Headliners and Producers

Hot Stove Cool music has featured Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, alternative rock favorites, blues legends, baseball players taking a swing at music, and more. Here are some of our favorite headliners, as well as the team responsible for Hot Stove Cool Music.

HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC - THE PRODUCERS

ED VALAUSKAS, Music Director

The prolific bass player and producer has been with Hot Stove Cool Music since Day 1. Ed assembles the HSCM bills, coordinates the all-star bands and plays bass with many. The longtime studio manager at Q Division studios in Boston has played with countless bands and performers, including the Gravel Pit, the Gentlemen, Nada Surf, Graham Parker’s Latest Clowns, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, Kay Hanley and Juliana Hatfield.

PETER GAMMONS, Co-founder

Considered the greatest and most influential baseball writer of all-time, Peter was a co-founder of HSCM in 2000. A three-time National Sportswriter of the Year award winner, he was recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame with the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in 2004. Peter has fronted the Hot Stove All-Stars since ’03 and the group’s evolving/revolving cast has included members of Little Feat, J Geils Band, Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins, Buffalo Tom, Wilco, Letters To Cleo and more. He released his first album, Never Slow Down, Never Grow Old, in 2006.

KAY HANLEY, Co-founder

One of the co-founders of HSCM, Dorchester native and lead singer of Letters to Cleo has earned Gold Records for her performances in the films 10 Things I Hate About You and Josie and the Pussycats. Kay writes and performs for many popular animated TV shows, including Doc McStuffins, DC Superhero Girls, and Ada Twist, Scientist. She is co-founder and co-executive director of SONA (Songwriters of North America), a non-profit which advocates for fair pay and other rights for songwriters. Her efforts helped get the Music Modernization Act passed into federal law in 2018.

ALLYCE NAJIMY, Talent & Event Management

A talented, behind-the-scenes organizer, Allyce is the CEO of the Foundation To Be Named Later, a professor of UMass Boston’s Sport Leadership Program and the extraordinary HSCM event director. She tirelessly organizes all aspects of the events, including musical talent recruitment, sponsorships and organization of volunteer networks in both Boston and Chicago. Allyce’s tireless efforts have raised millions of dollars to support the FTBNL Gammons College Scholarship Program and the non-profit partners in the host cities. She is also the creator of HSCM tagline: Celebrating music, baseball and giving.

MICHAEL CREAMER, Producer & Co-founder

One of the unsung heroes of HSCM, Creamer has been instrumental in the formation of the event, as well as the continuation for more than two decades. The renown artist manager and promoter has managed Letters To Cleo, Kim Taylor, Superdrag and many others. Creamer was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009 for Best Historical Box Set for the Woody Guthrie “My Dusty Road” collection, which he co-produced. He is on the staff at the Berklee College of Music and is responsible for booking Café 939.

THEO & PAUL EPSTEIN, Foundation To Be Named Later

Born just 60 seconds apart, the Epstein brothers have made an impact on the lives of many in Boston and Chicago. Paul has done so as a social worker at Brookline (MA) High School and as a founder of the Brookline Teen Center (with his wife, Saskia). Theo, meanwhile, assembled championship teams in Boston and Chicago that ended the longest World Series droughts in Major League Baseball history (86 and 108 years, respectively). The twins founded the Foundation To Be Named Later in 2005.

MIKE O’MALLEY, Emcee

The Nashua, NH, native is the main HSCM emcee when his busy schedule allows. Mike is an award-winning actor, writer and producer with credits that include Yes Dear, Glee, The Good Place, Heels, Survivor’s Remorse, Snowpiercer and many more.

JEFF HORRIGAN, Co-founder & Stage Manager

The guy who came up with the idea for HSCM in 2000 still plays an active role in the event. A former baseball writer who covered the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds for 22 seasons, Jeff’s most lasting words just might be the lyrics of “Tessie,” which he wrote for the Dropkick Murphys in 2004.

HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC – THE HEADLINERS

AMERICAN HI-FI

One of the most dynamic bands to play HSCM, American Hi-Fi has released five albums, including a self-titled debut in 2001 that included the hit, “Flavor Of The Week.” The band, which is comprised of Stacy Jones, Jamie Arentzen, Drew Parsons and Brian Nolan, has played HSCM on four occasions.

BRONSON ARROYO

The former Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds star made his HSCM debut in 2004 by performing a couple of impromptu Pearl Jam covers with teammate Kevin Millar. The appearance resulted in a second career for Bronson, including a critically acclaimed album. He’s remained loyal to HSCM and still regularly appears at the event.

