The Bus Stop Blues’s Podcast

The Bus Stop Blues podcast, a three times a week radio show broadcasted from live and recorded at 98.3 FM
– The Life radio station in Northern Lake County, Illinois from 7pm on Tuesday's, Thursday's and Sunday nights.
The show features blues inspired music, with originals from Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners as well as
Blues legends from today and yesteryear. The show includes “Tales From The Road” a recurring feature, plus witty
conversations from your hosts and special in studio guests.
The Bus Stop Blues podcast, a three times a week radio show broadcasted from live and recorded at 98.3 FM
– The Life radio station in Northern Lake County, Illinois from 7pm on Tuesday's, Thursday's and Sunday nights.
The show features blues inspired music, with originals from Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners as well as
Blues legends from today and yesteryear. The show includes “Tales From The Road” a recurring feature, plus witty
conversations from your hosts and special in studio guests.
Episodes
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #113
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/16/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 113 – The Music Show (06/16/26)
Episode 113 of The Bus Stop Blues fires up the jukebox for another high-energy Music Show packed with blues, rock, soul, and a little highway dust kicked into the speakers. Road Bill and Kevin “Papa Blues” Purcell guide listeners through a wide-open musical ride featuring rising independent artists, legendary blues pioneers, classic rock staples, and barroom favorites built for turning the volume knob a little farther to the right.
This episode shines a spotlight on standout tracks from Jimmy Nick, Ivy Ford, and Kevin Mileski before rolling headlong into the sounds of ZZ Top, Big Mama Thornton, Freddy King, Todd Rundgren, The Doors, and The Blues Brothers. From Texas boogie and electric blues to swaggering rock and late-night roadhouse grooves, Episode 113 moves like neon lights reflecting off rain-soaked pavement at midnight.
So grab a seat near the back of the Big Bus and enjoy another musical road trip through the sounds that keep the blues alive and kicking.
Featured Songs
Jimmy Nick – Love Insurance Plan
Ivy Ford – Time to Shine
Kevin Mileski – Better Run
ZZ Top – Tush
Big Mama Thornton – They Call Me Big Mama
Freddy King – Hideaway
Todd Rundgren – I Saw the Light
The Doors – Roadhouse Blues
The Blues Brothers – Messin’ with the Kid
5 days ago
5 days ago
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #112
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/14/26 - with special guest Gina Knight
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 112 of The Bus Stop Blues rolls in with special guest Gina Knight, a powerhouse drummer and percussionist who has spent years driving the rhythm of the Chicagoland music scene. Road Bill and Kevin sit down with Gina to talk music, life behind the kit, the songs that shaped her style, and the passion that keeps her groove moving night after night.
The soundtrack for the evening covers serious musical ground, featuring CCR, Georgia Satellites, O.V. Wright, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Tower of Power, Tom Waits, Benny Goodman, Paul Simon, Black Sabbath, The Carpenters, and Frank Sinatra. From swampy rock and deep soul to jazz classics and heavy riffs, this episode rides like a late-night jukebox with a mind of its own.
Hop aboard for stories from the road, great conversation, and a rhythm-packed journey through blues, rock, funk, jazz, and beyond on The Bus Stop Blues!
Featured Songs
CCR – Midnight Special
Georgia Satellites – Keep Your Hands to Yourself
O.V. Wright – A Nickel And A Nail
Dave Brubeck Quartet – Blue Rondo à la Turk
Tower of Power – What Is Hip
Tom Waits – Pasties And A G-String
Benny Goodman – Sing, Sing, Sing
Paul Simon – 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Black Sabbath – War Pigs
The Carpenters – Superstar
Frank Sinatra – Wave
5 days ago
5 days ago
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #111
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/11/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Honey Boy Edwards
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 111 – A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Honey Boy Edwards
Episode 111 of The Bus Stop Blues takes a ride deep into the roots of Delta blues with another installment of A Chapter in the History of the Blues, this time spotlighting the legendary David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Road Bill and Kevin explore the life, music, and remarkable journey of one of the last living links to the original Delta blues era.
From traveling the Mississippi Delta during the Great Depression to crossing paths with icons like Robert Johnson, Honeyboy Edwards carried the raw sound and stories of early blues across generations. This episode dives into his legacy, unforgettable guitar style, and the history woven into every song he played.
