The Top With Richie Phillips

This incredibly talented high school student not only is a skilled pianist, but also composes and ARRANGES as well.  Her mother, Anne, entered her into a national talent contest on PBS organized by famed child prodigy ETHAN BORTNICK. And yes...SHE’S A FINALIST!!!    After listening to this interview, I’m sure you’re going to want to cast your vote to “take her to THE TOP” so she can perform in Los Angeles with Ethan!  There’s some stiff competition, so please head on over to  https://celebrationofmusic.com/caroline-skrebutenas     VOTING ENDS OCTOBER 28th, 2019 You will see her name, photo, and sample of her performance on a recent local PBS telecast.  Best of luck, Caroline!                          SHAMELESS PLUG For all your private party, wedding and conference entertainment needs, please go to www.hirerichie.com There are also sample parodies and testimonials as well.     Email me at Richie1077@gmail.com  My facebook page is @rhyminrichiephillips and @rhyminrich on Instagram

Are you planning a big ANNUAL MEETING?,  WEDDING? CLAS REUNION?    Can't decide where (Especially if you live "downstate" in New York?  Well, I took it to THE TOP to try to find out the reasons why Saratoga Springs, NY is considered one of the best with President of DISCOVER SARATOGA, Darryl Leggieri.   Oh, and hey New Yorkers,  Would you rather live upstate, or downstate? And where exactly is the dividing line?  I wrote a song about that very controversy and hope to put it to rest in this episode. (Very tongue-in-cheek - just having fun here)   For more information, contact www.discoversaratoga.org And if you are looking for conference or wedding entertainment in Saratoga or elsewhere, well this is what I do, and have been doing it for over 30 years..  I have a ton of options and testimonials for you on my website - www.hirerichie.com

Take a tip and listen to this episode!  This one discusses the very controversial move by NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo to end the "tip credit" - the ability for restaurants to pay less of a "minimum wage" than others  to servers being that they accept tips.    We open with a RHYME-A-TORIAL from yours truly, and then we will speak to noted Albany restauranteur Dominic Purnomo - co-owner of the iconic YONO's Indonesian restaurant in downtown Albany, NY (info at www.yonos.com) He will give his thorough take on the subject, and you will come away really understanding both sides of the dilemma...     P.S.  If you enjoyed the musical part, this is the kind of thing I can do for YOUR next event - perform some stand-up keyboard comedy, DJ for dance music if needed,  and can  include a custom-written song about someone in your organization (retiree, employees of the year, etc)      Examples and testimonials at www.hirerichie.com    There is a video of this song on my YouTube channel (forgive me-- just playing with my slidesho

Time to celebrate LOCAL musicians - the folks who go out and beat the bushes day after day (correction: nite after nite)- playing and singing their hearts out - carrying the torch for the musical genre they love.  In this case, we are talking about country music.   This gentleman is an old friend, and I totally respect his dedication to country music -especially the classic variety.   In an odd way, I'm not sure I would have ever gotten involved with country radio had it not been for him.  Take a listen and we will explain!  We talk music, songwriting, family, his new gig as frontman for the locally iconic BACK 40 BAND, and much, much more.  Although I actually should have interviewed his fantastic wife Lisa to find out how she put up with him all these many moons, I will wait on that as I now bring you my discussion with local singer, songwriter and finacial guru-  MARK PIERRE.  Find out more about where he and his band will be appearing at https://www.b40band.com/

His debut hit "Cold Dead Hands" was  number one on the country charts.  Not bad for an independent artist! I had a great discussion with him about his controversial new song and his upcoming album "It's Been Awhile".     It's definitely "been awhile" since we spoke last (Actually we've NEVER spoken before!).  Check out this in depth "audio bio".   More info about him at www.DustinCollinsmusic.com aand DustinCollinsmusic on Facebook

This one was a special thrill. I DEFINITELY took it to THE TOP of the country music business with this guy!     He came on our morning radio show in Albany NY years ago (he looks alot younger, and I had hair).   A few years after that, we had a country music festival in Saratoga, NY, and he invited me to go onstage and accompany him while HE sang!  How surreal was THAT?    I never forgot how friendly and generous he was of his time.  But it didn't end there.  He gave me 45 MORE minutes in between his busy schedule for this podcast.     If you know his songs, you'll love this.  If you are a musician, he digs a little deeper into his process of writing, his musical influences,  and keyboard technique as well.    His newest smash hit is "Fall Crazy" and you can hear it here  He also has a new TV series coming out on Fox TV -  Songs from the Cellar.  Watch for it!  More info at www.philvassar.com         SHAMELESS PLUG - BTW  I'm going to be at the Eden Cafe on Fri, July 20 and Fri Nov 2, in an intimate piano ba