THE BASEBALL PROJECT

For generations, songs about baseball tended to be kitschy and cringeworthy. Then came The Baseball Project. With a starting lineup that includes Steve Wynn, Mike Mills, Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon and Fenway organist Josh Kanto, The Baseball Project performs cool rock songs with baseball lyrics that are always factually accurate. They played HSCM at the Paradise in 2014.

BUFFALO TOM

A six-time HSCM performer, Buffalo Tom has released 11 albums since 1988 and remains popular worldwide. The trio, which consists of Bill Janovitz, Chris Colbourn and Tom Maginnis, made its first HSCM appearance in 2005.

CHEAP TRICK

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees appeared at HSCM Chicago in 2014. Cheap Trick, which was a major influence for many HSCM regulars, released its 20th studio album in 2021.

COMMON

The musician/actor/author/activist appeared in HSCM’s 2020 remote show. Common has won three Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. He’s a native of Chicago.

WILL DAILEY

A HSCM regular for the past decade, the singer/songwriter/producer plays an active role in the development of the shows and all-star bands. A seven-time Boston Music Awards winner, Will has released seven full-length albums since 2004. Will regularly takes part in FTBNL nonprofits events.

HOWIE DAY

One of the busiest musicians in the industry, Howie has managed to make time for three HSCM appearances. The Maine native has had two Top 10 hits and sold more than a million records worldwide.

TANYA DONELLY

Every aspiring musician dreams of founding an influential band. Tanya has done that three times over with iconic bands Throwing Muses, the Breeders and Belly. The Newport, RI native is also a successful solo artist, as well as a leader of HSCM staple, Band Of Their Own (BOTO).

DROPKICK MURPHYS

No band defines Boston better than the Dropkick Murphys. Gritty, parochial, political, charitable, sports-crazy and Irish-rooted, they are the musical equivalent of the Chamber of Commerce. With four Top 10 albums and a platinum-selling single (“I’m Shipping Up To Boston”), they left their mark on the baseball world with the release of Red Sox-themed “Tessie” in 2004. Tessie’s lyrics were written by HSCM co-founder Jeff Horrigan.

THE FIGGS

The prolific power trio has appeared four times at HSCM, while guitarist Mike Gent has been a mainstay in Peter Gammons’ Hot Stove All-Stars. The Figgs have released 13 original studio albums since 1994 and have served as the backing band for Graham Parker and the Replacements’ Tommy Stinson.

FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE

Fresh off the hit single, “Stacy’s Mom,” Fountains of Wayne headlined the first HSCM Fenway show in the summer of 2005. Bass player Adam Schlesinger returned to HSCM in 2010 with side project Tinted Windows, which also featured Taylor Hanson, Bun E. Carlos, James Iha and Josh Lattanzi.

GAIL GREENWOOD

One of the driving forces behind Band Of Their Own, Gail is known as the dynamic bass player with Belly and L7, and guitarist with Benny Sizzler. The Rhode Island native is also a talented illustrator and designer (www.greenwoodassoc.com).

BUDDY GUY

The 8-time Grammy winner and 2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has made two HSCM appearances. It wasn’t hard to see why Rolling Stone magazine ranked Buddy 23rd on their list of !00 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

JULIANA HATFIELD

A longtime friend and supporter, Juliana has made seven HSCM appearances. She has released 19 solo albums, including one Top 5 release and two recent albums devoted to covers of Olivia Newton-John and The Police.

BILL JANOVITZ

The Buffalo Tom singer joined HSCM in Year 2 and has been with us ever since as an invaluable member of Peter Gammons’ Hot Stove All-Stars. Bill has released 11 albums with Buffalo Tom and four solo CDs. He’s also written two books, including New York Times bestseller, “Rocks Off: 50 Tracks That Tell the Story of the Rolling Stones.”

LEN KASPER

The driving force behind the HSCM Chicago shows, Len leads the development of The Metro events, while also assembling the Chicago Hot Stove All-Stars. A talented bass player, the Chicago White Sox radio voice also fronts the Chicago band Sonic45. He was the popular TV play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs from 2005-2020.

AL KOOPER

The legendary songwriter, musician and producer performed at the HSCM Boston event in 2015. Al was a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, and he’s contributed to some of the most iconic songs in rock history. He played organ on Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” and French horn and piano on the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Al also played with The Who, Jimi Hendrix Experience, B.B. King, Cream, Alice Cooper and many others. He produced the first three Lynard Skynard albums, which included the hits “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”

JOHN LEGEND

One of only 16 performers ever to accomplish the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) awards sweep, John headlined the 2007 HSCM summer event at Fenway Park. He’s released seven studio albums and two collaborations, resulting to 12 Grammy Awards.

