S3 The Blades of Grass

S3 Shea Stadium to SOMA Schools

In the final episode of season 3, I talk with long time SOMSD music teacher Vern Miller. Before Vern arrived in our school district, he played bass in the 1960s garage band The Remains, who have achieved cult status in the rock world. In fact, they opened for The Beatles throughout their final U.S. tour. So we have a lot to talk about! Website: http://vernmiller.info

S3 Kevin O'Connor Returns

Friend of the show, Kevin O'Connor, is back for more! The "This Old House" host and Maplewood native returns to talk about the show's enduring legacy, the advancement of modern construction materials and preserving local landmarks. Plus, more of your listener questions! Thanks to Vinnie from The Roman Gourmet for introducing this episode. Instagram: @kevinoconnortoh Instagram: @THisOldHouse Instagram: @theromanmaplewood Instagram: @mapsopodso

S3 MAPSO to Major League Soccer

Mason Toye is a South Orange native, who grew up playing Cougar Soccer, before becoming a star player at Seton Hall Prep. He's now a veteran of Major League Soccer, currently playing for Sporting Kansas City. He joins me to talk about growing up in town, his MLS career and the battle over turf vs. grass. Photo: Courtesy of Sporting Kansas City www.mapsopodso.com [https://www.mapsopodso.com] Instagram: MapsoPodso

S3 Presidential Transitions and MAPSO Trivia

Maplewood resident Heath Brown is an expert on Presidential transitions. He joins me at the dining room table to talk about his latest book, Roadblocked - an inside look at the transition from the first Trump White House to the Biden Presidency. Plus, he challenges my MAPSO/SOMA knowledge! Bluesky: @heathbrown.bsky.social

S3 The Blades of Grass

Way before Sza and The Fugees, The Blades of Grass tore up Columbia High School! Their only album, The Blades of Grass Are Not For Smoking, was released in 1967 while they were still students - and resulted in a top 100 hit! Singer/songwriter/guitar player Marc Black joins me to talk about the band's beginnings here in town, getting suspended from school and his enduring solo career. Marc Black Website: Marc Black / Black Market Music [https://www.marcblack.com/] www.mapsopodso.com [https://www.mapsopodso.com] Instagram: @mapsopodso