When Jim Babjak picks up the phone, he’s juggling a blizzard, a string of upcoming shows, and the emotional weight of selling his late parents’ home in Arizona. 

Yet the moment he starts talking about music — and about The Smithereens — the warmth in his voice cuts through everything else.

“This is a passion of mine. I mean, this is why I do it,” he said. “When we play, we put everything into our show. We want people to have a good time, and at the same time, we have a good time.”

The Smithereens are bringing that “good time” to Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, at 8 p.m. Friday, March 13.

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For nearly four decades, The Smithereens have been one of America’s most quietly beloved rock bands — cult heroes with stadium-sized hooks, Beatles-soaked harmonies, and a work ethic that never faded. They’ve weathered changing trends, relentless touring, and the devastating loss of their iconic frontman, Pat DiNizio. But as Babjak talks, it’s clear the band’s heartbeat never stopped.

Babjak has seen plenty of legacy acts coast on nostalgia. The Smithereens are not one of them.

“I see a lot of older bands just going through the motions,” he says. “But we actually love doing this. Playing is a joy. The hardest part is the travel.”

That joy is what keeps fans coming back — fans who, like the interviewer, have followed the band since college days in the ’80s. And it’s what keeps the band experimenting with their live lineup.

Since DiNizio’s death in 2017, The Smithereens have invited a rotating group of guest vocalists to join them onstage. Each brings something different, and each is chosen with care.

“We’re not replacing Pat,” Babjak said firmly. “We’re just moving forward. Life is for the living.”

Among the singers who’ve stepped in: Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms, Marshall Crenshaw, and now John Cowsill — whose family band, The Cowsills, inspired the Partridge Family and appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” 18 times.

Cowsill, Babjak said, channels DiNizio’s spirit without imitation.

“They all bring their own style. We don’t want a tribute band thing. We want authenticity.”

Cowsill’s history with the band goes back decades. In 1991, the Cowsills recorded background vocals on “Now and Then,” a collaboration born from a backstage introduction and a shared love of harmony. The friendship stuck.

“We became friends forever after that,” Cowsill said. “To this day, Dennis [Diken, The Smithereens drummer] and I have been very, very close because we’re both drummers. When I joined the Beach Boys, he came to the shows, and he would sit in and play drums. I’d go to the front of the stage and sing.”

After 23 years with the Beach Boys, Cowsill called Diken, which led to a spot as a Smithereens’ guest vocalist. For the first gig, Cowsill learned the lyrics and drum parts for 23 songs in four months.

“They kept calling me to do more, so it’s been really fun,” Cowsill said. “They also have Marshall Crenshaw and Robin Wilson from the Gin Blossoms. Those guys have their own bands and their own touring entities.”

Cowsill said, with a laugh, that he’s the third option. When he’s not with The Smithereens, he tours with his wife/Bangles guitarist Vicki Peterson. 

“They’re lovely,” Cowsill said about The Smithereens. “I love Robin and Marshall, too. They sound great as well.” 

Babjak’s love affair with music began long before The Smithereens formed. As a shy kid, he found refuge in records and a guitar.

“It kept me out of trouble,” he said with a laugh. “I’d listen to Beatles records for hours, trying to figure out what they were playing.”

Babjak and Diken — friends since high school — rehearsed in garages and laundry rooms, dreaming big. Those dreams eventually carried them to stages across the world, from clubs to arenas. He is known for walking an entire bar with a wireless guitar during “Blood and Roses,” knocking over drinks as he went.

“Those shows were legendary,” he said with a grin “heard” through the phone.

The past few years have brought profound personal loss. Babjak’s mother died in October, his father in November. He’s been spending time in Surprise, Arizona, settling their affairs, a bittersweet task made lighter by the fact that he’ll soon return to the state to perform.

“I love going there. I have cousins, friends… and I’m going back again for a wedding,” he said.

Even in grief, Babjak finds joy in connection — family, fans and the music that has shaped his life.

And as long as the joy is still there, they’ll keep going.

“We put everything into our show,” Babjak said. “This is why I do it.”