Podcast Summary: All Of It – Ahead of Mardi Gras, Julie Benko Performs Live from 'Euphonic Gumbo'

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Julie Benko (singer, Broadway actor), Jason Yeager (musician/husband), and band
Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of All Of It with Alison Stewart celebrates the spirit of Mardi Gras with Julie Benko, acclaimed for her performances on Broadway (Funny Girl, Ragtime), as she previews her New Orleans-inspired jazz album, Euphonic Gumbo. With her band live in the studio, Benko performs, discusses the cultural and musical roots of the album, and speaks about the interconnections between New Orleans jazz, her theater work, and the joy of collaborative music-making. Insights into her Broadway role, her personal journey with jazz, and a look ahead to her festive album release at Birdland Jazz Club make for a lively, music-filled conversation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Live Music Preview and Mardi Gras Spirit

• The episode opens with a high-energy live performance of New Orleans classics, immediately setting a festive Mardi Gras mood.
  Notable Songs Performed:
  • “Down in New Orleans” medley [01:01–06:03]
  • “The Lakes of Pontchartrain” [13:51–17:44]
  • “Let the Good Times Roll/Tipitina” medley [25:05–28:24]

2. Julie Benko’s Journey into New Orleans Jazz

• Discovering New Orleans:
  Julie recounts how she and her husband, Jason Yeager, first visited New Orleans for the Jazz Education Network Conference and were instantly captivated by the city’s vibrant music scene and culture.

  • “There’s music on every street corner. And we just kept going back. We got the bug...” – Julie Benko [06:59]

• Falling in Love with the Sound:
  The pair’s affection for the city evolved into an annual Mardi Gras tradition at Birdland, culminating in the recording of Euphonic Gumbo.

  • “One Mardi Gras came around, and we...did a little duo gig...the following year...Birdland invited us...and we said, maybe we'll make this a bigger affair.” – Julie Benko [07:38–08:46]

3. The Meaning and Magic of New Orleans Jazz

• Collective Joy and Community:
  Jason Yeager highlights the ensemble and communal expression integral to New Orleans jazz, as distinct from other jazz forms.

  • “It’s unbridled joy, and it celebrates community and collective creativity...it’s about the song and the feeling and the community.” – Jason Yeager [08:51]

• Theatricality and Tradition:
  Julie draws parallels between New Orleans jazz and musical theater, both built on collaboration and theatrical flourish.

  • “I think anytime you’re making theater, it’s...a communal experience...I also think there’s a theatricality to New Orleans music...It really feels like...a masquerade.” – Julie Benko [10:01–10:54]

4. Origins of ‘Euphonic Gumbo’ and Musical Research

• Historical Inspiration:
  The album’s title grew from Julie’s research into New Orleans’ rich musical history, especially the Storyville district and unsung heroes like Tony Jackson.

  • “He was the undisputed king entertainer of Storyville...he could hear any song one time and sing it back and play it back forever.” – Julie Benko on Tony Jackson [11:01–12:02]

• Gumbo as Musical Metaphor:
  Jazz is described as a gumbo—a blend of diverse influences woven into something harmonious and flavorful.

  • “It takes the roux...the rhythm from Africa, and then the spices are these instruments and the blues...all these elements...create a euphonic gumbo.” – Julie Benko [12:03–12:43]

5. Broadway Life and Portraying Emma Goldman

• Balancing Jazz and Theater:
  Julie shares her experience taking on the role of Emma Goldman in Ragtime, her admiration for the character, and the strong reactions Goldman’s legacy still inspires.

  • “I’m just so inspired by the woman she was and the work that she did...I truly think it’s not Julie Benko entrance applause, they hear the name Emma Goldman, they get so excited because of what she represents at this point in history.” – Julie Benko [18:57–19:56]

• On the Music of Ragtime:
  Julie expresses her deep emotional connection to the music in the show, praising both its roots and its power to move audiences.

  • “It’s so rooted in ragtime music...they all just kind of rip your heart out and make you cry. So if you come to Ragtime, bring tissues.” – Julie Benko [20:33–21:24]

6. Previewing the Birdland Album Release Party

• The upcoming Birdland concert promises a Mardi Gras party atmosphere, with:
  • Beads, king cake, trivia (and prizes), signed merch (including vinyl), and special guests: tap dancer John Mansari and accordionist Sasha Papernik.
  • “There will be beads for everyone. There will be king cake. There will be trivia...and prizes...And you can also watch this concert on a live stream on Veeps.” – Julie Benko [21:31–22:11]
  • The musical set will include a mix of New Orleans styles and songs in English, French, and Yiddish.

7. A Personal Note: Julie and Jason’s Story

• In a light moment before Valentine’s Day, Alison asks about their relationship’s beginnings:
  • Julie met Jason in a Starbucks after overhearing his conversation about jazz. They became collaborators and, gradually, romantic partners.
  • “And it was over the course of a year that we discovered that we actually had deeper mutual feelings...It’s been 12 years and four and a half of those of wedded bliss, right honey?” – Jason Yeager [23:11–24:18]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Essence of New Orleans Jazz:
  “It’s really not about [instrumental prowess]. It’s about the song, and the feeling, and the community.” – Jason Yeager [08:51]

• On Musical Theater and Jazz:
  “I so belong here in this make believe place that you kind of step into.” – Julie Benko [10:54]

• On Emma Goldman and Resonance Today:
  “Emma Goldman was a radical anarchist...I truly think it’s not Julie Benko entrance applause, they get so excited because of what she represents.” – Julie Benko [19:40]

• On Bringing the Party:
  “Whoever gets the baby in that king cake is going to be the king or queen of Mardi Gras and has to bless Birdland and bless the album.” – Julie Benko [22:11]

Key Timestamps

• [01:01–06:03]: Opening live performance, “Down in New Orleans” medley
• [06:13–08:46]: Introduction of band, Julie’s New Orleans discovery, story of starting the jazz project
• [08:51–09:56]: Jason Yeager describes joy and community in New Orleans jazz
• [10:01–10:54]: Julie parallels New Orleans jazz and musical theater
• [11:01–12:43]: On Tony Jackson, Storyville, and the gumbo metaphor for music
• [13:51–17:44]: Performance of “The Lakes of Pontchartrain”
• [18:18–19:56]: Julie discusses her role as Emma Goldman in Ragtime
• [21:31–22:11]: Details about the Birdland album release party and special guests
• [23:11–24:18]: Julie and Jason recount their meet-cute and relationship
• [25:05–28:24]: Live medley: “Let the Good Times Roll” and “Tipitina”

Episode Tone and Language

The episode radiates warmth, humor, and a genuine enthusiasm for both New Orleans jazz and the broader performing arts community. Julie Benko’s vibrant storytelling, Jason Yeager’s musical insights, and Alison Stewart's supportive but probing hosting collectively create a space that’s festive, insightful, and culturally rich—the perfect setup to carry listeners “down to New Orleans” just in time for Mardi Gras.

For full performances and to catch the Birdland Mardi Gras party, see Julie Benko’s live album release stream or attend in person, beads and king cake included!