Downtown with Rich Kimball

The Bacon Brothers, Michael & Kevin, discuss their current tour and latest album, BALLAD OF THE BROTHERS. Music journalist Peter Guralnick talks about his new book, THE COLONEL AND THE KING: TOM PARKER, ELVIS PRESLEY, AND THE PARTNERSHIP THAT ROCKED THE WORLD. Tim Daly and Robin Bronk from The Creative Coalition explain their efforts to preserve funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and tell us what citizens can do to help. Jen Shepard of Penobscot Theatre Company previews the first show of their season, STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

The multitalented Shaun Cassidy talks about his career, family. and THE ROAD TO US Tour, which begins on September 13 and comes to the Waterville Opera House on September 17. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe weighs in on the Red Sox and Patriots. Shawn Laatsch from Versant Power Astronomy Center previews September events at the center and in the skies. Comedian and coach Ryan Waning talks about working with young people and how those comic skills transfer.

Phil Rosenthal talks about Season 8 of SOMEBODY FEED PHIL and his upcoming appearance at Merrill Auditorium in Portland as part of his current tour. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Colin Blunstone of The Zombies discusses their documentary HUNG UP ON A DREAM and the mono reissue of their classic album, ODYSSEY AND ORACLE. We visit with the members of The Kingston Trio, who come to Maine and New Hampshire for shows in late September. Sean McAdam from MassLive takes a look at the Red Sox as we head into the home stretch of the baseball season. Bruce Pratt talks with author Jamie Dopp about HOCKEY ON THE MOON on Sports Lit 101.

Music journalist and author Peter Ames Carlin discusses his new book, TONIGHT IN JUNGLELAND: THE MAKING OF BORN TO RUN. Founding member of Chicago, Lee Loughnane, talks about the release of the expanded version of Chicago IX, their first greatest hits collection, and their current tour. Chad Finn from The Boston Globe shares his thoughts on the Red Sox, the Patriots exhibition opener, and the NFL-ESPN partnership. Executive Director Bill Green tells us all about this year's inductees into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

The legendary Ramblin' Jack Elliott talks with our Bruce Pratt, his former touring partner. Singer-actor-comedian-storyteller Satori Shakoor discusses the film of her powerful one-woman show, CONFESSIONS OF A MENOPAUSAL FEMME FATALE. On Sports Lit 101, author Jim Leeke talks about his book, BIG LOOSH: THE UNRULY LIFE OF UMPIRE RON LUCIANO.

Steve Cohen, Billy Joel's longtime Creative Director, talks about the new HBO Max documentary, BILLY JOEL: AND SO IT GOES. Singer-Songwriter Robby Johnson discusses his career during a recent trip to Maine. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe weighs in on the Red Sox, Celtics, and the impact of AI on sports media. Shawn Laatsch from Versant Power Astronomy Center fills us in on August happenings. University of Maine men's hockey coach Ben Barr talks with our Bruce Pratt.

David Roth of Defector discusses some of the best sports films with Rich, Carey, and Allen Adams. Author Cory Magee talks about his new book, CHASING BUTTERFLIES AND OTHE STORIES. On Sports Lit 101, Bruce Pratt fills us in on Jim Leeke's new book on umpire Ron Luciano, THE BIG LOOSH. Allen Adams returns to share his thoughts on the new SUPERMAN movie and rank the best Superman films of all time. Bruce Pratt talks with University of Maine women's hockey coach Molly Engstrom about new additions to the team.

Actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr. talks about his work on the new film, DON'T TELL LARRY. Actor and Maine native Matthew Delamater discusses his film with Liam Neeson, ABSOLUTION, and how he balances acting with his job at Oxbow Brewing Company. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe gives us an All Star Break update on the red hot Boston Red Sox. Dennis Price previews summer events at Theater at Monmouth and Cumston Hall.

Bertis Downs, the longtime manager of R.E.M., talks about the band's career and his long association with them. Singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop discusses his final album, THIMK, which will be released next month. John Karalis from Boston Sports Journal fills us in on the many changes to the Celtics roster so far this offseason. Wayne Harvey shares the history of Wiffle for a Wish, his annual wiffleball tournament, which has raised over $200,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation.

Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies joined us to talk about the new season of his podcast, THE PLOT THICKENS, which premieres on July 17 and looks at the making of the film, CLEOPATRA, written and directed by his uncle, Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Actor Matt Walsh previews the Bluebird Improv shows he'll be performing in Maine (and other locales) this summer, and talks about his work on VEEP and BROOKLYN NINE-NINE. Writer Josh Karp shares tales of The Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater, from his latest piece at Air Mail. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe explains what has made Cooper Flagg so successful and what kind of NBA player he might become. Shawn Laatsch from Versant Powers Astronomy Center fills us in on July events at the center and in the skies, as well as some of the latest space news.

Actor and activist George Takei discusses his new graphic memoir, IT RHYMES WITH TAKEI. Comedian Josh Gondleman tells us about his new special, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, as well as an upcoming appearance in Portland, ME, as part of Guster's On The Ocean weekend. Anthony Scaramucci talks about his podcasts, OPEN BOOK, and LOST BOYS, which looks at the struggles of young men in America. Maine humorist Tim Sample looks back at his long career, as he prepares for his final live show in his hometown of Boothbay Harbor. Jonathan Berry of Penobscot Theatre Company previews their summer production, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.

Writer-Producer-Director David Leaf on his new book, SMiLE: THE RISE, FALL, AND RESURRECTION OF BRIAN WILSON. Ed Roland of Collective Soul talks about their Summer Unity Tour and the new film, GIVE ME A WORD: THE COLLECTIVE SOUL STORY. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe shares his thoughts on the Rafael Devers trade. Joe Ricchio of Food Coma discusses Maine’s best summer seafood on SHUT UP & EAT!

Producer and composer David Foster discusses his work on the Tony-nominated BOOP: THE MUSICAL. Film historian Foster Hirsch previews this weekend's NOIR CITY: BOSTON at the Brattle Theatre. Kate Siegel talks about her work in the new film, THE LIFE OF CHUCK, based on a Stephen King novella, and directed by her husband, Mike Flanagan. Bruce Pratt has Sports Lit 101 with a look at Jamie Dopp's new book, HOCKEY ON THE MOON. Cast members Ira Kramer and Marianne Grossman fill us in on the new production of ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor.

Filmmaker John Waters talks about his career and his upcoming one-man show, THE NAKED TRUTH, coming to Waldo Theatre on June 20-21. Sean McAdam of MassLive takes a look at the struggling Red Sox. Film critic Allen Adams has a summer movie preview. Dennis Price fills us in on summer events at Theater at Monmouth and historic Cumston Hall.

Paul Reiser previews his upcoming performance at Maine's Waterville Opera House on June 6th and discusses his recent comedy special, LIFE, DEATH AND RICE PUDDING. Journalist Soledad O'Brien talks about her new podcast, MURDER ONTHE TOWPATH, a fascinating look at a six decades-old unsolved murder case in Washington, D.C. that featured connections to some powerful people. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe shares his thoughts on the Red Sox mediocre season, the early end of the Celtics playoff run, and sports media. Shawn Laatsch from the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium looks at June events in the skies and at the center.

Actor and writer Stephen Fry talks about his new a book, a reimagining of THE ODYSSEY, and the freedom provided in writing about mythological characters. Rock legend Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon discuss his new song, EVERYBODY'S ROCKIN' TONIGHT, and looks back at some career highlights, including 110 appearances on American Bandstand. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal has a Celtics post-mortem and looks at what should be a busy off-season for the team. Steve Craig from the Portland Press Herald fills us in on the reaction to Maine's new professional soccer club, the Portland Hearts of Pine.

David Roth of Defector talks about the NBA playoffs, Cooper Flagg, and how the transfer portal and NIL money is impacting college sports, plus a discussion of the talents of Jack Black. Musician-Producer-Arranger Van Dyke Parks tells us about his recent performances in Japan and shares his thoughts on the current state of the nation. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe discusses NBA playoff coverage, the Red Sox' Rafael Devers situtation, and Bill Belichick. Danny Cashman reflects on David Letterman's appearance as the final guest on The Nite Show and the national attention that visit has garnered.