Featuring a full night of Honeyboy Edwards classics including Catfish Blues, Sweet Home Chicago, Key To The Highway, Louise, Drop Down Mama, and more, this episode is a front-porch blues session wrapped in history, grit, and soul.
Featured Songs
Honeyboy Edwards – Catfish Blues
Honeyboy Edwards – Bad Rooster
Honeyboy Edwards – Blues, Blues
Honeyboy Edwards – Sweet Home Chicago
Honeyboy Edwards – Key To The Highway
Honeyboy Edwards – Bumble Bee
Honeyboy Edwards – Louise
Honeyboy Edwards – Drop Down Mama
Honeyboy Edwards – I Love You Baby
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #110
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/09/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 110 – The Music Show (06/09/26)
Episode 110 – The Music Show (06/09/26)
All aboard the Big Bus! Road Bill and Kevin return with another edition of The Music Show, delivering a rich mix of blues, rock, roots, and soul from some legendary artists and rising favorites alike. This week’s ride features music from Ivy Ford, Dan Peters, Tom Holland, Janis Joplin, James Cotton, Howlin’ Wolf with Eric Clapton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Thackery, and Joe Bonamassa.
From gritty Chicago blues and Texas-flavored guitar work to classic rock energy and soulful storytelling, Episode 110 is packed with powerhouse performances and timeless sounds. Whether it’s the raw emotion of Janis Joplin, the deep blues groove of Howlin’ Wolf, or the modern fire of Joe Bonamassa, this episode keeps the musical engine rolling from start to finish. Punch your ticket, grab a seat, and enjoy another unforgettable trip on The Bus Stop Blues!
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 110
Date: 06/09/26 – “The Music Show”
Ivy Ford – Black Sheep – 4:54
Dan Peters – 500 Miles – 3:29
Tom Holland – Hurry Up & Wait – 5:22
Janis Joplin – Kozmic Blues – 4:22
James Cotton – Good Time Charlie – 2:31
Howlin’ Wolf & Eric Clapton – What A Woman! – 5:10
Jerry Lee Lewis – Deep Elem Blues – 2:45
Jimmy Thackery – Lovin' You Right – 3:58
Joe Bonamassa – Another Kind of Love – 3:09
Monday Jun 08, 2026
Monday Jun 08, 2026
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #109
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/07/26 - with special guest Chris Duarte
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 109 – Chris Duarte (06/07/26)
All aboard the Big Bus! This week on The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin welcome back Texas blues guitar powerhouse Chris Duarte for his second appearance on the show. Known for his fiery guitar work, soulful tone, and relentless touring schedule, Duarte has spent decades carving out a unique place in the blues-rock world. While often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan early in his career, Chris has built a distinctive sound that blends blues, rock, jazz, and improvisation into something entirely his own.
Along the way, the music takes listeners on a journey through blues, fusion, and guitar-driven excellence with tracks from Carey Bell, Etta James, The Michael Landau Group, Billy Chobham & George Duke, Jan Hammer, and several standout performances from Chris Duarte himself. Between great music, road stories, and conversations about a lifetime dedicated to the guitar, Episode 109 promises another memorable ride for music lovers everywhere.
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 109
Date: 06/07/26 – Guest: Chris Duarte
Carey Bell – Must I Holler – 7:00
Etta James – Good Rockin' Daddy – 2:27
The Michael Landau Group – The Mighty SB – 9:57
Billy Chobham & George Duke – Do What Cha Wanna – 4:34
Jan Hammer – Twenty-One – 7:29
Chris Duarte – Free 4 Me – 5:07
Chris Duarte – Babylon – 6:25
Chris Duarte – Mr. Neighbor – 4:55
Featured Guest:Chris Duarte is one of the most respected guitarists in modern blues-rock, known for his explosive live performances, dazzling improvisation, and a career spanning more than three decades. His return to The Bus Stop Blues brings fresh stories, great conversation, and plenty of six-string firepower.
Friday Jun 05, 2026
Friday Jun 05, 2026
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #108
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/04/26 - A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Albert King
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 108 – A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Albert King (06/04/26)
Climb aboard the Big Bus as The Bus Stop Blues takes a deep dive into the life, music, and legacy of one of the true giants of electric blues, Albert King. Road Bill and Kevin “Papa Blues” Purcell explore the career of the legendary guitarist whose powerful string bends, soulful vocals, and unmistakable Flying V guitar helped shape the sound of modern blues and blues-rock.
