Podcast appearances and mentions of ayana contreras

Coco Jones. Samia. Fly Anakin. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Ayana Contreras from Denver public radio stations KUVO Jazz and The Drop to discuss the best new albums they heard this week.Featured albums:• Coco Jones, 'Why Not More'• Samia, 'Bloodless'• Emma-Jean Thackray, 'Weirdo'• David Murray, 'Birdly Serenade'• Fly Anakin, '(The) Forever Dream'Check out our long list of albums out April 25 and sample more 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.To learn more about the Tiny Desk Contest artists you heard in this episode, check out Ayana Contreras' Top Shelf special on YouTube.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO Jazz & The DropProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mike Stephen learns about the disappearance of downtown newspaper racks from Brian Hieggelke, editor and publisher of Newcity and the chair of the Chicago Newsracks Task Force, and then talks to Illinois Humanities executive director Gabrielle Lyon and author Ayana Contreras to get a preview of an event that celebrates local fashion history called Chicago Style.

Disco is at the root of many of our favorite music genres today, but there's more to its history than Saturday Night Fever, and you don't have to look far to find it. Reset learns more about The War on Disco and the genre's influence on popular music from Ayana Contreras, music and content director at our sister station Vocalo 91.1 FM. If you want to check out our entire catalog of interviews, go to wbez.org/reset.

Micah Collier's journey as a bassist and composer is uncovered in his debut album, ‘Becoming,' released September 15. Born into a musical family, Collier's roots run deep in Chicago where jazz is the heart of the city. His career as a musician started at 16, inspired by the jazz community surrounding him. Collier's album encompasses his artistic evolution, and challenges conventional jazz norms through his embrace of non-traditional elements. In conversation with Vocalo's Ayana Contreras, Collier shares how he is moved by his passion for groove and hopes to redefine the sound of jazz in a city known for its rich musical heritage. This segment originally aired live on Tuesday, September 26 on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM. It was edited and produced by Ayana Contreras. Keep up with Micah Collier by following him on Instagram at @__micahalec.

Two decades after the Traffic Stop Statistical Study Act was enacted in Illinois, WBEZ and Investigative Project on Race and Equity shed light on the reality of traffic stops in their three-part investigation, “Profiled: The State of Traffic Stops in Illinois.” WBEZ data editor Matt Kiefer and WBEZ reporter Michael Liptrot sat down with Vocalo afternoon host Nudua Hernandez to discuss the findings. After analyzing over 42 million traffic stop records, the collaborative project revealed ongoing bias and racial disparities within the state. Dig more into the story at WBEZ.org. This segment originally aired live on Thursday, September 28 during Nudia In The Afternoons on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM. It was edited by Nudia Hernandez and produced by Ayana Contreras. For more from WBEZ, follow them @WBEZ on Instagram.

Vocalo Radio teamed up with the Chicago Park District to host the annual Summer Skate Party on August 11, transforming McKinley Park's seasonal ice rink into the grooving roller rink of our dreams. Skaters of all ages let the good times roll to live mixes from DJs Ca$h Era, Nudia Hernandez and Ayana Contreras on the beautiful summer night. Vocalo community and audio storytelling producer laced up her skates to bring listeners an audio postcard from the skate party — hit play to relive the magic… This segment was produced by Ari Mejia. For more from Vocalo, visit Voclao.org

In the three decades since the release of her debut album, Plantation Lullabies, Meshell Ndegeocello has never waivered from creating ideosyncratic emotive jazz-tinged soundscapes. Backstage at the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa 2023, Ayana Contreras spoke to the artist about the new album, the strength of the ancestors and the secret power of DJs.

Kassa Overall has released three albums that each highlight distinct aspects of his artistry. The Seattle-based artist sat down with Ayana Contreras to discuss the art of collaboration, his latest album, Animals, and keeping the craft in jazz in the midst of a moment of change.

Just after her debut set at Pitchfork Music Festival 2023, New York-based singer Yaya Bey sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez under rainy skies (and a few umbrellas). The two discussed her time at the festival, recent EP ‘Exodus the North Star' and finding inspiration in African Diasporic sounds. This interview was conducted and edited by Nudia Hernandez, and produced by Ayana Contreras. Keep up with Yaya Bey on Instagram at @yayabeybay.