Actor, author, and storyteller Stephen Tobolowsky talks about his work in an upcoming Hallmark movie, the film "Freakier Friday", and more. Entertainer John Davidson discusses the final season of his New Hampshire performance venue, Club Sandwich, and his plans for the future. Bruce Pratt has another edition of Sports Lit 101.

Actress and singer Amy Irving joined us to discuss her new album of Willie Nelson songs, ALWAYS WILL BE. Music legend Peter Asher looks back on some of the highlights of his remarkable career that will be featured in A MUSICAL MEMOIR OF THE 60s & BEYOND, coming to the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on May 18. Singer-songwriter Matt Schneider talks about WANTED MAN, the new single he wrote and sings lead on for American Nomads. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe looks back at last week's NFL Draft and coverage of the event and weighs in on the Red Sox. Cast members Irene Dennis and Daniel Skinner help us preview MOTHER RUSSIA, the latest production at Bangor's Penobscot Theatre Company. Shawn Laatsch from Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium fills us in on what's happening at the center and in the skies in the month of May.

Christopher Price of The Boston Globe looks at what direction the Patriots may go in the upcoming NFL Draft. John Karalis from Boston Sports Journal on the Celtics-Magic opening round playoff series. Danny Cashman reflects on the end of the fifteen-year run of The Nite Show, with the final shows taping this week. Joe Ricchio of Food Coma talks beef on Shut Up & Eat!

Actor and activist Mike Farrell returned to discuss the current state of affairs in America and what citizens can do to stand up for what they believe in. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe shared his thoughts on THE CLUBHOUSE, the Netflix documentary on the 2024 Red Sox, the Celtics' playoff prospects, and Cooper Flagg's future. On Sports Lit 101, Bruce Pratt tells us about the new book from Robert Pruter, MODERN WOMEN AND SPORTS IN INTERWAR CHICAGO, 1918-1941. Film critic Allen Adams reviews THE AMATEUR and G20 on Pass the Popcorn.

Comedian Paula Poundstone talks about her upcoming shows in Maine and New Hampshire and shares her thoughts on the state of the nation. Sean McAdam of MassLive looks at the first couple of weeks of the Red Sox season and the signings of Kristian Campbell and Garett Crochet. Shawn Laatsch from the Versant Power Astronomy Center fills us in on April events at the center and in the skies. Radio legend Mighty John Marshall tells us about his new Money Music podcast and shares information on some valuable vinyl. Dennis Price takes a look at the Central Maine entertainment scene.

Historian Heather Cox Richardson returns to discuss possible Trump administration plans and continued fallout over the Signal chat that included the editor of The Atlantic. Actor Barry Livingston talks about some of his recent work on The Conners, The Rookie, the film Notorious Nick, and shares a couple of great stories about Adam Sandler. Comedian Joe Pontillo fills us in on his upcoming show in Westport, Connecticut and The Joe Pontillo Show on You Tube. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe shares how this year's playoff run by University of Maine hockey rekindled memories of their successes in the 1990s. Sarah Morneault from Tiller & Rye joins us to help celebrate the store's 10th anniversary.

David Roth of Defector weighs in on March Madness, the baseball season, and the pervasive cruelty of the current administration. Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe discusses what to expect from the Red Sox this season. John Karalis from Boston Sports Journal on the Celtics march toward the playoffs. Bruce Pratt talks about Jane Leavy’s classic book on Mickey Mantle, THE LAST BOY. Allen Adams on Maine theater on Pass the Popcorn.

Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall talks with us about his one-man show, TALES OF BRAVERY AND STUPIDITY, which comes to the northeast on April 11-12. Actor Anthony L. Fernandez discusses his career and work on shows like 911: LONE STAR and his upcoming film, SPLASH CITY. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe weighs in on the Celtics and sports media. Julie Arnold Lisnet and Katie Peabody tell us all about MATINICUS: A LIGHTHOUSE PLAY, running through April 6 at the Bangor Opera House.

