Simply Folk Interviews

Anna Laube is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. Her songs have been featured on NPR, C|Net/Download.com, The San Francisco Bay Guardian, The Wisconsin State Journal, Wisconsin Public Television, and XM/Sirius Satellite Radio. She has performed at numerous festivals including SXSW, The Monterey Blues Festival, Folk Alliance International, and the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, and has toured internationally. She joins Stephanie Elkins on Simply Folk for some live music and conversation.

Pacific Northwest duo Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer are internationally-acclaimed songwriters. Upon early release in Europe, their latest album Maritime charted at #1 on the EuroAmericana Chart for two consecutive months. Their compelling vocal harmonies grace every one of their songs, all tightly arranged and highly intricate. They joined Stephanie Elkins on Simply Folk, sharing their raw and honest songs, and having conversation.

Pacific Northwest duo Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer are internationally-acclaimed songwriters. Upon early release in Europe, their latest album Maritime charted at #1 on the EuroAmericana Chart for two consecutive months. Their compelling vocal harmonies grace every one of their songs, all tightly arranged and highly intricate. They joined Stephanie Elkins on Simply Folk, sharing their raw and honest songs, and having conversation.

Midwest singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cris Plata is known for his unique brand of Tex-Mex songs that tell stories of his family's life as migrant farmers, and the lands they grew to love. His music involves a wide spectrum of musical styles, including Tex-Mex polkas, country rock, swing tunes, Mexican ballads, Mariachi music, and more.

Tret Fure has over four decades of experience in the music industry, with extensive touring and a substantial number of recordings under her belt, not to mention producing and audio engineering experience. She has been a fixture in the women’s music circle, being a part of women’s music festivals. She is also creative in other areas. She was a guest on Simply Folk, performing wonderful live music, and talking with Stephanie Elkins.

John Gorka is a singer-songwriter with 11 critically acclaimed albums under his belt. However his success does not stop there, Gorka has topped the Billboard Folk Charts and has collaborated with a number of artists including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, Mary Black and Maura O’Connell. “Music is a refuge”, we hear in his thoughtful conversation with Stephanie Elkins on Simply Folk, alongside some wonderful live music.

Violinist and Educator Randy Sabien visited the WPR studios for some music and conversation with Stephanie Elkins. Randy also brought along his friend and fellow violinist Chris Wagoner. The two played and sang some of the songs from Randy's new release, Soul of a Man, talked about fly fishing in Wisconsin, and explored the vast repertoire of poultry-themed fiddle music.