Peaks Island Radio

Shannon Heaton, her husband Matt Heaton, and the Tokyo-based Irish musicians O'Jizo come out to Peaks on March 14th to perform at the New Brackett Church at 7pm. In this conversation, Shannon and I talk about the upcoming performance, but also the worldwide nature of traditional Irish music along with her upbringing in Thailand and Nigeria, and her podcast Irish Music Stories. At the end, you can hear two pieces - on by the Heatons and one by O'Jizo - for a taste of what's in store on the 14th.Shannon Heaton's websiteO'Jizo's WebsiteIrish Music Stories PodcastSupport Peaks Island Radio Listen to Peaks Island Radio

I spoke with Liz Knowles, who has performed on Peaks a few times, including a great St Patrick's Day show with her trio Open the Door for Three, and she returns with her husband Kieran O'Hare and Portland's own string quartet Palaver Strings on December 20, 2025 at New Brackett Church. The performance is at 7:00 pm. Liz talked with me about creating the "mood" for the holiday show, how she approaches songwriting and arranging, how teaching plays a role in her life as a musician, and more. Well worth a listen as we approach the show and the holidays. Enjoy!For more info: https://www.peaksislandconcerts.com/whats-onLiz Knowles: https://www.lizknowles.com/

National politics has made food security a big issue, and I know islanders are looking for ways to "act locally" on this topic as well. I talked with Libra Cusack about the Peaks Island Food Pantry, operated out of New Brackett Church, about the Pantry's mission, the goods and services it provides, and ways we all can help. In the episode, Libra mentions several ways to get donations to the Food Pantry. You can reach out to Libra directly (listen for how), donate through Zelle using this email address: lcusack1957@gmail.com, make out a check to the Peaks Island Food Pantry, drop it off to Libra, or reach out to the New Brackett Church with your donation. Listen to Peaks Island Radio

Chris talks with Bill Anton, new principal of Peaks Island Elementary School about his background, path to education, observations about Peaks and PIES, and his goals for the coming year. Listen to Peaks Island Radio Support Peaks Island Radio

Chris talks with playwright Jo Israelson, director Lisa Huston, and actor Wiley Davi about their roles in the upcoming production of 'A Reason to Dance' - a play about Peaks Island with, in Jo's words, "a little bit of history and a little bit of mystery."The play is performed for one night only at the Greenwood Gardens, August 14th at 6:30 pm.

Welcome to the Peaks Island Radio podcast, where I talk with islanders and people of interest to the island about arts, culture, current events, and more. In this episode, I speak with Adrian Sutherland, an Indigenous Roots Rocker from Attawapiskat. I discovered Adrian's latest album, Precious Diamonds, on Bandcamp and was immediately captivated by its freshness and depth of feeling. As his website says: "One listen to Adrian Sutherland and you’ll know he’s unlike anyone else...he melds rock, roots, folk and blues, drawing inspiration from his life, the land, and his language and culture. Adrian’s sophomore solo album Precious Diamonds was recorded in Nashville with former GRAMMY winner Colin Linden, and released in 2024. It won Best Americana Album from the 2025 World Entertainment Awards in Los Angeles, is nominated at the 2025 JUNO Awards, and was selected one of the “Top 100 Albums of 2024” by CKUA Radio. It features two songs in Cree, making the first time Adrian is making music in his first language. Lead single Notawe (Father) reached #1 on the internationally recognized Indigenous Music Countdown, and was named one of the “Top 100 Songs of 2023” by CBC Music. Adrian is presently writing a book for Penguin Random House Canada about his extraordinary life in the North. One of the only professional recording artists who lives in a remote fly-in First Nation, he carries authentic and insightful first-hand perspective on many important issues. During this time of reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to walk together in love and respect.Adrian and I cover a lot of ground in this conversation, touching on his rise in music along with the challenges he faced, what it is like to live on his ancestral lands while also having a recording career, and the many social issues Adrian is passionate about. For more on Adrian Sutherland and to support his work, please check out the links below:Adrian SutherlandTrack Premiere: Adrian Sutherland “My Rebel Spirit” – Americana UKAdrian Sutherland: Precious Diamonds, Cree Confessions - SOCAN Words and MusicYou can also follow Adrian Sutherland on social media at @attaboyadrian on all platforms.Thanks for listening to Peaks Island Radio. For more conversations like this, please click here:Listen to Peaks Island Radio To support the podcast, click here: Support Peaks Island Radio

In this conversation, Rick shares where his passion for music comes from, what it's been like to make 100 episodes, and some tips for folks who may dream about doing a show but are nervous to try. Congrats on 100 episodes, Rick, and here's to many more! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peaksislandradio/support

Today I’m pleased to be joined by Evie Ladin, world-class banjo player and musician. Evie’s coming to Peaks on March 29th as part of the Long Winter’s Night Concert Series at the New Brackett Church at 7pm. In this interview, we talk about Evie’s roots in music and movement and what folks can expect to hear at her performance. For details about Evie's latest album, check out evieladin.com I also want to update you on the results of the Spring Hop. If you went to the Hop, or listened to the last interview with Danielle and Sage, you know that they were raising funds for a community art event. Well, the Hop brought in approximately $750 - enough to host an Invitational Group Show at The Crow’s Nest and Gathering Space. There are already 12 confirmed artists for the group show. It will run Friday May 24th starting with a reception that evening, and will be available weekends through Sunday June 2nd including Memorial Day hours on May 27th. Congrats to Danielle and Sage, and to everyone who participated in the fun night of dance. Hopefully there will be others to look forward to in the future! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peaksislandradio/support

I'm so happy to share this conversation with Seamus Egan and Ellen Mahoney with you. This episode is filled with great moments about how music impacts the biggest and smallest events in our lives, how music can bring us together in community, and express our most personal feelings. If you like what you hear, Seamus Egan will be at the New Brackett Church on December 17th at 7pm for concert #50. Please join me in cheering on Ellen and Ed as they celebrate this big milestone. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peaksislandradio/support

Casey Murray, Molly Tucker, and Eloise and Co are performing on Friday, October 27th for the Long Winter's Night Concert Series at the New Brackett Church on Peaks Island. In this conversation, Casey tells us about the terrific music they'll bring to the island, growing up with the Suzuki Method, and more. For more information about Casey and Molly, and to support their music, please visit caseyandmolly.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peaksislandradio/support

South Portland-based potter Becky Wright debuts a clay sculpture exhibit at the Crow's Nest July 28th. She talks with me about career transitions, embracing creative entrepreneurship, and what it takes to make dreams a reality. You can find out more at beckypottery.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peaksislandradio/support

Tom Faux joins me to talk about the Faux Fiestas Family Band performance at the Fifth Maine on July 7, 2023 from 7-8:30 PM. The show is part of the Peaks Island House Concert Summer Series and supports the Fifth Maine Museum. Admission by donation of $20. In this fascinating conversation, Tom talks about music's ancient ties to humanity and the deep connection music can create between people. Tom also previews the music the band will play on July 7th, including music written by fellow island alum Juan Fiesta's family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/peaksislandradio/support