Who can understand the alchemy of the algorithm? Certainly not the artists who find themselves suddenly and inexplicably carried aloft on a wave of viral popularity. Such is the case for Taylor Olin, a former St. Augustine singer/songwriter now based in Europe, whose single Love has turned her band The Something Specials from a modest Spotify presence to an overnight sensation. The song has been streamed more than 20 million times, even featured on a Reese Witherspoon Instagram gardening reel. We ask her about the meteoric journey and talk to Jacksonville Today’s arts and culture editor, Matt Shaw, about covering the band’s rise. We also take a listen to other local bands currently in his musical carousel.
Guests:
- Taylor Olin, singer/songwriter, The Something Specials
- Matt Shaw, arts and culture editor, Jacksonville Today
Newgrass city
Perhaps most widely known for holding down stage right as Billy Strings’ peerless mandolin player, Jarrod Walker is a legend in the bluegrass world, winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year in 2022 for the Stanley-esque instrumental Red Daisy and lyricist behind the eminently catchy Gild The Lily off of the band’s 2024 album, Highway Prayers. Now, Walker is touring in support of his first solo record, Nighthawk, a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass along with atmospheric alt-country songs. He performs in St. Augustine as part of the annual Sing Out Loud festival’s free Local Artist Showcase.
Guest: Jarrod Walker, singer/songwriter, Billy Strings’ mandolin player
Growth opportunity
Chef Dani Collins grew up on a Missouri farm that provided vegetables and chickens to the entire community. But it’s her training as a chef that has allowed her to translate the fruits of farm labor to the temptations of the table. With her background as a professional caterer, she now educates those wanting to improve health outcomes and self-sufficiency by growing their own food. We talk to Collins about the free Grow & Nourish Program, which she runs out of Eartha’s Market & Farms. We also discuss an upcoming community cleanup with Eartha’s program manager.
Guests:
- Dani Collins, culinary instructor, Eartha’s Farm & Market
- June Young, program manager, Eartha’s Farm & Market
Topics and guests subject to change.