A Country Christmas on Back to the Country 12/13/23

In a recent conversation with my mother, she asked: “Are there enough country music Christmas songs to fill one of your three-hour shows?” I instantly thought, there’s probably enough to fill a three-thousand hour show, but all I actually said was, “Absolutely! If you’d like to hear it, that’ll be my next theme.” So indeed, tomorrow morning from 9am-noon (CST) on WORT 89.9fm, I’ll share with y’all my first ever Christmas-themed show.

I know everybody has their own personal faves this time of year, but tomorrow morning I’m excited to share mine. Sure, there’ll be a recitation or four, and likely a bunch of Starday tunes, a handful of Cuca 45s for sure, a smattering of Fin-A-Billy, a smidge of Waffle House jukebox hits, some instrumental guitar bliss, some holiday oddities, and even a special Christmas message from my pop, recorded many years ago (which I just set to music this week). Full disclosure, Lola the doggo helped me pick these out, but also, she’s deaf and not the most discerning listener.

If you like what you hear, come on out to the Stoughton Opera House on Thursday night at 5:45pm when Nate Gibson & the Stardazers will perform several of these unique holiday masterpieces as we kick off a Rock’n’Roll Christmas Party with Joel Paterson and JD McPherson!

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers with JD McPherson and Joel Paterson 12/14/23

I’ve got lots to be thankful for as of late, and one of those things is making music with the Stardazers. I absolutely love picking out new songs to play, writing new songs, coming up with twin guitar parts, harmonies, and new arrangements, and then occasionally scrapping all of that and playing whatever song pops into our heads on the spot. It's been a joy sharing music this year with Spider Mike Hobson (bass), Andrew Harrison (guitar), and Eric Salisbury (drums). We had a great 2023, playing shows with and for friends near and far, and we’ve got one more show for y'all this year!

A week from tonight (Thursday Dec. 14th) the trio version of Nate Gibson & the Stardazers will be kicking off Joel Paterson and JD McPherson’s “Socks: Rock and Roll Christmas Tour” in the Stoughton Opera House lounge. We’ll get the Holiday Hoedown fired up around 5:55pm and, because it’s a holiday-themed hoedown, we’ve worked up several of our favorite Christmas jams for This Show Only! Hope to see y'all there!

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Willy Street Fair 2023, photo by: Sharon Vanorny

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Stoughton Opera House 2023, photo by: Pamela Sprecher-Galka

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, The Bur Oak 2023, photo by Kathy Klingemann Marcelle

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Symco Weekender 2023, photo by Joseph Shaffer

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, High Noon Saloon patio 2023, photo by Jane Richard

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Symco Weekender 2023, photo by Elizabeth Harrison

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Red Rooster 2023, photo by Dee Weingartner Bradley Grimsrud

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Full Mile Beer Co. and Kitchen 2023, photo by Dee Weingartner Bradley Grimsrud

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Catfish River Music Festival 2023, photo by Bobby Batyko

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, The Bur Oak 2023, photo by Charlie Chaz Lemm

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Stoughton Opera House 2023, photo: 

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, Red Rooster 2023, photo by Rachel Tatge

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers, UW Memorial Union Terrace 2023, photo: 

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers at the Red Rooster 11/15/23 7:00pm

Howdy internet, just an FYI that Nate Gibson & the Stardazers will be playing the Red Rooster in Madison, WI this Wednesday evening (11/15). You can expect the usual boot-stompin, pickin-n-grinnin, chin-chucklin, song-debutin, and other activities that sound better when you drop the 'g.' But this time around, inspired by the originals of our friends and opener Two Trick Pony, we'll lean heavily into my catalog of original tunes.

Sit back and relax with good food, friends, and drinks as I regale y'all with my life story in poetry and song, swung gently in 4/4 and in present-day-vocal-range appropriate keys.

