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18 years after I first heard this magical voice that blew me away, Kylee Phillips is finally releasing her first full length album. During what appears to be at least our eighth time sitting down in a similar setting, you'll learn about the new record, Before I Am Invisible and further tidbits that maybe you didn't learn about in my other podcasts since Acoustic Alternatives launched in 2020. Husband, guitarist and engineer Chris DuPont (who made this sound amazing) sits in. This one is a must listen. All songs written by Kylee Phillips: What Living's Like Invisible Burning Storyteller Find Kylee on the Internet: https://www.kyleephillips.com/home Subscribe to Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studio provides support and you should support them: https://grovestudios.space/

Here's a session recorded on Oct 16, 2026 at Robin Hill Farm for the CDL Songfest. I was asked to do the interview for this planned performance. I thought it was worth an ask to see if Chris would let me record it for the podcast. He said yes, but that wasn't relayed to the gentlemen running sound. I wasn't given the opportunity to do a sound check with my recording equipment, so what you are hearing is a mixdown of the audio from the three video cameras I had set up in the room. Not the best quality, which probably bothers me more than you, but here it is, warts and all. It includes his performance after the interview!

Markus Hartnett, Mike Francis, Brian Williams, Charlie Reischl & Tony Pace are the SE Michigan Americana band The Minor Pieces. A listen to this flawed audio (the source mix was great, the feed to my recording device not so much and me forgetting to turn off the reverb on the first section of interview) will reveal bits and pieces about how the band formed and a bit about each band member. A new band, a first album and I believe a first full band interview. It's my pleasure to introduce you to The Minor Pieces. Songs written by Hartnett and Francis: Abilene Down From The Mountain About You and Me Bad News Follow The Minor Pieces here:https://theminorpieces.com/ Subscribe to all things Acoustic Alternatives here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Rent Grove Studios here: https://grovestudios.space/

Katie Greene, formerly known as Katie Pederson, impressed me the first time I saw her play an outdoor open mic at the Ann Arbor Art Fair many years ago. I knew I was seeing a special talent and I am so happy that success is finding its way to her. Her trio, The Rebel Eves, is making head way into the hearts of listeners across the country (and soon enough on the Hill Auditorium for the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in 2027). Meanwhile, Katie has a new name and a new album called Emerald coming and I was very happy to chat with her about it at Grove Studios. Songs, written by Katie Greene: Spring Hard Part of Healing Emerald Common Denominator Follow and learn more about Katie here: https://www.katiegreenesongs.com/ Keep track of all things and subscribe to Acoustic Alternatives here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives The real heroes for AA are the good folks at Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Kelsey. is the new moniker for an Ann Arbor based singer who has changed her style (and persona) since the release of her debut recordings as Ceolsige in 2022. Love Hard is an ambitious new 16 track release that explores the many sides of Kelsey. A little pop and a lot more rock in a style she calls "disco rock." These acoustic takes on piano and guitar don't truly reflect the hard work that went into making Love Hard, but they do give you a sense of who Kelsey. is as a songwriter and performer. Get to know Kelsey. before the rest of the world does. All songs written by Kelsey Detering: Our Eyes Eternal Flame Answer To Love Wasted. Learn more about Kelsey. at https://kelseyperiod.com/home Listen to more Acoustic Alternatives at https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for all your practice needs (and tell them I sent you) https://grovestudios.space/

Another talent from the vast Michigan music scene made their way to Grove Studios for Acoustic Alternatives. Ani Mari is originally from Marquette (and, as we learn, may return to live there some day), but migrated to Ann Arbor to go to the University of Michigan. She got attention at the age of 12 in a duo she was in singing by performing a song about a festival at the actual festival and the ball started rolling. Now a decade+ later, school is behind her and capturing the hearts of music lovers everywhere is ahead of her. A new album coming this summer, produced by Chris DuPont, and a tour lined up to promote it, on Acoustic Alternatives you get a taste of what Ani is all about. A bright future awaits this one. Songs written by Ani Mari: Genevieve Tokyo Burnout Josephine More about Ani: https://animarimusic.com/ Catch up on 100+ episodes of Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Eternal gratitude to Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

The gifted artist Julianne Ankley joins me for a second visit on the podcast, this time with the generous help of Ryan Anderson from Sound Space Detroit for which I am very grateful for. Julianne is really hitting a creative stride in her career. After being in a band (Redhill) that garnered national attention and putting out some solo material since 2009, things really seem to be going in the right direction. Her latest single, Polar Train, reached far and wide and the new single performed in this session sounds poised for further success. It was a pleasure to have the chance to chat with her again. Enjoy! Songs written by Julianne Ankley What Makes You Dance Polar Train Cheap Thrills More about Julianne: https://www.julianneankley.com/ and her beautiful art: https://www.julianneankleyart.com/ Find over a hundred other episodes of Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives None of this would have ever happened without Grove Studios getting the ball rolling: https://grovestudios.space/

