Join us for a conversation with jazz musician Billy Novick. He shares seasoned wisdom for creatives, discusses the art of performing traditional music, and makes us privy to tips for maintaining resilience in an arts-focused career. Learn more about Billy Novick: http://billynovick.com/ Learn more about Jazz and Blues Affinity: https://jazzandblues…

Is it possible to turn “the arts” into a space to conquer self-doubt and build confidence? What could that look like? Jazz musician and life coach Alicia Olatuja shares her thoughts in today's conversation with Derek Zboran. Learn more about Alicia Olatuja: https://www.aliciaolatuja.com/ Check out Jazz and Blues Affinity: https://jazzandbluesaffini…

Guitarist and motivational speaker Eddie Weldon talks about pursuing a creative passion, avoiding costly mistakes as a musician, and achieving great things in the arts and beyond! Check out his TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eddieweldon?lang=en Check out Hidden Revealed on Bandcamp: https://hiddenrevealed.bandcamp.com/album/unseen Join his communi…

Alfred Bellanti may be retired from his career, but he has not retired from life or connecting with others! He continues to explore the riches of life as a self-help author and musician. Here he shares seasoned insights about pursuing excellence as a creative-minded individual over the long-term. Learn more about Alfred Bellanti: https://www.bellan…

Derek Zboran joins his friend PG Woods of Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings to discuss the various threads that form the rich tapestry of storytelling through music in the United States and beyond. The band he performs in as a bassist has the following motto: "We stole our Grandma’s record collection and learned ‘em all." Check out PG Woods and Ace Ja…

You’ve heard it a million times before. Take one step at a time. But if that actually works, why is it so hard when you sit down to work? Why do you feel so overwhelmed when you look at your to-do-list? In today’s episode, I share how to solve the problem of overwhelm by being more engaged when you sit down to get things done. This episode also rem…

Does this sound familiar? "I'm always sooooo busy. It's like I work all the time, but I barely make deadlines and sometimes I miss assignments." Students often fall into "the busy trap." This happens when you poorly invest time and energy into your schedule. You spend more time "doing stuff," and less time getting things done. Three symptoms of bei…

Do you want to learn how to empower yourself and maximize your potential using the tools of self-hypnosis? Joann Abrahamsen, Certified Hypnotist, can help! After having personally experienced positive changes in her own life with self-hypnosis, Joann wrote a book titled Self-Hypnosis, Easy as 1, 2, 3 in which she unpacks how to leverage this tool f…

When you manage your time in a way that helps you work smarter instead of harder, you will score high, study less, and skip burnout. Each week Derek helps stressed-out students take responsibility for their time so that they can create more success in college and beyond!By Derek Zboran

Our friend Ben Golder-Novick ("Ben the Sax Guy") returns to Jazz and Blues Affinity for a discussion about the challenges and promises of performing live music. Find Ben and check out his music at the following links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/benthesaxguy13 Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/benthesaxguy/ Spotify: https://op…

Derek Zboran continues his conversation with Stephanie Patton. In this part of the interview, they discuss the power of listening and connection in jazz music.By Derek Zboran

Ben Golder-Novick talks with Derek Zboran about being different in the music business and pursuing unique creative interests in music.By Derek Zboran

Stephanie Patton, jazz vocalist and radio host, joins Derek Zboran for a discussion about human potential and personal expression in jazz music.By Derek Zboran

Ben Golder-Novick ("Ben the Sax Guy") talks about the opportunity to play with the Dave Matthews Band in Madison Square Garden. Ben also talks about his work with the Postmodern Jukebox and some of his jazz influenced projects currently available on Bandcamp. A theme we kept returning to in this episode is teamwork, and experiencing the synergy of …

Chloe Feoranzo, who has performed with Postmodern Jukebox and the Shake 'Em Up Jazz Band, talks about her experiences recording and touring. She gives us a glimpse into the joys and challenges of being a professional jazz musician.By Derek Zboran

Chris Gingerich, a business owner in Arizona (USA), talks about how his early pursuit of music in college helped him cultivate confidence, a strong work ethic, and respect for others.By Derek Zboran

John McCusker, founder and managing director of the 1811/Kid Ory Historic House and author of "Creole Trombone: Kid Ory and the Early Years of Jazz," talks about how he became engaged in jazz research and what it means to create an educational space for learning about jazz and American history.By Derek Zboran

Chuck Haddix (author, educator, and radio host) shares an insightful insider perspective on the jazz and blues music of Kansas City, Missouri.By Derek Zboran

Vocalist Angela Verbrugge talks about her journey in beating cancer and pursuing a jazz career later in life, after having pursued jobs in acting and business.By Derek Zboran

Ray Gallon, New York jazz pianist, shares his personal journey toward finding his own "voice" or "sound" as an artist. He also discusses the role that strong mentors and experienced teachers played in helping him cultivate his musicianship.By Derek Zboran

Laurie Dapice, New York jazz vocalist, talks about making the journey to a successful debut jazz album.By Derek Zboran

Each week, Derek Zboran interviews people in the jazz and blues community. These weekly conversations encourage musicians (and advocates of the music) to share personal stories, feelings, and inspirational insights.By Derek Zboran