The Coda Podcast

For more than four decades, Joffo Simmons has been one of Pittsburgh's most respected drummers, best known for keeping the beat alongside Joe Grushecky. His career has put him shoulder-to-shoulder with rock legends and given him a front-row seat to some unforgettable moments in music history. In this episode, Joffo shares incredible stories from his years on the road, including memorable experienc...

Frank Czuri is a Pittsburgh music legend whose career has spanned more than six decades. A Penn Hills native, he began performing professionally at age 14 and first gained national attention when Atlantic Records signed his band, The Igniters. He later performed with Pittsburgh favorites The Jaggerz, fronted the hard-rock band Diamond Reo, and became the voice of The Silencers, whose music earned...

Cheryl Rinovato is a dynamic Pittsburgh-area vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist whose music blends the heart of Soul, the grit of Blues, and the timeless grooves of R&B and Jazz. Best known as one-half of the soulful duo Soulful Femme, Cheryl has built a reputation for powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and performances that connect deeply with audiences. A familiar face in the Western...

Bill Deasy is a Pittsburgh-born singer-songwriter, author, and frontman of The Gathering Field, whose regional hit “Lost in America” earned the band an Atlantic Records deal in the 1990s. He later built a respected solo career, releasing numerous acclaimed albums blending folk, rock, and Americana influences. Deasy has also written songs for artists including Martina McBride and contributed the lo...

Tim Stevens wasn’t just a Pittsburgh musician—he was a voice for the city in every sense of the word. By day, Stevens worked in the trenches of change: a Hill District native who became a leader in civil rights and Black political empowerment, serving as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh NAACP and later President of the Pittsburgh branch for a full decade. But when the sun went down, he stepped...

Tina Daniels has spent the last decade becoming one of Pittsburgh’s go-to live-rock forces—fronting a band built for packed rooms, big singalongs, and the kind of “oh man, I forgot how much I love this song” moments that hit the second they kick in. The Tina Daniels Band delivers a wide-span set of rock favorites, leaning into the hits people don’t always hear anymore—but still know every word to...

Nick Scanga has been a working musician since his teenage years, carving out a reputation in Pittsburgh as a versatile vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter who can move effortlessly through nearly any style. His credits include The Night Owl Band, who scored a local hit with “Lay That Rhythm Down” and opened shows for legends like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Gil...

Jason Kendall is a multi‑instrumentalist—vocals, saxophone, piano, guitar, harmonica—who began performing professionally at age 15. Since founding Jason Kendall Productions in 2007, he’s delivered tailored live entertainment across classical, smooth‑jazz trio, acoustic pop, dance‑band, and DJ formats for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and more! A songwriter and composer, his music appear...

Craig Zinger is a talented pianist, vocalist, and parody‑writer whose musical journey began at age 10. He’s performed at prestigious venues—such as a Duquesne Club event benefiting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation—and opened for Yanni at Pittsburgh’s Star Lake Amphitheatre. He also recorded with a young Christina Aguilera and performed alongside icons including Peter Noone, Lou Christie, The Drifters...

A native of McMurray, Pennsylvania, Gary Prisby began teaching himself guitar at age seven and sang publicly for the first time at 16. With over 50 years of musical experience and nearly 40 as a pro, he’s performed in bands like Reckless Abandon, Bush & Gary, Smokin’ Section, and more, featuring at festivals such as the Pittsburgh Blues Festival and on Pittsburgh radio. Today, he performs most...

Joel Lindsey is the British-born, Pittsburgh-based powerhouse behind Joel Lindsey Entertainment—your all-in-one party starter. Singer. Guitarist. DJ. Vibe curator. Since 2008, Joel’s brought unforgettable energy to events across Western PA with electrifying live music, epic DJ sets, and full-throttle lighting. Bonus: he writes bangers too—check out “Take Some Love and Pass It On.” Let’s get this p...

