KGNU Music

In this interview, Peter Oundjian, Artistic Director of the Colorado Music Festival, previews the 2025 season at Chautauqua Auditorium. Highlights include performances of Brahms, Beethoven, Mahler, and world premieres by Joan Tower, Michael Abels, and Eric Whitacre. Oundjian emphasizes the festival’s balance of classic and contemporary works, the intimacy of the Chautauqua venue, and the emotional power of live music. He describes programming as a journey designed to spark curiosity and connection, making each concert a unique, transformative experience. The festival runs July 3 to August 3. (Interview: 7/2/25)

Boston-based band Twisted Pine joined host Cameron Henderson live in the KGNU studio during their Colorado tour to discuss their new album Love Your Mind and share a few live performances. The group—featuring Chris Sartori, Dan Bui, Kathleen Parks, and Anh Phung—talked about the evolution of their sound, calling this album their “final form” after years of artistic exploration. They also chatted about tour stops in places like Carbondale and Buena Vista, upcoming shows at the Velvet Elk Lounge and Cervantes, and even a semi-private house concert in Fort Collins. (Studio Session: 6/26/25)

Flamy Grant, a Billboard-charting drag queen and singer-songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina, joined Meredith Carson on KGNU to share her story of blending music, identity, and faith. Known for her theatrical storytelling and original songs, Flamy discussed her upbringing in the evangelical South, coming out as queer, and finding her voice through drag during the pandemic. Her concept album Church explores those themes and made a surprising appearance on the Christian music charts. A winner of the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, Flamy uses her art to advocate for love, pride, and inclusion, bringing powerful messages of healing and self-acceptance to her audiences. (Interview: 6/20/25)

In this KGNU interview, guitarist and sitarist Will Marsh speaks with Indra Raj about his upcoming performance with The Integration Ensemble at the Salina Schoolhouse in Boulder. Marsh discusses his musical journey—from classical guitar training in Michigan to immersing himself in Hindustani music at CalArts and in India—and how those diverse influences now blend into his original compositions. He describes The Integration Ensemble as a genre-crossing project that fuses Indian classical music with elements of blues, jazz, and global traditions. Marsh also shares the ensemble's instrumentation, his connection to the Boulder music community, and his passion for combining structured traditions with improvisational freedom. (Interview: 6/24/25)

DJ Jules speaks with Scott Bauer from Chautauqua about Flatiron Sounds, a free, family-friendly music festival on the big green at Chautauqua. Flatiron Sounds was a community music festival held at Chautauqua in Boulder, bringing together people of all ages for a day of live music, food, and local vendors. The event featured a diverse lineup of bands spanning various genres, creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere. In addition to the music, attendees enjoyed a beer garden, games, and family-friendly activities, making it a celebration of local culture and community spirit. The festival aimed to provide accessible entertainment while highlighting Chautauqua as a vibrant hub for arts and gatherings. (Interview: 6/17/25)

Frank Dagnillo interviews local author Zack Kopp about his new book Rare but Serious, which includes an interview with Jamie Cassady, daughter of Beat Generation icon Neal Cassady. Kopp discusses Neal’s influence on Jack Kerouac’s spontaneous writing style and his pivotal role in both the Beat and hippie movements. They explore Neal’s time in Denver, his relationships with Carolyn Cassady, Ken Kesey, and the Merry Pranksters, and his mythic status as the driver of the Further bus. Kopp shares updates on efforts to republish and expand works by and about Neal and his family, and reflects on Denver’s deep connections to Beat history. He also encourages renewed interest in countercultural ideals and invites listeners to explore his websites for more of his work. (Interview: 6/17/25)

In this Reggae Bloodlines interview on KGNU, DJ Soul Rock speaks with roots reggae artist Nga Han, who calls in from Scotland. Nga Han shares his gratitude for safe travels and discusses his upcoming musical projects, including several 7-inch releases and a new album, The Living Stream, Chapter Two. He also hints at a limited edition dub plate of his track “The Prayer” and expresses excitement about the possibility of performing live in Colorado. (Interview: 6/14/25)

Jeff Cramer and his talented band stopped by KGNU’s Cabaret Studio for a spirited session on Morning Sound Alternative. Joined by guitarist Dave Devine, drummer Tyler Lindgren, and multi-instrumentalist Russ Smith, Cramer treated listeners to original songs, including the world debut of Gravity, inspired by reflections on space and our planet. The band discussed their 2024 album Forever Morning, recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, and their live album Live at the Bluebird, captured during a memorable night alongside Megan Burtt. They also shared stories about Shed Sessions, Cramer’s backyard concert series born during the pandemic. Throughout, the band emphasized the importance of community radio and connecting with audiences beyond streaming platforms. (Studio Session: 6/10/25)

In this warm and lively interview, KGNU’s Meredith Carson chats with legendary pianist, singer, and songwriter Marcia Ball about her decades-long career, upcoming performances in Colorado, and her creative projects. Marcia reflects on her musical influences, including Professor Longhair, and shares stories from the road. She also highlights her community work with HOME (Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers), supporting older musicians in Austin. The conversation touches on her plans for a new record and a musical she’s co-writing with Pulitzer Prize winner Larry Wright. Marcia’s love for Colorado and its audiences shines through as she looks forward to her upcoming shows. (Interview: 6/13/25)

Salin, an innovative drummer, composer, and producer, joined Indra Raj on KGNU to share music that has shaped her journey. Blending Afrobeat, funk, jazz, and traditional Thai folk, Salin discussed how her global influences—ranging from Afro-polyrhythms to Thai and psychedelic rock—inform her unique sound. Salin previewed her upcoming Denver and Boulder shows, where audiences can expect an energetic and joyful musical journey featuring tracks from her new album Rammana. (Guest DJ: 6/16/25)