podcast
check out exclusive interviews with upcoming performers
Welcome to On The Marquee—the podcast that takes you beyond the spotlight and behind the scenes of the performing arts! Hosted by SHU Community Theatre’s Executive Director, Matt Oestreicher, this show shines a light on entertainment and education in concert by featuring exclusive conversations with upcoming performing artists. Each episode, Matt peels back the curtain to reveal the artist’s journey—demystifying the creative process, sharing untold stories, and uncovering what it's like to be a performing artist. Whether you're a lifelong arts lover or just curious about why you should come to a performance, On The Marquee is your all-access pass to the arts and entertainment world.
🎙️ New Episode of ON THE MARQUEE
This week on The SHU Community Theatre Podcast, we welcome legendary guitarist John Scofield.
John Scofield’s guitar work has influenced jazz since the late 70’s and is going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B.
Born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut, Scofield took up the guitar at age 11, inspired by both rock and blues players. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. After a debut recording with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, Scofield was a member of the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and joined the Gary Burton quartet. He began his international career as a bandleader and recording artist in 1978. From 1982–1985, Scofield toured and recorded with Miles Davis. His Davis stint placed him firmly in the foreground of jazz consciousness as a player and composer.
Since that time he has prominently led his own groups in the international Jazz scene, recorded over 30 albums as a leader (many already classics) including collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano and Phil Lesh. He’s played and recorded with Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Terumasa Hino among many jazz legends. Throughout his career Scofield has punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music. All along, the guitarist has kept an open musical mind.
Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University, a husband, and father of two.
John Scofield Trio will be performing at SHU Community Theatre on 11/23/25
For Tickets and More Information go to: https://www.shucommunitytheatre.org/all-events/john-scofield-trio
John Scofield’s Website: https://www.johnscofield.com/
VARIETOPIA is a modern variety show, showcasing the best in contemporary comedy, music, and other forms of live entertainment, hosted by acclaimed comedian PAUL F. TOMPKINS.
Click here for tickets to the May 30th show!
This week on The SHU Community Theatre Podcast, we welcome singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Coley O’Toole. A proud Connecticut native, Coley shares the incredible story of his journey from playing local gigs to touring the world as a keyboardist and vocalist with Green Day. He opens up about his roots in CT, his early love of music, and the bands he helped build — including the platinum-selling pop-rock group We the Kings, who are hitting the road this summer with Avril Lavigne. Whether you're a musician, a music lover, or just curious about life on the road and inside the industry, this episode offers an honest, inspiring look at what it takes to make it in music — and stay there.
Coley’s Website: https://www.coleyotoole.com/