Illinois Drifter is my way of celebrating music — live shows, new records, old records, books, documentaries ... everything that makes you feel something. <br/><br/><a href="https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">illinoisdrifter.substack.com</a>
Illinois Drifter Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Justin Conn
5.0(4 reviews)
18 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Illinois Drifter is my way of celebrating music — live shows, new records, old records, books, documentaries ... everything that makes you feel something. <br/><br/><a href="https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">illinoisdrifter.substack.com</a>
Language
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Publishing Since
1/23/2026
1 verified contact email on file for Illinois Drifter Podcast
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Recent Episodes
June 29, 2026
Illinois Drifter Podcast: Comparing two Marcus King shows a few cities apart
<p>Illinois Drifter East Coast correspondent Jim Hennessy returns to compare notes after we both attended Marcus King shows on the same tour — Jim in Washington, D.C., and me near St. Louis.</p><p>We discussed how King’s live show has evolved, the band’s current lineup, the heavy emphasis on Darling Blue and No Room for Blue, and how the same tour can produce very different moments from city to city.</p><p>They also talk about opener Penelope Road, Marcus’ growing confidence as a songwriter and performer, and speculate about where his music may head next.</p><p>We ended by talking about the upcoming State of Amorica meetup at the Black Crowes’ show near Indianapolis, and Jim’s plans to see the Steepwater Band.</p><p>⏱ Episode Timeline</p><p>Marcus King – Comparing Two Shows with Jim Hennessy</p><p><strong>00:19</strong> – Intro: Jim Hennessy returns to the podcast</p><p><strong>00:42</strong> – Why compare two Marcus King shows from the same tour?</p><p><strong>01:20</strong> – Jim’s history with Marcus King and discovering his music</p><p><strong>02:24</strong> – Justin’s Marcus King journey and previous shows</p><p><strong>03:36</strong> – Washington, D.C.’s Anthem venue and Marcus’ draw there</p><p><strong>06:07</strong> – Comparing The Anthem and The Factory in St. Louis</p><p><strong>09:54</strong> – Opener Penelope Road: first impressions</p><p><strong>12:09</strong> – Marcus King’s evolving live band and changing sound</p><p><strong>15:09</strong> – How the new Darling Blue / No Room for Blue songs translate live</p><p><strong>18:17</strong> – Covers: Bob Seger in St. Louis vs. Chuck Brown in Washington</p><p><strong>24:31</strong> – Why Marcus is leaning heavily on new material</p><p><strong>26:55</strong> – Marcus’ storytelling between songs</p><p><strong>27:38</strong> – Songs they hoped to hear but didn’t</p><p><strong>29:57</strong> – What’s next for Marcus King?</p><p><strong>32:26</strong> – State of Amorica / Indianapolis Black Crowes meetup preview</p><p><strong>34:56</strong> – Jim plans to catch Steepwater Band</p><p><strong>35:59</strong> – Outro</p><p><strong>🎵 Music Credit</strong></p><p>Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme.</p><p>You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu">https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu</a></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">illinoisdrifter.substack.com</a>
June 18, 2026
Illinois Drifter Podcast: State of Amorica's Shawn Hillman on the Southern Hospitality Tour
<p>No. 1 concert buddy Shawn Hillman joined me to recap a road trip to Cincinnati for The Black Crowes’ Southern Hospitality Tour, featuring Whiskey Myers and Southall at Riverbend Music Center.</p><p>The conversation covers the venue, the crowd, first impressions of Whiskey Myers, and what may have been one of the strongest Black Crowes performances either has seen since the band’s reunion.</p><p>Along the way, we discuss setlists, band chemistry, the impact of new members like bassist Mark “Muddy” Dutton, and why this current era of the Crowes feels different — all you have to do is hear them on “Thorn’s Progress” to know it’s true.</p><p>Remember to reach out if you’re going to be at either the Indianapolis or St. Louis shows. I’d love to see you!</p><p><strong>⏱ Episode Timeline</strong></p><p><strong>00:22</strong> – Intro: Shawn returns and the concert buddy rankings </p><p><strong>01:08</strong> – Black Crowes history, show count and Southern Hospitality Tour overview</p><p><strong>02:42</strong> – First impressions of Riverbend Music Center</p><p><strong>04:10</strong> – Comparing Riverbend to Tinley Park, Maryland Heights and Ravinia</p><p><strong>06:06</strong> – Amphitheater design, parking and summer show realities</p><p><strong>08:18</strong> – Lawn tickets, empty seats and overzealous security guards</p><p><strong>10:43</strong> – Finding a viewing spot on the lawn</p><p><strong>11:15</strong> – Crowd makeup: Black Crowes fans vs Whiskey Myers fans</p><p><strong>13:06</strong> – Missing opener Southall and first impressions</p><p><strong>13:35</strong> – Whiskey Myers: Shawn's first experience with the band</p><p><strong>16:13</strong> – Justin's take on Whiskey Myers and their audience appeal</p><p><strong>18:20</strong> – Turning attention to The Black Crowes</p><p><strong>18:43</strong> – Why this may be the best Crowes show since the reunion</p><p><strong>20:00</strong> – Chris and Rich's current chemistry and comfort level</p><p><strong>22:40</strong> – New blood in the band and Muddy Dutton's impact</p><p><strong>24:18</strong> – The "Thorn in My Pride" / "Thorn's Progress" jam discussion</p><p><strong>27:18</strong> – Setlist