In this episode of the Western New York Rocks podcast, host Michael Kenneth interviews the members of Songbirds, a Western New York tribute band dedicated to recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac. The conversation explores the band's formation, their unique approach to performances, and the dedication they put into authentically capturing the essence of Fleetwood Mac's music. The band members share insights into their backgrounds, the challenges of embodying their respective roles, and the meticulous attention to detail that goes into their performances. They also discuss the significance of tribute bands in preserving the legacy of iconic musicians, especially as original members age or pass away.

Chapters

00:00 The Pressure of Authenticity in Tribute Bands

07:15 The Passion for Research and Knowledge

10:25 Trivia and Knowledge of Fleetwood Mac

11:38 Recreating the Fleetwood Mac Sound

17:00 The Commitment to Live Performance

25:01 Performing 'Dreams' and Tour Recreation

27:02 The Reunion and Its Impact

30:39 Halloween Shows: A Unique Experience

33:31 Emotional Connections to Fleetwood Mac Songs

36:10 Performing for Diverse Audiences

38:14 The Resurgence of Fleetwood Mac Among Youth

40:02 The Chemistry of Songwriting in Fleetwood Mac

43:33 The Drama Behind the Music

49:20 Personal Connections to Songs

53:08 The Emotional Release of Performance

54:05 The Importance of Authenticity in Music

57:29 Sustaining a Tribute Band: Challenges and Triumphs

61:28 Support Systems: Balancing Personal Lives and Music

66:07 The Role of Significant Others in a Band's Success

68:12 The Love for Music and Each Other

70:15 Engaging with Fleetwood Mac: Tribute Band Aspirations

76:37 The Art of Thrifting and Costume Design

79:52 Fleetwood Mac Fashion and Iconic Moments

80:48 Cherished Memories and Personal Connections

82:41 Shout Outs and Community Support

86:39 Podcasting Journey and Future Plans

On this week's episode Michael Kenneth is joined by author David Kinney, who wrote the true crime book, 'Mobbed Up Batavia', The true Story of How a Series of Cold-Blooded Killings Shattered a Small American Town. In the 1930's, a series of cold and calculated killings shattered the quiet routine of Batavia, New York. What appeared to be isolated acts of violence soon revealed a deliberate and precise pattern that is impossible to ignore. At the center of it all were Batavia's bookmakers. Men who had built their own criminal network and, for a time, thrived outside the reach of the law and larger criminal organizations.
We also discuss how David came to write the book, the research that went into his writing, and what he learned as a result of the writing of 'Mobbed Up Batavia.'

Summary

In this episode of the Western New York Rocks podcast, host Michael Kenneth speaks with Shelly Wolansky, owner of Mrs. Green's Cannery, about her journey into the legalized marijuana business in New York. The conversation explores the cultural shift surrounding cannabis, the challenges of navigating the licensing process, and the stigma that still exists around marijuana use. Shelly shares her personal experiences, the struggles of starting a business in a newly legalized industry, and the support she received from the community. The episode highlights the complexities of running a cannabis dispensary and the evolving perceptions of marijuana in society. In this episode, the hosts discuss the journey of women in the cannabis industry, focusing on Shelly's experience as a 100% women-owned business owner. They explore the challenges and triumphs of opening a legal cannabis dispensary, including the importance of support and collaboration. The conversation transitions into a tour of Mrs. Green's Cannery, showcasing the variety of cannabis products available and the educational aspects of cannabis consumption. The hosts delve into the science behind edibles versus smoking, THC levels, and the significance of encouraging women to pursue careers in cannabis education. In this episode of The WNY Rocks! Podcast, hosts Shelly Wolanski and Chris Van Dusen discuss the multifaceted opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of community perception and the challenges faced by small businesses in a saturated market. They address the stigma surrounding cannabis use, the legal landscape in New York, and the impact of corporate competition on local dispensaries. The conversation highlights their commitment to changing perceptions about cannabis and their vision for the future of their business, Mrs. Green's Cannery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Legalized Marijuana Business

03:36 Shelly's Journey into Cannabis

11:19 Navigating the Licensing Process

17:04 Challenges and Stigmas in the Industry

23:33 The Impact of Legalization on Business

30:09 Reflections on Success and Community Support

31:05 Empowering Women in the Cannabis Industry

35:13 A Tour of Mrs. Green's Cannery

39:30 Understanding Cannabis Products

44:43 The Science of Edibles vs. Smoking

51:57 Navigating THC Levels and Strains

60:40 Encouraging Women in Cannabis Education

61:40 Opportunities Beyond Growing in Cannabis

64:42 Changing Perceptions: The Community Impact of Cannabis

67:58 Addressing Addiction and Stigma in Cannabis Use

71:51 Navigating the Legal Landscape of Cannabis

75:42 Challenges and Competition in the Cannabis Market

79:57 The Future of Mrs. Green's Cannery