KGNU Music

For KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative, Cameron Henderson welcomed Eric Bjella of Good Carver into the studio for a live acoustic session and conversation about the band’s new album, The Steps We Have To Take. Performing solo for the session, Bjella shared stripped-down versions of “Sinking In,” “Questions from Leon Trotsky Trout,” and “Calmer Waters,” along with stories about the evolution of the Fort Collins-based folk project, collaborating with bandmates Lana, Maxwell Tretter, and Eric Smith, and the inspiration behind the new record.

During the interview, Bjella discussed songwriting influenced by literature, community-driven music spaces in Northern Colorado, and the band’s upcoming June 6 performance at Rich Farms in Fort Collins alongside The Friendly Reminders and Brogan Foster. (Air Date 5/14/26)

KGNU’s Karl Kumli sat down with Canadian singer-songwriter Alan Doyle ahead of his Boulder Theater performance to talk about his latest tour, life after Great Big Sea, and the creative freedom he’s found as a solo artist. Doyle reflects on growing up in a musical family in Newfoundland, embracing artistic risk later in life, and why live music should always contain something unique that “only happens tonight.” The conversation also touches on touring through Colorado, the enduring connection between Canadian and American audiences, and, naturally, a little hockey talk along the way. (Air Date 5/6/26)

Amanda Pascali and Addison Freeman joined Rodger Hara for KGNU's Musica Mundi for an intimate studio session and conversation ahead of their Colorado debut performances. The duo discussed their musical journey from Texas to Sicily and beyond, including Amanda’s Fulbright research translating and revitalizing Sicilian folk songs, their residency at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, and their shared passion for folk traditions from around the world.

Blending Sicilian folk music, Americana, and contemporary storytelling, the pair performed songs from their latest album, Roses and Basil, including “Amuri,” “Hey Amorino,” and “Wake Up Baby.” Throughout the interview, they reflected on cultural exchange, language, history, and how ancient songs continue to resonate with modern audiences. (Air Date 5/6/26)

Greg Schochet and members of Little America joined Greg Schultz for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live in-studio session featuring performances from their upcoming album Wyoming in the Windshield. The group showcased their blend of Western swing, country, and Americana, performing songs including “I’m Not a Cowboy, But I Play One on Guitar” and “All I Ever Wanted.” Schochet discussed the making of the record, which was recorded live in the studio in Denver and reflects both personal themes and collaborative musicianship. He also previewed the band’s album release show at eTown Hall in Boulder, where they will perform the full record with special guests, followed by additional performances in Colorado Springs. The session highlighted the band’s tight ensemble playing, humor, and deep roots in Colorado’s live music scene. (Air Date 5/6/2026)

Dengue Fever co-founder and keyboardist Ethan Holtzman joined Doug Gertner for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative to talk about the band’s unique blend of Cambodian rock, psychedelia, surf, and funk ahead of their upcoming Colorado performances. Holtzman shared how a trip to Cambodia in the early 2000s inspired the group’s sound, rooted in the country’s vibrant 1960s and ’70s music scene, and discussed collaborating with vocalist Chhom Nimol, who sings in both Khmer and English. The conversation also touched on the band’s songwriting process, recording during the pandemic, and what audiences can expect from their improvisational live shows. Dengue Fever performs May 29 at Meow Wolf Denver and May 30 at the Global Sounds Festival in Fort Collins. (Air Date 5/4/2026)

The Goodies stopped by the KGNU studio ahead of their show at Oscar Blues in Lyons for an upbeat acoustic session and conversation with Dave McIntyre. The Southern California-based reggae-influenced group performed a lively medley featuring their cover of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes, along with their original song “Goody Vibes.” The band also talked about life on the road, reconnecting with Colorado, hiking the Front Range, and a recent musical getaway to Jamaica. Known for blending songs and creating an energetic, positive atmosphere, The Goodies shared plenty of laughs and good vibes throughout the session. (Air Date 5/1/2026)

KGNU’s Rodger Hara speaks with Benny McCarthy about the 30-plus-year journey of the acclaimed Irish traditional band Danú, their deep roots in Irish session culture, and their return to Boulder’s Macky Auditorium.

McCarthy discusses the band’s approach to recreating the intimate energy of an Irish pub session on concert stages around the world, the making of their recent live album, and the musicians who make up the internationally based ensemble. The conversation also explores the enduring connections between Irish music traditions and Newfoundland culture, along with what audiences can expect from Danú’s upcoming Colorado performance. (Air Date 2/25/26).

KGNU’s Musica Mundi host Doug Gertner welcomes Denver-area musician and educator Miki Saito for a conversation about her journey from Yokohama, Japan, to New York City and eventually Colorado. Trained as a classical pianist and opera singer, Saito shares how she discovered the traditional Japanese bamboo flute known as the shinobue during the pandemic and began studying the instrument with a master teacher in Japan over Zoom.

The interview features live in-studio performances on several different shinobue flutes, along with stories about Japanese musical traditions, improvisation, and the creation of her upcoming album Tales of Shinobue. Saito also discusses her teaching work, online tutorials, and mission to introduce more people to traditional Japanese music and culture. (Air Date 2/25/26)

Indra Raj welcomed Sparrow Smith & The Resonant Rogues for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative ahead of their February 26, 2026 performance at the Chautauqua Community House. The Asheville-based Americana group performed several live songs from Sparrow Smith’s latest album, Carolina Mountains, and talked about the band’s roots, their love of Appalachian and dance traditions, and the many musical styles that influence their sound.

Sparrow also shared stories about building a home by hand in North Carolina and teaching women’s carpentry classes through Wild Abundance. The session featured intimate performances filled with rich harmonies, banjo, accordion, and heartfelt songwriting. (Air Date 2/25/26)

Local musicians came together as the Tapestry Band for a special KGNU studio session celebrating the music of Carole King and her landmark 1971 album Tapestry. The group — featuring members of the Colorado music community including Maddie Lee, Essie Horn, Christopher Klaus, and Ian Aras — performed selections from the album live in the Cabaret Studio and talked with Doug Gertner about how the project came together. Inspired by album-cover-to-cover tribute shows in Austin and a shared love for King’s songwriting, the band is preparing to perform Tapestry in full at eTown Hall in Boulder on March 7. Along the way, the musicians reflected on Carole King’s enduring influence as a songwriter, pianist, and performer, and shared their excitement about bringing these classic songs to life for new audiences. (Air Date 2/24/26)