Audio

The Volcano Brothers and Steve Dawson

EP 403 | Steve Dawson and the Volcano Brothers-New Album

September 5, 2026 Mulligan Stew Podcast 0:45:13

hello

I lovingly think of Steve Dawson as the Swiss Army Knife of music.

Player.Producer. Writer. Arranger. Mentor. Creator. Recording engineer.

Specializes in guitar and pedal steel. Touring band member for Allison Russell’s Birds of Chicago and Matt Anderson.

First noticed Steve as half of Zubot and Dawson. Then long time producer / co-writer for Jim Byrnes, creative leader at Henhouse Studios in Vancouver.

After moving to Nashville years ago and opening a southern version of Henhouse Studios,   Steve has meshed with the many other talented people drawn by the music mix.

He also offers classes on advanced studio recording. Teaches artists and bands how to make that first album. On both sides of the border.

Every once in a while, he actually becomes an artist himself.

The Volcano Brothers

He’s just releasing an album called Light of the Hilo Moon by The Volcano Brothers. It’s a handful of some of Nashville’s best players, who all love pre-WWII Hawaiian music.

It’s a warm blend of early swing, blues and jazz.

 Remarkably, this music can’t be found in Hawaii. New generations of Hawaiian musicians headed off in different directions.

As Steve says,  ” This is not a touring band.”  They’re all busy most days in various studios around Nashville.

Heads up – This is a Vinyl album. No streaming. Recorded with no headphones, no booths, Ribbon Mics, Mixed in Mono.

Find at www.stevedawson.ca

However, Steve is touring through the West with good friend, Joachim Cooder.  Called “Duo”

Sept 9 Langley

Sept 10 Rogue Folk Club Vancouver

Sept 11 – Fish Creek Concerts Calgary

Sept  12  Elks Hall Red Deer

Sept 15 ArtsPlace Canmore

Sept 16 Jar Bar Medicine Hat

Sept 18 Old Strath Edmonton

Sept 19th Black Diamond (beneath the arch)

Sept 20 Lethbridge (Geomatic Attic)

Sept 28—October 2: He’s teaching basic studio school in Chestermere, AB at OCL Studios. It’s a Henhouse Pop-Up Recording Session.

“Songwriters, book a spot to record with Steve and band.”

October 5– 10: another pop-up but in Gastown at Bryan Adams Studio – The Warehouse.

Nov 13 – 3-day recording workshop at Henhouse Studios in Vancouver.

October 16/17 at Kay Meek Centre, West Vancouver. The latest album session. This time, recreating the tracks from JJ Cale’s Naturally 

Harry Manx on The Mulligan Stew Podcast

EP 402 | Harry Manx-New album ‘Falling Upwards’

August 30, 2026 Mulligan Stew Podcast 0:52:27

hello

Friday,   brilliant Gulf Islands string specialist Harry Manx released his 22nd  album, Falling Upwards. 
The song titles give hints at what Harry’s been creating.
Harry Manx, Falling Upwards,on Mulligan Stew

Harry Manx, Falling Upwards

Songs about 
Healing – Step Softly
Traditional Gospel – God’s gonna cut you down (with Kevin Breit)
Love with a groove – Find Your Love
Blues and Bhangra -Pork Pie Turban (with Steve Mariner)
This Joy – (with Joey Landreth)
Gonna have to serve somebody – Bob reimagined (featuring Gopal G Surbahar)
If you’ve heard my previous Harry Manx interviews, you’ll know he doesn’t just answer questions, Harry riffs on ideas, concepts and and one liners.
For many, this music has enough heart & soul to be worthy of your favourite Harry Manx album, which is saying something.
He’s making a solid place for himself on the  Blues and World Music stages and will be playing over 80 dates on the first leg of his next tour.
Here are some dates  you might want to be aware of:
Sept 5    Okotoks
Sept 6     Lethbridge
Sept 8     Blairmore
Sept 9     Medicine Hat
Sept 11 –   Calgary (two shows)
Sept 12    Calgary (two shows)
Sept 13    Edmonton
Here’s some of the rest –
https://harrymanx.com/tour/
Then off to Australia and New Zealand.

August 29th, 2026-Oliver’s Wine Capital Weekend and Marsha Lederman asks “What if?”

