KGNU Music

In this interview on Reggae Bloodlines, Ewket speaks with Ras Julio, director of the House of Rastafari at the Rototom Sunsplash festival, calling in from Rome, Italy. Ras Julio discusses his extensive work in promoting Rastafari culture through music, education, and humanitarian efforts. He shares insights into the 30th anniversary of Rototom Sunsplash—Europe’s largest reggae festival—highlighting its rich blend of musical performances, cultural seminars, and social initiatives. He also talks about an exciting new collaboration that will bring Ethiopian broadcasters to Spain to share Rastafari teachings with audiences back home. (Interview: 7/12/25)

On July 7, 2025, the Boulder-based funk fusion band Canyon Collective joined KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative for a lively in-studio performance and interview with Cal Huss. Drummer and bandleader Zach Hedstrom shared the band’s origin story—an organic evolution from jam sessions and parties in Four Mile Canyon—and introduced their debut album Live From the Mines, recorded live inside a hidden gold mine on New Year’s Day. With a rotating lineup of musicians and a mission to get people dancing, Canyon Collective blends global rhythms, funk, and improvisation. The group also announced their upcoming DIY festival, the First Annual Four Mile Fest, happening August 2nd in the canyon, featuring a diverse lineup of local acts including Bear Hat, Thunder Boogie, and Geo Chaba. The interview closed with reflections on community, collaboration, and music as a joyful, healing force. (Local Gold: 7/7/25)

Eton Pearcy of Jam Rock Events shares his passion for reggae and the importance of combining quality music with strong business practices to build a sustainable reggae scene in Colorado. He discusses challenges working with Jamaican artists and the need for professional systems. Pearcy highlights the upcoming Sizzla concert on September 20th at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver as a key event supporting community causes. He emphasizes collaboration among artists, promoters, and venues to keep reggae thriving locally.

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lily Henley joined Doug Gertner in the KGNU Kabaret Studio alongside musical partner Duncan Wick to share her unique fusion of Ladino and American folk traditions, often described as "Ladino Americana." Henley discussed her Sephardic heritage, her deep dive into the Ladino language and culture—including a Fulbright year in Paris—and her process of writing new melodies for centuries-old lyrics. The duo performed live in studio, offering songs that blend timeless folk storytelling with vibrant, cross-cultural influences. Henley also shared news of her upcoming PhD studies in musicology at Harvard, while Wick spoke about his longtime role with Rising Appalachia and their ongoing collaborations. Their appearance followed a performance at the Green Box Arts Festival and showcased their dedication to preserving and reimagining Sephardic musical traditions for contemporary audiences. (Studio Session: 7/725)

Singer-songwriter Kelsey Waldon joined Doug Gertner on KGNU ahead of her July 9th performance at the Larimer Lounge in Denver. Waldon discussed her deeply personal new album Every Ghost, which explores themes of addiction, generational trauma, and healing. Released on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records, the album reflects Waldon’s roots in Americana and country music, and her evolving sound. She also shared memories of Prine, including their duet on a Nanci Griffith song and a memorable bourbon tasting. Waldon, joined by her band The Mule Skinners, promises a heartfelt 90-minute set, with support from Mariel Buckley and Amy Martin. (Interview: 7/7/25)

In this lively KGNU interview, host Joanne Cole welcomes jazz and blues vocalist Deborah Stafford to discuss her upcoming July 16th performance at Dazzle, Denver’s premier jazz club. Stafford shares her journey from a lifelong love of singing to launching a professional music career 25 years ago. She reflects on discovering blues through local jam sessions and her deep admiration for Etta James, whose music forms the heart of her upcoming tribute show. The conversation touches on the history of jazz in Denver, the significance of Dazzle's new location, and the enduring power of James’ songs—from soulful ballads to funky horn-driven hits. (Interview: 7/2/25)

In this KGNU interview, Sanford Baran speaks with acclaimed composer Joan Tower and saxophonist Steven Banks about their collaboration on Love Returns, a new saxophone concerto premiering at the 2025 Colorado Music Festival. Inspired by the loss of Tower’s husband, the piece evolved from her earlier work Love Letter and marks a more emotionally open chapter in her music. Tower and Banks discuss their close working relationship, made possible by conductor Peter Oundjian, and how their shared experience as performers shaped the concerto’s development. Banks hopes the work will expand opportunities for classical saxophonists, while Tower emphasizes the importance of flexibility and collaboration in bringing new music to life. The premiere promises to be a powerful highlight of this year’s festival.

In this lively and heartfelt interview, Texas songwriting legend Ray Wylie Hubbard joins Greg Schultz to discuss his upcoming performance at Denver’s Bluebird Theater on July 10, presented by KGNU. Hubbard reflects on his early days busking through Colorado in the '70s with a banjo-playing friend, his deep connection to places like Red River and Taos, and the joy of sharing the stage with his talented son and longtime collaborator Paul Pearcy. He also talks about his recent projects, including collaborations with music icons like Ringo Starr, Ashley McBryde, and Steve Earle, and hints at a forthcoming album produced with Mike Campbell. With stories full of grit, humor, and humility, Hubbard shares his enduring passion for songwriting and performing—still driven by joy and freedom after more than 50 years in music. (Interview: 6/28/25)

In this KGNU interview, Rodger Hara speaks with Gail Neil Gillette and Lauren Douglas, organizers of the Elizabeth Celtic Festival, taking place July 19–20 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth, Colorado. Gillette, a festival founder, shares the event’s origins in 1993 and its evolution into a full-scale celebration of Highland games and Scottish culture, featuring athletic competitions, Highland dancing, and pipe band performances. Douglas highlights the diverse music programming, ranging from traditional Celtic tunes to Celtic rock, all performed by local Front Range talent across two stages. Additional offerings include hands-on harp and dance workshops, cultural demonstrations, artisan vendors, and clan gatherings. The festival emphasizes accessibility, community, and cultural heritage, with details available at elizabethcelticfest.org. (Interview: 6/25/25)

Baltimore-born DJ and producer Karizma joined DJ Swingsett on KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative to talk about his musical roots, career, and new projects. Raised in the church and drawn to music from an early age, Karizma began DJing at 13 and producing by 17, creating original tracks for fashion shows. He spoke about mentorship from legendary Baltimore figure DJ Spen and honing his craft with the Basement Boys. Karizma previewed a track from his upcoming album Can’t Call It, due out on R2 Records, featuring UK collaborator Atjazz. (Interview: 6/20/25)