Hooked on Creek

Episode 67 features a conversation with author and longtime Max Creek fan Tom Flanagan. Tom returns to the podcast with a major update. His new book is finished. It’s called Max Creek: A Rumor in Their Own Time . Tom shares details about the book and what it was like documenting the history of Max Creek and the community that surrounds the band. Learn more about the book Max Creek: A Rumor in Thei...

Episode 66 features a conversation with Mike Maresca, the longtime tour manager and monitor engineer for Max Creek. Mike has been an essential part of the band’s crew since 2004, working to ensure the band is happy with the sound they hear on stage and that their live shows run smoothly. This episode also features the song Said and Done performed live by Max Creek at Sterling Stage in Hannibal, Ne...

In episode 65 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson takes a step back and asks a simple question: what if Max Creek was the only band you ever loved? Framed as a thought experiment, the episode looks at how the band’s music changes with us, how listening can be shaped by time and distance, and how tapers and fans help carry the music forward. This episode features the following songs performed live by...

Episode 64 features a conversation with Michael Wegner from the band Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead tribute band. Michael talks about his introduction to Max Creek, how the band influenced his approach to music, and what it was like performing with Mark Mercier. Learn about Michael Wegner: https://michaelwegner.com Learn about Cosmic Charlie: https://cosmiccharlie.net Listen to Cosmic Charlie’s l...

Episode 63 features a conversation with John Spignesi — guitarist, songwriter, and frontman of the John Spignesi Band. John talks about the making of his band’s new album and the unique experience of working with Max Creek’s Scott Murawski as producer. John also reflects on the role of music in his life and his opportunities to play with members of Max Creek outside of the studio. This episode fea...

Episode 62 features a conversation with Brendan Hodge, a musician and devoted Max Creek fan whose musical journey was profoundly shaped by the band. Brendan shares memories of discovering Max Creek in the late 1990s, the inspiration he drew from their live performances and how the band influenced his path as a performer. Brendan also talks about his role as a percussionist in the band Little Lies....

In episode 61 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on November 3, 1993, at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, in Providence, Rhode Island. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-11-03.aud.cassette.flac16/mc1993-11-03 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the...

Episode 60 features a conversation with Graham Gibbs, a lifelong Max Creek fan and guitarist whose connection to the band runs deep. Graham shares heartfelt stories about growing up with a Creek-loving dad, learning guitar by studying Scott Murawski and the personal impact the band's music has had on his life. Graham also talks about his experiences performing on stage with Max Creek. This episode...

In episode 59 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the enduring legacy of Max Creek and unpacks why the band has remained together for over five decades. Korre discusses the deep sense of community that surrounds the band, the improvisational spirit that keeps their music fresh and the genuine love for making music together that fuels their longevity. This episode features the following song...

Episode 58 features an interview with Phil Simon, a booking agent for Max Creek and life-long fan of the band. Phil talks about his professional relationship with Max Creek and shares his insights on what makes Max Creek so special. Phil explains how his personal connection to Max Creek as a fan has shaped his approach to booking their gigs, allowing him to understand the band's needs and the expe...

Episode 57 features an interview with John Rider, founding member of Max Creek. John talks about the formation of Max Creek, his musical influences and his experiences performing, recording and writing music in the band. John also talks about growing up in Virginia, his bass guitars and the evolution of the jam band scene, among many other things. This episode also features segments of the song Cr...

In episode 56 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the lyrics of Fire & Brimstone by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the song means. Korre appreciates the song's powerful reflections on the human condition, its vivid imagery and how the song contrasts judgment and redemption in the verses and chorus. This episode features a live performance of the song Fire & Brimstone performed by...

Episode 55 features a conversation with Kenny Johnson, a devoted fan of Max Creek. Kenny talks about helping preserve Max Creek’s legacy by updating their Wikipedia page and sharing audio of their live performances on YouTube. Kenny also talks about the community of fans that supports Max Creek, his favorite venues to see the band play and his thoughts on the future of Max Creek. This episode feat...

In episode 54 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on August 7, 1993, at the Horizontal Boogie Bar in Rochester, New York. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-08-07.SBD.DAT.flac16   If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the Hooked on Creek websi...

In episode 53 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Bill Hoy about his appreciation of Max Creek and his experiences taping the band over the years. Bill also talks about the incredible community that supports Max Creek, the rewards of recording live music and the importance of preserving the band's legacy. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: I Will Always...

In episode 52 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the meaning of Silver Jack in three songs by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the character represents. Silver Jack is an enigmatic character that appears in the song lyrics of Silver Jack, You Don’t Know and Dream. When a person, like Silver Jack, is used as a metaphor in song lyrics, that character can embody emotions and states o...

In episode 51 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson interprets the lyrics of Cruel World by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the song means. While the lyrics of Cruel World acknowledge the limitations and challenges of existence, they also offer a glimmer of hope for growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, Cruel World challenges us to confront the stark realities of life and actively create me...

In episode 50 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Jimmy Jennings about his love for Max Creek and live music. Jimmy also talks about his favorite memories seeing the band over the years, his interest in photography and his passion for writing and performing music. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Outside of Home performed at Sterling Stage in Hannibal...

In episode 49 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Julee Avallone about singing and performing in Depth Quartet. Julee describes the band's complex and experimental music, recording an album with the band and the joy she gets from performing on stage. Julee also talks about her background in music, her love of Max Creek and her experience performing in the Mike Gordon Band. This episode al...

In episode 48 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Peter Hurley about what it was like seeing Max Creek in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Peter also talks about seeing the band perform at venues like Mad Murphy’s and the Shaboo Inn during that time period, as well as his experiences attending the first three Camp Creeks.  This episode also features the following live performances by Max C...

In episode 47 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Dylan Kader. In addition to being a huge fan of Max Creek, Dylan sings and plays mandolin in Creamery Station. Dylan talks about his appreciation for Max Creek, his experiences playing with members of Max Creek and the deep connection between Creamery Station and Max Creek. Dylan also talks about what it's like performing in Creamery Stati...

In episode 46 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on August 19, 1994, at Woody's Roadhouse in Washington, Massachusetts. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1994-08-19.flac16 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the Hooked on Creek website: https:/...

In episode 45 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Tom Flanagan. Tom is an author who is currently writing a book about Max Creek. In this episode, Tom talks about what to expect in the book and how the book will help preserve the band's legacy for future generations. Tom also talks about being a lifelong fan of Max Creek and his experiences seeing the band over the years. Tom Flanagan's w...

In episode 44 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Willy Ackerman (Psilly Way-Out Willy) about his appreciation for Max Creek. Willy is a huge fan of Max Creek and has been part of the Creek scene for 30 years. In this episode, Willy talks about his favorite memories seeing Max Creek over the years and his love of the Creek family that supports the band and its fans. This episode also feat...

In episode 43 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Eamon Cronin. Eamon is a musician and performing artist with deep connections to Max Creek. In this episode, Eamon talks about his introduction to Max Creek, his friendship with Rob Fried, his experiences singing and playing drums with Max Creek and his appreciation of the fans that have supported this band over the years. Eamon also talks...