Show starts at 7:00pm. 2513 Seiferth Rd, Madison, WI.

https://www.facebook.com/events/348792441007614

Country Music Clowning on Back to the Country 11/8/23

I hesitate to tell y'all this, for fear that I might scare a few folks away, but tomorrow's Back to the Country radio program on WORT will be all about Country Music Clowns. That's right. Three hours of songs about clowns, songs by clowns, and maybe even a few songs for clowns.

I recently found this amazing '50s poster for Tommy Scott's Hillbilly Opra, boasting a lineup of Stringbean, the Masked Rider, 10 Carloads of western picture stars, and, among other things, 6 funny clowns. Then I got to thinking about Koko the Clown from the Webb Pierce Road Show and Crazy Elmer's hijinx on the Wheeling Jamboree. Then I remembered seeing Clownvis Presley in Green Bay and later hearing Charley Crockett's single about being a clown. Then I saw Puddles Pity Party mashing up Johnny Cash and Elton John and it reminded me of watching Zach Galifianakis as Chip Baskets the rodeo clown. So, I've had clowns on the mind for a while. And then on Halloween, two neighborhood kids came to our doorstep trick or treating dressed as clowns! I took it as a sign.

I've tracked down a whole heaping of amazing country music clowning and I hope you can tune in for some wacky hijinx and even some sad clown songs tomorrow morning from 9:00am-noon (CST) on WORT 89.9fm or streaming at wortfm.org.

Upright Slap Bass on Back to the Country 89.9FM WORT 10/11/23

A few months back, Willie Nelson and Friends spent a day off from touring in Madison, WI and I was thrilled to spend some time at the WORT studios with my friend and bassist extraordinaire, Kevin Smith.

In addition to his regular gig with Willie, Kevin has toured and recorded with Robbie Fulks, Charley Crockett, Asylum Street Spankers, Dwight Yoakum, Brian Setzer, Alseep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Heybale, High Noon rockabilly trio, Ronnie Dawson, and countless amazing musicians. He's also taught a considerable number of prominent bassists the art of the slap bass. Added bonus, he's also a great person and an entertaining interviewee!

Tomorrow's episode of Back to the Country (Wednesday 10/11 9am-noon CST) will feature my interview with Kevin, a tribute to our mutual and recently departed friend Dave Roe, and three full hours of country music featuring upright slap bass. You can tune in at 89.9fm in southern WI or stream anywhere via wortfm.org or the WORT app.

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers and the Best Westerns at the Stoughton Opera House 9/28/23

Howdy Friends, Would you like to see the greatest country music band on Earth perform this Friday evening (9/28)? Then you'll have to drive to the WI Dells to catch Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives at the Crystal Grand Music Theatre.

What's that, you say? You can't make it? Perhaps you already have plans to be at the Stoughton Opera House to hear the Best Westerns, featuring Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys' bassist extraordinaire Mark Hembree and Asleep at the Wheel steel guitar legend Eddie Rivers? Well, that's an incredible show as well. And if that's the case, I've got some stellar news for you: Nate Gibson & the Stardazers have just been tabbed to open that show! We'll be without our drumming whiz Eric Salisbury for this one, but that gives y'all a rare chance to hear the Stardazers in trio form.

This Friday 9/28, Stoughton Opera House, Nate Gibson & the Stardazers from 5:45-7:00pm, followed by the Best Westerns. Good treats, good drinks, good peeps, good music. We'll hope to ya there! 

Photo from Willy St. Fair by the talented Sharon Vanorny of svheartphotography

Nate Gibson and Art Stevenson at Sand Valley Resort 9/18

Had an absolutely grand time at the Willy St. Fair with the Stardazers this afternoon. Thanks again to WORT Underground Stage at Willy St. Fair for having us and to everyone who came out in support!

For those wanting even more music, tomorrow evening (9/18 5:30-8:30pm) I'll be doing a duo show at the Sand Valley Resort (near Steven's Point, WI) with my pal and Back to the Country co-host Art Stevenson. Come see us as we reprise our Mountain Williams harmonies, celebrate 100 years of Hank Williams, and learn requests on the fly!

