Wispy Mop Music Acoustic Radio Podcast

Kevin Neidig - Best Americana Artist of 2023

Mechanicsburg PA native Kevin Neidig is an excellent guitarist.  He sings really well also.  He is the 2023 Central Pennsylvania Music Awards 'Best Americana Artist', as well as one of the 2023 emerging artists at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.   

Doodling on a 1970’s Ovation Folklore - Ralph Hertges

Ralph Hertges is a retired therapist who dreamt of being a philosopher, but who didn't want to teach or make pizza.  In retirement, he has rediscovered his love of guitar doodling on his trusted 1970's Ovation Folklore guitar.

How I Became the U.S. Distributor for Avian Guitars by Biao Zou

Biao Zou is an IT manager for a Buffalo (NY) based company.  He was stuck in Buffalo during COVID while his wife was stuck in China.  Having free evening and weekend time, he decided to improve his acoustic guitar skills.  Biao explains how COVID and a budget Orangewood Guitar lead him to be an Avian Guitar player/fan and ultimately the U.S. distributor for Avian Guitars.  Fascinating story ! 

Tony Denikos’ Top 11 Original Songs

I asked Tony Denikos to list his favorite original songs and write a little something about each.  Here is the list of his top 11, and why.

Tony Denikos - The Musical Journey of an Americana Songwriter

Maryland based singer-songwriter Tony Denikos' 2009 CD 'Already Gone' went to #2 on the Euro Americana Chart and #7 on the Freeform American Roots Chart .  Starting out as a bass player in his teens, Tony transitioned to playing bars and clubs with his trusty Ovation 6-string in the Norfolk VA area before returning to the Mid-Atlantic region.  He has left bar gigs behind for songwriter showcases and house concerts, trading his Ovation for a Gibson J-45.

In Memoriam - The Songs of Dave Mott

Maryland based singer-songwriter David (Dave) Mott lost his battle with cancer on December 2, 2022.  Dave was a loyal family man, successful business owner, avid golfer and a regional performing singer-songwriter.  Dave's dream was to record an album of his original songs.  Please join me and listen to the songs of David (Dave) Mott.  Rest in Peace Dave.

Heather Aubrey Lloyd - Opening performer for a SOLD-OUT Gordon Lightfoot Show !

Baltimore based Heather Aubrey Lloyd splits her time between her band ilyAIMY, her solo career, songwriting/recording, producing live-stream videos and doing the laundry.  And once in a while she gets invited to open for A-List performers like Gordon Lightfoot.  

In Memoriam - The Songs of Pete Looney

The music community lost a terrific singer-songwriter performer in late November.  Pete Looney was one of most popular live performers at regional wineries, farm breweries, restaurant bars and distilleries.  He was also a wonderful open mic host, introducing many folks to the joys of live performance.  With his internal optimism, he continued to perform until shortly before he succumbed to cancer.  Pete will be missed.  

Ken Miller - Learning Guitar on His Wife’s Old Boyfriend’s Guitar

Ken Miller learned how to sing harmony in church choir, played trombone in high school and taught himself how to play guitar on an old nylon string guitar his wife inherited from an old boyfriend.

Windon & Ricker - Two Ordinary Guys Who Make Extraordinary Music

Maryland based duo Windon & Ricker were put together musically by the pastor at their church in 1984.  Describing themselves as ordinary guys who like to make music, Rick & Richey make music that is far from ordinary.  Their CD 'Ordinary Man', released in 2000, was started in Maryland and finished in Nashville.  It is incredibly good !  Meet Rick Windon and Richey Ricker.