KGNU Music

Ain't From Here chats with KGNU Honky Tonk Heroes DJ Big Daddy (Interview date: 8/10/24)

The Mountain Grass Unit joins Matt Malick on KGNU's Old Grass, GNU Grass, performing live and discussing their music. The band, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, includes Luke Black (guitar), Drury Anderson (mandolin and vocals), Sam Wilson (bass), and Josiah Nelson (fiddle). They share their journey from childhood friends to forming the band, and talk about their upcoming album releasing on Se...

The Felonius Smith Trio joins KGNU’s Greg Schultz for a studio session, sharing their passion for blues and old-timey music. They perform a couple of tunes, including a Grateful Dead-inspired original and a Tampa Red classic. Felonius discusses his musical influences, his love for improvisation, and his 35-year journey with blues music. Felonius Smith Trio will perform at the Mapleton Hill Porchfe...

In an interview with KGNU’s Bruce Trujillo, La Lom discusses their debut album, the influences behind their music, and their journey as a band. The group, based in Los Angeles, draws from diverse sounds like cumbia, chicha, and 60s rock, blending them into their unique style. They emphasize their love for danceable rhythms and how they translate the energy of live shows into the recording studio (...

Bob Carpenter, keyboardist of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, checks in with KGNU’s Greg Schultz ahead of their upcoming "All The Good Times" Farewell Tour performance at Denver’s Paramount Theater. The band has been active for 58 years and is known for its wide-ranging musical repertoire, including country, bluegrass, and hits like "Fishing in the Dark" and "Mr. Bojangles." Carpenter discusses the ba...

Keith Roberts, founder of The Young Dubliners, speaks with KGNU’s Karl Kumli about the band's upcoming Colorado shows and their new album. Keith discusses the challenges of balancing touring and recording, with the new album expected by March next year. He reflects on the band's long career, starting in the early '90s, and their evolution from a duo to a five-piece band. Keith shares stories about...

Kristin Andreassen and Chris "Critter" Eldridge chat with Old Grass Gnu Grass DJ Neil Smart at RockyGrass. They share their experience performing together on the main stage for the first time as a duo, highlighting their collaborative dynamic where Chris's guitar playing and Kristin's songwriting are equally showcased (Interview date: 7/28/2024)

In an interview at the RockyGrass Festival, Michael Cleveland discusses his musical influences and upcoming projects with Old Grass Gnu Grass DJ Fergus Stone. Cleveland mentions a potential live album, collaborations with Béla Fleck, and his admiration for Colorado’s bluegrass scene.

Chloe Prendergast, violinist of the Butter Quartet, joins KGNU’s Iris Berkeley to discuss the quartet’s new album "Scintilla," released in early July. Chloe, originally from Denver, formed the quartet at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. Their album features early Italian string quartets played on historical instruments. Chloe shares insights about composer Felice Giardini and the album's selec...

Georgia Anne Muldrow, musician and multi-media artist, speaks with KGNU’s Deep Rawk Dave ahead of the Visible Planets art show and concert. Deep Rawk Dave also introduces Dan Drossman, the creator of Visible Planets. Drossman explains that the event showcases featured artists' music and visual art together. Georgia Anne Muldrow discusses her artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of positivi...

KGNU’s Greg Schultz spoke with Noel McKay. McKay shared anecdotes about Guy Clark’s workshop, where they wrote and recorded songs together. McKay performed songs from his new album "You Only Live Always" and discussed his musical journey, including his time in Europe and his upcoming projects (Interview date: 7/30/2024)

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviewed Grammy-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich, who will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto at the Colorado Music Festival on August 1st and 2nd. Hadelich shared his musical journey and discussed the evolution of his technique, the importance of constant practice, and how the accessibility of music today helps young musicians. Hadelich highlighted his busy summer pe...

KGNU’s Dave Ashton discussed the All My Relations Celebration on August 10th with Helen Gover, festival promoter and communications manager, and Melissa Ivey, a featured musician and activist. Helen highlighted the mix of music genres and emphasized the importance of contemporary Indigenous art. She explained the festival's aim to reshape narratives and promote Indigenous stories authentically. Sh...

Sanford Baran of KGNU interviews classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, highlighting her achievements and influence in classical music, including founding the guitar departments at Juilliard and the Aspen Music Festival. Sharon discusses her upcoming recital at the Aspen Music Festival on July 30th, featuring a diverse program. Sharon shares insights on her collaborations with various artists across ge...

KGNU's Sanford Baran interviews Rune Tonsgaard Sorenson, a violinist from the Danish String Quartet, known for their mix of classical and folk music. Sorenson shares his musical journey and his early love for the violin. He discusses the quartet's formation in 1998 and highlights their diverse repertoire, which includes both classical and folk music, and their creative process for arranging and pe...

C.J. Lewandowski, mandolinist of The Po' Ramblin' Boys, discusses his band's origins and upcoming performances in an interview with KGNU’s Shawna Sprowls. Lewandowski shares insights about their new album, "Wanderers Like Me," set to release on August 16th on Smithsonian Folkways Records. He highlights their excitement for upcoming shows, including a performance in Denver at the Levitt Pavilion on...

KGNU’s Big Daddy and Tony Ortega interview Bruce Bouton, a renowned steel guitar player. Bouton talks about his beginnings in steel guitar and his influential solos, notably "Highway 40 Blues." He discusses playing with artists like Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, and others. Bouton reflects on the evolution of the country music industry and songwriting. Bouton will perform at the Denver Steel Guitar...

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviews Christina and Michelle Naughton, renowned piano duo, ahead of their performance at the Colorado Music Festival. The sisters share their early musical influences, starting with piano at age four. They discuss the challenges and rewards of playing as a duo, particularly the unique dynamics of performing on one piano versus two. They explain their careful selection of...

South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo speaks with KGNU’s DJ Jules. The group, celebrating their 64th anniversary, discusses their mission of spreading love, peace, and unity through their music. They share a few songs and talk about the origins and legacy of the group. Ladysmith Black Mambazo kicked off their U.S. tour at the Boulder Theater on July 21st (Interview date: 7/20/24)

In an interview with DJ Umo 1 of KGNU, producer Sirplus of the Dirty Science Crew discusses his background, recent U.S. tour, and latest album "Squares". Sirplus, who hails from Orange County, details his collaboration with Exile and their recent tour stops. He talks about "Squares", an instrumental project featuring 16 tracks, and shares his production process using the MPC 2000XL. Sirplus and Ex...

KGNU’s Shawna Sprowls talks with Barrett Smith of the Steep Canyon Rangers. Barrett chats about the band’s upcoming performances in Colorado and reflects on the Steep Canyon Rangers’ long-standing connection to the state. He emphasizes the band's passion for live music, which led them to create a live album showcasing their current sound, set for release in August. The Steep Canyon Rangers has a s...

KGNU's Neil Smart hosts Bluegrass band Lost Penny in the studio (Interview date: 3/2/2024)

KGNU's Meredith Carson speaks with the winners of the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras Concerto Competition, who share some music (Interview date: 4/19/2024)

KGNU's Dan Willging interviews record producer Marshall Chess (Interview date: 4/5/2024)

KGNU's Neil Smart interviews Missy Raines, Bluegrass trailblazer and Grammy-nominated bassist (Interview date: 4/6/2024)