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers at Willy St. Fair 9/17/23

Howdy Friends. This weekend Nate Gibson & the Stardazers will be rocking the WORT stage at the Willy St. Fair. We kick off the jams on Sunday afternoon at 12:30pm on the 800 block of Willy St.

We're super excited to be a part of Madison's annual carnival-esque throw-down, and also to be associated with the WORT community-sponsored radio stage at this year's fest. Hope to see you somewhere amidst the bubbles, colors and eclectic mayhem! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/2320850881449639

Tomorrow's episode of Back to the Country is all about Dot Records 9/13/23

Howdy Friends, Just a reminder that I'll be back on WORT 89.9fm tomorrow morning from 9-noon (CST) hosting Back to the Country. This week's episode is a showcase for all things Dot Records and I'm super excited to share some of my favorite records with y'all. Sure, Dot is infamous for their watered-down Pat Boone, Johnny Maddox, Billy Vaughn, and Wink Martindale pop covers of rock and roll tunes, but there was SO MUCH MORE to Dot.

First, I want to give thanks to several friends who have recently helped me fill out the Dot box: Val Shively, Mark Lee Allen, Yvan Biamont, Richard Ryan, Jurgen Koop, Tim Behrens, Rocky Kruegel, Charlie Burton, Jim Cates, Paul Solarski, and George Gimarc. I appreciate, y'all! And at the request of my fellow Madison record hound, Jim Lindberger, I thought I'd show off a few of the record labels *inside* the box this time! I won't be able to play them all for you tomorrow morning, but be sure to check out The Billy Malone Story!

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers to play the High Noon Saloon this Friday 9/1/23

Hey there friends, can I interest you in an afternoon outdoor party with 70+ degree weather, stellar drink specials, watchin' the sun set with friends all the while listening to the sweet honky-tonk sounds of Nate Gibson and the Stardazers?

We are thrilled to be playing the High Noon Saloon Patio Series in Madison, WI this Friday (Sept 1) from 5:30-7:30pm. It's free free free and all ages. More details at:  https://www.facebook.com/events/298895012744076

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers Rock the Symco Weekender TOMORROW 8/11/23

I'm super excited to share that Nate Gibson and the Stardazers will be rocking the Symco Weekender TOMORROW night! It's one of my favorite car shows (pre-65 traditional hot rod and kustom) and rock and roll events of the year and I feel so lucky to be playing their stage again this year.

If you've been before, you know what I'm talking about. The incredible cars, vintage campers and tractors, killer flea market, flame throwing competitions, rockin' DJs, awesome vendors, and so many great musicians and groups (Mitch Polzak, Cash O'Riley, Gizzelle, McKinley James, Junior Marvel, Jake Calypso, and many more!). If you've never been, you really should come. It's a blast! The party starts today and goes through Saturday evening. I'll be there all day Friday and the band takes over the Bandshell at 7:00pm. See you there!

More details and directions at symcohotrods.com and https://www.facebook.com/events/672244197919345/

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers at Red Rooster 8/1/23 Madison, WI

Driving back from FinnFest and Nordic Fest this past weekend, Rachel asked, what was my all-time favorite gig I've ever played?

That's a hard question. Some gigs pay better than others. Some gigs have bigger audiences. Sometimes the band is just really in sync with each other and everything sounds great. Sometimes a crowd is really into it. Sometimes gigs are with celebrities or musicians you really admire. Sometimes you get an after-gig compliment that is super meaningful. Sometimes a new musical idea strikes mid-song and you feel transported to another world. And sometimes, something completely unexpected happens.

I can't be sure what the specific reason will be, but statistically speaking, there's a real possibility that TOMORROW will be my all-time favorite gig I've ever played. If you come, you just might be the reason!

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers. $5. Red Rooster. Madison, WI.

