KGNU Music

Fort Collins-based musician Cary Morin and bassist Celeste Di Iorio join KGNU host Meredith Carson to talk about their new album, Pocket of Time. They discuss producing the record independently, the lessons they've learned from years in professional recording studios, and how changing times have reshaped their creative process.

The duo also shares stories behind several of their songs, including music inspired by Charles M. Russell's paintings, a love song to Colorado's Front Range, and a powerful family story rooted in Cary's Crow heritage. They round out the conversation with a look at upcoming performances in Colorado and beyond, including appearances at FoCoMX, Dazzle, and the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music (Air Date 4/10/26).

Singer-songwriter Matt Siffert joined KGNU's Ginger Perry for a live studio session ahead of his performance with Rosanne Cash at Chautauqua. Between intimate acoustic performances of "I Know You by Heart," "This Coat Here," and "Lubbock Lullaby," Siffert talked about moving from Nashville to Boulder, the inspiration behind his album Magic of the New, and balancing songwriting with family life.

He also discussed his work with Musical Mentors Collaborative, a nonprofit that provides music education to under-resourced youth across the country, and reflected on the organization's recent $2 million donation from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, which will help expand its programs and ensure its long-term sustainability (Air Date 7/14/26).

Joe Nosek of the Cash Box Kings joins KGNU's Will Two-Step to talk about the band's upcoming Colorado tour, their deep roots in classic Chicago blues, and a new album on the way from Alligator Records.

In the interview, Nosek discusses the band's seven-piece lineup featuring co-leader Oscar Wilson, guitarist Billy Flynn, pianist Queen Lee Kanehira, and rising soul and blues vocalist Cameron Webb. He also previews new original songs that Colorado audiences will be among the first to hear, while reflecting on the band's mission to keep the timeless sound of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter alive for today's listeners.

Wheelchair Sports Camp's Kalyn Heffernan joins Bruce Trujillo to discuss the band's upcoming album, O Imperfecta, and the creative journey behind its punk-inspired sound. They talk about embracing imperfection, signing with the legendary Alternative Tentacles label, collaborating with Jello Biafra, and what audiences can expect from the band's album release show at Meow Wolf. The interview also features the KGNU-exclusive debut of the new single "Make It Make Sense," along with "Eat Meat," the album's first single. (Air Date 4/9/26).

Mark Diamond and his band Stuck in Traffic joined KGNU for a live studio session celebrating the music of the legendary British band Traffic. During the interview with host Dan Willging, Diamond talked about his longtime passion for Traffic's blend of rock, jazz, and improvisation, the band's careful approach to recreating the music while adding its own voice, and the musicians who make up the project.

The session features live performances of "Medicated Goo," "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys," "John Barleycorn Must Die," and "Dear Mr. Fantasy," along with conversation about the band's origins, upcoming performances, and the enduring appeal of Traffic's music. (Air Date 4/8/26).

Denver-born singer, pianist, and songwriter Chantil Dukart stopped by KGNU's Kabaret Studio for a live performance and conversation with Doug Gertner ahead of her May 1st album release show at Dazzle.

Dukart performed several songs from her new album, Shantel and the Dukes of Art, and discussed the inspiration behind them, from the bittersweet realities of living alone to finding freedom after a relationship ends. She also shared her journey from Denver to Alaska and the University of Miami, her work with Indigenous artists including Pamyua and the Native American Big Band, and why recording her latest album live with the full band gave it a warm, organic sound. The session closes with "Molly Mine," a song inspired by a near miss with the 2024 Molly Kathleen Mine disaster. (Air Date 4/6/2026).

Kimberly Braun, founder of BLISS Sacred Sound Fest, joins Elena Klaver to discuss the vision behind this new community gathering celebrating the transformative power of sound. Braun shares how the festival brings together musicians, healers, educators, and practitioners from across the Front Range for a weekend of performances, workshops, and immersive experiences exploring sound, healing, and connection. With offerings ranging from ancient traditions and cultural practices to innovative approaches and modern research, BLISS Sacred Sound Fest invites participants to discover the many ways sound can inspire personal and collective transformation.

Thomas Dolby joined Iris Berkeley on KGNU ahead of the Totally Tubular Festival at Denver's Mission Ballroom to discuss returning to the road with a lineup of iconic 1980s artists. He talks about reuniting the Lost Toy People to perform music from Aliens Ate My Buick, reflects on the creative energy of the decade, and shares why he thinks the music continues to connect with audiences across generations.

The conversation also explores Dolby's work beyond performing, including his career in music technology and his role as an educator at Johns Hopkins University. He discusses creativity, emerging technology, mentoring young musicians, and what fans can expect from his live show this summer. (Air Date 7/7/2026).

Jazz saxophonist and composer Alex Loran joins Rodger Hara to discuss The Quest, her debut album inspired by the timeless theme of the hero's journey. Loran reflects on growing up in Boulder, studying jazz performance at CU Boulder, and the mentors who helped shape her musical path. She also shares the stories behind several of the album's original compositions and previews her upcoming performances, including an appearance at the Atom Jazz Festival in Longmont. KGNU is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Atom Jazz Festival, which celebrates jazz artists from across Northern Colorado. (Air Date 7/2/26).

For KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative, Keith Colligan catches up with the singer and songwriter behind A Flock of Seagulls, who reflects on the band's unexpected four-decade career, their enduring popularity in the U.S., and what keeps them on the road. He also talks about the appeal of '80s nostalgia tours, performing alongside fellow new wave favorites including Thomas Dolby, and why fans of all ages can enjoy the upcoming festival. (Air Date 7/2/2026).