KGNU Music

In this KGNU interview, pianist and composer Ryan Benthall discussed his new album Sovereign Mind, released on Octave Records and recorded locally in Boulder. He shared insights into his musical journey from growing up in St. Louis to settling in Colorado, his shift from violin and voice to piano, and his process of balancing composition with improvisation. Benthall performed live in the studio, including the pieces Age of Aquarius and the title track Sovereign Mind, the latter inspired by Ukraine’s resilience during the war. He also spoke about recent performances, upcoming shows in Fort Collins, and his collaborations with other Colorado musicians. The conversation closed with a touching dedication to his grandmother through the track Ann V. (Studio Session: 8/26/25)

In the interview, Ras Marcus joined KGNU to talk about his upcoming Denver concert and his mission as a reggae artist. He reflected on his musical journey, the inspiration behind his songs, and the role reggae plays in spreading unity and resilience. The conversation also touched on his connection with fellow reggae artist Mighty Mystic, highlighting their shared commitment to uplifting music and community. Together, these themes painted a picture of Ras Marcus as both a performer and messenger, eager to bring positive energy to Colorado audiences. (Interview: 8/23/25)

Sister Sadie, the Grammy-nominated, award-winning bluegrass band, joined Meredith Carson live in KGNU’s Cabaret Studios to share music from their new album All Will Be and talk about their Colorado tour. The group performed several songs and an original instrumental, discussed their IBMA nominations, and reflected on their busy touring schedule, including opening for the SteelDrivers at Mishawaka. They also shared how fans can connect with them online and expressed gratitude for the support of their audiences and community radio. (Studio Session: 8/22/25)

On KGNU, Dan Willging interviews Colorado songwriter Martin Gilmore, who recently won a New Folk award at the 2025 Kerrville Folk Festival. Gilmore talks about teaching, his success at Kerrville, Lyons, and Telluride festivals, and his new album Thea Is a Light Blue, inspired by Boulder artist William Stoehr. He performs two original songs, including a Jimmie Rodgers tribute, and reflects on songwriting, collaboration, and finding a kinder inner voice. (Studio Session: 8/19/25)

Bluesman Johnny Sansone joins Dan Willging to share stories of his musical journey from his early Fort Collins days with Jumpin’ Johnny and the Blues Survivors to his decades in New Orleans honing his unique sound on harmonica, accordion, and guitar. He returns to Colorado for a reunion show at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins and a solo performance at Goodman’s Gazebo in Denver, bringing songs, stories, and the spirit of a lifetime on the road. (Interview: 8/19/25)

Jonathan Wilson of the St. Andrew’s Society of Colorado joined host Rodger Hara to preview the Colorado Scottish Festival, happening September 20–21 at the Denver Polo Club in Sedalia. He highlighted the traditions of Scottish heavy athletics such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put, along with pipe band competitions, Highland dancing, and family-friendly cultural events. Wilson also shared how the Society is balancing tradition with outreach to new generations through music, community gatherings, and volunteer efforts, inviting listeners to experience Scottish culture and heritage firsthand. (Interview: 8/19/25)

The Spine Stealers and Ross Thorn stopped by KGNU with DJ Jules ahead of their August 20th show at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. On their first Western tour, the Spine Stealers shared songs from their new EP, due out this week, and talked about their collaborative songwriting process that grew out of the pandemic. Ross Thorn, who just released his album Fitting In, performed his storytelling-rich song “Grave Digger’s Son,” inspired by his small-town Wisconsin upbringing. Together, they closed with a heartfelt duet from Ross’s new record. Both artists reflected on friendship, collaboration, and the joy of bringing new music to Colorado audiences. (Studio Session: 8/19/25)

Scottish folk powerhouse Breabach celebrated 20 years together with a vibrant set at RockyGrass 2025. Fiddler and vocalist Megan Henderson discussed the band’s Glasgow roots, their mix of contemporary and traditional Scottish sounds, and the Celtic influences that connect deeply with American bluegrass. Currently touring the U.S., Breabach reflected on the privilege of making music full-time, the joy of cross-cultural tune exchanges, and the thrill of bringing Scottish step dancing to a RockyGrass audience.

Colorado bluegrass trio Jake Leg lit up the main stage at RockyGrass 2025 with a set that blended tradition and fresh original material. Band members Dylan McCarthy, Justin Hoffenberg, and Eric Wigg spoke with Matt Malick about the honor of playing RockyGrass, their teaching roles at the Academy, and their upcoming sophomore album, which they’ll record at eTown this fall. With new songs on the horizon and shows scheduled from Montana to Colorado, Jake Leg continues to grow as one of the region’s standout bluegrass bands.

Ani DiFranco joined DJ Jules for a conversation about her recent transition from a six-month run in Hadestown on Broadway back to the open-ended freedom of touring her own music. She talks about the challenges of performing a scripted role every night, the joy of returning to improvisation on stage, and how these experiences inform her ongoing creative work, including her forthcoming record The Telepathy Tapes and the development of her own musical. Ani also reflects on the importance of metaphor in songwriting, the search for stillness and connection in a distracted world, and the balance of parenting with her life as an artist. She’ll bring her trademark honesty, wit, and spontaneity to Colorado when she performs on September 10th at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder. (Interview: 8/19/25)