We talk with actor-comedian Patton Oswalt about his career and his Effervescent Tour, which comes to The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH on March 20. Gary Tanguay shares his thoughts on the recent Oscars and fills us in on his upcoming performance at The Wilbur Theatre in Boston. Joe Ricchio on sandwiches on the latest SHUT UP & EAT. Bruce Pratt with Sports Lit 101. Danny Cashman tells us about the next live taping of The Nite Show on March 19.

Actress and activist Stefanie Powers talks about the recent recognition of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation by the United Nations and discusses some of the highlights of her remarkable career, including the 45th anniversary of HART TO HART. Writer-director-producer Robert Boris looks back on some of his film and television work (Electra Glide in Blue, Oxford Blues, Blood Feud) and tells us about his new book, BLACK SUN. We get the latest on the Boston sports scene from Chad Finn of the Boston Globe. Dennis Price updates us on Central Maine entertainment options.

Enya Flack talks about her career and working on Tyler Perry's ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal has the latest on the Celtics. Bruce Pratt discusses RACE AND RESISTANCE IN BOSTON: A CONTESTED SPORTS HISTORY on Sports Lit 101. Shawn Laatsch from the Versant Power Astronomy Center fills us in on events in the sky and at the center in the month of March. Allen Adams previews the Oscars on Pass the Popcorn.

Gunnar Nelson fills us in on The Nelsons’ upcoming tour that features their own hits and those of their dad, Rick Nelson. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn weighs in on the Celtics, Red Sox, and more. Former Downtown cohost Ryan Waning shares the story of his medical adventures and discusses which actor played the best Bruce Wayne. Cardiologist and author Dr. Cristina LePort talks about her new book, CHANGE OF HEART.

Television critic Alan Sepinwall talks about his new book, SAUL GOODMAN V. JIMMY MCGILL: THE COMPLETE CRITICAL COMPANION TO BETTER CALL SAUL. Livingston Taylor tells us about his new album, SYMPHONIC STEPS, recorded with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sean McAdam of MassLive.com has the latest on the Red Sox (recorded before the Bregman deal) Bruce Pratt discusses a new book on Willie McCovey on Sports Lit 101. Dennis Price looks at arts happenings in Central Maine. Sportswriter and Maine native Dave Albee takes us back to the mid-70s, as we hear about his new book THE LAST ONE OUT OF TOWN TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, on the 1975 Foxcroft Academy State Championship basketball team.

David Roth of Defector talks with Rich and Carey Haskell about the NBA, the Super Bowl, and how to deal with what's going on in our government. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe talks sports media, the Buddy Teevens documentary, and more. Food Coma's Joe Ricchio discusses breakfast on SHUT UP & EAT! Allen Adams reviews the new Will Ferrell/Reese Witherspoon film, YOU'RE CORDIALLY INVITED, as well as DIAL M FOR MURDER at Bangor's Penobscot Theatre. Danny Cashman of The Nite Show fills us in on their upcoming live taping.

Bruce Sudano discusses his work with Tommy James, making music with his wife, Donna Summer, and his terrific new solo album, TALKIN' UGLY TRUTH, TELLIN' PRETTY LIES. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal talks Celtics. Bruce Pratt shares his thoughts on Chris Donnelly's DOC, DONNIE, THE KID, AND BILLY BRAWL on Sports Lit 101. From the northeast corner, we visit with Shawn Laatsch of Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium, Bri Houtman and Ira Kramer discuss DIAL M FOR MUDER at Penobscot Theatre, and Jon Shields has the latest on University of Maine Hockey.

Historian Heather Cox Richardson discusses Nerds v. the Popular Kids in presidential elections and remembers singer-songwriter and Maine native David Mallett. Chad Finn of The Boston Globe shares his thoughts on the Patriots' hiring of Mike Vrabel and Tom Brady's broadcast future. Film critic Allen Adams discusses a pair of streaming movies on Pass the Popcorn. Dennis Price fills us in on the Central Maine entertainment scene.