August 29, 2026 Tasting Room Radio

hello

As we reach the last days of Summer 2026..two stories that felt they needed sharing.
It’s the 27th year of Oliver’s Wine Capital Weekend! (Sept 18-20)
It’s had various names over the years, but it’s always been a gathering of growers, wineries, cideries, spirits, beer, music and food. Always celebrating what the farms each provide and gearing up for harvest.
This year it’s a reminder that,  despite the heart-breaking damages that the Summerland Fire  delivered, the rest of the Okanagan & Similkameen Valley would welcome you with open arms.  Its peak tourist season and your visits mean so much to the entire year.
Our first guest is Danielle Hutton.
danielle.jpg

Danielle Hutton

Co-owner and winemaker at Fairview Cellars and Committee Chair for the Wine Capital Weekend.
Lots to talk about
Friday night, the great 54.40 at District Wine Village.
Saturday, it’s the 10th annual Cask and Keg events featuring cider, spirits and beer makers, and you at Oliver Community Park.
Sunday, over 40 wineries are pouring for Festival of The Grape. Same park.
There are grape stomps, food trucks, live music and a day of fun. Just when we all could use some fun.
I also took some time to ask Danielle about her growing year and what she was pouring in the cabin tasting room at Fairview.  Some surprises for you and I.
Photo of scenery
Our second guest is a friend.
Marsha Lederman, opinion writer: The Globe and Mail.
Marsha Lederman | Penguin Random House Canada

Marsha Lederman

 

We’re both members of the Vancouver Film Critics Circle.

Marsha wrote a column last week that definitely caught my eye.
The headline asked the question …..” What if American wines, spirits etc. were allowed back on Canadian liquor shelves and nobody bought ANY OF IT! “
Along with her opinions, she asked for readers’ comments.  900 replies came back.
I was interested in what set Marsha in motion on this subject and what the response was like!!
I thought you’d like to hear Marsha’s comments and opinions. (she did admit that her choice of wine in years past was creamy, oaky Chardonnay from California)
For the informed feedback,  I thank my friend  Marsha Lederman.  Always a great read in The Globe and Mail.

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Okanagan Wine festival
Orofino Wine
Unsworth Wine
Okanagan Food Destinations
BC Fall Releases
Recap of The Nationals
EP 401 Keb Mo on the Mulligan Stew podcast

EP 401 | Keb ‘Mo’ on Mulligan Stew-New album ‘The Breakdown’

August 22, 2026 Mulligan Stew Podcast 0:51:23

hello

Keb’ Mo’s newest album is a stripped-down record that features just his voice, acoustic guitar, and some special guests. It’s been described as an optimistic album, which is remarkable, considering its release after the artist faced a life-changing illness.

The five-time Grammy winner, known for his guitar artistry and modern blues style, is on the road to recovery after open-heart surgery. The album, called The Breakdown, is out August 21 via Concord Records. The ten songs are held together by themes of hope, love, and the passage of time.

Keb Mo-Mulligan Stew Podcast
“The songs on this album are about what he went through,” says Mulligan. “He had time to think about it, and time to write.”

In preparing for his interview with Mo’, Mulligan connected with Colin Linden, who co-wrote the last track, “One Day Away.”

“What should I know?” asked Mulligan, knowing that Linden and Mo’ have been collaborators and friends for many years.

Linden’s response was heartfelt. He said, “He’s a great man and a great musician and a great friend. And this album is so deep and so open.”

“You can go anywhere with him,” added Linden. “He really has been one of the guiding lights in the evolution of the blues in the past 30 years. He’s made it more inclusive while venerating what’s righteous about the great past.”

Mulligan is looking forward to sharing the interview with the CKUA audience, noting that at the end of the conversation, Mo’ said, “Thank you for letting me say what I wanted to say, and opening my heart.”

Mulligan says, “This is an amazing album, with very personal writing and phrasing. Every song pulls you into his world and struggles.”

Tune in for music, stories, and conversation this weekend.

“Hand It Over,” featuring Soweto Gospel Choir, is one of the tracks from Keb’ Mo’s newest album, The Breakdown.

