Downstage Center

This week on Downstage Center, John Zaskoda sits down with two guys who need little introduction—Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew of The Boxmasters. From Hollywood to the stage, The Boxmasters have carved out a sound and a story all their own. Billy Bob and J.D. talk music, songwriting, life on the road, the evolution of The Boxmasters, and plenty of stories from two careers that have taken some...

This week on Downstage Center, we're joined by legendary Red Dirt troubadour Jason Boland for an honest conversation about the road that's made him one of the most respected voices in independent country music. From decades of relentless touring to songwriting, staying authentic in an ever-changing industry, and the stories behind the songs, Jason shares the perspective that only comes from living...

Season 2, Episode 8 of DownStage Center welcomes one of the most compelling voices in modern music— Marcus King .Known for his soulful vocals, masterful guitar playing, and deeply personal songwriting, Marcus joins host John Zaskoda for a set of rapid-fire questions that goes far beyond the music. With honesty, humor, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments, this backstage episode offers a rare gl...

On S2/E7 we’re joined by one of the most electrifyingyoung names in blues-rock — East Texas native and guitar powerhouse Ally Venable. From tearing up stages across Europe to sharing thespotlight with legends like Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ally has built a reputation for fiery guitar work and a stage presence way beyond her years. We talk about growing up in Texas, findin...

Season 2, Episode 6 of DownStage Center brings another laid-back, behind-the-scenes conversation straight from the heart of live music. Host John Zaskoda sits down with North Texas native and Nashville songwriter Joey Green for an honest and engaging look at the life of a working musician. From cutting his teeth in the Texas music scene to writing songs in one of the most competitive rooms in Nash...

Texas country icon Pat Green pulls up a chair on this episode of DownStage Center with host John Zaskoda—and nothing’s off limits. From the road stories that shaped his career to the moments that nearly broke it, Pat gets real about the highs, the grind, and what keeps him coming back to the stage. Whether you’ve followed him since the early days or just discovered his sound, this is a conversatio...

Episode 4 of Season Two of  DownStage Center  welcomes Mike Ryan, one of Texas country’s most authentic and respected voices. Known for his honest songwriting and  melodic sound, Mike sits down for a laid-back, behind-the-scenes conversation that dives deeper than the stage lights. Hosted by John Zaskoda, Production Manager for Billy Bob’s Texas, this episode explores Mike’s journey from small-tow...

Season 2, Episode 3 of DownStage Center features powerhouse blues vocalist and bassist Danielle Nicole .Known for her soulful voice, commanding stage presence, and deeply rooted blues sound, Danielle joins host John Zaskoda and talks about her journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern blues.

In Episode 2 of Season 2, host John Zaskoda sits down with Randy Rogers, front man of the legendary Randy Rogers Band .Randy talks about the early days of grinding it out on the Texas circuit, the stories behind the songs, and what it takes to keep a band moving forward after decades of touring, recording, andselling out dance floors across the country. Recorded in the heart of the world’s largest...

We’re kicking off Season 2, Episode 1 with the incredible Kaitlin Butts . From her rapid rise in country music to the hard work and discipline behind her fitness journey, Kaitlin opens up about what it really takes to keep climbing while staying grounded. She’s not only one of the most exciting voices in country music right now, but genuinely one of the nicest and most humble people in the busines...

In vlog #5, we’re taking you right into the heart of Billy Bob’s Texas for a night that was anything but ordinary. Friends, music, and a packed house came together to celebrate one of our own — Robert Gallagher’s 80th birthday — and the party did not disappoint. From backstage moments to side stage antics, clips of unforgettable performances and a whole lot of Texas-sized fun, you’ll get an inside...

Episode 12: Giovannie of Giovannie & The Hired Guns — Season Finale DownStage Center brings you an unforgettable conversation with Giovannie of Giovannie & The Hired Guns. This season-closing installment features exclusive live performances from the Billy Bob’s Texas stage, behind-the-scenes moments from backstage, and a wide-ranging discussion with host JZ that moves from the band’s early...