Adam Rutledge is a dynamic country newcomer managed by superstar songwriter/performer Phil Vassar.  I was lucky to get a quick chat with him.  (Apologies in advance for the slightly irritating hiccups, pops and clicks due to a less than optimum phone connection.  If I had my way, I would have called him and done it again, but didn't want to push my luck.  I was happy to have the chance to talk to him)   We discuss his debut album RUNWAY, his first single "Love Kickin' In", his interesting Phil Vassar connection, and we will check the accuracy of info posted on the interwebs about him (some turned out to be true - and some?  WOW! WAYYYY of base.)   I am also chomping at the bit to speak with Phil himself.  He has agreed to come on, and will let you know definitely when that happens!   You can find RUNWAY on iTunes and Spotify.  His website is Adamrutledge.com SHAMELESS PLUG DEPT: I am doing a Country Piano Bar nite at a cool little venue:  the  EDEN CAFE, 269 Osbourne Rd, LOUDONVILLE, NY on Fri July 20th.  Wil

On this episode - Let's call it TOP GRIPE - Very upset over the closing in our area of my favorite chain store, SEARS.  Hard to believe it's gone.  And of course that got the mind wandering to the days of my parents' "mom and pop" store on Eastern Long Island in the town of Mattituck.  That one closed YEARS ago....  so I have a few anecdotes about that.     My song, "Goodbye Sears" is also a video (as I mess with my homemade green screen studio).  Would love you to check that out as well on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVCXKwcIcXATneuDsMu2nmA Looking for entertainment for your next event? Conference? Business function?  Retirement party?  Wedding?  Email me!  Richie1077@gmail.com or check out my website at www.hirerichie.com  I have tons of samples and testimonials.   Other contact info:   www.facebook.com/rhyminrichie  www.instagram.com/rhyminrich Oh, and one more thing.  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST SO I CAN LET YOU KNOW WHEN OTHERS COME OUT (sorry to yell.....)

On this episode I have written a Song for Saratoga based on information given to me by fellow Facebook folk. Thanks for playing along!   Also, guest Stuart Armstrong has studied the famed Saratoga Lakehouses of the 1920s-50's.  These were old nigh tclubs that featured some famous entertainers like Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz and the like.  Interesting history of these places that pursued gambling and copious liquor consumption despite the strict laws of the time.

This podcast features "Top Tech" - how it can be incredibly helpful (especially to people with special circumstances) but also we touch on the problems it causes - especially in my case.  So much so that I wrote a song about my attempt to rig up a "smart home".     "NOT SO SMART HOME" SONG - words and music ©2018 Richie Phillips   All Rights Reserved                                      EVENTS MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST   Come see Loreal Lavigna sing with  Kyle Bourgault Band 8/11 at Brunswick Elks https://www.facebook.com/LorealLavigna   John me at Wheatfields Pub Clifton Park Fri June 8th 6-9pm at the piano in the bar   Also doing a little Keyboard Comedy for  - BISTRO NITE A get-together for wedding and business professionals - May 22nd 6PM at Birch Hill Catering off i-90 in Castleton.   Also featuring comedian Greg Aidala and author Lorraine Toth.     But THAT’S NOT ALL!   Eden Cafe 269 Osbourne Rd Loudonville Fri July 20  7:30-9:30pm “Brushes with Country Fame” Nite with stories of country stars I’v

A fun. Many times emotional interview with veteran chief meteorologist Steve Caporizzo from News 10 ABC in Albany, NY.  (The emotional part comes when he talks about his passion for pets and the abuse he has witnessed).  He also gives a fantastic explanation for the flukey weather we have experienced in the northeast this past winter.  You “science geeks” will love it! A fantastic guy on and off camera, and a longtime friend that I was thrilled to have on.   This is my longest podcast to date, but we were so happy to be able to talk freely without the confines of conventional broadcast time constraints, and I think you’ll get to know him even better because of it!

My first "2 parter".    PART 1 Geovanny Santamaria is an amazing educator and Latin band frontman from NY.  We talk about teaching, we play clips from his incredible band GENERACION SIN ROSTRO, and much more. Great guy-fun interview. Check out their website at http://www.gsrband.org/#about   PART 2 WE'RE GROWING!  I finally hired a TOP "woman on the street" reporter!  (Well, "hired" is a strong word)  Actually, we have friends, Janet and Lou Manuta, who moved to Seattle recently. And with recent news of the opening of AMAZON GO - a grocery store with no checkout line (cuz they gots no checkout at all!), I thought it would be cool to find out more about it, so Janet kindly volunteered to take a ride and become our eyes and ears.  SEE PHOTOS ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE - @richiephillips

Interview with BLUE FRIDAY OF NY President PAT FOX, who will run down all of the upcoming charity events.    BLUE FRIDAY is an organization in it’s 14th year-established to raise money to help families of police officers killed in the line of duty in upstate New York.     Related websites: Blue Friday of NY website: www.bluefridayny.org Officer Down Webpage:   odmp.org

