Back to: Cultural Manifesto
Listen
Hoosier musicians on NPR's Best of 2023 / Rebel Music featuring Alejandra Carrillo
January 3, 2024
NPR has released its best of 2023 music lists. We'll explore the Indiana musicians featured among the year’s best, including Hanna Benn, Omar Apollo, Durand Jones, and The HawtPlates. Plus, on Rebel Music with Karla López Owens, hear from Indianapolis-based visual artist Alejandra Carrillo, who creates work under the name El Rallonadero.
Rebel Music with Alejandra Carrillo
January 3, 2024
Karla Lopez Owens talks with Alejandra Carrillo, a chicana activist, artist and art educator. She creates art under the pen name “El Rallonadero,” which translates to “the scribbler.” Her work has been featured in many prominent spaces - including the Eiteljorg and the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. In the Fall of 2023, Alejandra completed a mural for the Mexican Consulate in Indiana.
Christopher Pitts Trio's "Be Free"
December 27, 2023
Listen to an interview with the Indianapolis-based jazz pianist Christopher Pitts. 
Pitts will share tracks from “Be Free,” his debut album as a leader.
Shanta Nurullah: The Sister with the Sitar
December 20, 2023
Hear an interview with the Chicago-based musician and storyteller Shanta Nurullah. And listen back to Kyle Long’s 2020 interview with the Indiana jazz pianist and civil rights activist, Rev. Dr. Marvin Chandler, who passed away earlier this year. Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas will also share her memories of Chandler.
Mitchell Shiner's "Latin Jazz Hanukkah" / Jaye B
December 13, 2023
Vibraphonist Mitchell Shiner discusses his album "Latkes con Salsa: A Latin Jazz Hanukkah." And the Indianapolis rapper and producer Jaye B shares music from his recent albums “X” and “The Bachelor.”
New holiday music from Wife Patrol / Isaiah J. Thompson
December 3, 2023
This week on Cultural Manifesto hear about Indianapolis-based rock band Wife Patrol's latest single “Christmas ’96.” And Isaiah J. Thompson discusses his new album “Guaraldi Holiday,” 

Brandon Lott / La Marca Nueva
November 29, 2023
An interview with the Indianapolis R&B artist Brandon Lott, with music from his latest release, “Aquadream.” And a live session from La Marca Nueva, a young Indianapolis band that specializes in regional Mexican music styles, including sierreno and corridos tumbados.
Medicine Singers / Rebel Music with Carolina Castoreno
November 22, 2023
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson, co-founder of the experimental pow wow music group Medicine Singers. And another edition of Rebel Music with Karla Lopez-Owens, with guest Carolina Castoreno.
Rebel Music with Carolina Castoreno
November 21, 2023
On this edition of Rebel Music, host Karla López Owens talks with activist, writer, and community organizer Carolina Castoreno
Meshell Ndegeocello in Indiana / A lost Indianapolis jazz classic from Steve Allee
November 15, 2023
Grammy-winning musician Meshell Ndegeocello discusses her connection to Indiana artists - including John Mellencamp, Etheridge Knight, and Hanna Benn. We’ll also explore a 1983 lost recording from the Indianapolis jazz musician and composer Steve Allee that included members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and jazz legends of Indiana Avenue.
Meshell Ndegeocello on Blue Note, Indiana, and the Omnichord
November 14, 2023
WFYI’s Kyle Long recently spoke with Meshell Ndegeocello. They discussed ”The Omnichord Real Book” and her many connections to Indiana.
Kronos Quartet / PASIC 2023
November 8, 2023
This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with violinist David Harrington, founder of the groundbreaking Kronos Quartet.