Joe Grushecky is a Pittsburgh-born rock singer-songwriter known for gritty, blue-collar anthems with his band The Houserockers. A longtime collaborator with Bruce Springsteen, Joe’s music blends heartland rock with honest storytelling. A true working-class hero in and out of the studio.

Byron Nash is undefinable. Pittsburgh-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Byron Nash has electrified audiences with elevated rock sounds for over a decade, headlining major stages and collaborating with noteworthy artists on a local, regional and national level.

Joe Munroe is the powerhouse behind the keys for Ghost Hounds, a blues-rock band that’s toured with legends like The Rolling Stones and ZZ Top. With four studio albums, including First Last Time (2023), Munroe helps drive their signature sound, proving rock ‘n’ roll is alive and thriving. 

Legendary Pittsburgh jazz drummer Roger Humphries has played with icons like Horace Silver, Ray Charles, and Stanley Turrentine. A prodigy, he went pro at 14 and performed at Carnegie Hall at 16. He’s led bands, taught at Pitt, and continues to influence jazz!

Scott Anderson is a two-time Emmy Award-winning composer, music director, and producer, renowned as one of Pittsburgh’s top keyboardists. He has worked with national and regional artists, composed for film and TV, and teaches music in cinema at Point Park University.

Judi Figel is a powerhouse vocalist and pianist wowing Pittsburgh audiences! With a dynamic repertoire spanning jazz, pop, Broadway, and more, her electrifying performances and legendary voice leave crowds spellbound. She’s shared stages with music icons and delivers show-stopping renditions of some of music's greatest singers!

Legendary Pittsburgh rocker Jimmie Ross is the voice of The Jaggerz, the band behind the 1970 smash hit The Rapper! From sharing stages with icons to releasing his solo album Full Circle, he’s still bringing the music to life

Mark Matteo isn’t just the frontman of No Bad JuJu—he’s the heartbeat of every electrifying performance. A dynamic musician and seasoned entertainer, Mark has brought his talents to Broadway and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, crafting unforgettable live experiences. His passion for music and crowd engagement ensures every wedding celebration is a high-energy, nonstop party. Whether selecting th...

Norman Nardini, Pittsburgh’s rock’n’roll powerhouse, has been shredding stages for decades. From playing with legends like Big Mama Thornton to rocking with Diamond Reo and leading The Tigers, his raw energy and songwriting endure. With a career spanning national tours, major label releases, and relentless passion, he remains the "Uncrowned King."

As Pittsburgh's Lady Of The Blues,  Miss Freddye keeps the blues alive in her native hometown of Pittsburgh She started singing in church at a young age. The influence of church and her mother's love of the Blues gave Miss Freddye the beginning to venture in the world of Blues Music in 1996. She joined BMW(Blues  Music  Works) under the direction of Big AL Leavitt.  In 2002, Miss Freddye formed he...

Donnie Iris, known for 80s hits "Ah, Leah!" and "Love is Like a Rock," got his start with The Jaggerz and Wild Cherry before forming The Cruisers. A Pittsburgh rock legend, he continues to perform, keeping his classic rock sound alive in the tri-state area!

https://www.duq.edu/faculty-and-staff/eric-susoeff.php Guitarist and composer Eric Susoeff has been a staple of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene since 1976, performing with legends like Dizzy Gillespie. He leads the Latin jazz quintet Salsamba and teaches at Duquesne University.

From: https://byronnashmusic.com/ Byron Nash is undefinable. Pittsburgh-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Byron Nash has electrified audiences with elevated rock sounds for over a decade, headlining major stages and collaborating with noteworthy artists on a local, regional and national level.

From: https://tombreiding.com/about Many would say that country music as well as the broader Americana genre are the musical heart and soul of our nation, but singer/songwriter (and working rock guitarist) Tom Breiding has been creating a sub-genre of Americana for decades. A celebrated writer, Breiding focuses on the true heart and soul of America: our laborers and union members. Hailing from Wes...