This week on DownStage Center, John Zaskoda sits down with the one and only Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke for a laid-back, behind-the-scenes conversation abut his life on the road, songwriting, musical influences, and the stories that shaped him. Charlie brings his signature warmth, wit, and Southern soul straight to the studio at Billy Bob's Texas .

Step into the heat of the action with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at XKO 71: Summer Bash—filmed live at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas! From the weigh-ins to the adrenaline-charged fight night footage, we’re taking you inside the heart of the fighters, the energy of the crowd, and the unforgettable moments that made this summer bash one for the books. Don’t miss your all-access pass to th...

In Part #2, go behind the scenes with DownStage Center, presented by Billy Bob’s Texas, as country superstars Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson team up with P ost Malone and more of today’s biggest artists for an unforgettable night of music and giving back. From backstage laughs to heartfelt moments, step inside the World’s Largest Honky Tonk and see how legends and rising stars came together for a ca...

In the first episode of this 2-part vlog series, get a sneak peek into Billy Bob's backstage, experience soundcheck, and as a bonus... an exclusive performance from Post Malon e himself!

  DownStage Center Vlog #4 — Featuring Ella Langley at Billy Bob’s Texas!   In this episode, we’re taking you  behind the scenes  with country powerhouse  Ella Langley  as she brings her high-energy show to the legendary  Billy Bob’s Texas . From side-stage moments to the electric buzz of the crowd, this vlog puts you right in the middle of it all — lights, sound, and pure live music magic. You’ll...

DownStage Center – Episode #10: Samantha Fish For our 10th episode, we’re turning up the heat with our very first female guest! The show kicks off with a sneak peek behind the curtain and an exclusive live performance of her mesmerizing take on “I Put a Spell on You.”Then, join host Josh Zaskoda for a laid-back, no-frills conversation with the guitar goddess herself. From life on the road to her c...

In this special episode of DownStage Center, we take you behind the scenes of ChoateFest at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas—a night filled with music, community, and purpose. The stage came alive with unforgettable performances from Cody Jinks, Josh Weathers Music , Ward Davis , Adrian Garza, and Michael Lee... all coming together to honor the legacy of Nick Choate . Every note played carried a de...

In Episode #9 of Downstage Center, Jz sits down with Jay Buchanan of RIVAL SONS for a soulful and revealing conversation that takes listeners deep into his journey as a frontman, songwriter, and artist. Blending interview with performance, this episode features exclusive live footage of Rival Sons electrifying the stage at Billy Bob's Texas , along with an intimate moment as Jay delivers a mov...

In Episode #8, JZ sits down with none other than the legendary guitarist and performer Eric Gales . Known for his fiery playing, soulful voice, and raw authenticity, Eric shares his journey through music, recovery, the church and the stage — giving us an unfiltered look into what drives one of the most electrifying guitarists of our time! Hit follow so you never miss an episode, and share with you...

Episode #7 of DownStage Center takes you ringside and backstage with none other than Tim Sylvia aka “The Maine-iac”. From his legendary MMA career to life beyond the cage, the two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion shares raw stories, surprising insights, and plenty of laughs with host Josh Zaskoda. You won’t want to miss this one!

Join Jz as he sits down with rancher supreme, Jiu-Jitsu Brown belt, and all-around gentleman, Seth James . They discuss Seth's relationship with Delbert McClinton , the gentle art, and the future of the country funk artist.

Join Jz as he sits down with guitar-god-in-the-making and member of Snarky Puppy , Mark Lettieri . Learn about how the California native grew Fort Worth roots and used his University education to shape a career that has seen him performing with the likes of the Fearless Flyers, Erykah Badu, Kirk Franklin, Dave Chappelle and more!"

Jz sits down with Cross Canadian Ragweed founding member and frontman, Cody Canada. They talk about the bands reunion, the break up, what it all means to Stillwater, Ok and the rest of the music world!