In this episode of Soundscapes, host Domenico Pontoriero welcomes musicians Matt Frick and Ashton Farner for a lively conversation about gypsy jazz, improvisation, and the evolving local music scene in St. Pete. The two discuss their work with Western Gypsies, the beauty of jazz standards as a shared musical language, and the joy of building community through live performance. Along the way, they spotlight local venues like Noisemakers, Green Light Lounge, and Flute & Dram while sharing stories about collaboration, teaching music, and keeping instrumental music vibrant and accessible.

About Ashton Farner
Ashton Farner is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator based in St. Petersburg, Florida. While guitar remains his primary instrument, his work teaching at Noisemakers has led him to develop skills across drums, piano, bass, and more. Deeply rooted in jazz and improvisational music, Ashton performs with Western Gypsies, blending gypsy jazz, Latin jazz, and swing into energetic live performances shaped by spontaneity and collaboration.

Beyond performing, Ashton is passionate about helping people reconnect with music through education, encouraging students of all ages to use music as a creative outlet and source of joy. His influences range from Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery to jam bands and classic rock, all of which feed into his expressive and highly improvisational style.

https://linktr.ee/farner.ashton
https://www.noise-makers.org

About Matt Frick
Matt Frick is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose work spans gypsy jazz, Americana, bluegrass, jam music, and beyond. A core member of Western Gypsies, Matt brings together influences from artists like Django Reinhardt, Jerry Garcia, The Beatles, and Béla Fleck to create performances that are both technically adventurous and deeply rooted in melody and rhythm.

In addition to his work with Western Gypsies, Matt performs solo shows, tribute projects, and collaborative performances throughout the Tampa Bay area. His approach to music emphasizes connection, improvisation, and creating immersive live experiences that adapt to each room, audience, and moment.

https://www.whiteeyelash.com

About Domenico Pontoriero
Domenico Pontoriero is a St. Petersburg–based artist, composer, and radio host working across instrumental music, film, and community arts. He releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, an instrumental project with two studio albums available on all major streaming platforms and at BoyintheRain.com. An award-winning filmmaker, Domenico’s short art film has screened at more than 15 film festivals worldwide, including the SunScreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg. His creative work is rooted in atmosphere, storytelling, and place—whether through sound, image, or live broadcast.

Domenico brings years of experience behind the microphone, including his time at WMNF in Tampa, where he co-hosted Made in the Dark. He currently hosts Soundscapes, airing Monday nights at 10 PM, a weekly program dedicated to immersive, locally made instrumental music. Soundscapes highlights regional composers, nurtures creative community, and supports the performing arts scene throughout the St. Petersburg area.

The show is accompanied by the Soundscapes podcast, where Domenico interviews guest co-hosts featured on the program, offering listeners a deeper look into their creative processes, influences, and artistic journeys.

#JazzLife #GypsyJazz #domenicopontoriero #soundscapes #boyintherain #radiostpete #stpetearts #localmusic #instrumentalmusic

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