In vino veritas, is a Latin expression which - when translated - means, “In wine, there is truth.” While that concept might be slightly romanticized, there’s no doubt that a little bit of truth, and a whole lot of vision - with nice cabernet - can influence an adventurous idea, or two. But, you’ve got to have the follow through the next morning to make all of those lofty thoughts reality.

With, or without wine, Michael Dorf is a visionary, someone who has the ability to see opportunities that others miss. It all started in the 1980s when he took a chance on opening the Knitting Factory in New York City. That club became a beacon of cutting-edge taste and style during the 80s and 90s at a time that was ripe for indie music to make its impact on the city’s larger cultural milieu. His next major venture was the City Winery food, wine, and performance space brand which - though originated in NYC - has since been expanded to several other locations nationwide.

While the success of those businesses no doubt make him proud, it’s the philanthropic angle to his imaginativeness that really inspires him. Michael Dorf Presents has produced several concerts with philanthropy in mind paying tribute to some of his favorite music and often featuring guest appearances by legends of the performing arts community.

March 26th at Carnegie Hall finds Dorf producing People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith which also happens to be the 20th anniversary of his concert series. 100% of net proceeds will go to music education for underserved youth, and concertgoers can expect to see Michael Stipe, Ben Harper, Kim Godon, Flea, and many other surprise guests on stage.

So, you might want to find yourself a safe space to listen to this episode and enjoy a glass of wine, and let Michael’s vision inspire your own. What are your dreams? What skills and interests do you have that can make the world a better place? Enjoy that pinot noir, but - like Michael - get ready to put in the work.

Determination is an incredibly important part of success in any industry. But, in music and media, one must be constantly doing their thing in front of as many audiences as possible, all the time. Sure, this is an exhausting part of the gig, but - in many ways - it’s mandatory. Based in Los Angeles, Goldiie Lux had an interview scheduled with me during a week where the City of Angels experienced the worst fires it’s ever known.

While Goldiie (born Naomi Simon Summers) was just outside of the evacuation zone, she managed to meet me for this chat, even if it meant sitting in a car parked nearby her home as she checked on news about the fire's progress. As the saying goes, the show must go on, and it’s a showbiz lesson that Goldiie has clearly learned well. She didn’t let a once in a lifetime catastrophe stop her from meeting with me to talk about her recently released EP, SIN (South Music Group).

So, join me for a chat with Goldiie: it’s interesting to speak with an artist right at the beginning of their career, to try and guess the directions it might take. Here’s an artist who is eager to talk about her new music and plans even as the haze from the fires in Los Angeles surrounded her car and threatened the place she currently calls home. That’s determination: that’s Goldiie Lux.

Good friends can get you through difficult times. They have your back through thick and thin, they know how to anticipate if you need support, and they can always be relied upon for understanding. However, when that friendship involves music, it can be even richer and more fulfilling.

José Medeles and Nathan Trueb have known each other for many years and have worked on a few projects in the past. They met at Jose’s world renowned drum shop - Revival Drum Shop in Portland, Oregon - when Nathan was looking to purchase some percussion instruments. After jamming and getting to know one another as musicians, they officially joined forces and created a new self-titled project that they call Another Glory.

Nathan and José both have that yin and yang that is a valued dynamic in any work group: Nathan feels most comfortable creating songs of a more traditional nature, while José tackles those compositions with some left-of-center approaches and concepts.

Nathan joins me to discuss the interweaving of both artists' creativity. We also talk about a few of the special guest stars that appear on this record, specifically Wilco’s, Nels Cline and Ben Harper, too! A mystery guest joins us during our chat, as well, but let’s keep that character a secret for now.