A rerun from 2023, recorded as a warm up for my first Pickathon DJ set.
This week’s show is a rerun from 2023. If you’ve heard it before, feel free to skip it. If not, I think it’s worth revisiting. It’s one of my favorite shows I’ve made and captures a moment that ended up changing a lot for me.
About eight years ago, I started recording radio shows from my basement under the name The Search for Skip James. Life was in a rough spot, and I needed somewhere to put all the energy I had for music. Making these shows gave me that.
I built a simple Squarespace site, hooked up a turntable, edited everything in GarageBand, and started posting them online. I wasn’t trying to build an audience or turn it into anything bigger. It was just something I needed to do. Looking back, those little homemade shows helped me get out of my own head and slowly connected me with people who loved music the same way I did.
A few years later, in the middle of the pandemic, I saw a flyer stapled to a pole in the Woodlawn neighborhood. A new streaming station was looking for DJs. I snapped a picture, sent over a few of my basement shows, and heard back almost immediately. I built a studio, and I’ve been hosting The Search for Skip James every Sunday ever since. Somehow it’s been almost five years.
Then a new goal, to DJ my favorite weekend of the year. Pickathon Music Festival.
One morning at Pendarvis Farm (red eyed), after very little sleep and one of those weekends where you’re completely immersed in music, the morning DJ played Richie Havens’ version of “Here Comes the Sun.” It wasn’t just the song—it was the feeling. The way it fit that moment, the way it brought everyone together without demanding attention. I remember thinking, I’d love to be part of creating a vibe like that at Pickathon. Here we are three years later about to DJ my forth Pickathon.
This show was recorded in 2023, just before my first Pickathon as a DJ. It opens with that same Richie Havens recording. Listening back now, it feels like full circle moment.
Set List
Richie Havens – Here Comes the Sun
The Flying Sweet Angel of Joy – Believe
Mama Cass – California Earthquake
Marisa Anderson – Walking
Michael Hurley – Knockando
Range Rats – Thunder Road
Brother Theotis Taylor – Thank You for the Sunshine
John Prine – That’s the Way the World Goes Round
Thee Sacred Souls – Will I See You Again
Jack Elliott – Guabi Guabi
Gabriel Huentemil – Por David
Michael Hurley – Corridor
The Staple Singers Jr. – Get On Board
Myriam Gendron – I Wonder as I Wander
Nina Simone – I Shall Be Released
Lena Hughes – Pearly Dew
Before I sign off, I just want to say thanks to everyone at Shady Pines Festival. DJing in the spaceship this past weekend was such a treat, and I’m grateful to have been invited. What a weekend.
If you’re heading to Pickathon this year, come say hi. I’ll be spinning records:
Thursday: 3–4 p.m. at Cherry Hill
Friday: 12–1 p.m. at Windmill
Saturday: 6–7 p.m. in the Woods
I’ll have Search for Skip James stickers (designed by my amazing wife) with me, so grab one if you see me around.
