S2/Episode #4 - Mike Ryan

This week on Downstage Center, John Zaskoda sits down with two guys who need little introduction—Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew of The Boxmasters.From Hollywood to the stage, The Boxmasters have carved out a sound and a story all their own. Billy Bob and J.D. talk music, songwriting, life on the road, the evolution of The Boxmasters, and plenty of stories from two careers that have taken some pretty interesting turns.It’s honest, entertaining, and a conversation you won’t want to miss!Billy Bob Thornton & J.D. Andrew — The Boxmasters Downstage Center | Season 2, Episode 10 Hosted by John ZaskodaWatch, listen, and get ready to go Downstage Center!

This week on Downstage Center, we're joined by legendary Red Dirt troubadour Jason Boland for an honest conversation about the road that's made him one of the most respected voices in independent country music.From decades of relentless touring to songwriting, staying authentic in an ever-changing industry, and the stories behind the songs, Jason shares the perspective that only comes from living the life—not chasing the spotlight.

Season 2, Episode 8 of DownStage Center welcomes one of the most compelling voices in modern music— Marcus King.Known for his soulful vocals, masterful guitar playing, and deeply personal songwriting, Marcus joins host John Zaskoda for a set of rapid-fire questions that goes far beyond the music. With honesty, humor, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments, this backstage episode offers a rare glimpse into the walls behind the stage. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Marcus King for the first time, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Be sure to watch till the end for an exclusive live performance clip!

On S2/E7 we’re joined by one of the most electrifyingyoung names in blues-rock — East Texas native and guitar powerhouse Ally Venable.From tearing up stages across Europe to sharing thespotlight with legends like Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ally has built a reputation for fiery guitar work and a stage presence way beyond her years.We talk about growing up in Texas, finding the blues atan early age, life on the road, writing music that hits hard emotionally, and what it’s been like stepping into the modern spotlight as one of the new faces carrying blues-rock into the next generation.

Season 2, Episode 6 of DownStage Center brings another laid-back, behind-the-scenes conversation straight from the heart of live music. Host John Zaskoda sits down with North Texas native and Nashville songwriter Joey Green for an honest and engaging look at the life of a working musician.From cutting his teeth in the Texas music scene to writing songs in one of the most competitive rooms in Nashville, Joey shares the road stories, the AI creative process and personal experiences with it that have shaped his sound and career. The conversation dives into the realities of songwriting, the grind behind the spotlight, and what it takes to stay authentic while chasing success in today’s music industry.

Texas country icon Pat Green pulls up a chair on this episode of DownStage Center with host John Zaskoda—and nothing’s off limits. From the road stories that shaped his career to the moments that nearly broke it, Pat gets real about the highs, the grind, and what keeps him coming back to the stage. Whether you’ve followed him since the early days or just discovered his sound, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Episode 4 of Season Two of DownStage Center welcomes Mike Ryan, one of Texas country’s most authentic and respected voices. Known for his honest songwriting and  melodic sound, Mike sits down for a laid-back, behind-the-scenes conversation that dives deeper than the stage lights.Hosted by John Zaskoda, Production Manager for Billy Bob’s Texas, this episode explores Mike’s journey from small-town roots to becoming a staple in the Texas music scene. He opens up about the stories behind his songs, the realities of life on the road, and how he’s stayed true to his style in an ever-changing industry.

Season 2, Episode 3 of DownStage Centerfeatures powerhouse blues vocalist and bassist Danielle Nicole.Known for her soulful voice, commanding stage presence, and deeply rooted blues sound, Danielle joins host John Zaskoda and talks about her journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern blues.

In Episode 2 of Season 2, host John Zaskoda sits down with Randy Rogers, front man of the legendary Randy Rogers Band.Randy talks about the early days of grinding it out on the Texas circuit, the stories behind the songs, and what it takes to keep a band moving forward after decades of touring, recording, andselling out dance floors across the country.Recorded in the heart of the world’s largest honky-tonk, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of life in a working band, the evolution of Texas music, and the passion that keepsartists coming back to the stage night after night.

We’re kicking off Season 2, Episode 1 with the incredible Kaitlin Butts. From her rapid rise in country music to the hard work and discipline behind her fitness journey, Kaitlin opens up about what it really takes to keep climbing while staying grounded. She’s not only one of the most exciting voices in country music right now, but genuinely one of the nicest and most humble people in the business! Enjoy!