KGNU Music

Wood Belly joins Sam Fuqua live on The Morning Sound Alternative ahead of their Halloween show at Globe Hall in Denver. The band performs live in-studio and talks about their ten-year journey and plans to take a break after this final show in their current lineup. They share details about the event—featuring Tonewood String Band, Ridgeliners Duo, and a costume contest with a year-long concert pass prize—while reflecting on their evolution from bluegrass roots to a broader, original sound. (Local Gold: 10/30/25)

Singer-songwriter Nina de Freitas joins Indra Raj live on The Morning Sound Alternative ahead of her November 6 performance at the Chautauqua Community House Series. Nina performs several songs, including her upcoming single “Madness Everlasting.” She discusses her Brazilian roots, her musical upbringing with musician parents, and how moving to Denver inspired a creative renewal after her former band ended. Influenced by artists like Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, and Radiohead, Nina shares that she’s focused on releasing new music that reflects her authentic artistic voice. (Local Gold: 10/29/25)

Joanne Cole interviews bassist and composer Eric Thorin about The Pugilist, an experimental theatrical production debuting at the Dairy Center for the Arts on November 1st. Thorin, a longtime Colorado musician known for his work in bluegrass and Celtic music, reads an excerpt from the script, giving listeners a glimpse into the show’s dramatic tone. The conversation ends with a discussion about the importance of supporting independent media and KGNU following funding cuts, encouraging listeners to contribute to the station.

On KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative, host Greg Schultz welcomes Shawn Hess, a singer-songwriter from Laramie, Wyoming, for a live in-studio performance. Hess plays several original songs, including Till It Ain’t, Roadhouse Blues, A Tear for You, and Harvest Me. Between songs, he discusses his background in music—from blues and psychedelic rock to folk—his 2024 album Wild Onion, and his upcoming tour that includes the Woodstove Festival on Vancouver Island. The two also chat about songwriting inspiration, guitars, and musical influences like Jimmy Reed, highlighting Hess’s down-to-earth humor and heartfelt storytelling. (Studio Session: 10/25/25)

On KGNU Jazz Lives, host Rodger Hara speaks with actress Essence Anisa Tyler and pianist Jodel Charles about their performances in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at the Arvada Center. Tyler portrays Billie Holiday in the singer’s final 1959 performance, while Charles plays piano onstage and takes a small acting role. They discuss their artistic backgrounds, how they connected with director Chris Paige, and the emotional and historical depth of the production. Both reflect on the show’s themes of race, resilience, and legacy, noting how its portrayal of Billie Holiday’s struggles still resonates today. The production runs through November 2 at the Arvada Center. (Interview: 10/23/25)

Teja Gerken joins KGNU by phone to discuss his solo fingerstyle guitar approach, which blends folk, jazz, classical, and extended techniques. He discusses his musical influences, his studies in the Bay Area, and the importance of experiencing live music. Gerken reflects on composing for guitar, avoiding obvious patterns, and developing ideas deeply. He also previews upcoming Colorado performances, including shows with guitarist Michael Alaimo and ongoing duo work with collaborator Doug Young, while directing listeners to his website and recordings. (Interview: 10/23/25)

Composer and bandleader Adam Bartczak joins PiSa the Evening Star on KGNU’s Heavy Set to discuss his song “Little Clyde,” inspired by his young son’s mischievous hammer adventure. He talks about how teaching influences his composing, and announces the 11th annual holiday show on December 22 at The Pearl (formerly the Mercury Café), where the new album was recorded. Bartczak also plans to record and release a holiday album next year, featuring vocalist Tanya Katz. He highlights other groups he performs with, including The Democracy and The Grown Ass Man Band, and shares his aspiration to arrange a full big-band album of music by the late jazz legend Ron Miles. (Interview: 10/21/25)

Briana Harris, saxophonist for the nine-piece Colorado funk and soul band The Burroughs, calls in to promote their performance at KGNU’s Funk Fundraiser on November 8th at the Velvet Elk Lounge in Boulder. She describes the band’s energetic “sweaty soul music,” aimed at getting audiences dancing in a communal live atmosphere. The Burroughs have a new single, “Dat Booty,” that was released on October 24th, along with two recent singles—“Free Your Mind” and “Feeling Good”—available on streaming platforms. The conversation highlights the fun, inclusive vibe of their shows and their support for public community radio. (Interview: 10/21/25)

Ben Pisano joins DJ Jules live in the KGNU studio for his first in-studio performance in nearly a decade. He introduces his indie rock/dream-pop project and promotes an upcoming November 6 show at the Chautauqua Community House, featuring synths, guitar, and electric violin. Between performing three songs (“Palindrome,” “Holden,” and “Revenant”), he discusses nervousness around recorded performances, thematic elements in his songwriting, and how relationships and unanswered questions shape his work. (Local Gold: 10/21/25)

KGNU’s Indra Raj speaks with Portland-based guitarist and composer Marisa Anderson, known for her striking blend of American roots traditions and experimental textures. In this conversation, Anderson reflects on her evolving relationship with the guitar, the influences that have shaped her sound, and her upcoming solo performance at The Savoy in Denver on Thursday, October 23, part of the MAS Presents fall lineup.