Mulligan Stew Podcast-Summerland Fires

EP 400 | The Summerland Fires – an informed discussion

August 16, 2026 Mulligan Stew Podcast 0:35:49

hello

It’s fire season in BC.
In the very heart of the prime tourist months, Summerland and surrounding areas have been ablaze. Almost 12,000 people, locals and tourists, have been evacuated from Summerland.
On Friday, the main highway through Summerland reopened with limited hours. (7 am to 7 PM)
The Bald Range wildfire continues to grow along with more than 100 BC fires. Half is burning out of control.
Smoke from the Summerland Fire continues to present its own problems.
Search and Rescue teams are conducting damage assessments; first responders are working at the front edge of danger every day. Hospital staff and care facilities are pushed to the limit.
Pilots and ground crews are working at full speed.
And volunteers are working night and day.
After gathering that most important information, I wanted to talk to Okanagan wine leaders about how all of these issues affect the wine and wine farming industry.
Just as they’re recovering from two cold snaps on their way back to normal, the fires broke out.
How do they recover?  How best to invite wine fans back to the valley.
Our guests are all community leaders: 
Jeff Guignard, President and CEO of Wine BC
April 2023 Member Profile - Jeff Guignard - Terminal City Club

Jeff Guignard

Christine Coletta – co-founder of Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Winery

Christine Coletta

Sandra Oldfield – Former winemaker at Tinhorn Creek and now co-founder of Elysian Projects

Sandra Oldfield

How can the wine community prepare for these fire seasons?
How do tourists and wine fans get their information for planning?
How can Canadians support the efforts and the wineries?
Any loss of vineyards?
How do all these crisis situations affect the invaluable tourist visits? All at the height of the tourist season.
What websites can supply support for Summerland victims?
How can WE help?
Sandra, Christine,  Jeff and I hope this conversation will supply answers for you.
Our best wishes to all involved.
BC Evacuee help line  1-800-387-4258
Emergency Support Services https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

August 15th, 2026- The Summerland Fires – an informed discussion

August 15, 2026 Tasting Room Radio 0:38:53

hello

It’s fire season in BC.
In the very heart of the prime tourist months, Summerland and surrounding areas have been ablaze. Almost 12,000 people, locals and tourists, have been evacuated from Summerland.
On Friday, the main highway through Summerland reopened with limited hours. (7 am to 7 PM)
The Bald Range wildfire continues to grow along with more than 100 BC fires. Half is burning out of control.
Smoke from the Summerland Fire continues to present its own problems.
Search and Rescue teams are conducting damage assessments; first responders are working at the front edge of danger every day. Hospital staff and care facilities are pushed to the limit.
Pilots and ground crews are working at full speed.
And volunteers are working night and day.
After gathering that most important information, I wanted to talk to Okanagan wine leaders about how all of these issues affect the wine and wine farming industry.
Just as they’re recovering from two cold snaps,  on their way back to normal, the fires broke out.
How do they recover?  How best to invite wine fans back to the valley.
Our guests are all community leaders: 
Jeff Guignard, President and CEO of Wine BC
April 2023 Member Profile - Jeff Guignard - Terminal City Club

Jeff Guignard

Christine Coletta – co-founder of Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Winery

Christine Coletta

Sandra Oldfield – Former winemaker at Tinhorn Creek and now co-founder of Elysian Projects

Sandra Oldfield

How can the wine community prepare for these fire seasons?
How do tourists and wine fans get their information for planning?
How can Canadians support the efforts and the wineries?
Any loss of vineyards?
How do all these crisis situations affect the invaluable tourist visits? All at the height of the tourist season.
What websites can supply support for Summerland victims?
How can WE help?
Sandra, Christine,  Jeff and I hope this conversation will supply  answers for you.
Our best wishes to all involved.
BC Evacuee help line  1-800-387-4258
Emergency Support Services https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

STORIES WE ARE WORKING ON:

Moon Curser
Naramata Tailgate Party
Best Coast 2017
Fire Follow-up
Rhiannon Giddens on the Mulligan Stew Podcast

EP 399 | Rhiannon Giddens, 2 interviews – Edmonton Folk Music Festival

July 26, 2026 Mulligan Stew Podcast 0:34:52

hello

 

 “I started singing at an ungodly age, standing in my crib and warbling at passing family members. I didn’t really think of it as a career until I went to the School of Science and Math and realized that I never wanted to do another algorithm. So I went to Oberlin Conservatory and did the whole opera/recital thing, burned out and discovered the banjo! The rest is history.”
Rhiannon Giddens
Rhiannon-Giddens_Mulligan Stew
Singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens is the co-founder of the GRAMMY Award–winning American string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, in which she also played banjo and fiddle. She began gaining recognition as a solo artist when she stole the show at the T Bone Burnett–produced Another Day, Another Time concert at New York City’s Town Hall in 2013. She sang Odetta’s Water Boy with, as the New York Times put it, “the fervour of a spiritual, the yips of a folk holler, and the sultry insinuation of the blues.”
It was T Bone who convinced Rhiannon to free her voice and become a solo artist.
The elegant bearing, prodigious voice, and fierce spirit that brought the NYC audience to its feet that night, and audiences around the world since, was also abundantly evident on Giddens’ Grammy-nominated solo debut album, “Tomorrow Is My Turn”.
The recording masterfully blends American genres like gospel, jazz, blues, and country, showcasing her extraordinary emotional range and dazzling vocal prowess. She since followed that success with “Freedom Highway”,  produced by T Bone Burnett.  A record that traces the power of African-American song from 200 years ago to today.

It has become abundantly clear that Rhiannon Giddens was to take her place as a peerless and powerful voice in roots music, and her appearance at the festival was to be eagerly, enthusiastically,  breathlessly anticipated.

“What was on display tonight was the performance of an artist on the cusp of a true critical and commercial breakthrough with a voice that was regal, confident and, at every turn, breathtaking.”  -The Musical Box

Rhiannon-Giddens​
A founding member of the landmark string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, and the all-female banjo supergroup, Our Native Daughters, Giddens is as much a curator as a creator. She is the current Artistic Director of the Yo-Yo Ma-founded Silkroad Ensemble, hosts a TV show on PBS, My Music with Rhiannon Giddens, and has hosted two podcasts (Aria Code from New York City’s NPR affiliate station WQXR, which ran for three seasons, and American Railroad from Silkroad). Rhiannon Giddens has published two children’s books and written and performed music for the soundtrack of Red Dead Redemption II, one of the best-selling video games of all time. She appeared as a recurring cast member on ABC’s hit drama Nashville and as a music history expert on Ken Burns’ Country Music series on PBS. This year, she launched her own music festival in Durham, NC called Biscuits & Banjos, to celebrate Black culture outside the mainstream.
Rhiannon’s last two  albums were
You’re the One
What did the blackbird say to the crow
and we await the latest album, Hope is the Thing with Feathers, coming out in Mid-September.
These two interviews were done several years apart in the CKUA performance tent at the Edmonton Folk Festival.
We thank them for the opportunity and Rhiannon for the time.
TDM

July 25th, 2026- The Cowichan Valley Wine Festival returns Aug 1-31st 2026

July 24, 2026 Tasting Room Radio 0:32:42

hello

The Cowichan Valley Wine Festival returns Aug 1-31 – Yup, the whole month.
It features events, pours, music, food pairings and has a very rewarding Passport Event.
Cowichan Valley Newcomers
Because they’re in close proximity to one another, meeting the winemakers is very possible.
All those wine questions you had over the Winter and Spring, at last have a chance to be asked with the producers and experts at each winery.
Speaking of proximity, Cowichan’s unique location on Vancouver Island places vineyards  near the ocean, and it’s amazing “maritime effect.”   Warm dry growing seasons with mild Winters, provide the perfect climate for premium viticulture and winemaking.
Discover award-winning cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris as well as  Gamay, Marechal Foch, Riesling and the region’s legendary Ortega.
With new owners and winemakers, we’re now starting to see Cowichan blends, such as
as a white, featuring this year Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Siegerrebe, Gewürztraminer, Epicure, and Charme de l’Île sparkling wines.
It all proves that award-winning winemaking can thrive in different climates and environments.
Frankly, it’s starting to attract owners and winemakers from other parts of the world.

