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Steve Allee on the Naptown sound
March 26, 2025
Explore a new album from the Steve Allee Big Band, titled Naptown Sound. The project pays tribute to the musicians, teachers, mentors, history, and places that contributed to the development of the Naptown sound.
Suzanne Vega on punk rock, Lou Reed, and Flying With Angels
March 19, 2025
Listen to an interview with the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega. Vega is known for her poetic lyrics and distinctive voice. She helped to pioneer the acoustic folk movement of the 1980s. She will be issuing her 10th album, “Flying With Angels” this May.
The Chatterbox
March 19, 2025
Listen to a 2022 conversation with David Andrichick, owner of the Chatterbox, an important jazz club in Downtown Indianapolis. The Chatterbox made national news this week when a video depicting a dispute between the club’s bartender and a Trump supporter went viral online. But many news reports and social media posts about the incident left out crucial context about the club’s history. Here in Indiana, the Chatterbox is known for celebrating the rich jazz history of Indianapolis and embracing a diverse community of patrons.
Sirius Blvck and Scott Matelic on Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart
March 12, 2025
Hear an interview with rapper Sirius Blvck and hip-hop producer Scott Matelic. The duo issued their debut collaborative album, Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart.
Tank and the Bangas vocalist discusses her Indianapolis roots
March 12, 2025
Listen to an interview with Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and The Bangas. They won their first Grammy when their 2024 album The Heart, The Mind The Soul took home the award for Best Spoken Poetry Word album.
A conversation with R&B vocalist and actor Akili Ni Mali
March 5, 2025
Listen to an interview with the vocalist and actor Akili Ni Mali, one of four featured artists at Art & Soul, the Indy Arts Council’s annual celebration of Black artists in Central Indiana. Plus, hear a 2023 interview with neo soul vocalist Brandon Lott. Brandon is also a featured artist at Art & Soul 2025.
Sweet Poison Victim blends West African music with rock & roll
February 26, 2025
Listen to an interview with members of Sweet Poison Victim, an Indianapolis band known for their unique blend of West African music and rock and roll. The band also explores Latin American and Caribbean sounds, a reflection of the diverse backgrounds of the group’s members.
Don Was on Blue Note, MC5 and the Detroit sound
February 19, 2025
Listen to an interview with the legendary producer and bassist Don Was. Throughout his life, Was has looked to the culture of his hometown, Detroit, as a reference point and source of inspiration for his work. This is evident in his latest project, the Pan Detroit Ensemble, a group of veteran Detroit jazz and R&B musicians.
The Moody Blues’ John Lodge / disability activist musician Lachi
February 12, 2025
Listen to an interview with John Lodge, bassist, songwriter, and vocalist for The Moody Blues. for over five decades. In 2018 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also, hear a conversation with the singer-songwriter, pianist, and disability activist Lachi.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis
February 5, 2025
Listen to an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis. The New York Times has called Davis one of the “greatest living composers.” He’ll appear at the University of Indianapolis for a series of free events on February 10 and 11.
An oral history of The Jazz Kitchen with David Allee
January 29, 2025
The legendary Indianapolis jazz club The Jazz Kitchen recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Listen to an oral history of the club with its founder David Allee. Allee is also a trumpet player and has performed with groups including the Jimmy Coe Big Band and Pavel & Direct Contact.
Hi, How Are You Day celebrates Daniel Johnston
January 22, 2025
Let’s celebrate “Hi, How Are You Day,” an annual event honoring the late singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston. Joyful Noise Recordings will be hosting a special “Hi, How Are You Day” event in Indianapolis on January 24, featuring an exhibition of Daniel Johnston’s visual artwork. The exhibit was curated by Johnston’s friend and former road manager Don Goede.
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