thoughts and balancing old vs new material</p><p><strong>29:24</strong> – Looking ahead to Indianapolis and St. Louis shows</p><p><strong>31:19</strong> – Why it's a fun time to be a Crowes fan</p><p><strong>32:26</strong> – Final thoughts on Whiskey Myers</p><p><strong>33:27</strong> – Shawn plugs State of Amorica</p><p><strong>33:48</strong> – Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews discussion</p><p><strong>34:49</strong> – Outro</p><p><strong>✅ Check out</strong></p><p>👉If you’re not familiar with the <strong>State of Amorica Podcast</strong>, <a target="_blank" href="https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com/p/in-a-state-of-amorica?r=ie8se">check out why I love it so much</a> and then go listen to the podcast: <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-amorica-a-black-crowes-podcast/id1463302176">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-amorica-a-black-crowes-podcast/id1463302176</a></p><p>👉The <strong>Ridiculous Rock Record Reviews Podcast</strong> is a must for music lovers. Check out the episodes I’ve appeared on (<a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-341-johnny-blue-skies-passage-du-desir/id1266169765?i=1000678884427">Johnny Blue Skies, Passage du Desir</a>; <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-394-larkin-poe-bloom/id1266169765?i=1000743040560">Larkin Poe, Bloom</a>; <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-417-mofro-lochloosa/id1266169765?i=1000771659272">Mofro, Lochloosa</a>), and a back library that will keep you busy for months: <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ridiculous-rock-record-reviews/id1266169765">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ridiculous-rock-record-reviews/id1266169765</a></p><p><strong>🎵 Music Credit</strong></p><p>Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme.</p><p>You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: <a target="_blank" href="https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu">https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu</a></p><p>Thanks for reading Illinois Drifter! This post is public so feel free to share it.</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">illinoisdrifter.substack.com</a>
May 23, 2026
Illinois Drifter Podcast: Getting to know Eric Saylors from The Steepwater Band
<p>Steepwater Band guitarist Eric Saylors joined the Illinois Drifter Podcast for a conversation about his musical roots, years on the road and finding a long-term home in one of the Midwest’s great blues-rock bands.</p><p>From growing up in small-town Indiana around bluegrass and country music to touring nationally with Healing Sixes and eventually joining Steepwater Band, Saylors reflects on nearly three decades of life in working rock bands.</p><p>The conversation also dives into the upcoming Steepwater album, the band’s writing process, memorable jams with artists like Marc Ford and Luther Dickinson, and the realities of balancing music, work and family life.</p><p>⏱ Episode Timeline</p><p><strong>00:20</strong> – Intro: getting to know Eric Saylors beyond the stage</p><p><strong>01:07</strong> – Growing up in Bunker Hill, Indiana</p><p><strong>02:10</strong> – Early musical influences: country, bluegrass & his father’s guitar playing</p><p><strong>03:36</strong> – First real band: Wanted</p><p><strong>05:40</strong> – Henry Lee Summer years & early touring lessons</p><p><strong>09:23</strong> – Joining Healing Sixes & working with Jason Bonham</p><p><strong>11:30</strong> – Touring years, New York recording sessions & Kevin Shirley</p><p><strong>13:27</strong> – First meeting the Steepwater guys through shared gigs</p><p><strong>15:28</strong> – Telling Steepwater: “If there’s ever a fourth guy…”</p><p><strong>17:04</strong> – Joining the band with no rehearsal</p><p><strong>18:44</strong> – Finding his role alongside Jeff Massey</p><p><strong>20:01</strong> – Learning the Steepwater catalog & adapting parts live</p><p><strong>21:15</strong> – Realizing the chemistry worked</p><p><strong>23:22</strong> – Balancing Steepwater with work and family life</p><p><strong>25:26</strong> – Long-term life in touring bands</p><p><strong>25:54</strong> – Memorable sit-ins & playing with Marc Ford</p><p><strong>27:17</strong> – “Whoa” moments: backstage with Warren Haynes, Rich Robinson & Marc Ford</p><p><strong>28:45</strong> – Excitement around the upcoming Steepwater album</p><p><strong>29:06</strong> – How the new material differs from recent records</p><p><strong>31:32</strong> – Soundcheck riffs, writing process & road inspiration</p><p><strong>33:06</strong> – Relearning the new songs for live performance</p><p><strong>34:17</strong> – How Steepwater writes and develops material together</p><p><strong>35:19</strong> – Closing thoughts & future conversations</p><p><strong>35:39</strong> – Outro</p><p>✅ Check out</p><p>For all things Steepwater Band, go to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.steepwater.com/">steepwaterband.com</a>.</p><p>For more about Doug Henthorn and Healing Sixes, go to <a target="_blank" href="https://doughenthorn.com/">doughenthorn.com</a>.</p><p>🎵 Music Credit</p><p>Thank you to <strong>Nomad Planets</strong> for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: <a target="_blank" href="https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu">https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">illinoisdrifter.substack.com</a>
18 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Illinois Drifter Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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