Welcome to episode 3 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we talk about Falls’s disappointment with a concert cancellation, the sweet Dolly Parton AirBnB he stayed in recently in Nashville, and the latest songs and artists piquing our interest. This show’s guest is self-proclaimed travel pop artist Mike Mentz whose journey from the Chicago suburbs to the world abroad has inspired two significant new projects that are framing roots music in a whole new light. We talk to him about his acapela group beginnings, singing on a cruise ship, then traveling the world with an inspired mission to let the place inspire his music. He’s recently launched an impressive video and record series based on several months visiting Mexico and has many more facets of the project on the horizon. Since we’re all new to Roots Music Rambler, the show includes three main parts: Francesca and Falls open the show talking about a topic of the day in the music industry. Our guest then comes in as we explore their roots – of music and life. Then Francesca and Falls finish off the show with our Pickin’ The Grinnin’ segment. That’s where both pick what music, artists, events and more make them grin this week. They share whom they’ll see live, what new artists they’ve discovered and more. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Dolly’s Music Row Oasis (where Jason filmed the episode) The Dollyhouse family of AirBnB Nashville rentals Vibing Victorian (the Bloomington, Illinois AirBnB Francesca & Tom rented) Francesca's pics from the AirBnB on Roots Music Rambler's Facebook page Jason’s Instagram and TikTok accounts Roots Music Rambler Instagram Austin Lucas’s website (future guest) Mike Mentz’s website Mike Mentz’s album Souvenir Mike’s Patreon (support and get access to the cool stories, videos, etc.) John Haywood’s website And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices