Advertise on podcast: Inside the Outpost

On this episode of Inside the Outpost, we welcome acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega ahead of her October 30 show at Outpost in the Burbs. Suzanne discusses her deep connection to New York City, her songwriting process, the musical influences that have shaped her career, and her new album, Flying with Angels. Plus, we feature a live performance of her classic song "Marlene on the Wall." For tickets visit outpostintheburbs.org

Rhett Miller has spent more than three decades as the frontman and principal songwriter of the Old 97's, while also building an acclaimed solo career as a musician, author, and teacher. The Old 97's were recently honored with the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, with Rosanne Cash once describing their sound as "What if Waylon Jennings had gone punk, or The Clash gone country?" Rhett returned to Outpost in the Burbs in April 2026 for a solo performance in support of his tenth solo album, A Lifetime of Riding by Night. On this episode of Inside the Outpost, we talk about the new record, songwriting, and life on the road, and hear a beautiful live performance of "Ellie on the Wharf," recorded at the Outpost.

Singer-songwriter, pianist and philanthropist Pete Muller joined Inside the Outpost ahead of his May appearance at Outpost in the Burbs, where he opened for Livingston Taylor. We discussed the making of his recent album One Last Dance, got an early look at the music behind his upcoming release, and talked about his work with the Live Music Society supporting independent venues across the country. The conversation set the stage for a memorable evening that included a warm introduction from Livingston Taylor, whose admiration for Pete's musicianship and performance style reflected the camaraderie between the two artists. The episode also features an exclusive live solo performance of "One Last Dance," the title track from Pete's recent album, originally recorded as a duet with Allison Russell.

This week on Inside the Outpost, we celebrate the songs and legacy of the legendary John Prine through a special conversation and live performance recorded around our recent John Prine Tribute concert at Outpost in the Burbs, presented in partnership with Montclair Film. The one-of-a-kind concert featured performances by Laura Cantrell, Ted Leo, Leslie Mendelson, Sam Robbins, and Carolann Solebello, each bringing their own voice and perspective to Prine's remarkable catalog. Ahead of the show, we sat down with Ted Leo and Laura Cantrell following a screening of the documentary YOU GOT GOLD: A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE, to talk about Prine's songwriting, influence, humor, humanity, and the lasting connection different audiences feel to his songs. The episode also includes an exclusive live recording of "Angel from Montgomery" from the concert finale, featuring all of the evening's performers together on stage.

Joan Osborne is heading to Outpost in the Burbs on May 29th for her Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan show. We caught up with Joan ahead of the performance for a fascinating conversation about Bob Dylan's enduring legacy, his influence on songwriting, and Joan's own musical journey and career. The episode also features a live recording of "Tangled Up in Blue" performed by Joan and her trio. Tix for the Joan Osborne show are at: https://outpostintheburbs.thundertix.com/events/261806

Singer, songwriter, performer and teacher Livingston Taylor is headed to Outpost in the Burbs for a special performance on May 16th. For more than 50 years, Taylor has crafted his signature blend of storytelling, warmth and wit, emerging from one of music's most renowned families alongside siblings including James Taylor. We caught up with Livingston ahead of his Outpost show for a wide-ranging conversation touching on his remarkable career, the lessons he's learned and shared as a performer and educator, his work with artists like Judy Collins — and even a couple of impromptu musical moments along the way, as a preview of the upcoming concert. Tix for May 16th show: https://outpostintheburbs.thundertix.com/events/258844

Singer-songwriters Jeffrey Gaines and Josh Joplin team up for a special double bill at Outpost in the Burbs on March 21. Ahead of the show, we spoke with both artists about their paths as storytellers who've blended influences as diverse as Phil Ochs, Elvis Costello, and Peter Gabriel into distinctive songbooks of their own. Two thoughtful conversations about music, craft, and life — setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable evening of songs and stories.

The Del Fuegos brought their signature Boston rock swagger to Outpost in the Burbs this past December, one of only a handful of reunion dates the band is doing. Fronted by brothers Dan and Warren Zanes, the band helped define a roots-inflected alternative sound in the '80s with four beloved albums. Before the show, we sat down with the Zanes brothers to talk about their musical journeys, the band's legacy, and their own family connections that run through it all. Plus: a powerful live performance of "I Still Want You" captured at the concert.

The Milk Carton Kids brought their exquisite songwriting and signature harmonies to Outpost in the Burbs in December 2025. With a career spanning more than 15 years and multiple Grammy and Americana Award honors, the duo performed songs from across their catalog, including previews of an upcoming album, alongside a few beautifully understated holiday selections from Christmas in A Minor Key. We also sat down with Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan before the show for a wide-ranging conversation about their history and songwriting community, touching on peers like The Lone Bellow, Joe Purdy, and Joe Pug. The episode also features an exclusive live recording of the beautiful concert performance of "North Country Ride" from their recent album I Only See the Moon.

Hiss Golden Messenger's M.C. Taylor came to Outpost in the Burbs in October, delivering a stirring solo set filled with the warmth, empathy, and insight that define his songwriting. After listening back, he chose to release the full recording on Bandcamp as a fundraiser for the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children. We had the privilege of speaking with him before the concert, and we're honored to help share this meaningful project.

Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, who's been captivating audiences for over three decades, joined us in Montclair for an intimate performance to kick off the Outpost's 38th season — and the 7th season of the podcast. In this episode, Ron reflects on the mysterious process of songwriting, what it means to honor both the songs and the audience, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Plus, enjoy an exclusive live recording of "Don't Lose Sight" from his new album Hangover Terrace.

We spoke with David Amlen and Meg Beattie Patrick as a preview for the upcoming DAVE & THE DIVAS show at Outpost in the Burbs. The show Freedom & Faith: Songs of Jenny Amlen and Elton John, will be March 1st in Montclair - an album release event for the group's FREEDOM album. It's a very special project that brings together core members of the Montclair music community, led by David Amlen in tribute to his late sister Jenny and her songs, that match remarkably well with Elton John's early compositions. The album and show feature a selection of incredible local singers - Julie Dobrow, Iris Schaffer Hall, Meg Patrick, Stacia Thiel, and Cecile Williams, as well as an all-star band. The episode features a preview of the title song 'Freedom,' an anthemic song from Jenny that was the starting point for the project.

Half Waif, the indie-electronic-folk project led by Nandi Rose, returns to Montclair for a special homecoming show at Outpost in the Burbs on February 22nd. This marks the band's first full performance at the venue, following a mini-set at a "new bands" festival in 2016. Since then, Half Waif has released a string of acclaimed albums, including the latest, See You at the Maypole (2024). Ahead of the show, we spoke with Nandi Rose about the power of art, creativity, and nature in navigating life's challenges and transformations. Episode also features "Figurine" from the new album.

The On a Winter's Night tour stopped at Outpost in the Burbs in January 2025, featuring Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, and Patty Larkin—longtime friends and veterans of the folk scene for over 40 years. Each artist brings their own songs and stories to this special tour, creating a unique and powerful blend of talent. In this episode, we chat with Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt before the show and share a live recording of "Wayfaring Stranger" featuring John Gorka on lead vocals.

Bruce Cockburn's journey has taken him from music school for jazz composition to top albums and radio hits over the years. Along the way he's remained a thoughtful performer and humanitarian, whose songs reflect a concern for indigenous people, the environment and an overall hopeful approach to life. Bruce came to Outpost in the Burbs in November 2024, and his expressive solo guitar and voice performance filled the room with perfect vibes for the times. We had a fascinating conversation ahead of the show, and this episode also features an exclusive live recording of his classic song 'Night Train'.