Music lovers rejoice! On this episode of Soul Strings, we dive deep with veteran musician Ed Callison who shares the remarkable story behind Pink Houses USA, his seven-piece John Mellencamp tribute band that's capturing the heartland rock experience across the Midwest.

Ed reveals the fascinating process of assembling the perfect lineup for Pink Houses USA, including the search for violinists that took them from symphony professionals to polka players before finding their sound. With sixteen shows lined up for 2024, including performances at the beautifully restored 1918 Miners Theater, Ed's excitement is contagious as he discusses how the band meticulously recreates Mellencamp's distinctive heartland rock atmosphere.

The conversation expands beyond just one tribute act, as Ed shares his musical journey from childhood drummer saving paper route money for his first kit to fronting multiple tribute bands. His passion spans decades and genres – from the yacht rock sounds of Captain Ed and the Catamarans to ABBA/Bee Gees tributes and a forthcoming Eagles project. What's particularly striking is Ed's disciplined approach to musicianship, emphasizing how consistent weekly rehearsals helped Pink Houses USA develop the tight sound essential for honoring beloved classics.

Whether you're a musician yourself or simply a lover of live music, Ed's stories from decades on stage – including playing to 5,000 fans at St. Charles Family Arena and some colorful moments at biker rallies – offer both entertainment and wisdom. His parting advice? "Practice, practice, practice" – a simple but powerful reminder that even tribute performances require serious dedication to the craft. Follow Pink Houses USA on Facebook to catch their upcoming performances across Missouri and Illinois.

You can see the Live Video To all of our shows at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-tVyGkB47Q&t=13s

When a legendary musician reflects on their journey, what emerges isn't just a story of fame, but the deeper currents that shaped their soul. Pat Liston—the voice behind Mama's Pride and a fixture in Missouri's music landscape—opens up about the remarkable path that took him from teenage performances at the Chase Park Plaza to recording at Criteria Studios alongside icons like Eric Clapton and the Bee Gees.

Pat shares candid stories that reveal music history from an insider's perspective: almost recruiting a young Michael McDonald into his band, backing oldies acts like The Shirelles and The Drifters with minimal rehearsal, encountering a shy Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5, and witnessing the Bee Gees' transformation into disco pioneers. Each tale illuminates not just the music industry, but the human connections that defined these moments.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Pat reveals his spiritual awakening through Catherine Marshall's "Adventures in Prayer" and subsequent exploration of faith. This transformation coincided with Mama's Pride disbanding in 1982, leading to a pivotal moment when he randomly opened his Bible to Isaiah 43, finding guidance to "forget the former things" and embrace a new path. His perspective on success evolved dramatically—no longer measured in record deals but in meaningful relationships and purposeful creation.

Perhaps most moving is Pat's reflection on what truly matters after decades in music: "If God came down and said I'll give you anything you want, I'd say I want a 'what if' machine...I guarantee if I say 'what if this had happened,' it would not be as good as what I have right now." The episode concludes with a special treat—Pat performing his beloved song "Blue Mist in the Air," sharing the pressure-filled circumstances that birthed one of his most enduring compositions.

You can see the Live Video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seyv7z8mIoE&list=PLA7YQtB_lyDnKfWqgxkV8mt7V40y-likz