today we have the man I am proud to call a friend even if we have not yet met in person. Here is Joe Kelley on a return interview, I am glad he could find the time in his busy schedule. Hi Joe how is it groovin?

It is groovin' nicely tonight. And yes, Claude and I are friends. Amazing what goodheartedness and spirit can bring together. Thanks for all your support on the projects we have going here.

Just proud to be part of it!Well the celebration for your 20th anniversary of radio are nearly done so give us some highlight?

Actually, we are still having a few more surprises connected to the celebration. But thus far, the outpouring of support from musicians and media have been great all year-long. We have had an-house concert series that was kicked off by Mystic Bowie and the Pallbearers and each week we have new performances. Many musicians have also chosen to debut their music on my show with an interview as well. Nice to know they respect the show so much.

respect is earned Joe and you deserve it

That is too kind. I try to treat people well and keep the spotlight on the artist.

And if I might add you are doing it quite well What was the surprise, the one unexpected thing that marked the celebration? (If you can narrow it down to one! Wink!)

Okay, here goes: We have moved into new studios and my intent was to devote half of the shows to live music played right inside the four walls. Now, I am not expert engineer and you always worry a bit about the sound and making it sound right for the musicians. Yet, each show we have pulled it off with a variety of styles of music and instruments whether it be a funk band coming full-force with a six piece band, a deejay scratching on the 1-2 like Kid Ginseng, or an acoustic guitar and voice like Brooker and Bullen. The performances have been amazing and we have many great shows scheduled for the rest of the year.

wow! it must have been something to see and hear I mean in person 6piece band cramped into a studio !!!

Yes, the band was the Freelance Pallbearers led by Renard Boisseire and they said they had room for 3 more horn players.

ahahahah!for me, one of the surprise of the season was to learn That Cindy Lauper went independent and it was a great interview by the way.

Yes, another highlight and thanks to listen. Cyndi Lauper new CD is so stellar and deserves airplay. But I really enjoyed her take on the industry today. She has been to the so-called "commercial mountaintop" and today, she is very content to let the quality of her music and songwriting be the priority. What an intelligent and fun person to talk with. I must say thanks to my friend and guitarist with Cyndi Lauper, Kat Dyson. She is incredible as well and look out for Kat's next release.

she sounded dare I say it liberated and all energized by her decision is that what you felt too?

Yes, indeed. She also had a great sense of humor and one word to future interviewers, keep on your toes. Cyndi will tell you like it is and have fun at the same time. I can't wait to hear more of her new songs after her tour with Cher.

there's something to look forward too!!! I don't want to forget your producer/co host Gi Dussault, the interaction between you two is so interesting. Seems you are always pulling some little stunt on her! Wink! Does she puts you on the spot also?

Yes, she has her Quebecois ways of putting me on the spot. Hehehehe. Glad you notice the interaction. I do the weekly WVOF show by myself. However, the daily live365 show is co-hosted by myself and Gi Dussault. I do have to give immense respect and thanks to her for her tireless work in preparing for the show and discovering so much music from indie artists. it has taken the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley" to a new level. Plus, we have fun in the studio and love what we do.

Let's talk about the future of the upper room, I admit it! I am fishing for a scoop here! Who do you have as guests in the next few weeks?

Wow, it is going to be extremely busy. Let's start with the all-star concert that we are planning to wrap the celebration. It will be held at the beginning of next year. Then, we are planning a musical benefit here to help city school music programs. In the next few weeks, we will have St. Paul Peterson, Barnstorm, Plunky Branch, Medusa Complex, the Dent and many more interviews and performances. In January, we will have an all-new Minneapolis Music Special with new guests and interviews. That show will have many surprise guests. In addition, we are going to have a musician series replay of interviews. For example, one week will feature interviews with bassists like Larry Graham, Victor Wooten, Rhonda Smith, St. Paul, Chuck Smith and more. Other weeks will focus on guitarists, drummers.... vocalists, keyboardists and horn players.

sounds like a great idea to me! I can't talk for the readers but I know where my ears will be tuned to for the next while!

Thanks Brother as always. Now, I have to get this out. The "Funk City" CD from Claude Gagne is funkin' to the max. Plus, Claude has composed the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley" theme song. Much appreciated.

gees Man there you go you can take the guy out of the studio but he's still a radio dude and thank you it was fun doing it and sharing it with your listeners anything we should touch on before closing?

Just my wishes that everyone in music can make a living even modestly doing what they love. Whether it be the musicians, deejays, e-zine publishers etc. We do this for the love of music. I could make plenty of green jacking my voice and playing the mainstream, but it wouldn't feel right. Thanks to you Claude, our listeners and musician friends and future friends.A few words of advice: For one week, turn your radio on and scan the dial. Only listen to music you never have heard. Keep an open mind and see us in a week. Plus, go out of your homes and see some local concerts.

Ab-so-lu-te-ly!!! we got to support the bands in our own backward after all we will be proud to say he's from my neck of the wood you know

To me, not too many things top getting the goosebumps from seeing a great live performer.

that's for sure but if we don't support them when they begin they will not make it

One obstacle is that a lot of people only check out what they are familiar with. But the payoffs with supporting your local music scene are immense.

one of the first band I supported when I started K.L.O.D. was the band next door The groove stones Your e-zine has put the light on so many worthy musicians. Right on and keep it going.

As long as musicians will keep answering my questions I will:-) well Joe I thank you for giving me so much of your time

You're welcome Claude. Thanks to have me back and I need to have you down to "The Upper Room with Joe Kelley" concert series when "The Funk City" tour comes here.

Peace and love. So give a listen to Joe's Upper Room click here

you can read the previous interview by clicking here

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