Studio Session: Mad Dog Friedman and George Williams of Reckless and Blue by KGNU Music

Studio Session: Drunken Hearts by KGNU Music

DJ BLED welcomes the Chihera Family Band into the KGNU studio for a special live session celebrating Zimbabwean music, tradition, and family. Spanning three generations, the family performs traditional mbira music and shares the cultural meanings behind each song, explaining how music is used to welcome communities, celebrate milestones, and connect with ancestors. Throughout the interview, the band reflects on the importance of passing musical traditions down through family, the role of music in everyday life across Zimbabwe, and how African music fosters unity and healing. The session highlights the power of community, heritage, and storytelling through sound, offering listeners a rare and intimate look into a living musical tradition (November 29, 2025).

KGNU’s DJ Steve Cser sits down with longtime Boulder blues musician Paul Soderman for an in-depth conversation about his decades-long journey through music, community, and the Colorado blues scene. Soderman reflects on arriving in Boulder in 1988, the open stages and blues jams that shaped his career, and formative experiences working with the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals, where he learned directly from legends like B.B. King, Etta James, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie Musselwhite. The interview weaves together personal stories, reflections on the healing power of blues music, and memories of Boulder’s organic music spaces—including the influential Outlook Hotel era. Soderman also shares music from past projects, discusses his ongoing work at Roots Music Project, and highlights the importance of supporting local musicians and community-driven spaces (November 28, 2025).

KGNU’s Rodger Hara speaks with Mairéad Carlin of Celtic Woman from her home in Derry ahead of the group’s North American Christmas Symphony Tour and their upcoming performance in Denver. Carlin reflects on rejoining Celtic Woman after the pandemic, her long history performing in Colorado, including multiple appearances at Red Rocks, and the special connection she feels with Denver, where members of her family live. The conversation explores the group’s newly released Christmas album, which blends Irish-language songs, reimagined Celtic Woman classics, rich vocal harmonies, and new musical influences while honoring the ensemble’s roots. Carlin also shares insights into performing at altitude, her creative process, and the evolving sound of Celtic Woman as they look toward the future with new members and renewed energy (November 26, 2025).

KGNU’s DJ Neil Smart hosts Brooklyn-based bluegrass trio Damn Tall Buildings for an upbeat early-morning studio session ahead of their sold-out performance at the Chautauqua Community House. The band—Max, Avery, and Sasha—deliver lively live renditions including their original “I’ll Be Getting By,” the classic “Kentucky Waltz,” and the crowd-pleasing party tune “Big Ball in Brooklyn.” Between songs, they chat with Neil about returning to Colorado, their upcoming show at Swallow Hill, their ties to the New York roots-music community, and their plans to wind down after their final performances of the year. With warm banter and tight musicianship, the session captures the band’s signature blend of bluegrass energy and playful charm (November 22, 2025).

KGNU’s DJ Soul Rock welcomes internationally acclaimed reggae artist Spanner Banner for an in-studio conversation ahead of his Denver performance. Known for classics like Life Goes On, Michelle, and What We Need Is Love, Spanner Banner reflects on his 30-year musical journey, his creative process, and the deep family roots he shares with fellow reggae legends. He speaks about writing from real-life experience, transforming heartbreak into positivity, and the joy of performing with a well-rehearsed band that connects deeply with its audience. The interview also highlights the growing reggae community in Denver, including organizers DJ Reese and DJ Andy Flex, who discuss recent Caribbean fundraising efforts, the formation of Denver Conglomerate, and their mission to expand Caribbean cultural events in Colorado. Spanner Banner closes with heartfelt condolences to the family of Jamaican icon Jimmy Cliff, honoring his lasting legacy (November, 2025).

KGNU’s DJ Jack Armstrong hosts Boulder-based punk/emo trio Shorts for a high-energy studio session and listening party celebrating the release of their new EP. Band members Zane Manning, Graham Lauren, and Ari introduce themselves, talk about their roots in Boulder’s DIY scene, and reflect on the importance of venues like Unit Five in building community for emerging punk bands. Throughout the interview, Shorts preview upcoming shows including New Year’s weekend lineups, a Fort Collins bill with Mood Swing Misery, and local house shows, while sharing insights into the making of the EP, their love of live performance, and their plans for future releases. The band closes out the segment by introducing a two-part track, “Camping with Emos” into “Dog Three Part Two,” showcasing their signature Midwest-emo flair and offbeat humor (November 21, 2025).

Singer-songwriter Liz Barnez stopped by the KGNU studios to celebrate the release of her long-awaited new album Wholehearted. In conversation with DJ Meredith Carson, Liz shared stories behind the record’s eight-year creation, including collaborations with members of The Subdudes, Bonnie and Taylor Sims, John Macy, and a circle of family voices woven into the autobiographical title track. She also discussed the inspiration behind “Snow on the Bayou,” reflecting on the changing climate and her New Orleans roots. Liz spoke about the vibrant Fort Collins music community, her work with FoCoMA, and the efforts underway to strengthen connections among Front Range musicians. The interview features live discussion, humor, local music history, and a warm look at the creative collaborations that shaped Wholehearted. (November 21, 2025).

Singer-songwriters Tim and Jenny Ostdiek joined DJ Indra Raj in the KGNU studio ahead of their performance at the Sound Post Sessions Mixtape Series in downtown Longmont. Fresh off their recent marriage, the duo discussed their musical partnership, the rich Front Range songwriting community, and how collaborative spaces like Sound Post Sessions nurture local artists. Tim performed songs from The Lost Days and shared how growing up along the North Platte River, moving to Colorado, and finding a like-minded creative community shaped his songwriting. Jenny performed original songs including “People Pleaser” and “Caroline Away,” speaking about her artistic journey from self-taught musician to emerging songwriter, and her upcoming debut album All to Ash. The pair also highlighted their joint podcast Songs Off the Vine, upcoming Longmont performances, and where listeners can follow their work. (November 19, 2025).