Finding Etheridge explores the people and places connected to the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Etheridge Knight. Etheridge Knight died in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991, but his legacy grows stronger with each passing year.

On this edition of Finding Etheridge Host Mat Davis, speaks with Hanako Gavia, great-niece to Etheridge Knight.

Hanako Gavia is the Assistant Director of Butler University's Center for Citizenship & Community. An Indianapolis resident since childhood, Gavia is very close to her family - including Etheridge Knight's sisters Clyneese Bennett and Janice Knight.

Finding Etheridge explores the people and places connected to the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Etheridge Knight. Etheridge Knight died in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991, but his legacy grows stronger with each passing year.

On this edition of Finding Etheridge, Mat Davis talks with Michael L L Collins. Collins is an Indianapolis-based poet, writer and literary critic. Collins was a close friend and protege of Etheridge Knight. Collins was one of the last participants of Knight’s Free Peoples Poetry Workshop, and has written several chapbooks of haiku inspired by Etheridge Knight.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, Kyle Long talks with the jazz trumpeter and classical music violinist, Justin S. Kinchen. We’ll discuss his EP "Family Reunion: A Tribute to Uncle Funkenstein.” The recording celebrates saxophonist Russell Webster’s 1983 double LP “Uncle Funkenstein,” one of the most revered Indianapolis jazz albums.

Kyle also speaks with the legendary Indianapolis concert promoter Steve Sybesma, best known for his work with Sunshine Promotions. Sybesma was a co-founder of the Deer Creek Music Center, and helped to bring some of the biggest stars in music to Indianapolis - including Michael Jackson, Prince, The Rolling Stones, and many others. We’ll discuss Sybesma’s latest project, the All IN Music & Arts Festival, a two-day event happening at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with Oreo Jones, Jane Kim, and J. Brookinz — the organizers of Chreece, an all-day hip-hop festival happening in Fountain Square.

This year’s Chreece lineup features over 70 local hip-hop artists, along with the influential producer 9th Wonder, known for his work with Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and others.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, listen to an hour of words and music from the Bloomington-based guitarist TJ. Jones. He’s worked with several of the most legendary bands/artists in Indiana music - including Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign, Screaming Gypsy Bandits, Caroline Peyton, and the IU Soul Review.

Jones’ music career started in Richmond, Indiana as a teenager. During the 1960s, his high school band The Vondells recorded an obscure single titled "Hey Girl You've Changed" for the local Airtown label. The record received no attention at the time of its release - but over the years its became a cult favorite among dancers in the British Northern Soul music scene. Today the Vondells’ original 45 release of "Hey Girl You've Changed" sells for over $3,500.

During the 1970s Jones relocated to Bloomington, quickly becoming a fixture in the city's music scene. Jones has recorded and performed with many prominent Bloomington artists, including Bill Wilson, the Ruthie Allen Band, Evolution, and more. Jones continues to make music in Bloomington today - both as a solo artist and with his band The Dynamics.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with the legendary jazz pianist Bob James.

Some music fans know James for writing the theme song to the hit television show Taxi, or through the extensive use of his work in hip-hop sampling — he’s one of the most sampled artists in the history of rap music. But few know that James’ first career breakthrough happened in South Bend, Indiana in 1962.

James will also discuss his collaboration with Indianapolis jazz legend Freddie Hubbard, and offer his thoughts on the use of his music in sampling.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to a preview of an upcoming concert by the Grammy-winning Indian-American vocalist Falu. She’ll be performing in Indianapolis this August with the American Patchwork Quartet. As a child in Mumbai, Falu studied North Indian classical music. Over the years she’s worked with a wide range of artists - including Philip Glass, A.R. Rahman, Karsh Kale, Pretty Lights, and many others.

Also hear new releases from Indianapolis musicians Hanna Benn and Jordan Munson.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with singer-songwriter Steve Earle, best known for his work in country music. Earle’s songs have been recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Carl Perkins, and Joan Baez  — and in 2020, Earle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. We’ll discuss Earle’s connections to Indiana, and how he’s used his music to advocate for social justice.

Plus, a new edition of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis for the second half of his conversation with poet Elizabeth Gordon McKim, Etheridge Knight’s partner during the final years of his life.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, listen to the latest edition of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis, a new series exploring the people and places connected to the Indianapolis poet Etheridge Knight. Mat’s guest will be the poet Elizabeth Gordon McKim, Etheridge Knight’s partner and companion during the final years of his life.

McKim lives in Lynn, Massachusetts. She recently visited Indianapolis for the unveiling of a new Etheridge Knight mural on Massachusetts Avenue. During the 1980s, Knight and McKim lived together on Mass Ave at the Barton Tower housing project. McKim will discuss her connection to Etheridge Knight, and her latest book “Elizabetheridge: A Memoir in Poetry”.

We’ll also listen to new releases from two rising stars in the Indianapolis music scene: Taylor Hall and Oltanie Charles.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, hear an interview with Bill Levin, best known as the founder of Indiana’s First Church of Cannabis. 

Levin also has a substantial history in the Indianapolis music scene. During the 1980s he promoted punk rock concerts and managed punk rock bands - including the legendary Indianapolis group Zero Boys.