Featuring classics such as Born Under a Bad Sign, I'll Play the Blues for You, Crosscut Saw, and The Hunter, this episode celebrates the music that inspired generations of guitarists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and countless others. From his groundbreaking Stax Records recordings to his lasting influence on the blues world, this chapter highlights why Albert King remains one of the most important figures in blues history.
Known as one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar," Albert King helped define the electric blues sound with his expressive bends, powerful tone, and timeless songs. His influence stretches from the blues clubs of Memphis to rock arenas around the world, making him an essential chapter in the history of American music.
Punch your ticket, find your seat, and join us for another unforgettable Chapter in the History of the Blues.
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 108
Date: 06/04/26 – “A Chapter in the History of the Blues: Albert King”
Albert King – I'll Play the Blues for You – 7:17
Albert King – Blues Power – 3:12
Albert King – Oh, Pretty Woman – 2:48
Albert King – Born Under a Bad Sign – 2:46
Albert King – Crosscut Saw – 2:35
Albert King – Personal Manager – 4:29
Albert King – The Hunter – 2:45
Albert King – As the Years Go Passing By – 3:48
Albert King – Kansas City – 2:32
Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #107
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 06/02/26 - The Music Show
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 107 – The Music Show (06/02/26)
All aboard the Big Bus! Road Bill and Kevin are back with another edition of The Music Show, delivering a diverse mix of blues, rock, roots, and Americana favorites. This week's ride features music from Mississippi Heat, Kraig Kenning, Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners, R.L. Burnside, The Nighthawks, The Allman Brothers Band, The Kinks, Three Dog Night, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
From Delta blues grooves and Chicago blues classics to Southern rock anthems and British Invasion guitar riffs, this Episode offers a little something for every music lover. Whether you're discovering a new favorite or revisiting an old classic, this is another great soundtrack for the journey. Punch your ticket, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride on The Bus Stop Blues!
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 107
Date: 06/02/26 – “The Music Show”
Mississippi Heat – Moonshine Man – 2:56
Kraig Kenning – Crossroads – 5:00
Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners – Everyday (Live) – 5:29
R.L. Burnside – Goin' Down South – 5:51
The Nighthawks – Born in Chicago – 2:42
The Allman Brothers Band – Midnight Rider – 2:59
The Kinks – You Really Got Me – 2:13
Three Dog Night – Never Been to Spain – 3:44
Stevie Ray Vaughan – The House Is Rockin’ – 2:24
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
The Bus Stop Blues
thebusstopblues.com
Our Patreon
EPISODE #106
Aired on WRLR 98.3 FM in Chicago - 05/31/26 - with special guest: Wally Swiatly
Hosts: Kevin Purcell and Road Bill
Episode 106 – Wally Swiatly (05/31/26)
All aboard the Big Bus! This week on The Bus Stop Blues, Road Bill and Kevin welcome Midwest singer-songwriter Wally Swiatly for an evening of music, stories, and conversation. Known for his heartfelt songwriting and blend of Americana, folk, roots rock, and blues, Wally has built a reputation for connecting with audiences through authentic performances and thoughtful lyrics.
The night's soundtrack reflects the wide range of influences that shape an artist's journey, featuring music from B.B. King, Dr. John, Al Green, Dobie Gray, Frankie Valli, Hall & Oates, xSive, and Wally himself. From soulful classics and timeless hits to original music and behind-the-scenes stories, Episode 106 is a celebration of songwriting, musicianship, and the power of great songs to bring people together.
The Bus Stop Blues – Episode 106
Date: 05/31/26 – Guest: Wally Swiatly
B.B. King – Woke Up This Mornin' – 1:44
Dr. John – Cold Cold Cold – 2:37
Al Green – Let's Stay Together – 3:19
Dobie Gray – Drift Away – 3:57
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Who Loves You – 4:12
Hall & Oates – Rich Girl – 2:25
Hall & Oates – Do What You Want, Be What You Are – 4:35
xSive – Hit 'Em Once, Hit 'Em Twice – 3:44
xSive – Because of You – 4:01
Wally Swiatly – Beautiful Sight – 2:47
Wally Swiatly – Devil In A Dress – 4:16
Featured Guest:Singer-songwriter Wally Swiatly brings his unique blend of Americana, folk, roots rock, and blues to The Bus Stop Blues, sharing stories from the road, insights into his songwriting process, and music that reflects a lifetime of experiences and influences.