The day after his set at Pitchfork Music Festival 2023, Chicago artist and friend of the station Ric Wilson met with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez to chat about his performance and his time at the festival. They delve into his latest project, ‘CLUSTERFUNK,' with A-Trak and Chromeo, plus his personal style and a debut solo album in the works … and address the rumors about a move to LA. This interview was conducted by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and produced by Ayana Contreras. Keep up with Ric Wilson on Instagram at @ricwilsonisme.

Isaac “Redd” Holt, the “master of time” who recorded in blockbuster jazz combos passed away at 91 on May 23 from complications associated with lung cancer. In high school, he joined Eldee Young to form the group Young-Holt Unlimited. Join Ayana Contreras in analyzing the life of Isaac “Redd” Holt, and a conversation about his legacy with musician and educator Mikel Patrick Avery. This segment was edited and produced by Ayana Contreras.

What are the origins of this dance? How did it begin? Who are the rising talents of this subculture based on the West Side of Chicago? And how has social media fueled its spread? Visual artist Phil Jackson brings us along on a few video shoots and introduces us to DLOW and Lil Kemo: the kings of bopping. This piece was produced by Tariq Weaver for Vocalo's Summer 2013 Storytelling Workshop. Vocalo's free Storytelling Workshop takes place quarterly and highlights segments produced by community storytellers, uplifting the voices of individuals who add to the rich cultural diversity of Chicago. This workshop was facilitated by Ayana Contreras and Adriana Gallardo. More information can be found at www.vocalo.org/storytelling-workshop.

Chance the Rapper's mixtape Acid Rap turns 10 this week, and the independent Chicago rapper is celebrating this major milestone with a concert at the United Center on Aug. 19. Reset hears from one of his early-career mentors, Ayana Contreras, content director of Vocalo, about his music and career.

Nearly nineteen years following the release of her debut game-changing album ‘Complex Simplicity,' indie R&B legend Teedra Moses took a seat in the studio with Vocalo's Ayana Contreras, host of ‘Reclaimed Soul,' just hours before ​​Moses' performance at Wicker Park venue Chop Shop. The two talk fashion, Moses' journey of making music on her own terms, the industry's continued evolution, and her advice to independent artists today. This interview was edited and produced by Ayana Contreras. It originally aired Thursday, March 31 during ‘Reclaimed Soul' on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM. Keep up with Teedra Moses on Instagram @teedramoses.

In Chicago, the unofficial marker of spring is when the music festival lineups for Lollapalooza and Pitchfork are released. Reset reviewed the 2023 headliners and musical guests for the fests with Ayana Contreras, content director for Vocalo and Leor Galil, writer for the Chicago Reader.

A shared experience of sonic joy crosses over the boundary of a prison wall, a conversation across generations explores being alive to the present moment, and an audio artwork from the archives plunges a listener into the sensation of time speeding up. Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures that hold you in the present tense. The Evenings of Certain Lives (two extracts) Produced by Barry Bermange Composition by Delia Derbyshire (Radiophonic Workshop) Listening / Reminiscing by Lavender Suarez (via the producer Kalli Anderson) In The Moment Produced by Amalie Sortland Prisoncast! These sounds were originally recorded for Season 4 of the Motive Podcast from WBEZ, hosted by Shannon Heffernan WBEZ's Lauren Frost and Alex Keefe headed up the original Prisoncast! broadcast, which was hosted by Ayana Contreras. But a big team of producers and editors came together to record and mix the sounds. This Short Cuts edit was created by Shannon Heffernan Curated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft. Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

Chicago's city elections were held on Feb. 28, narrowing down the nine mayoral candidates in the running to two — Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas — who will advance to the runoffs April 4. Michael Liptrot of WBEZ's Reset stopped by the Vocalo studio to break down the mayoral results with Bekoe. The two also touch on the aldermanic races on a call with Ald. Rossana Rodríguez Sanchez, who took home a victory in the 33rd Ward. This conversation originally aired on Mornings With Bekoe on Wednesday, March 1. It was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca and Ayana Contreras. Keep up with Michael Liptrot at @m_liptrot on Twitter, and Ald. Rodríguez on Twitter at @RossanaFor33.

“LoveFound” is a new series from Vocalo focusing on stories of Chicagoans finding love in all its forms. This segment of “LoveFound,” features Jasmine as she longed for a spiritual connection during the pandemic and social unrest in 2020, and how finding a wooden dresser in an alley outside her apartment helped her do that. This segment of “LoveFound” was produced by Ari Mejia and edited by Ayana Contreras. Associate producer is Joshua X. Miller.

