unique experience of working with Max Creek’s Scott Murawski as producer. John also reflects on the role of music in his life and his opportunities to play with members of Max Creek outside of the studio. This episode features clips of the following songs performed live by the John Spignesi Band: Feelin’ Free performed at Hoops N’ Hops in Simsbury, Connecticut, on November 16, 2024, with special guest Scott Murawski: https://archive.org/details/JSB2024-11-16.RODENT5-ZOOMH6-FLAC8/106.+Feelin'+Free.flac Blank Canvas performed at Newburyport Brewing Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on May 3, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-05-03.JohnSpignesiBandNewburyportBrewingCompanyMay2025/03+Blank+Canvas+%3E.flac Tough Guy performed at The Juke in Deep River, Connecticut, on April 11, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-04-11.JohnSpignesiBandTheJukeApril2025/10+Tough+Guy.flac Prepare For Liftoff performed at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, Connecticut, on February 22, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-02-22.JohnSpignesiBandStonyCreekBreweryFebruary2025/23+Prepare+For+Liftoff.flac Mystery Man performed at Black-Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 28, 2025 with special guest Mark Mercier: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-06-28.JohnSpignesiBandCapitolGrooveAfterPartyBlackEyedSallys/02+Mystery+Man+%3E.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/08/episode-63-john-spignesi-talks-about-his-bands-new-album-produced-by-scott-murawski/

Episode 62 features a conversation with Brendan Hodge, a musician and devoted Max Creek fan whose musical journey was profoundly shaped by the band. Brendan shares memories of discovering Max Creek in the late 1990s, the inspiration he drew from their live performances and how the band influenced his path as a performer. Brendan also talks about his role as a percussionist in the band Little Lies.  This episode features clips of the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Blood Red Roses performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 3, 2018: https://archive.org/details/mc2018-02-03.TheMetCreekendNightTwoDSBD/07+Blood+Red+Roses.flac You Let Me Down Again performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 1, 1999: https://archive.org/details/MC1999-05-01.LivingRoom28thAnniversaryFredBovinoCollection/02YouLetMeDownAgain.flac I Will Always See Your Face performed at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Massachusetts, on June 4, 2022: https://archive.org/details/mc2022-06-04.nak300.CP2.flac24/07+I+Will+Always+See+Your+Face.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/07/episode-62-brendan-hodge-talks-about-max-creek/

In episode 61 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on November 3, 1993, at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, in Providence, Rhode Island. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-11-03.aud.cassette.flac16/mc1993-11-03 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/06/episode-61-reviewing-max-creek-performance-on-november-3-1993/ Setlist from November 3, 1993: Set one 1: Cruel World 2: Alabama Getaway 3: Borrowing Time 4: If You Ask Me 5: Gypsy Blue 6: Fire & Brimstone 7: Louisiana Sun Set two 8: The Field 9: Border Song 10: You Don't Know 11: Dark Water 12: Knockin' on Heaven's Door 13: Good Lovin' Encore 14: Not Fade Away

Episode 60 features a conversation with Graham Gibbs, a lifelong Max Creek fan and guitarist whose connection to the band runs deep. Graham shares heartfelt stories about growing up with a Creek-loving dad, learning guitar by studying Scott Murawski and the personal impact the band's music has had on his life. Graham also talks about his experiences performing on stage with Max Creek. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Devil’s Heart performed at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 17, 2000: https://archive.org/details/mc2000-05-17.sbd.fryinbri.flac16/mc2000-05-17d1t03.flac Yellow Moon performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 19, 2001: https://archive.org/details/mc2001-09-19.shnf/mc2001-09-19d3t01.shn Yes We Can Can performed with Graham Gibbs at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 21, 2017: https://archive.org/details/MC2017-01-21.MaxCreekTheMetPawtucketRIwithSpecialGuestGrahamGibbs/17YesWeCanCan.flac Dance performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 25, 2019: https://archive.org/details/MC2019-01-25.\_KM140/MC\_20190125\_KM140-SBD-S01-05.flac This episode also features a clip of the band Candle Opera performing a cover of Frank Zappa’s song Cosmik Debris live at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, Massachusetts, on March 29, 2025. Learn more about Candel Opera on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/candle\_opera\_music/ Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/04/episode-60-graham-gibbs-discusses-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/contact/

