Songs, stories, and the room between them.
Acoustic Alternatives is a conversation-and-performance show centered on working musicians, their records, and the paths that keep them playing. Its episodes linger on songwriting, local scenes, studio stories, and the practical realities behind acoustic gigs, crowdfunding, touring, and releases.
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Acoustic Alternatives is a musician-focused show where conversation and live performance share the same room. Its center of gravity is Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, the space repeatedly credited with helping the podcast begin during the pandemic. The show keeps returning to Michigan roots, but it does not stay boxed inside them. Episodes feature artists tied to Ann Arbor, Detroit, Chicago, blues, vocal jazz, contemporary folk, bands, and singer-songwriter circles. The format is straightforward. A musician sits down, talks through the work, and plays. What makes it distinctive is the level of lived-in detail. Questions move from first bands to first solo gigs, from album credits to pedal steel overdubs, from house concerts promised through Kickstarter to the strange freedom of standing alone with a guitar in a bar. The pacing is conversational, sometimes rambling in the useful way musicians ramble when they are thinking out loud. It is not a glossy promo stop. It sounds more like a knowledgeable music person opening a file drawer and asking why each chapter mattered. Ryan Racine talks about Valhalla Afternoon and the looseness of recording without overthinking. Steve Taylor traces the shift from band work into solo acoustic performing. Bob Mervak reflects on music as a way to connect, even when the venue is ordinary and the hour is late. Chris DuPont discusses crowdfunding, delayed rewards, pandemic improvisation, and new material. Laith Al-Saadi brings a sharper edge to questions about artistry, quality, and attention. Joe Goodkin introduces ambitious folk projects shaped by Homer. Olivia Van Goor and Reuben Stump bring vocal jazz and a holiday record into the frame. Across episodes, the show values craft over hype and discovery over chart logic. It is for listeners who want the song, then the story behind why the song exists.
Made for: For music fans who like artist interviews with real craft talk, local-scene memory, and live acoustic performances. It especially suits listeners drawn to Michigan musicians, singer-songwriters, blues, folk, jazz vocals, and long-running creative careers.
What sets it apart: The show stands out through its relaxed Grove Studios setting and its granular attention to working-musician realities: credits, gigs, recording choices, crowdfunding, scene history, and the emotional labor of continuing to make music.
Acoustic performances and interviews with musicians from the Michigan music scene and beyond.
Based on 6 episodes we listened to · September 2026
Detailed artist conversations and live performances turn Bommarito's informed enthusiasm into a practical route toward unfamiliar music.
John Bommarito treats an interview as an introduction with consequences: the conversation should send someone away knowing which record or artist deserves another listen.
John Bommarito asks about the song, then you get to hear the musician play it.
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Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A steady studio conversation about grief, gratitude, and the record underneath both.
Acoustic Alternatives gives Misty Lyn Bergeron enough room to make Narrows feel larger than a record. The conversation moves from Grove Studios in Ypsilanti and the practical scramble of birthdays, illness, and scheduling to the harder material inside the songs: what happened,…
Joe Wong interviews drummers and musicians about craft, history, and the working musician's life.
Records, careers and arguments, weighed by people who listen closely.
The host introduces the podcast, thanks supporters and Grove Studios, and welcomes the Nashville-based acoustic duo Goldpine for an interview.
Host John Bommarito interviews musician Joe Goodkin about his folk music projects, including albums retelling Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
Host John Bommarito interviews musician Noah Guthrie about his music career, including his viral cover of 'Sexy and I Know It' and his new single 'Root Down'.
The host celebrates the podcast's fifth anniversary and introduces an interview with musician Kora Feder, whom he discovered at a venue and was deeply moved by her performance.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with prolific songwriter May Erlewine and special guest Packy Lundholm, discussing her music career, including her early work as Daisy Mae and her latest album 'What It Takes' produced by Theo Katzman.
John Bommarito interviews musician Abigail Stauffer about her new album 'I Am The Best.
This episode features an interview with musician Brian Vander Ark, discussing his career, songwriting, and upcoming projects with the Verve Pipe.
This episode features a conversation with musician Jo Serrapere about her upcoming record releases and performances, revisiting her previous appearance on the podcast.
This episode features an interview with musician Peter Madcat Ruth, discussing his diverse musical styles and including a live performance of a jaw harp and harmonica improvisation.
Host John Bommarito interviews veteran musician Dan Navarro about his diverse career in the entertainment industry on the music podcast Acoustic Alternatives.
This episode features an interview with the band The Young Fables, discussing their music career, three albums, and their blend of modern traditional country and Americana styles.
Host John Bommarito interviews the folk duo Ordinary Elephant about their music and background, featuring a live performance of their song 'I Come From'.
John Bommarito interviews musician Judy Banker about her upcoming album release on November 4th, while promoting Grove Studios as a rental space for artists.
The host introduces the podcast Acoustic Alternatives and welcomes the band Rebel Eves for an interview and live music performance.
John Bommarito interviews musician Misty Lynn Bergeron about her new album 'Narrows', discussing her songwriting inspired by a car accident, her band The Big Beautiful, and her photography career.
John Bommarito hosts the duo Frances Luke Accord at Grove Studios to discuss their new release 'Safe and Sound' and perform the song 'Thank You, Derek Watson'.
