The Banana Pitch Show

On this episode, Founding Editor and Banana Pitch Producer Michelle Kicherer talks with former Executive Director of the Women's Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WTFDA) about her new memoir, Don't Let Them Eat the Baby: Why Roller Derby is the Greatest Sport Never Sold. Learn what this book is about and why NOW was the time to get this story published.

New Constellations is the brainchild of lifelong sidekicks Harlee Case and Josh Smith. Their debut single “Hot Blooded’ earned over 27 million streams so far (!!!) They’ve been touring far and wide and packing venues across the country. Their set was absolutely killer and their interview fascinating and fun! The Banana Pitch show was recorded in front of a live studio audience at Show Bar in Portl...

Rose Gerber is a country/folk/rock singer with a Gillian Welch, Natalie Merchant vibe. On this episode we talked about her new EP Untraveled Highway, five-song love letter to the wonder and peril of possibility. “Anyone with a bill to pay has felt it. That moment when the keys are in the ignition, the highway is wide, and the question is right on the tip of our tongue: what if we leave it all behi...

Kendall Lujan plays a delightful blend of genres – jazz, folk, Bossa nova, indie-rock – with a lot of playfulness and a lovely voice. Julia Jackline vibes. Her self-titled debut EP came out last spring; she was voted one of the Best Bands from WW who said she sounds like “going vintage shopping with a friend who spills all the tea about her shitty ex, but in her distinctive, midrange vibrato” The...

Brett Sisun is a multi-media sketch and stand up comedian. He is creator and host of Martini Tonight Comedy Show in Portland, Oregon (third Fridays at the Funhouse Lounge). He loves to explore and share funny moments with the audience through characters, costumes, music and personal stories. He has performed at Portland Sketch Festival, Rip City Comedy Festival, Treefort's Comedy Fort and the...

William Erickson is a living poet. His work appears in Hex, Poetry Daily, Sixth Finch, West Branch, and other pubs. William's first collection is called You Don't Have to Believe in the World (April Gloaming). He lives in Washington with his partner, their two pups, a large tree. The Banana Pitch show was recorded in front of a live studio audience at Show Bar in Portland, Oregon    Banana...

Rachelle describes her comedy style as unique, silly, and loud. Just, think of her as the silly lesbian next door who also happened to open for Cameron Esposito one time.  The Banana Pitch show was recorded in front of a live studio audience at Show Bar in Portland, Oregon    Banana Pitch is produced and hosted by Michelle Kicherer.  Live Audio engineering by James T Hickey.  Post production audio...

Rhythm DeLucco is a multi-instrumentalist bluesman from Portland, Oregon. After spending his twenties in musical solitude, he began sharing his tunes. Rhythm blends electrifying riffs and heartfelt vocals interlaced with comedic banter. A musical philosopher of sorts, he inspires and entertains with sincere improvisation. Sound Recorded by Nik Kemmer Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional...

Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences, Brenna's music reflects a blend of timeless charm and contemporary flair. Inspired by the iconic songwriters of the 60s and 70s, she infuses her original compositions with the nostalgic allure of folk and the infectious groove of jazz. Her upbeat acoustic guitar sets the stage for introspective storytelling, while her catchy jazz electric guitar riff...

A solo performance from The Get Ahead’s guitarist & vocalist Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle by Anna Diem Host and producer: Michelle Kicherer Podcast editing and co-producer: Roderick Allen

Erin Adkisson is a harmony nerd, folk rock songwriter from the PNW. Featured with many Portland artists, and best known for her whisper-to-wail voice in The Druthers. Erin has a new band, releasing original music this year. Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle by Anna Diem Host and producer: Michelle Kicherer Podcast editing...

Skel(they/them) lives in NE PDX with their rainbow family and a little black sphynx named ‘Mo, and has many real-life friends. When not writing, they can be found performing improv comedy and illustrating a series on relationships and mental health called 'Little Dudes Have Feelings.' Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jin...