7-9:30pm. Good drinks and great music are on tap (but FYI, I just found out the kitchen is closed on Tuesdays).
Musical hijinx with Nate Gibson, Andrew Harrison, "Spider Mike" Hobson, and Eric Salisbury.

More details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/115872114916634

FinnFest and Nordic Fest This Weekend!

I'm super excited for this upcoming weekend's music and Nordic goodness. On Friday, I'll be joined by Erik Koskinen for a set of Finnish country music tunes at FinnFest in Duluth, MN, where I'll get to sing some of my favorite songs written by Jussi Raittinen, Jussi Syren, Remu Aaltonen, Aikka Hakala, Rami Soini, and others. I'm also excited to be among a team of awesome UW-Madison folklorists interviewing and highlighting Scandinavian and Nordic artists throughout the weekend. It's sure to be an epic event!

Then on Saturday it's off to Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA where I'll be joined by Eric Salisbury, "Spider Mike" Hobson, and Andrew Harrison (aka The Stardazers) for a set of rockin' honky-tonk mayhem ala Jerry Reed, Jimmy Bryant, Joe Maphis, and assorted Starday favorites. Moments later, on the very same stage, I get to join Foot-Notes on upright bass for a set of Scandinavian-American old-time tunes drawn from the fieldwork collections at Mills Music Library! Get ready for some serious two-steps, western swings, bops, jives, strolls, boot scoots, polkas, schottisches, waltzes, butterfly dances, and more!

Good music, good food, good friends, and good times await~Hope to see you there!

https://2023.finnfest.us/
https://nordicfest.com/

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers at the UW Memorial Union Terrace 7/20/23

Howdy Friends, Just a quick heads up that Nate Gibson & the Stardazers will be playing the UW Memorial Union Terrace this Thursday evening from 7-10pm. It's looking like it'll be a perfect evening for honky-tonk, sunsets, and a cool drink--high 70s, sunshine with some clouds, three-part harmonies, and blazing twin guitars.

I can't promise that you'll become internet famous if you go and dance at the front of the stage, but the last time we played this stage we, along with our dancing friends, ended up on the Travel Wisconsin commercials and home page all summer. Just sayin'... it could happen.

Need a little more convincing? Madeleine Carr and the fine folks at Terrace Views (official blog of the Wisconsin Union) just published an interview with me about my music background, my experiences playing music in Wisconsin, and what's next for Nate Gibson & the Stardazers. Check it out here: https://terraceviews.org/nate-gibson-and-the-stardazers/ Many thanks, Madeleine!

Hope to see y'all Thursday night! No cover! Good food! Beautiful view! Great company!

https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/nate-gibson-and-the-honky-tonk-hodags-2/

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers are Kicking off the Catfish River Music Festival 6/30 5:30pm

Life has been a bit hectic this month: buying and moving into our first home, preppin' for a weddin', and car shopping (to replace my recently totaled car), to name just a few of the reasons. But music always eases the struggle and I'm excited that Nate Gibson and the Stardazers will be kicking off this year's Catfish River Music Festival. The fun begins Friday evening (6/30) at 5:30pm in Rotary Park, Stoughton, WI!

It's outdoors. We're playing the sunset hour... The Dead Horses are on after us. And if you can stick around for the full festival this weekend you'll also get to hear the Cactus Blossoms, Charlie Parr, Armchair Boogie, Kendra Swanson, and a whole host of great musicians. Best of all, the music is free and the surrounding events and vendors will be raising funds for the Stoughton Opera House--a true gem among live music venues! Hope to see you there!

http://www.catfishrivermusicfest.com/

Hillbilly Weddings in June on Back to the Country 6/14/23

Well, technically Rachel and I aren't getting married until July, but it's June right now and I've got weddings on the brain. I'm also hosting Back to the Country tomorrow morning (Wednesday 6/14) on WORT 89.9fm and so a three-hour country music extravaganza all about weddings it shall be!