It all starts with a kickoff party on July 29, 6:30-8:30 at the Malahat Skywalk. General admission includes entry, winery tastings, summer bites and memorable views. www.cowichanwineries.com 

Photo 1 of 4

Our guests this week are:

Julie Powell – co-founder and co-winemaker at Alderlea Vineyards. President of Cowichan Valley Wines
Stacey Hornemann  –  Winemaker Blue Grouse Estate
Blue Grouse Estate Winery Announces Stacy Hornemann as New Winemaker

Stacey Hornemann

Geoff Jejna – New winemaker at Telegraph Estate (formerly Enrico)
Enrico Winery - Wines of British Columbia
Cowichanwineries.com
  • Alderlea Vineyards
  • Averill Creek Vineyard
  • Blue Grouse Estate Winery
  • Cherry Point Estate Wines
  • Cobble Hill Winery
  • Divino Estate Winery
  • Rocky Creek Winery
  • Unsworth Vineyards
  • Zanatta Winery
  • Telegraph Estate Winery
  • Telltale Winery
  • Deol Estate Winery

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Little Engine
Moon Curser
New Canadian National Wine Agreement
Orofino

July 18th, 2026 – Fort Berens wins at 2026 Canadian National Wine Align Awards 

July 18, 2026 Tasting Room Radio 0:38:12

hello

The Show:

WineAlign - Articles - Results from the 2026 Nationals – Skin Contact Whites/Orange Wines
Fort Berens Winemaker Seth Jex and I are going to be talking about the just-in results of the 2026  Canadian  National Wine Awards and Fort Berens winnings plus  new releases.
Fort Berens: Built for the Future - Advinetures.ca
GOLD – 2025 Riesling 2025 limes, green apple and grapefruit. $23.99
SILVER –  2025 Late Harvest Riesling $20.99
SILVER – 2025 Pinot Gris character and content. Outstanding. $23.99
SILVER – 2025 Rosé 100% estate grown. Pinot Noir. Merlot. Cab Franc & Cab Sauv. On lees 4 months. Elegant and Refreshing. $23.99
Wines | Fort Berens Estate Winery
BRONZE – 2025 Chardonnay 30% French Oak. Remainder in tanks.  Blended after 5 months. Fresh bakery and creamy mouthfeel. $24.99
Plus
2025 Small Lot Grüner Veltliner . Yaow!    Notes of tangerine, kiwi. Fresh acidity. Texture $25.99
           The Canadian Wine Align National Wine Awards are a very important measure of the wines
           being tasted and judged.
     As are the American awards. For example –
      Fort Berens did incredibly well at the 2026 Los Angeles International Wine Competition.
           Red Gold 2022 received 95 points and the Gold Medal.
           Then went on to win Best of Class, and ultimately was named Best Red Wine of the entire competition.
Pinot Noir 2024 also received 94 points, Gold Medal, and Best of Class
Small Lot Pinot Gris received 90 points and Gold Medal.
The last time we created a feature on Fort Berens,  in the Lillooet region, Alex Nel was the winemaker and spokesperson..  Alex has moved back to South
Africa with his growing family but fair to say, these are his wines.
The new winemaker at Fort Berens Seth Jex, worked in partnership with Alex to create outstanding wines at Fort Berens.

Seth Jex

After the cold snap seasons of 2023 and 2024 both Seth and Alex continued to care for the vineyards and worked very hard to retrain the surviving vines to prepare them for 2025. Congratulations to Alex and to Seth for bringing them home.
Fortunately, 2025 was a great growing season. Mild Winter, early bud break followed by a heat wave in August, which sped up ripening. Exactly what they needed.
It took great team work .
Fort Berens Winery
All lead by the co-owner/founder and newly minted  CEO Heleen Pannekoek.
 
  

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Little Engine
Moon Curser
Canadian National Wine Awards
Cowichan Valley Wine Month
The Skydiggers on the Mulligan Stew Podcast

EP 398 | The Skydiggers – Celebrate 40 years together by going back!!

July 18, 2026 Mulligan Stew Podcast 0:41:10

hello

Our guests are  Skydiggers co-founders Andy Maise and Josh Finlayson. They’ve just released their next album, West Montrose.

Produced by Jimmy Bowskill in his studio.

The Skydiggers-West Montrose

West Montrose is what they called the band before Skydiggers. (for you trivia fans, one rejected name was Crowded Trousers.)

The guys have reimagined 5 of their earlier songs plus some of their favourite covers. (Doc Watson, Peter Cash, Buddy Holly, Steve Earle.

I think the song choices and covers are timely as the music world seems to be coming back to exactly what they’re offering.

Their sound is stripped down and focused. Nicely done for 40 years on the job and well over 1000 shows.

Andy and Josh are classic storytellers, one bouncing off the other, as old friends often do.

The Skydiggers