Music Trails with Mark Lafond

Episode 29 Infamous Stringdusters

Meet the Grammy- award winning progressive bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters! Two of the founding members Andy Hall, and Chris "Panda" Pandolfi talk about the upcoming release of their 13th album A Tribute to Flatt and Scruggs as well as their Grammy- nominated 2022 album Into the Fray. We discuss the importance of touring, the advantages of having their own Americana Vibes recording label, as well as what makes for a great cover song.

Episode 28 Jessie Haines Interview

Meet the talented, emerging new country cross- over artist Jessie Haines. Jessie shares her unconventional journey from growing up in New Jersey, having the 9-5 job, spouse, and a home in the suburbs to selling everything, traveling and living alone in a vintage airstream and landing in a new home in Nashville. Jessie talks about her soon to be released debut album The Phoenix which is a deeply personal chronicle of her experience.

Episode 27 John "Papa" Gros Interview

New Orleans has its fair share of musical ambassadors; but few are more rooted in the Crescent City than John “Papa” Gros. Born and raised in the city, Papa Gros melds funk, rock, jazz, and blues to deliver a sound that is both innovative and unmistakably New Orleans. Papa launched his career as a solo performer in the early 1990s, quickly gaining attention from marquee artists such as George Porter Jr. and Snooks Eaglin, both of whom brought him on board as a supporting musician. In this episode of Music Trails Papa shares how and when his musical journey started, the influence that many of New Orleans's most icon artists have  had on him, leading the successful Papa Grows Funk band' to finding his way back to writing, playing and recording music that best represents who he is as an artist maintaining his deep New Orleans's roots.

Episode 26 Raquel Cole Interview

On this episode of Music Trails we meet British Columbia native, and current Nashville TN resident Raquel Cole. Raquel shares her journey of growing up in Vernon British Columbia and the origins of her love of music at a very young age. Raquel talks about her recent appearance on the Stampede City Sessions series (Canadian version of Austin City limits), as well as her two recent released singles and music videos. Raquel gives us insight into song writing and her love of collaborating with other song writers. Listeners will get an update on all things The Woods (Nashville based band she is a member of) related.

Episode 25 Opal Agafia Interview

On this episode of Music Trails we meet the talented singer, song writer, music festival promoter Opal Agafia. Opal’s trail is embedded in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas where she developed a love of music at a young age but lacked the self -confidence and a plan to share with others. While finishing high school and starting college she discovered she and her mom shared an interest, and talent in writing which resulted in a song writing collaboration. With original songs in hand Opal developed a receptive audience which of course has grown over the years with the release of multiple recordings and touring with her accomplished band. Opal is also a successful music festival  promoter and talks about her upcoming Ozark Soul Music Festival  which shares the name of her brand of music.