Michael Raines is a photographer and filmmaker who's imagery often elevates the dull and mundane aspects of domestic life with vivid-color, surrealism, humor and playfulness. He enjoys making bagels in his free-time, isn’t afraid of AI (yet), and has a pet pig named Lloyd. Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle by Anna Diem...

Jay Ringer is a multi-instrumentalist dreamscape songsmith who plays with groups like Oleada, The Van Rontens and Johnny Franco. Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle by Anna Diem Host and producer: Michelle Kicherer Podcast editing and co-producer: Roderick Allen

Elena Valdick is a Portland, OR based singer-songwriter and music booker finding her voice while supporting and uplifting the local music scene. On this episode we talked with Portland-based singer-songwriter Elena Valdick about how vulnerability shows up in her music, what she looks for as a music booker, and finding her voice while supporting and uplifting the local music scene. Sound Recorded b...

Lindsay Baltus is a writer, recovering academic, and working mom living in Portland. This is Part 2 of Lindsay's reading series on The Banana Pitch show, in which she read curated excerpts from her middle school notebook. A truly hilarious, memorable, and touching performance. Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle by Anna...

Forty Feet Tall is a post-punk outfit from Portland known for selling out their high enthusiasm shows. On this episode, we talked about some behind the scenes: what actually going into managing a band? Do the dudes get along after touring all over the country? What's going on the rest of this year? Hear it here first, folks. Sound Recorded by Aziah McConnell. Theme song by Michelle Kicherer Th...

Ryan-Ashley Anderson is a creative director, songwriter, poet, and Southern-born artist whose work is informed by time studying in Appalachia, her love of folk art and Americana, and, of course, all the heartache of heartbreak. On this episode, we talked about writing to get out of a writer's rut. This was Ryan-Ashley's debut musical performance in front of a live audience and we couldn&#3...

Known for their Americana, grunge and indie pop energy alongisde Solange Igoa's Stevie Nicks-kinda vocals, Glitterfox is one of the biggest rising bands in Portland. On this episode, Glitterfox shared some behind the scenes on what they’ve been up to the last couple years –how they’ve gone from livin in a van down by the river to getting a 1 bedroom apartment, for example. Just, lots of gems,...

Wild Flowers is the forthcoming project of audio engineer/music producer Kyle Patrick Cregan, which showcases his love for music of the 60s & 70s ranging from Rock n Roll, folk/country, singer-songwriters and well-crafted pop music of that era. On this episode we talk about his latest singles, music engineering, and sunny days when it's cloudy inside. This episode was recorded in front of...

Kelly Thomas is a PDX-born improviser, storyteller, and stand-up comedian and she can't wait to tell you about this one time this thing happened. Here she performs on the February 19 Banana Pitch Show. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, Oregon. Sound mixing by Nik Kemmer. Theme song by Akemie The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle b...

Cecily Wong is the author of two novels, a book of nonfiction, and essays that explore food, travel, and dysfunctional family relationships. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, Oregon. Sound mixing by Nik Kemmer. Theme song by Akemie The occasional in-show Banana Pitch jingle by Anna Diem Hosted and produced by Michelle Kicherer Podcast edit...

Episode 10: Sunny Pache is a local singer-songwriter with an alternative, folky-twangy twist. On this episode, we talk about Sunny’s New England roots and how he spent the last few years living in the foothills of Appalachia. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, Oregon. Sound mixing by Nik Kemmer. Theme song by Akemie The occasional in-show B...

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to singer-songwriter Haley Johnsen about her experience on American Idol and releasing songs that touch on difficult topics. Then, we get to hear a not-yet-released single, "Maybe I Should."  This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, Oregon. Sound mixing by Nik Kemmer. Podcast editing by Roderick A...

Walk down any street in Portland and you’re sure to encounter a mustachioed Brazilian rock and roll troubadour named Johnny Franco. On this episode, Johnny Franco and his real (real!) brother Dom talk about leaving their hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil to successfully busk all over the streets of Portland and how they’ve expanded their popular Curbside Serenades to create a unique concert series in...