KGNU Music

Slay & Stinson, winners of the 2025 RockyGrass Band Competition, joined Neil Smart live on KGNU’s Old Grass, New Grass show for a spirited in-studio session. The band shared original songs, including a heartfelt gospel number and their humorous tune “Ain’t Going Back to Gatlinburg,” while reflecting on their journey to RockyGrass victory. They discussed their upcoming August 30 show at Parkway Food Hall in Longmont featuring special guest Jeremy Garrett, as well as upcoming performances at Keystone and Nashville’s K Fest. The set closed with a world premiere of their new single “No Part in Nothing.” (Studio Session: 8/2/25)

Last week, Joanne Cole spoke with Olivia Dawson Vazquez, a recent high school graduate and incoming CSU freshman, who is the host and organizer of Junkyard Jams, a monthly live music event at the Boulder Junkyard Social Club. Olivia shared how she curates performances by emerging college bands from across the Front Range, creating a welcoming space for local music and community connection. The next event, a CSU-CU Boulder collaborative show, will take place on August 30, followed by another on September 21. All ages are welcome, and full event details can be found on the Junkyard Jams Instagram and the Junkyard Social Club website. (Interview: 7/2/25)

Five Foot Betty joined Greg Schultz live in the KGNU studio, bringing their signature blend of humor, heart, and harmonies. The trio—Haven Slay, Liz Patton, and Sharon Glassman—shared stories behind their original songs, including the quirky parking lot-inspired “Wyoming Truck,” and spoke about their roots, creative process, and excitement for the festival. They discussed their playful rivalry with Haven’s father, Scott Slay, who is also competing, and highlighted their recent community pop-up shows across Boulder County. With live performances, laughs, and talk of donuts, lavender amulets, and shamanic driving lessons, the session captured the band’s vibrant spirit and deep love for Colorado’s music scene. (Studio Session: 7/23/25)

KGNU welcomed Tony Ortega and John Macy to preview the 2025 Denver Steel Guitar Show, happening Sunday, August 10 at Heroes Bar & Grill in Thornton. Now in its fifth year, the show celebrates the diverse sounds of the pedal steel guitar with performances spanning country, jazz, blues, and rock. Ortega shared highlights from this year’s lineup, including Jerry Fessenden, Sharon Denny, and rising talent Joey Rowland. Macy joined remotely from Texas to reflect on his steel guitar journey and preview new music from the Twang Wranglers. The conversation also honored late Colorado steel player Bob Case, to whom this year’s show is dedicated. (Interview: 7/19/25)

Denver-based band Exhaler joined Iris Berkeley live in KGNU’s cabaret studio to share three songs, including the singles Effigy, Cognac, and an unreleased track currently titled Postnasal Drip. The group, made up of students from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, discussed their origins, influences, and the creative process behind their upcoming debut LP, due out this fall. Blending jazz training with experimental rock and socially conscious lyrics, they aim to challenge listeners while keeping their music accessible. They also promoted their upcoming show at Larimer Lounge on July 25 with Indigo and Pat Falcon. (Studio Session: 7/21/25)

Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki joined KGNU’s Meredith Carson for a lively in-studio interview ahead of their performance at the Charles Memorial Mountain Jam in Gold Hill. They discussed their ongoing tour, teaching at the RockyGrass Academy, and performing alongside Rebecca Frazier, Eric Thorin, and others in the All-Star Jam. The duo shared stories behind their original songs, including “Cherry Grove” and “Back in Baltimore,” with Tim O’Brien featured on the latter. They reflected on their musical roots—Ned inspired by Steve Martin and Becky growing up in a family bluegrass band—and showcased their dynamic chemistry through humor and music. (Studio Session: 7/20/25)

In this KGNU interview, Rebecca Frazier chats with Meredith Carson about her upcoming performance at the 37th Annual Charles Sawtelle Memorial Mountain Jam in Gold Hill. She'll headline the event with an “All-Star Jam” featuring Becky Buller, Ned Luberecki, and Eric Thorin, musicians she’s collaborated with in various settings. Rebecca shares her excitement about returning to Gold Hill, a place with deep personal and musical roots, and invites listeners to join for what promises to be a special afternoon of bluegrass in the mountains. (Interview: 7/18/25)

Emily Bess and Madeline Franek of Ley Line joined Doug Gertner on Afternoon Sound Alternative for a vinyl DJ set and conversation about their music. They discussed their work on Project Traction, a mentorship program for women and non-binary producers, and shared highlights from their recent show at Gold Hill Store. Ley Line will open for The Wood Brothers at Big B’s Orchard in Paonia on Saturday, July 20, and return to Gold Hill for another show later this month. They spun favorites by Tune-Yards, Rosalia, Milton Nascimento, and more, celebrating their roots in both Austin and Colorado. (Guest DJ: 7/17/25)

Renowned classical guitarist Xuefei Yang spoke with KGNU’s Sanford Baran ahead of her Colorado Music Festival debut on July 27, where she will perform Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez with the festival orchestra. Xuefei reflected on her deep personal connection to the piece, which she first played for the composer himself as a teenager in Madrid. She also discussed her new album, Chapeau Satie, which reimagines the works of Erik Satie for solo guitar, blending classical and cabaret influences. Xuefei spoke about bridging Eastern and Western traditions through music, her journey as a cultural ambassador, and her growing interest in composition and jazz-inspired pieces. Her upcoming performance in Boulder promises to be a moving highlight of this year’s festival.

Mark Flanagan welcomed Erika Wennerstrom and Beth Harris of the Heartless Bastards to the KGNU studio ahead of their Colorado shows. The band, known for their blues-rock foundation and eclectic musical influences, performed a few live songs and discussed the evolution of their sound and lineup. Erika shared the band’s origin story, including a pivotal moment involving The Black Keys and a demo rescued from a junk email folder. They also reflected on the creative process behind their most recent album, A Beautiful Life, and hinted at a new project in the works. You can catch Heartless Bastards live Friday night at the Gothic Theatre in Denver for a KGNU Presents show, and Thursday evening at Old Town Square Stage in Fort Collins as part of the Thursday Night Live concert series. (Studio Session: 7/17/25)