KGNU Music

Avourneen, a talented Irish-influenced band from Colorado, visited KGNU for a local gold performance, showcasing their Celtic roots and multi-genre influences. The band members—Kieran, Adam, and Alice—shared their musical journeys, discussed their instruments, including fiddle, guitar, bass, and the Irish bouzouki, and performed both traditional tunes and Leonard Cohen tributes. They also talked about upcoming shows, including a Leonard Cohen tribute at Swallow Hill and the Colorado Highland Games, and shared plans for a new album slated for early 2026. Listeners got a rich blend of Celtic, classical, and contemporary influences from a band celebrated for both musicianship and creative versatility. (Local Gold: 9/15/25)

Colby T. Helms, a bluegrass and country musician from Southern Virginia, stopped by KGNU to share his music and stories from his life and career. He performed songs from his debut album Tales and Misfortune, including his heartfelt tribute Daddy’s Pocket Knife, and his upbeat homage to his hometown, Mountain Brandy. Colby discussed his band, the Virginia Creepers, his upcoming album recorded in Nashville, and how listeners can follow his music online. KGNU listeners got a taste of Colby’s East Coast roots, his storytelling, and his dedication to keeping traditional music alive. (Studio Session: 9/14/25)

Interview: Richie Flores (The Blind Cafe) by KGNU Music

Amy and George, promoters of Blues on the Mesa in Colorado Springs, joined Dan Willging on KGNU to preview the September 27th festival, featuring Grammy winner Ruthie Foster, Mike Zito, Jack Hadley with Peaches, and more. They highlighted the festival’s mountain setting, diverse food and drink options, and community activities. Special guest Eden Brent called in from Greenville, Mississippi, sharing memories of past Colorado performances, her mentorship from Boogaloo Ames, and her new album Blues You Can Use. She expressed excitement about returning to Colorado with her full band for the festival. (Interview: 9/12/25)

Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival joined Meredith Carson live on KGNU for a rare solo performance, sharing new songs including Ashes and More to It. She spoke about Small Town for a Cause, a two-day festival in Salida on September 19–20, featuring Elephant Revival, Moontricks, Lindsay Lou, and more. The event raises awareness for community causes, including the preservation of Hutchinson Ranch and research on tick-borne diseases. Paine also performed with Elephant’s manager, Ryan Dart, and demonstrated her unique talent on the musical saw. (Studio Session: 9/12/25)

This KGNU interview features Monica LaBonte and Courtlyn Carpenter, organizers of the Sound Post Sessions in Longmont. They describe the series as a twice-monthly concert series at the Times Collaborative, showcasing both touring and local artists in a listening-room setting. Courtlyn shares details about the season kickoff party at Dry Land Distillers and the schedule running September through May, while Monica talks about Mixtape, a Nashville-style songwriter swap she curates. The conversation includes live in-studio performances by Monica, highlighting her heartfelt songwriting and the intimate spirit of the sessions. (Studio Session: 9/10/25)

In this KGNU Afternoon Sound Alternative session, host Bruce Trujillo talks with Connie Hong of Fair Elle, who performs intimate, piano-driven songs from her solo project and reflects on her shift from band work with Ivory Circle to more personal songwriting. She discusses the vulnerability of performing solo, the inspiration behind the name Fair Elle, and her excitement to play at SarahFest, a femme-forward arts and music festival in Denver. Connie also shares her musical influences, her love of community, and hints at new music currently in the works.

This KGNU interview features California-based mandolinist, composer, and teacher Marla Fibish, who shares stories about discovering Irish music, playing her grandfather’s Gibson mandolin, and creating her new album Play Date with Rebecca Richman during the pandemic. She discusses her creative process, including how tunes often emerge quickly and organically, and the playful way beats were added and lost in her compositions Spring Forward and Fallback. Fibish also talks about teaching pulse and jig-picking techniques, her work at music camps, and her unique tuning approaches. The conversation is interspersed with selections from her recordings, highlighting her artistry, humor, and dedication to Irish music. (Studio Session: 9/10/25)

In this KGNU studio session, Maui-based duo Desert Hollow join host Aaron Benko to share songs from their upcoming album Music for the Folks, out December 6th. They talk about their move from Los Angeles to Hawaii, the challenges and inspiration of island life, and recording 14 tracks in just three days with producer Matt Linesch. Between stories from their four-month tour, they perform live renditions of “Just This One,” “Stoned to Death,” and “Flowers in Her Hair,” showcasing their heartfelt folk sound and close musical chemistry. (Studio Session: 9/8/25)

In this interview, producer Yvette Rollins joins KGNU’s Indra Raj to talk about the upcoming Melanin Funk Festival 2025, taking place on Friday, September 12th in downtown Boulder. Rollins shares how the festival began three years ago as her “love letter” to Boulder, highlighting community, music, and culture. This year’s event will feature DJ Barry, SSI and the Fafa Family, and hip-hop duo The Reminders, creating a vibrant block party atmosphere reminiscent of New York–style community gatherings. Rollins emphasizes the festival’s role in celebrating BIPOC voices and talent on the Front Range while being open and welcoming to all ages.