Cultural Manifesto

Listen

January 15, 2025

Listen to a conversation with pianist Elham Fanoos of the Fanoos Ensemble, a unique family group that blends the folk and popular music of Afghanistan with Western classical instrumentation. Also hear from Lindsay Littrell, the creative force behind LITTRELL, an Indianapolis-based music duo formed with Garrett Langebartels.

Wynton Marsalis / Rob Dixon

January 8, 2025

Listen to a conversation with Wynton Marsalis, a world-renowned trumpet player, composer, and educator whose artistry and influence span the worlds of jazz and classical music. Also, hear an interview with the acclaimed Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon. He’ll discuss his upcoming tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane “A Love Supreme: 60th Anniversary Tribute”.

Favorite interviews of 2024

January 1, 2025

Listen to 2024 conversations with Carlos Santana, Omar Apollo, Babyface, Lakecia Benjamin, Zakir Hussain, Indianapolis jazz legend Phil Ranelin, Indiana reggae pioneers Reggaenomix, and David McDonald, author of the book “My Voice is my Weapon: Music, Nationalism, and the Poetics of Palestinian Resistance”.

Experimental holiday music from Joyful Noise Recordings

December 25, 2024

Karl Hofstetter grew up hating Christmas music. But through his label Joyful Noise Recordings, he’s produced a fascinating archive of experimental holiday music. Listen to selections featuring Jad Fair, Deerhoof, Sound of Ceres, Dale Crover (Melvins), Kishi Bashi, Danielson, Sedcairn Archives, WHY?, David Yow (Jesus Lizard) Thor Harris, and more.

Nikki Giovanni / Best of Indiana Music 2024

December 18, 2024

Listen to an interview with the poet, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni, who passed away recently. We’ll also explore music from the Indiana musicians featured among the year’s best, including Jlin, Omar Apollo, Justin Hicks of the HawtPlates, and Freddie Gibbs.

Celebrating the music of Barbara Dane – Part 2

December 11, 2024

Hear the final episode in our two-part series celebrating the life and music of Barbara Dane, a legendary, folk, blues, and jazz singer who used her voice to advocate for social justice and civil rights. On this edition, we’ll discuss Dane’s work with Paredon, and her connection to Bob Dylan.

Celebrating the music of Barbara Dane – Part 1

December 4, 2024

Hear the first episode in our two-part series celebrating the life and music of Barbara Dane, a legendary, folk, blues, and jazz singer who used her voice to advocate for social justice and civil rights.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Medicine Singers and Supaman

November 27, 2024

Listen to a special episode celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. Learn how Native American musicians are reinventing traditional culture in the 21st Century, featuring interviews with Medicine Singers and Supaman.

Fort Wayne, Indiana's Troy Shondell

November 20, 2024

Fort Wayne’s Troy Shondell was one of Indiana’s first rock and roll stars. He’s best remembered for his 1961 single “This Time”. That song went to number 6 on the Billboard chart and sold over 3 million copies. Join us to hear rare recordings from Troy Shondell.

Revisiting Zerfas with rapper Id Obelus

November 13, 2024

A new album from the Logansport Indiana rapper Id Obelus celebrates the legacy of Zerfas. The project is titled “Safrez”, it includes samples from the 1973 Zerfas LP, along with rhymes inspired by Zerfas’ lyrics. Also, hear a 2015 conversation with the late Moe Whittemore, he recorded and released Zerfas’ 1973 album from his 700 West studio in New Palestine, Indiana.