LETTERS TO CLEO

One of HSCM’s favorite and most frequent performers, Letters To Cleo tops a rock-and-roll family tree that has branched out into some of the industry’s most notable acts. LTC’s Kay Hanley, USA Mike Eisenstein, Stacy Jones and Greg McKenna have all appeared with multiple bands at HSCM over the years.

LITTLE FEAT

Little Feat influenced great rock bands around the world for more than five decades. Their incredible performance at the Paradise in 2007 won’t soon be forgotten. Guitarist Paul Barrere returned to perform with Peter Gammons’ Hot Stove All-Stars several times before passing away in 2019.

NICK LOWE

The power pop legend graced the HSCM virtual show in 2020. His hit songs have included “Cruel To Be Kind,” “I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” which was also a hit for Elvis Costello.

YO-YO MA

The world’s greatest cellist took part in the 2021 HSCM virtual show. He has recorded more than 90 albums and has won an incredible 18 Grammy Awards. Yo-Yo was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

TOM MORELLO

The Rage Against the Machine guitarist headlined our Chicago show in 2014. One of rock’s most original and creative guitarists, Rolling Stone ranked Tom 40th on its list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time.

LIZ PHAIR

Liz’s 1993 album, Exile In Guyville, vaulted her to instant stardom and her seven albums have sold four million copies worldwide. Liz took part in the HSCM Chicago event in 2016.

JOHNNY RZEZNIK

The founder, guitarist and front man of the Goo Goo Dolls headlined HSCM’s post-pandemic return to a live audience at the Paradise in 2022. Performing with Bronson Arroyo and the Hot Stove All-Stars, Johnny showed his devotion to FTBNL by auctioning off the guitar he was playing in mid set!

MAVIS STAPLES

One of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace, Mavis headlined HSCM’s return to Chicago in 2022 with an unforgettable set that culminated with the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There,” featuring Fenway Park organist Josh Kantor on the keys. An inductee of both the Blues and Rock and Roll halls of fame, the GRAMMY Award winner showed that her soul-stirring singing is as incredible as ever, just days before her 83rd birthday!

SMASHING PUMPKINS

Smashing Pumpkins was the natural choice to headline the first HSCM Chicago event in 2012. Led by Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, Smashing Pumpkins once used an upper room at The Metro, HSCM’s Chicago home, as rehearsal space. The two-time Grammy Award winners have released 11 albums, including Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in 1995, which has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

NADA SURF

Immensely popular with alternative rock fans for more than 25 years, Nada Surf took part in HSCM in 2006 at the Paradise and the 2020 remote show. Fronted by Matthew Caws, the New York-based band regularly sells out the ‘Dise on its frequent Boston visits.

JAMES TAYLOR

Just before James Taylor was set to hit the stage in right field at HSCM’s 2006 summer show at Fenway Park, a relentless and unexpected deluge pounded the Boston area. Organizers put together a makeshift stage underneath the stands, where the show carried on, culminated with James’s unforgettable version of “Steamroller.”

TEDESCHI-TRUCKS

Norwell native Susan Tedeschi and her husband, then Allman Brothers guitarist Derek Trucks, took part in the 2012 event at the Paradise. The Grammy Award winners lead the amazing Tedeschi Trucks Band, which also took part in the 2020 remote show.

TRIGGER HIPPY

Steve Gorman, former drummer of the Black Crowes, brought a dynamic version of Trigger Hippy to the Paradise for the 2014 HSCM winter event. The group featured seven-time Grammy Award nominee Joan Osborne and guitar empresario Jackie Greene.

STEVEN TYLER

The charismatic Aerosmith singer took part in HSCM remote event in 2020. Steven also has graciously donated items to HSCM silent auctions over the years.

EDDIE VEDDER

Eddie’s four HSCM appearances have been unforgettable. Performing with the Hot Stove All-Stars, his setlists are typically split between Pearl Jam standards and alternative rock covers. Eddie memorably went crowd surfing with the World Series trophies during his 2017 HSCM set at the Paradise.

BERNIE WILLIAMS

Bernie has always been known for his reliability, consistency and the ability to deliver in the clutch. And that’s just referencing his numerous HSCM appearances! The classically trained guitarist, who was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2009, is a key member of Peter Gammons’ Hot Stove All-Stars. During his 16 seasons as a New York Yankees outfielder, the five-time all-star won four World Series titles, a batting title and four Gold Gloves.