“LoveFound” is a new series from Vocalo focusing on stories of Chicagoans finding love in all its forms, oftentimes unexpectedly, and how that love changed their lives. This segment of “LoveFound,” features Carmen as she delves into how her bike helped her make self-discoveries, heal from trauma and adventure through the city. This segment of “LoveFound” was produced by Ari Mejia. Associate producer is Joshua X. Miller. Editorial support from Ayana Contreras and Mara Lazer.

“LoveFound” is a new series from Vocalo focusing on stories of Chicagoans finding love in all its forms — oftentimes unexpectedly — and how that love changed their lives. In this segment of “LoveFound,” we learn how Gabe's love for soccer brought him together with complete strangers inside O'Hare International Airport. This segment of “LoveFound” was produced by associate producer Joshua X. Miller. Producer for the “LoveFound” series is Ari Mejia. Editorial support from Ayana Contreras and Mara Lazer.

Vocalo radio, WBEZ's sister station on 91.1, is celebrating 15-years of bringing more Chicago artists and stories to the airwaves. Check out Chi Sounds Like for a full list of archived interviews. Reset chats with Ari Mejia who produced the series and the station director, Ayana Contreras to learn more about their programming and features a Vocalo interview with Djedi Ohm

Introducing “LoveFound,” a new series from Vocalo focusing on stories of Chicagoans finding love in all its forms — oftentimes unexpectedly — and how that love changed their lives. In this segment of “LoveFound,” we find Sierra, whose infatuation with a photograph sparked a friendship lasting 16 years. This segment of “LoveFound” was produced by Ari Mejia. Assistant producer is Joshua X. Miller. Editorial support from Ayana Contreras and Mara Lazer.

Ayana Contreras, host of WBEZ's Reclaimed Soul, talks about what makes Chicago soul special.

Last weekend was the inaugural Black Star Line Festival, Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa's free music festival in Accra, Ghana featuring performances from Erykah Badu, T-Pain, Tobe Nwigwe, Vic, Chance and many others. The festival brought out 52,000 attendees and went all night into the morning — and Vocalo's own Bekoe got the chance to attend. With the help of Chicago journalist Dometi Pongo, we heard from performers Tobe Nwigwe, Jeremih and Chance himself. Festival-goers, including Grammy-nominated Chicago spoken word artist J. Ivy, also gave their input on the festival and its importance, and Bekoe broke down “the highs & the lows” from his time in Ghana. This segment was edited and produced by Bekoe. Special thanks to Dometi Pongo for his contributions, Ayana Contreras, and everyone who helped make Black Star Line Festival a reality. Image by Keeley Parenteau. See more photos from the festival by following @blackstarlinefest on Instagram. Follow Dometi Pongo on Twitter @Dometi_.

Inspired by his own life's story, ‘The Inspection' is Elegance Bratton's debut feature film — a story of a young, gay Black man who, after facing rejection from his mother and with few options for his future, joins the Marines. It's a story of triumph over even the most oppressive adversity and prejudice. Elegance virtually sat down with Vocalo's Ayana Contreras to discuss the film, its reception and his story which inspired it. This interview was produced by Ayana Contreras for Vocalo. ‘The Inspection' is set for theatrical release Tuesday, Nov. 22. For more information, visit A24films.com.

Ayana Contreras virtually sat down with rising jazz vocalist Samara Joy, who is set to perform at Chicago's Hyde Park Jazz Festival this weekend. The two discuss her latest album ‘Stay Awhile,' blowing up on TikTok, signing to Verve Records, discovering jazz and more. This interview was produced by Ayana Contreras. Learn more about how you can attend this weekend's Hyde Park Jazz Festival at hydeparkjazzfestival.org. To learn more about Samara Joy, visit samarajoy.com.

ProPublica reporter Adriana Gallardo sat down with Ayana Contreras, host of Reclaimed Soul, to discuss the lasting impact of workers's rights violations carried out by El Milagro Tortillas — the provider of a culturally significant food staple for many in Chicago's Latinx community. Gallardo wrote an article for Catapult magazine on the subject in July 2022, titled "The Tortilla Type of Hurt, How One Broke My Heart." This conversation was produced by Ayana Contreras. To keep up with Adriana Gallardo, follow her on Twitter @otraletra.