Rings, cakes, gowns, preachers, rice, parties, proposals, bouquets, shotguns, mountain dew, and more await! Streaming from 9am-noon (cst) via wortfm.org or on your fm dial in Southern Wisconsin at 89.9.

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers Video and Upcoming Gigs

You know what's great? Making music! You know what's even better? Making music with friends! You know what's even better? Sharing said music with even more friends! Thanks to everyone (especially, Dave Leucinger who volunteered for door duty and Dan Swadley on sound) who came out to Nate Gibson & the Stardazers last show at the Red Rooster. We had a grand time singin' and pickin' for y'all! For those who missed it, here's a video Rachel took of us doing The Salty Boogie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKH7MJS8djU

For those interested in catching an upcoming show, here's what we've got on the books so far:

6/30 - Catfish River Music Festival, Stoughton, WI

7/20 - UW Terrace, Madison, WI

7/29 - Nordic Fest, Decorah, IA

8/1 - Red Rooster, Madison, WI

8/11 - Symco Hotrod & Kusom Weekender, Symco, WI

9/1 - High Noon Saloon (Patio), Madison, WI

And if you want to see us but can't make it to one of these shows, message me and book us in your hometown!

Country Music Is For the Birds 5/10/23

Last week, my Back to the Country co-host and fellow bird lover Art Stevenson invited Rachel and I to come up to Stevens Point, WI for some bird watchin', music pickin', and serious chowin'. It was a glorious trip for many reasons, but among the highlights were: sandhill cranes, blue jays, yellow-rumped warblers (aka butter butts), a cooper's hawk, mourning doves, red-headed woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-winged blackbirds, ducks, geese, swans, chickens, turkeys, and more. And all of this was BEFORE Art and Stephanie led us on a guided tour through the Sandhill State Wildlife Area!

It was an awesome introduction to the varieties of birds in the Upper Midwest, how one goes about identifying various bird species, and why birding matters. At one point Art even loaned his camera to me and let me snap some good-looking photos of the birds! Many, many thanks again, Art and Stephanie! Y'all are incredible hosts!

You know who else loves birds? Country musicians! As soon as we got home I quickly did a search through my records and found more than 200+ country songs about birds. I won't be able to play them all for you tomorrow morning on Back to the Country (9am-noon CST), but I WILL play for you the very best during my "Country Music Is For the Birds" special!

Nate Gibson & the Stardazers w/ Asleep at the Wheel, Brennen Leigh, and Joshua Hedley 4/13/23

Hey Friends... the word is out. Nate Gibson and the Stardazers are opening for Asleep at the Wheel tomorrow night at the Stoughton Opera House. We're on at 5:55-7:15, then the Wheel gets turnin' at 7:30. I'm super excited about it. The sold-out show is called The Past, Present and Future of Country and Western Music with Asleep at the Wheel, Brennen Leigh, and Joshua Hedley. We're the opening act. I'm not sure where exactly that puts us on the country music time-space continuum, but we're just happy to co-exist. See you there!

The Kids of Country Music on WORT 4/12/23

I recently found a copy of Rhonda Vincent’s first 45, recorded when she was just 8 or 9 years old, and it’s really good. It reminded me of Dolly Parton’s first single, made when she was just 13. And it made me realize that I actually have a lot of great country records made by kids!

I think a lot of folks may be familiar with country music child stars like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Gilman, and that kid who was yodeling in a Wal-Mart (Mason Ramsey), but child prodigies have been making country music records at least since Grand Ole Opry star and 7-year old Little Jimmie Sizemore first recorded back in 1934. Brenda Lee began her recording career at 11, Larry and Lorrie Collins when they were 10 and 12. Teens like Wanda Jackson, Doug Sahm, Barbara Mandrell, Lenny Breau, Rose Maddox, Little Roy Lewis, and Tanya Tucker gained notoriety at young ages and continued to build their fanbases for decades. A few years later, folks like Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, and Keith Whitley were turning heads in their early teen years.

