KGNU Music

KGNU is a proud sponsor of the Lafayette Electronic Arts Festival (LEAF). Ahead of his performance at LEAF, local musician and interdisciplinary artist M. Sage joined Indra Raj KGNU’s for a live in-studio performance and conversation about his latest album, Tender Waiting, his roots in Colorado’s DIY music scene, and his immersive creative practice blending field recordings, electronics, piano, and clarinet.

M. Sage has a performance on Thursday, May 28 at 7PM at the Center for Musical Arts, 200 E. Baseline Rd. in Lafayette. Tickets and more information are available at https://leafcolorado.org/leaf-2026-m-sage/ (Air Date 5/21/26).

Celtic fiddler Jessie Burns of The Bow Tides joined Karl Kumli for KGNU’s Seolta Gael to talk about the band’s upcoming shows along the Front Range and beyond, including a March 12 performance at E-Town Hall in Boulder. The concert will feature special guest vocalist Alexa Wildish and dancers from the Evoca School of Irish Dance, alongside additional stops in Salida and a festival appearance near Las Vegas.

Byrnes also discussed her ongoing work teaching fiddle and piano in Lyons and collaborating with local musicians, as well as the group’s blend of traditional Celtic music and original compositions. She shared that The Bow Tides continue to develop new material while staying connected to the region’s vibrant folk and Celtic music community. (Air Date 3/4/26)

KGNU’s Joseph Nofgizer spoke with Americana duo The Grahams ahead of their upcoming performance at eTown Hall. The husband-and-wife team discussed their Jersey roots, time in Nashville, and eventual move to Boulder, as well as their evolving creative process across concept-driven albums like The Bridge.

The Grahams also performed live in the studio, including songs “I’ve Been Loved by a Good Man” and “The One Who Remembers,” the latter reflecting on their family’s experience with Alzheimer’s. They shared details about new music recorded in France, upcoming UK tour plans, and a forthcoming deluxe release of The Bridge, highlighting their continued focus on storytelling, collaboration, and musical exploration. (Air Date 2/26/26)

Dan Willging welcomed Boulder indie-rock trio Asteroid Please into the studio for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live performance and interview ahead of their appearance at a fundraiser and compilation release show hosted by Roots Music Project. The band performed acoustic versions of original songs including “We Go On,” “To Another Time,” and “Wander in My Dreams.”

During the conversation, the group discussed Colorado’s growing local music scene, the community-building work of Roots Music Project, and the TEMPO mentorship program, which helps young musicians develop professional music industry skills. Frontman Matthew Burks also shared the inspiration behind the band’s name and the group’s focus on bringing people together through music. (Air Date 2/26/26)

KGNU’s Dan Willging spoke with acclaimed Louisiana zydeco musician Corey Ledet about his powerful new live album, Corey Ledet & Black Magic Live in Alaska. Ledet shared the story behind recording the project at the Anchorage Folk Festival, where enthusiastic audiences embraced his high-energy blend of zydeco, funk, blues, and Creole music.

The conversation explored Ledet’s musical roots, the influence of legends like Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco, and his belief in expanding zydeco beyond traditional boundaries. Ledet also discussed his dedication to preserving and learning Kouri-Vini, the Louisiana Creole language spoken in his family for generations. Along the way, he reflected on improvisation, cultural identity, and the advice from Buckwheat Zydeco that convinced him to keep pursuing music when times were tough. (Air Date 2/26/26)

Joanne Cole welcomed acclaimed saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Vanessa Collier to the KGNU’s Blues Legacy ahead of her appearance at Blues From The Top this June. Collier talked about growing up surrounded by music in Texas, discovering the saxophone in fourth grade, and building an international touring career after getting her start with blues legend Joe Louis Walker.

The conversation also touched on her newest album, Do It My Own Way, her love of life on the road, and the strong blues audiences she’s found around the world — from Romania to Norway. Known for her powerhouse sax playing, soulful vocals, and funky stage presence, Collier invited listeners to come out for “a funky good time” at this year’s festival. (Air Date 5/15/26)

Lyons-based musician Travis McNamara joined Ginger Perry for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live in-studio session ahead of upcoming performances at E-Town Hall and Soundpost Sessions in Longmont. He discussed his solo album Moon Calendar, a pandemic-era project where he recorded and performed all 17 instruments himself, as well as his songwriting process and background with Trout Steak Revival.

McNamara also performed several songs, including material from his solo work and a Trout Steak Revival-era composition inspired by his early time in Colorado. He shared details about his work supporting emerging bands through his organization Art House, which helps artists with fundraising and album production, as well as his upcoming collaboration with fiddler Kathleen Parks of Twisted Pine. (Air Date 5/12/26)

Six Foot Joe and the Red Hot Rhinos joined Greg Schultz for KGNU’s Blues Legacy for a live in-studio performance and interview. The band performed a mix of original material and covers, including blues and horn-driven arrangements, and shared their influences ranging from the Blues Brothers to Southside Johnny and Jack Mack and the Heart Attack.

They also discussed the origins of their name, their horn-heavy sound, and upcoming shows, including a June 14 performance at Jerry D’s 2.0 in Dacono. (Air Date 5/8/26)

Boulder-based bluegrass band Tough Knuckle Teddy joined Meredith Carson for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live in-studio session ahead of their show at The Fox Theatre. The band discussed forming through the Boulder music scene after playing in various rock and jam projects before coming together to explore bluegrass.

They performed a mix of a John Prine cover and original songs during the session. The group also mentioned upcoming plans, including a Fourth of July performance at the Dolo Grass festival in Four Mile Canyon and a pause in activity over the summer, with more shows expected in the fall. (Air Date 5/8/26)

Meredith Carson welcomed Emily Barnes into the studio for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for an intimate live session ahead of her annual show at Swallow Hill Music. Barnes performed several unreleased songs from an upcoming record, including deeply personal reflections on family, aging, poverty, and community, alongside conversations about her life as a self-taught songwriter and nurse working in end-of-life care in Denver.

During the interview, Barnes discussed growing up in New Jersey, finding her voice through songwriting, and using music as “an act of service” to connect with listeners navigating hardship and uncertainty. She also shared details about her new single “Comets,” her collaborative Swallow Hill performance featuring Bridget Benson, Chris Koza, and Tony Manguera, and the audience’s role in helping shape her next album. (Air Date 5/15/26)