In episode 59 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the enduring legacy of Max Creek and unpacks why the band has remained together for over five decades. Korre discusses the deep sense of community that surrounds the band, the improvisational spirit that keeps their music fresh and the genuine love for making music together that fuels their longevity. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek:  Road of Dreams performed at The Old Well Tavern in Simsbury, Connecticut, on March 31, 2012: https://archive.org/details/mc2012-03-31.flac16/mc2012-03-31s1t01.flac Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 25, 2025: https://archive.org/details/mc2025-01-25/07+Diamonds+on+the+Soles+of+Her+Shoes.wav If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/03/episode-59-why-max-creek-has-stood-the-test-of-time/

Episode 58 features an interview with Phil Simon, a booking agent for Max Creek and life-long fan of the band. Phil talks about his professional relationship with Max Creek and shares his insights on what makes Max Creek so special. Phil explains how his personal connection to Max Creek as a fan has shaped his approach to booking their gigs, allowing him to understand the band's needs and the expectations of fans. Phil also reflects on the challenges facing the live music industry today. This episode also features segments of the following songs performed live by Max Creek at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island: Just a Rose performed on December 14, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-12-14.flac16/mc1988-12-14d2t05.flac Orange Sunshine performed on November 30, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-11-30.flac16/mc1988-11-30d2t10.flac Big Boat performed on December 14, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-12-14.flac16/mc1988-12-14d2t06.flac Rainbow performed on October 5, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-10-05.flac16/mc1988-10-05d2t02.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/01/episode-58-phil-simon-talks-about-max-creek-and-promoting-live-music/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

Episode 57 features an interview with John Rider, founding member of Max Creek. John talks about the formation of Max Creek, his musical influences and his experiences performing, recording and writing music in the band. John also talks about growing up in Virginia, his bass guitars and the evolution of the jam band scene, among many other things. This episode also features segments of the song Crystal Clear performed live by Max Creek on April 20, 2024: https://archive.org/details/mc2024-04-20.jlmatrix/10-crystal+clear.wav Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/12/episode-57-a-conversation-with-john-rider-from-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

In episode 56 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the lyrics of Fire & Brimstone by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the song means. Korre appreciates the song's powerful reflections on the human condition, its vivid imagery and how the song contrasts judgment and redemption in the verses and chorus. This episode features a live performance of the song Fire & Brimstone performed by Max Creek during Camp Creek at Woodstock Valley Ski Area in Woodstock, Connecticut, on August 1, 1993: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-08-01.JLsbdc/mc+1993-8-1+1b2+fire+and+brimstone.wav Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/11/episode-56-exploring-the-lyrics-of-fire-and-brimstone-by-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

Episode 55 features a conversation with Kenny Johnson, a devoted fan of Max Creek. Kenny talks about helping preserve Max Creek’s legacy by updating their Wikipedia page and sharing audio of their live performances on YouTube. Kenny also talks about the community of fans that supports Max Creek, his favorite venues to see the band play and his thoughts on the future of Max Creek. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: In Harmony performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on November 23, 2018: https://archive.org/details/MC2018-11-23.TheMetCreekendNight1TelefunkenShureMatrix/02InHarmony.flac Emerald Eyes performed at the Strange Creek music festival in Greenfield, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2017: https://archive.org/details/MC2017-05-27.MaxCreekStrangeCreekMusicFestivalTelefunkenMatrix/16EmeraldEyes.flac Trail To Odeo performed at Boney’s Cafe in Winsted, Connecticut, on May 23, 1975: https://archive.org/details/mc1975-05-23.flac16f/mc1975-05-23d1t02.flac ICU performed at the StrangeCreek Campout music festival in Greenfield, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2009: https://archive.org/details/mc2009-05-23.aud-mtx.flac16/mc2009-05-23d2t03.flac Three performed at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge, Massachusetts, on March 27, 2010L https://archive.org/details/mmsm2010-03-27.mtx.flac16/mmsm2010-03-27t09.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/09/episode-55-kenny-johnson-discusses-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/contact/