The main reason for the podcast is music discovery for you, my listener. When I hear someone I think needs a larger audience I make it a point to get them on the podcast and to your ears. It took about 3 years from the first time I heard his voice for me to get it to your ears, but I think you'll find it worth the wait. Songs written by John Richard Paul: Untitled New Song In Return Existentialist Blues There and Back Again More about John at :https://johnrichardpaul.com/home More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives More about Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Marshall, MI's Sammie Hershock is off to good start in her young recording career. Already an award winner and already lucky enough to work with some of Michigan's finest fellow musicians, Sammie is putting out her second full length record in the fall of 2026. Acoustic Alternatives was lucky enough to get a preview of 4 of the songs to be included on this next record. We also might have learned a secret about the CD release party. Songs written by Sammie Hershock: Graveyard Trees Sensitivity Gold Star Dragon Song Find Sammie on the web: https://www.sammiehershock.com/ Find 100+ other visits on Acoustic Alternatives here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studios is the only way it happens. Check them out: https://grovestudios.space/

Come on a journey with me to another era and another place. Cabaret Boreale aren't from these times, though the band's members, Katie Lynne, Don Reinholm, Phil LaDouceur and Andrew Brown certainly are. Katie, Don and Phil formed this ensemble around the time Andrew Brown was earning acknowledgment for his project Djangophonique (another act that leans heavily into another era). If you're just listening to Cabaret Boreale, you'll have to rely on theater of the mind. If you're watching it, you are treated to a show (you'll have to get your own dinner to go with it). So. Much. Fun. Songs performed: Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) (written by Weill/Brecht) Mack The Knife (written by Weill/Brecht) Rouse The Men (Friedrich Hollaender) I'm Not Your Dog (written by Cabaret Boreale) Find out more about Cabaret Boreale: https://cabaretboreale.com/ Follow all things Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Eternal gratitude to Grove Studios. Book your studio space: https://grovestudios.space/

Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis, now known as Dave & Kristi, make a return visit to the podcast WITHOUT MASKS more than 5 1/2 years since their last visit. Songs from their newest album The Chickadees performed this time. Songs written by Dave Boutette with help from Kristi Davis All Are Welcome Here Soapbox Soliloquy Outlaw Polka You Chase Too Many Things. More about Dave & Kristi: https://www.daveboutette.net/daveandkristi/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for your musical needs: https://grovestudios.space/

He released his first album back in 1987, was signed to Windham Hill family of labels for a handful of releases, but has put out the bulk of his recordings on the great label Red House Records. People who have been guests on his releases include Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith, Ani DiFranco, Lucy Kaplansky, Eliza Gilkyson, Jonatha Brooke, Antje Duvekot, Claudia Schmidt, David Wilcox, Cliff Eberhardt, Michael Johnson, Alice Peacock, Patty Larkin, Susan Werner, and The Turtle Island String Quartet...just to name a few. His voice is a beautiful, soothing instrument and his songs range from heart wrenching to funny to things you need to hear. My guest this episode is the wonderful John Gorka. Songs written by John Gorka Hold On I'm From New Jersey Good Noise Particle and Wave More about John Gorka: https://www.johngorka.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for your musical needs: https://grovestudios.space/

Northville, MI's Ryan Racine has 30 years of playing in bands behind him and all the skills to get the attention of fans of Alt Country/Americana ahead of him. When I hear his new record, Valhalla Afternoon, and think about how I felt about 2018's Outsider's Heart when it came out, I realize I just don't know what someone has to do to get the attention of the masses. You can be as good as Jason Isbell and yet not get the same recognition, even in your own backyard. I hope that changes with this record. It was a pleasure to be among the first to hear his new album, due out May 1st and chat with him again after an 8 year gap. This is your first chance to hear some of these songs if you haven't been to a Ryan Racine show. All songs written by Ryan Racine: Don't Bury Me If You Want Emily Boston Corbet More about Ryan Racine: https://www.ryanracine.com/bio Follow me and hear other episodes of Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives NONE of this happens without Grove Studios. Book them for your needs: https://grovestudios.space/

Milan, MI's Lauren Blackford came to my attention as an opening act for my friend and recent guest on the podcast, Rochelle Clark at her show at The Ark. I brought Lauren on stage that night, embarrassingly briefly saying her name wrong in the process. After hearing just a few songs from the stage, I knew that I was witnessing something special. The "IT" factor was there and I immediately invited her to be a guest on the podcast backstage after her performance. Songs written by Lauren Blackford: A Good Thing Wasted Potential Dead Body Baby One Too Many Times Find Lauren on the web at: https://laurenblackford.us/ Find more Acoustic Alternatives episodes at: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Please support Grove Studios (which Lauren already likes): https://grovestudios.space/

I first encountered Kate Peterson as half of the duo Nervous But Excited. With the band's unknown status (hiatus? vacation? definitely not broken up) I took the opportunity to visit with Kate about her upcoming Michigan performances and chat about her life and get her to sing a couple of songs. I don't think she was too nervous, but perhaps a little excited. For reference, Nervous But Excited recordings included guest appearances from Theo Katzman, Frontier Ruckus, Chris Bathgate, Mike Lynch, Erin Zindle, Drew Howard, and many others. All songs written by Kate Peterson except where noted Roots Said and Done Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers) Blank Pages. Find out more about Kate: https://www.katepeterson.com/ Find 100 other Acoustic Alternatives episodes: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for your needs: https://grovestudios.space/