On Sunday July 31, Ayana Contreras sat down under a walnut tree at the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa to talk with trumpeter, composer and activist Keyon Harrold. They talked about his life, inspirations and the special electricity that permeated the festival.

Milwaukee blues singer-songwriter Buffalo Nichols wants to see the genre get the recognition it deserves and isn't afraid to be confrontational about its current condition. He and Vocalo content director and host of Reclaimed Soul Ayana Contreras talk about his introduction to the blues and its importance at Lollapalooza ‘22. / Interview and production by Ayana Contreras; audio originally aired on 91.1 FM during Reclaimed Soul on August 4. Reclaimed Soul is hosted by Ayana Contreras every Thursday from 8-10 p.m. and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. Tune it at Vocalo.org/player.

Chicago's own Chance the Rapper recently shared about his new music and future plans with WBEZ's sister station Vocalo Radio. Reset hears highlights from the interview with Vocalo's Ayana Contreras.

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. He explains why chose to stay in Chicago, the importance of teachers and recounts meeting Barack Obama (whom his father worked for). He also talks about the support that he receives from his father in his career.

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. They discuss legendary singer-songwriter Anita Baker and Chance's role in recovering her recording masters. This leads into a conversation about artists' exploitation and posthumous releases.

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. He talks about the early days of his career and growing up alongside contemporaries like Noname, Vic Mensa and Saba.

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. Chance goes over the release of his single “Child of God”, his other multidisciplinary pieces, and his plans for releasing music in the future...

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. He lays out his reasons for purchasing The Chicagoist news website, possible future plans for it and discusses his civic education endeavors.

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. On a recent visit to Ghana, Chance met impactful West African artists, leading him to engage in collaborations unlike anything he'd encountered before. Chance recounts Ghana's history and how it represents a connection between Black individuals across all nations.

In his new memoir, 'My Life In The Sunshine,' author and label executive Nabil Ayers outlines his search for connection with his father, Roy Ayers. He sat down with Ayana Contreras to discuss the book, finding community in the music industry and discovering family...

A report from the online resale company ThredUp found that 93% of Americans are willing to buy their clothes secondhand, up from only 52% in 2016. As thrift shopping becomes more and more popular, what are Chicagoans' options for resale stores? Reset checks in with the manager of the Brown Elephant, a secondhand store that benefits Howard Brown Health. Also joining the program is Ayana Contreras, music host at Vocalo and thrifting expert. Host: Sasha-Ann Simons Producer: Char Daston Guests: Matt Talaga, Ayana Contreras

We sat down with Ayana Contreras DJ, On Air Talent, Radio Station Manager, and Author. During this interview we discussed Ayana's influences that led her onto a career to become a Dj and radio host. We also talked about her debut book " Energy Never Dies" which is out now. Watch On Youtube: illnz.link/youtube Download Our App: illnz.link/app ----Connect With Us On Social Media ----- Instagram: www.instagram.com/illanoizeradio Twitter: twitter.com/illanoizeradio Facebook: www.facebook.com/illanoizeradio

This week I have on the super talented, writer, DJ, author, and radio host, Ayana Contreras. She gave me some of her time to speak about her love for history and specifically Chicago history, her appreciation for the vintage, and how that informs how she lives in the present. We also spoke about her book Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago, such a great title, and so much more.    Follow Ayana Instagram: @ms.ayana.contreras Twitter : @ReclaimedSoul Here is where you can purchase the book or support Ayana in various ways https://linktr.ee/ayanacontreras    Follow the podcast on IG @simplykingpod Follow me everywhere @kings_memoirs  Follow business page @lifeasking Sign up for email list so that you never miss content https://linktr.ee/simplykingpod       (I do not own the music used in this production)   