Host John Bommarito interviews musician Mike Ward about his music career, including his new album 'Love Never Rests' and the meaning behind his band name 'Psycho Songs'.
John Bommarito introduces Grove Studios in Ypsilanti as an affordable practice space for musicians and discusses starting his podcast there with guest Adam LeBeau, who previews his upcoming album.
This episode features an interview with musician Joanna Sterling about her upcoming album 'Queen of Wands', including a performance of the song 'Honesty'.
Host John Bommarito interviews musician Annie Bacon about her music career, including her album releases and experiences at Grove Studios, featuring a live acoustic performance.
Host John Bommarito interviews up-and-coming singer-songwriter Leah Marlene about her music career, including her experience on American Idol and her new track 'Feel Like'.
Host John Bommarito interviews Scottish musician Iona Fyfe after a house concert, discussing her background and music in an informal setting.
This episode features an interview with musician Drew DeFour, discussing his music, local connections, and the podcast's origins at Grove Studios.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with actor and musician Jeff Daniels, discussing his music career, new Audible project, and artistic journey.
This episode features an interview with musician Adam Plomaritas about his upcoming EP 'Old Time Love' and the accompanying full-band show on December 1st.
This episode features an interview with musician Will Kimbrough, discussing his career, music styles, and upcoming projects on a podcast focused on singer-songwriters and behind-the-scenes artists.
This episode features an interview with musician Kyran Daniel, discussing his touring lifestyle and performing an acoustic song co-written in Italy.
Mike Vial and John Bommarito discuss Mike's upcoming 20th anniversary music show and the serendipitous connections that led to it, including their shared history with songwriter Ari Hest.
This episode features an interview with Jen Cass of The Lucky Nows, discussing her new album 'Broken Homes at Hearts of Gold' and her storytelling approach to music.
This episode features an interview with musician Steven Page, discussing his career with Barenaked Ladies and solo work, recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with emerging artist Kanin Wren, discussing her music career, winning Emerging Artist of the Year, and performing her original song 'Heller, Minnesota'.
This episode features an interview with musician Mindy Smith, discussing her career, her new album 'Quiet Down', and includes a live performance.
This episode features an interview with singer-songwriter Kyle Joe discussing his new record, life changes, and his music career in the Michigan scene.
This episode features an interview with musician David Howley, discussing his band Revanjo3's success on Billboard's bluegrass chart and his experiences in the music industry.
The host interviews the musical duo Fox and Bones about their background, recent single 'Ain't Givin' Up Tonight', and their experience performing at the ARC festival.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with singer-songwriter Hayley Reardon, discussing her music career, influences, and connection to the local music scene.
John Bommarito interviews musician Myron Elkins about his recent touring, recording in Memphis, and performing his song 'God Bless the Rain' on the Acoustic Alternatives podcast.
This episode features an interview with Michigan-based multi-instrumentalist Jen Sygit, discussing her music career and upcoming headline show at the ARC in Ann Arbor.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with musician David Wilcox, discussing his career and music on the occasion of his album anniversaries.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with singer-songwriter Billy King, discussing his career, new album, and performing songs from it.
This episode features an interview with musician Tony Lucca discussing his new album 'Heirloom', his career, and personal connections to Michigan.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with the Keynote Sisters, discussing their new album 'Temporary by design' and their journey as a long-distance band.
This episode features an interview with musicians Rochelle Clark and Jason Dennie, discussing Rochelle's upcoming headlining gig at the ARC, their musical partnership, and their history with the podcast host at Grove Studios.
The host reflects on the podcast's origins at Grove Studios during the pandemic and reunites with the band Giacomo for a proper session to discuss their music and upcoming projects.
Host John Bommarito interviews musician Joshua Davis on the 100th episode of Acoustic Alternatives, discussing his career, recent music, and performing the song 'Paper Boats'.
This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features an interview with Michigan musician Kate Peterson, discussing her musical background, upcoming performances, and a live performance of her song 'Roots'.
The host interviews musician Lauren Blackford about her experiences at Grove Studios, her live performances, and the differences between her recorded and live music.
This episode features an interview with musicians Olivia Van Goor and Reuben Stump discussing their new album 'Waiting for Santa' and their experiences in jazz music.
In this episode of Acoustic Alternatives, the host interviews musician Sam Robbins at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, discussing his music journey, latest album, and performing songs like 'Hard to Hate.' The host shares his own story of starting the podcast after pandemic job loss to continue promoting new artists.
John Bomarito hosts Jackie Pappas, a Michigan music artist, for her first in-person appearance on the podcast, discussing the unique 24/7 studio access at Grove Studios and introducing her music with a fun dandelion song.
Ryan Racine imagines a Viking-style funeral with an old guitar, a flaming arrow, and a river carrying away his ashes.
Steve Taylor and John Bommarito talk at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti about Taylor's path from Royal Oak and Birmingham to Berklee College of Music in Boston and Wayne State University in Detroit.
Acoustic Alternatives with Bob Mervak centers on his Southfield home setup, his Royal Oak upbringing, and the piano that first hooked him because of its "decay" and percussive feel.
John Bommarito and Laith Al-Saadi spend much of Acoustic Alternatives on blues, jazz, and the idea that music crosses races, languages, and regions.
Chris DuPont and John Bommarito center Grove Sessions on "Floodplains," a record DuPont calls "uprooting and replanting" after divorce, moving, and the pandemic.