KGNU Music

The Ben Melius Trio joined DJ Jules live on KGNU for a fun, soulful session featuring originals and a George Michael cover for Pride Month. Ben, Matty Smart, Phil Chappell, and guest Dan Williams shared their musical influences, creative process, and upcoming shows in Black Hawk, Nederland, and Denver, inviting listeners to connect with their heartfelt sound. (Studio Session: 6/10/25)

TEN23, a talented youth rock band from the Global Sound Music Academy in Broomfield, joined Sam Fuqua live on The Afternoon Sound Alternative on KGNU. The group, made up of mostly high school students, shared insights about their collaborative songwriting process, their passion for their instruments, and their dedication to performing together. They discussed how they balance school with band practice, their future plans, and the origin of their band name—TEN23, inspired by a police code meaning “arrived on scene.” The band treated listeners to a dynamic set of original music, showcasing their tight sound and enthusiasm for rock.

Reverend Freakchild joined KGNU for a lively session filled with stories about his musical journey, from discovering the blues and the Grateful Dead to his admiration for Bob Dylan and the legacy of blues reverends like Gary Davis. He reflected on his neo-hippie days and the spiritual side of the blues, all while sharing live performances with Lisa Marie that brought soulful, healing energy to the airwaves. (Studio Session: 6/6/25)

In this interview, Hawaiian musician and kumu hula Josh Chang speaks with KGNU’s Rodger Hara about his deep cultural roots, multigenerational family legacy, and the upcoming hula concert in Longmont, Colorado. With ties to Oʻahu, Maui, and the Big Island, Chang has spent over a decade teaching hula in Boulder and surrounding communities. The Longmont performance—set for June 21 at the Vance Brand Theater—will honor his late father and showcase both traditional (kahiko) and contemporary (ʻauana) hula, featuring dancers trained in Colorado. Chang emphasizes the passion, discipline, and aloha that have gone into the production, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that celebrates Hawaiian culture through music, movement, and legacy. (Interview: 6/4/25)

In a lively and heartfelt interview with Dan Willging, Andy “the Tie-Dye Guy” and musician Eben Grace shared exciting details about the upcoming Rail on the River Arts and Music Festival, happening June 26–28, 2025, at the scenic Parish Ranch near Longmont, Colorado. Celebrating its fifth year, the festival offers a magical setting with shady trees, open dance areas, and vibrant decorations. With 15 local and regional acts including Gasoline Lollipops, Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams, and Eben Grace’s band The 89s, the event promises an unforgettable musical experience. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy hands-on art workshops, philosophy talks, and wellness sessions like microdosing discussions and cooking classes. Tickets and full lineup details are available at coloradograss.org.

In this interview on the Morning Sound Alternative, Joanne Cole speaks with legendary pianist and Little Feat co-founder Bill Payne about the band’s latest release, Strike Up the Band, their upcoming performance at Winter Park’s Blues From the Top festival, and Payne’s decades-spanning musical journey. Payne reflects on his influences—from Little Richard and Leon Russell to Ray Charles—and shares stories of forming Little Feat with Lowell George in 1969. He also introduces the current lineup of the band and previews his forthcoming memoir, Carnival Ghost. Payne emphasizes the vital role of community radio in connecting people through music, art, and shared experiences. (Interview: 6/2/25)

Fort Collins honky-tonk duo Sugar Britches stopped by the KGNU studio to chat with Dave McIntyre about their upcoming double album release—one full of originals and the other a collection of unconventional covers. The band shared the inspiration behind several new tracks, including “Bamboozled,” “Victimless Crime,” and “Old Man in the Band”. With performances lined up around Colorado, including at CSU’s Lagoon Series and Four Mile Historic Park, Sugar Britches continues to blend humor, heartache, and twang with their signature charm. (Studio Session: 5/30/25)

In this interview with Sam Fuqua on MSA, Uli from Ozomatli discusses the band's 30th anniversary and the launch of their 30 Revolutions Tour, which kicks off in Boulder, Colorado. Uli reflects on the group's longevity, attributing it to a collective mindset, equal sharing of responsibilities, and healthy conflict resolution. He also highlights how their sound has evolved through years of global travel and musical exploration. Known for blending music with activism, Ozomatli continues to carry messages of social justice and unity, aiming to inspire through music during challenging times. The band plans to release new music in July and promises a mix of fresh tracks and classic hits on tour. (Interview: 5/29/25)

Santa Cruz-based duo Poi Rogers joined Greg Schultz for a lively in-studio session to share music from their upcoming album and discuss their evolving musical journey. Formed during the pandemic as a side project from the Carolyn Sills Combo, Poi Rogers blends Hawaiian steel guitar, western swing, and vintage Americana into a fresh, nostalgic sound. They talked about their new 10-inch vinyl release, their Colorado tour dates with Southern Culture on the Skids, and the origins of their music and instruments, including a rare Martin guitar and their Santa Cruz repair shop, House of Twang. (Studio Session: 5/29/25)

Harpist and composer Margot Krimmel joined Fergus Stone on Seolta Gael for a live session of Celtic-inspired music and conversation. Performing traditional and original pieces, Krimmel showcased the versatility and emotional depth of the harp, including selections like “Blackbirds and Thrushes” and her own composition “The Road to South Stream.” She reflected on her path into Irish music, the unique qualities of different harp types, and the personal stories behind her compositions. Krimmel also shared details about her past album and upcoming performances, including shows at the Denver Botanic Gardens and in Cheyenne. (Studio Session: 5/28/25)