Hailing from Buffalo with a "Rust Belt Rock 'n' Roll" sound, Letter to Elise masterfully balances 80s alt-pop shimmer with raw, modern energy and blue-collar grit. Following a breakout run on NBC's The Voice as part of Team Reba, where Reba McEntire herself praised their high-energy performance and harmonies, the band has solidified their hometown pride with their debut record, Risen From Rust. Having shared the stage with icons like Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls and captivated festival crowds like Music is Art, the group continues to build a loyal following through their authentic blend of soaring synths, driving guitars, and a story of resilience that proves something golden can always rise from the Rust Belt.

Elliott and Chris visited the Flamingo Lounge on April 28 to talk about and share their music.

This week's guest, Sal Andolina, is the BPO's hottest switch-hitter in his permanent position of clarinetist, bass clarinetist and saxophonist. He has been a full-time member of the BPO for the past 21 seasons. His association with the Orchestra began in the late '70s when he was a standout performance major at the University at Buffalo as a full-scholarship student on the clarinet. Upon completion of his degree at UB under former BPO clarinetist James Pyne, Andolina pursued advanced clarinet studies with Stanley Hasty at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and coaching with the legendary Benny Goodman in New York City.

In addition to appearing as a soloist with the BPO, Andolina has been featured with the Rochester Philharmonic, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Fresno Philharmonic, the Arts Nova Chamber Orchestra and the North American New Music Festival. More significantly, Andolina has been featured on at least 15 studio recordings, including his prized CD: "Like Benny to Me," a tribute to Goodman.

Note, this episode was originally recorded on April 9, 2026 where we talked about his association with Michael Tilson Thomas. Sadly Mr. Thomas passed away on April 22, 2026.

The Trend is a Buffalo-based band formed in 1966, known for covering '60s rock 'n roll and rhythm and blues at High school parties and CYO dances. They often performed at local venues including Point Gratiot in Dunkirk NY.

Fifty-plus years later, the lineup has evolved, but the core of that 1966 spirit is still there. Joining me in the lounge today are three of the guys who have been keeping The Trend moving from the garage days to right now.

The Trend members - Dave Chiarmonte, Dave Roach and Bill Basil reminisced In the Flamingo Lounge on April 20, 2026 about their days as a garage band up to the present.

The Spin Wires are a four-piece outfit from Buffalo, New York, delivering a high-energy fusion of punk, dance rock, new wave and garage rock. Recently celebrating their ten-year anniversary, the band has released four original albums and seen their music licensed across major platforms—including the Showtime series Shameless, CBS's Player Style Files, and various PlayStation and Nintendo titles. While they are serious about their craft, The Spin Wires never take themselves too seriously; that sense of fun is the heartbeat of their recordings and the defining spark of their live shows.

Tyson Prince (Guitar/Vocals) and Jay Organek (Guitar/Vocals) of The Spin Wires joined Rockabilly Greg in the Flamingo Lounge on April 11, 2026. Beyond a fantastic conversation, the duo showcased their songwriting talents with performances of their original tracks, "Slam Van" and "Goodbar Good Night."

This week's episode falls on a very special day for the audiophiles, the crate-diggers, and the music obsessed. It is Record Store Day, and we are celebrating in the best way possible.

Joining us is a man who has turned his passion for vinyl into a Western New York institution. Phil Machemer started his journey in 2010 selling records out of his garage. Fast forward to today, and he's the owner of Revolver Records, operating the two largest shops in the region.

His Elmwood Village location isn't just a store; it's a vital Buffalo venue where local and national acts take the stage every week. On top of running a vinyl empire, Phil is a proud father of three and was recently inducted into the Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School Wall of Fame in 2025.

Richie English is a nationally recognized composer, pianist, arranger, and producer. He has worked on several Billboard-charting albums by artists including the Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Franti, and Moody Blues founder Denny Laine as orchestral composer and co-writer.

English was the youngest registered piano teacher in NYS at 11 years old, studying under Juilliard-trained pianists Frieda & Stephen Manes. He graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a piano performance degree and a master's in music theory.

In 2006 English performed two recital programs for the Dalai Lama during his visit to UB. With co-host Stratton Rawson, English can be heard on Fridays at 10.a.m and 10.p.m on BTPM Classical's Stratton and Richie: Entering Music. Listeners can also catch English solo on Wednesday nights at 10.p.m on From the Piano Bench. Download the BTPM app or tune in to 94.5 FM radio.

Richie joined Rockabilly Greg in the Flamingo Lounge on March 9, 2026, for an engaging deep dive into his musical journey. The episode concludes with a special performance of his original composition, 'Singularity.

This week's guest, Singer/instrumentalist Joe Rozler visited the Flamingo Lounge on March 5, 2026. Joe Rozler has been a fixture in the Buffalo music scene for decades. He's active as an entertainer and recording artist in pop, jazz, rock and less classifiable music. In 2008, Rozler was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

In his varied career, Joe has created music for soap operas, video games and TV commercials and several locally produced movies, sang a lead role in a chamber opera, written orchestral arrangements and toured Europe with a heavy metal band (!).

On January 23, 2026, Anita West joined me for a great conversation on her life's journey in music.

Anita West is the embodiment of energy and musical passion. Her commercial rock journey began in Atlantic City in 1983, eventually leading her to Buffalo in 1988, where she became the midday personality of 97 Rock. A self-proclaimed "music head," Anita's life revolves around the industry; when she's off-air, she stays busy as a promoter, talent buyer, and event coordinator. When it's time to unplug, you'll find her tending her garden, cycling, hitting the Lake Erie beaches, or chasing the horizon on the back of a motorcycle.

You can catch her on-air Saturday mornings at 10:00 am on "The Saturday Meet Up" and Sunday nights from 9:00-10:00 pm on "Get the Led Out".