So, tomorrow's Back to the Country radio program will be entirely by the kids of country music. Ages 5 to 17. Now, I know there are a few folks out there who really don’t like the sound of children singing, but I can assure you that these kids are rocking, inspiring, impressive, and sometimes downright hilarious. I hope you can tune in tomorrow from 9am-noon (cst) via 89.9FM or streaming via wortfm.org. 

Country Music Open House on WORT 89.9fm 3/29

It is said that kidney stones and constipation are among the most painful experiences one can endure. I would like to add to that list: house hunting in Madison, WI. Rachel and I had a good one on the line yesterday and made what we thought was a very competitive offer... but alas, it got away. Super sad.

On the positive side, wherever there is sadness there is country music. And wherever there is country music there is a plethora of songs about empty, distant, and/or broken houses. I'll be hosting a Country Music Open House on Back to the Country on WORT tomorrow (3/29) morning from 9am-noon (cst) featuring three hours of classic country music dedicated to housing; Houses on hills, houses on shady lanes, and houses in big cities. Crying window panes, empty nursery rooms, and silent walls. For sale, for rent, or for lease. I'll also be joined by my friend John Stanislawski, an expert on both Nashville and WI real estate, country music, as well as the craft of writing sad country songs.

You can listen via 89.9fm (in Southern WI), stream the show at wortfm.org (or via the WORT app), and please feel free to send any and all Madison-area home-buying leads directly to my inbox! 

Record Collecting, Archiving, and Country Music at the Country Music Hall of Fame

I'm super honored to be invited to The Country Music Hall of Fame next month to discuss record collecting, archiving, and country music--three of my most favorite things--alongside brilliant researchers and scholars Patrick Huber, Bill Ivey, and Tony Russell! The event is Thursday March 2 at 3:00pm and is being held in honor of the Hall's 50th anniversary of acquiring the Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection.

If you're in Nashville, please come on by! The event includes an after-party where we'll get to spin many of the particularly special records from the collection!

Details of the event can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/918222972939881

and here:

https://musicrow.com/2023/02/bob-pinson-recorded-sound-collection-honors-50-years-with-special-cmhof-panel/

Country Kisses on Back to the Country

Hey there Friends, I've got a special Valentines Day show prepared for ya this morning (2/8) on Back to the Country. It's called Country Kisses and it'll be three hours of my very favorite country tunes about kissing, smooching, puckering, smacking lips, pecking cheeks, swapping spit, and smushing eyelashes. Show starts in 45 minutes (9am-noon cst). Tune in to 89.9fm in Southern Wisconsin or stream it via wortfm.org or the WORT app.

The Month of Starday

Some exciting Starday Records-related events are happening this month and I'd love to see y'all there either virtually or in person.

This Tuesday 1/10 at 5:30pm(cst) I'll be giving an online talk about the importance of Starday Records for the Tennessee Historical Society's Tennessee 101: History of Tennessee Music series. Tickets are free, but you do need to register for the event here: https://tennesseehistory.org/ths-events/preserving-starday-records-in-story-and-song/

The following morning, Wednesday 1/11 from 9am-noon(cst), I'll be hosting a Starday Spectacular on WORT's Back to the Country program that'll tie in with Tuesday's talk. Southern WI friends can tune in via 89.9FM or you can stream it at www.wortfm.org

And then later this month, on Saturday 1/28, I'll be debuting a new band and lots of new tunes at Full Mile Beer Co. and Kitchen--Nate Gibson and the Stardazers. The group is tops and we are dusting off a whole slew of awesome tunes for your listening and dancing pleasure. With any luck, I'll be able to convince the entire wait staff to sing Happy Birthday to me. Feel free to join the party early here: https://fb.me/e/2uREdyAK2

photo by Tall and Small Photography

And while it is still on the way down low, I am also partnering on a super cool Starday project that we will be able to announce publicly soon... Stay tuned for more Starday goodness soon!