Paul Braun

That's Paul on the left -- the nerdy-looking one standing next to the legendary Rich Williams of Kansas and Pamela Moore of Queensryche. Getting to hang with rock stars is one of the perks of the gig -- it's hard work, but someone's gotta do it.

At some point, it was probably destiny that Paul ended up on the radio with Tom and Lisa.

Besides the fact that he used to do mornings on X-Rock's country sister station, Indiana 105, back in the early '90's, that is.

As a Valparaiso University student back in the early '80's, Paul and his friends spent a lot of time (and a lot of money!) at Hegewisch Records (owned by Lisa's uncle) and Woodmar Records (managed by Tom). That was really the start of a ridiculously large music collection, something that truly changed his life.

"Music has become very much a part of me. I can't play a thing, and that's something I regret. But I've been blessed with very musical friends.

"Many of the artists I met while hosting the 'One Night Jam' acoustic concert series in Valpo have become friends. And I've had the chance to record some amazing live music."

Paul used to read "Night Rock News" back in the day. He also used to listen to the original "Night Rock", so it just seemed logical to join the newest version.

Paul met Tom when he invited him to emcee one of the early 'One Night Jams'. Tom invited Paul to sit in on a couple of "Night Rock" shows, and then couldn't get rid of him. The opportunity to share his vast mental pile of useless musical trivia proved too tempting.

"After more than 20 years of marriage, my wife Sheri has heard most of it, and really doesn't need to hear it again. Now, I have a whole new audience. And, since 'Night Rock' specializes in deep cuts, I get to dig through the collection and pull out those musical nuggets for the audience."

After ending a 7-year run of 'One Night Jam' at the theatre in Valpo, Paul and four friends started Acoustic Connection to continue the concept at different venues.

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