100 Episodes Deep: The Night Heart of the Gulch Celebrated the Journey
One hundred episodes deserved something bigger than a normal interview.
For the 100th episode of Heart of the Gulch, we brought together live music, old friends, returning guests and a few surprises to celebrate how far the show had come — while looking ahead to everything still left to build.
Heart of the Gulch celebrates its 100th episode in Nashville with Charly Reynolds, DJ Cisco, Dante Marotta and host Tony Mendoza.
The milestone episode features country artist Charly Reynolds, Nashville DJ Cisco and Tony Mendoza’s longtime best friend Dante Marotta for a celebration that became one of the most personal episodes of Heart of the Gulch.
Celebrating 100 Episodes of Heart of the Gulch
Heart of the Gulch is a Nashville-based interview and performance show created and hosted by Tony Mendoza, featuring country artists, singer-songwriters, entertainers and personalities from Music City and beyond.
For Episode 100, the usual format went out the window.
Instead, the studio became a celebration of the artists, friendships, music and people who helped turn Heart of the Gulch from an idea into its first 100 episodes.
Nashville DJ Cisco performs during the 100th episode celebration of Heart of the Gulch.
Cisco Gets the Party Started
There was really only one way to begin: turn the music up.
Nashville DJ Cisco opens the celebration with an in-studio DJ set before sitting down to talk about a huge year behind the decks.
From Texas A&M’s legendary Chilifest to The Caverns in Tennessee and OMNIA at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Cisco reflects on the stages, crowds and experiences that helped establish him as an in-demand Nashville DJ.
Charly Reynolds Goes “Off The Record”
Charly Reynolds performs “Visiting Hours” during the Heart of the Gulch 100th episode celebration in Nashville.
Returning Heart of the Gulch guest Charly Reynolds joins the 100th episode celebration during an exciting chapter in her career.
Charly talks about her album Off The Record, including “She Ain’t Me,” and the personality and rebel spirit behind her music.
Then the conversation gives way to one of the night’s standout moments.
Charly steps behind the microphone for an intimate performance of “Visiting Hours,” bringing an emotional change of pace to the celebration and showcasing another side of her artistry.
A Surprise Tony Didn’t See Coming
Episode 100 also became personal.
Heart of the Gulch creator and host Tony Mendoza celebrates reaching the show’s 100th episode in Nashville.
Past Heart of the Gulch guests came together for a surprise video congratulating Tony Mendoza on reaching the milestone. But buried inside the messages was something he wasn’t expecting — an appearance from his parents.
After 100 episodes of asking other people about their stories, it became a rare moment where the focus turned back toward the person behind the show.
100 Episodes, Two Best Friends
There was only one person who made sense to close the episode with.
Dante Marotta joins longtime best friend Tony Mendoza to reflect on the journey behind Heart of the Gulch during Episode 100.
Tony sits down with his longtime best friend Dante Marotta for a conversation about the journey behind Heart of the Gulch, the changes they’ve watched happen throughout Nashville and what it has taken to reach Episode 100.
There are plenty of laughs, memories and reflection, but the milestone ultimately represents something much simpler:
100 episodes down.
And plenty more to come.
Watch the 100th Episode of Heart of the Gulch
Watch the complete Heart of the Gulch 100th episode celebration featuring Charly Reynolds, DJ Cisco, Dante Marotta and host Tony Mendoza, including live music, “Off The Record,” a performance of “Visiting Hours” and a surprise from past guests.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations and performances with country artists, musicians, entertainers and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