You may have heard host/producer Ayana Contreras on Vocalo or WBEZ, bringing soul music to the airwaves and diving into the stories behind the songs on the show, "Reclaimed Soul." Her first book, “Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago,” came out a few weeks ago, and takes those stories — and many others — to the next level by exploring the lasting impact of Chicago's Black artists and entrepreneurs in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Ayana sits down with City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran to talk about cultural contributions like Ebony and Jet, Soul Train, and Afro Sheen, and the importance of the stories behind the music and art we love. On January 29, Ayana will be talking about her book and signing copies at the Woodson Regional Library on 95th and Halsted. Find out more and sign up here. Guest: Ayana Contreras, host of Reclaimed Soul and author of “Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago” Some Good News: Comedian Lisa Beasley is hosting a “Teachers' Appreciation Comedy Show” at 8 p.m. tonight at the Laugh Factory. It's also virtual. Plus, there are free tickets available for CPS teachers! Music clips in this episode from Frankie Knuckles (”Your Love,” “The Whistle Song”), Glenn Jones (”Oh Girl”), Lost Generation (”The Slick, Sly, and the Wicked”), and The Esquire (“Get on Up”). Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In her new book, Ayana Contreras explores the cultural contributions of Black Chicago's artists and entrepreneurs, and how that work still influences creatives today. Reset sits down with the host of Vocalo Radio's “Reclaimed Soul” about what inspired her to write her first book and what she hopes readers will take away from it.

South Florida native Helado Negro draws from multiple cultural threads to create genre-defying avant-electronic sounds. He is also a visual artist and recent recipient of the USArtists award. In March of 2019, Reclaimed Soul's Ayana Contreras sat down with Helado Negro to discuss his last album, "This Is How You Smile," as well as some of the surprising themes behind it. We are revisiting this conversation in anticipation of his new album "Far In," which is set for release on Oct. 22, 2021.

Jazz drummer, beat scientist and bandleader Makaya McCraven keeps past music alive — but puts his own spin on it. Ayana Contreras, the host of Reclaimed Soul, sat down with McCraven at his Rogers Park residence on Sept. 20 to discuss the necessity of creating music for survival, the continuum of music and his new album Deciphering the Message, which drops Nov. 19.

Ayana Contreras interviews Angel Bat Dawid about her album "LIVE," plus "The Oracle," and some little known history from Angel's come-up on the Chicago music scene. This episode supported in part by 606 Records, an independent record shop in Pilsen, Chicago, IL.

Reset checks in with Vocalo’s Ayana Contreras to discuss the organization’s Save our Stages campaign. We also hear from a local venue owner about how the pandemic is impacting Chicago’s music scene.

Ayana Contreras talked with Chris Bauman of the National Independent Music Venue Association, sharing the struggles that local venues has been through due to the COVID pandemic.

Reclaimed Soul host Ayana Contreras talked with guitarist/producer/arranger Jeff Parker about his latest album, his soulful approach to music, and about crate digging!

Jeff Parker is a guitarist, producer and arranger working in the intersection of jazz and art-rock. He spoke with Ayana Contreras about his soulful approach to making music.

Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul and joins us every week with a preview of this week's show.

Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul. She joined Jill Hopkins on The AMp to highlight her favorite Soul and Reggae covers of big American hits.

Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul and our tour guide down the River of Soul. She joins Jill Hopkins every Wednesday with a preview of next day's show.​

Lillian Yvonne Bertram meditates on conflicted romantic feelings during a summer spent in Maine. Produced by Ayana Contreras.

It’s the beat that drives the bugaloo and mambo. Ayana Contreras travels to Cuba to understand the clave. Plus, we go beneath a motorway flyover in Rio de Janeiro, where US hip-hop from the 1990s gets re-imagined every Saturday night; we meet a 9-year-old boy who is preserving his family’s Cambodian history through dance; South African superstar Johnny Clegg tells us how he helped form an interracial dance troupe during apartheid; and we remember Johnny Hallyday, “the French Elvis Presley”. (Image: Dancers at the weekly Saturday night charme dance in Madureira, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro's North Zone. Credit: Catherine Osborn)

Meet Ayana Contreras a DJ, producer and radio host. Listen along as we discuss her default face, why she believes in God, and her thoughts on sustainability.

A podcast about the things teens learn outside the classroom. In this episode, Alisha and Darius talk about how who you choose to be around can affect where you end up. Hosted by Darius and Alisha. Recorded by Darius. Produced by Ayana Contreras

YOUmedia's signature open mic night is Lyricist Loft, Wednesdays at 5pm at the Harold Washington Library's YOUmedia space. Produced by Ayana Contreras

YOUmedia’s Shaondell Black talks to Radio Mentor Ayana Contreras about his ACT-SO Award winning Short Film, “Incubus”. Music by Prince Talent. Audio Production by Ayana Contreras