This podcast's purpose is to reinforce the point that when an artist is branded as LOCAL, it shouldn't equate with the term "AMATEURISH".  This very talented rock band and brilliant solo artist from the Albany NY area I present as exhibit A and B.-                                    WILD ADRIATIC AND GIRL BLUE As of this writing they are two of the acts on stage for the upcoming CAPITAL RECORDS SALUTES THE BEATLES nite on March 23rd at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady.  I talk to them both about the influence the Beatles' music has had on their lives (plus they both get a pop quiz to see how well they know the Fab 4!).. oh, and also I explain MUSICALLY what the Beatles meant to me, for better or worse.                                        TO FOLLOW THEM IN THE FUTURE:                 www.wildadriatic.com                  www.girlbluemusic.com                www.facebook.com/girlbluemusic                @girlbluemusic on twitter                    Oh, and my website for parody show performances, weddings,    

You've always heard your mother say it's important to make a good impression.  I guess this guy listened very well,  because he's incredible at it! I'm talking about comic impressionist  Steve Van Zandt from the Albany, NY area (no, NOT the guy from the Sopranos, although spelled the same way.  I bet he could nail that impression as well!) I had a blast talking and reminiscing with Steve.  Whether you are from the area or not, you will love this episode.  We have a few local references, but nothing that will throw you off!  Steve's website, btw is www.stevevanzandt.com.  He's got a phenomenal new business idea brewing that we all should keep tabs on.  It's a KILLER concept.  He mentions it toward the end of the podcast.  Other things we cover include: His method of learning a voice The impression he never gets tired of doing, What it would be like if Jimmy Stewart was a track announcer at Saratoga (whoops - local reference-- you see, that's a place in our area that has horses and people bet on them to see how

In this last episode in a three part series,  we examine the major components of a wedding reception, your questions, and tips from those with years of experience in the biz. My guest for Part 3 is Scott E Hemming, owner of one of THE TOP DJ companies in Upstate NY -SEH Entertainment.  We dig deep into the subject of music for your wedding, and some of the mistakes some could make in their choices..  We also review for you the usual order of events at a reception for those who are unsure.   Great information with a few laughs thrown in!   P.S. For those who live in the local NY area and looking for a DJ, You can check out all of the DJ profiles, see testimonials (mine included!) right on his website-www.sehentertainment.com

This is PART 2 in a series where we get to review in great detail what to consider when planning your special day. Special Guest: Harvey Vlahos of the beautiful Altamont Manor. Included topics: Interviewing and selecting a photographer Plan B - What happens if it rains - not just the ceremony but your once in a lifetime photos? Caters and much more.  For information -www.altamontmanor.com website is http://www.hirerichie.com Richie's Facebook page is @richiephillips Email address   Richie1077@gmail.com

This is the first episode of a 2 part series with special guest Harvey Vlahos of the Altamont Manor, a very experienced wedding venue owner with over 800 weddings to his credit - and podcast host/ Wedding DJ Richie Phillips.  Here you can get everything you need to make your special day smooth sailing... as well as what to avoid!  This is general information for anyone planning their wedding ANYWHERE.  Enjoy this podcast and stay tuned for the others.       For further information: www.altamontmanor.com Richie's Facebook page is @richiephillips Email address   Richie1077@gmail.com website is http://www.hirerichie.com         Their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Altamont-Manor-112405112131996/

A fun, freeform discussion with Albany area singer-songwriter turned comedienne Erin Harkes.  We talk about the journey one takes to be a working musician, and her gutsy transition into stand-up comedy (not many can do both, but she handles it real well!).  There's some hysterical stories along the way here.   Also, Richie gives RHYMING advice to POTUS on his upcoming meeting with nemesis Robert Mueller.  All on this edition of THE TOP.  Richie is always available to provide music and entertainment for your next conference, meeting, or other business function.  He can do perform his unique brand of keyboard comedy, along with music for dancing and more!  He can even write you a personalized song parody for that special someone (and if he can't be there in person, he can pre-record it and email it!)   For demos, testimonials etc   http://www.hirerichie.com on Facebook @rhyminrichiephillips

Go on your favorite music site and take one listen to this incredible child prodigy keyboardist, Joey Alexander.  Your mouth will drop.  I had the unique opportunity to speak with him to promote his concert here in Troy NY on Jan 27th, 2018.  We delve into his background, his approach to learning a song, and I also will attempt here to see if I can learn even 2 seconds of a Joey Alexander piece.  (Spoiler alert - not good!) After the interview, I will have a musical response to the scammer who keeps calling me, sending me text messages, and pretending to be overseas with no money -begging me to send some via Western Union (Spoiler alert #2 - FAT CHANCE).  This podcast is brought to you by yours truly.  If you would like to see a list of musical and comedy services I can provide for your next wedding, private party, or business function, go to www.hirerichie.com