Podcasts about Folk music

On Repeat is a mini-pod for music discovery. In this segment, we hear from JoAnn Mar, the host of KALW's “Folk Music & Beyond.” Here, JoAnn shares music from artists who didn't get the recognition they deserved during their heyday. 

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In today's episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we head to the vibrant country of Colombia—a place full of colorful landscapes, rich traditions, and joyful rhythms! Part of our special summer series Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music, this musical journey introduces your child to the diverse folk styles that make Colombian music so special. From the African-influenced drums of the coastal regions to the haunting melodies of Indigenous flutes and the lively accordion tunes of vallenato, we'll explore how Colombia's music reflects its unique blend of cultures: Indigenous, African, and Spanish.

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Send us a textBjörn Kaidel (Akleja, Plønk) joins Nordic Sound #55 to talk about how the Scandinavian folk revival of recent decades is leading to renewed interest among German musicians to reclaim a folk music tradition of their own. Diving deeper, Björn and Jameson discuss the importance of medieval folk/rock bands such as In Extremo and Faun in keeping some semblance of folk music alive in Germany, how the folk revival is using archival work and manuscripts to reclaim a lost tradition, and the old connections between all folk musics of Europe and beyond before they became a matter of national identity. Of course, we then tie all of this together in talking about Björn's project Plønk and the reclaiming of the Waldzither as a German folk instrument, and his work with his wife in Akleja that could fool anyone into believing he's Swedish (the name Björn doesn't hurt).Timestamps:0:00 Overture1:59 Introductions5:50 Getting into Scandifolk11:11 Where's the German folk music scene?44:02 Why Folk Music?51:24 Plønk and the Waldzither1:08:32 AklejaSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsound BarMonicaEmberGeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTonyYou too can support the project at patreon.com/nordicsound

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***PLEASE LISTEN TO THE END***In this special episode of the podcast we here a personal update from our guest today Ericka Verba on the ongoing establishment of Trumpist fascism in LA, his use of ICE and the climate of fear.Join us as we welcome Ericka Verba, Director and Professor of Latin American Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, to delve into her landmark biography Thanks to Life: A Biography of Violeta Parra. Drawing on decades of scholarship, personal encounters, and the cultural currents of the Cold War, Verba brings to light the life, art, and enduring legacy of Chile's most revolutionary folk icon.In this episode, we explore:A Life in Song and Vision How Parra's self-taught artistry—from her seminal “Gracias a la vida” to her pioneering visual exhibitions at the Louvre—reshaped Latin American culture and protest music.Roots of Radicalism Verba's own political awakening through early friendships with Chilean musicians, and how her firsthand experience performing Parra's repertoire informs her deep archival research.The Cultural Cold War The role of folk music in social movements on both sides of the Iron Curtain, and how Parra navigated—and challenged—the geopolitical battles of the 1950s and '60s.Gender, Class, and Creativity An examination of the gendered and classed dynamics that shaped Parra's career—and the broader struggles of women artists in twentieth-century Latin America.Unearthed Discoveries The grants, fieldwork, and archival excavations (from NEH to Fulbright to local cultural affairs) that helped Verba uncover new facets of Parra's story—including never-before-published letters and performance documents.Legacy and Influence How Parra's work inspired generations—from the Nueva Canción movement to contemporary artists like Mercedes Sosa and Joan Baez—and what her message of “life and gratitude” means today.Whether you're passionate about musical history, Latin American studies, or the intersections of art and politics, this conversation with Ericka Verba illuminates the remarkable life of a woman whose songs became the soundtrack of resistance. Tune in for a richly textured journey through archives, concert halls, and the heart of cultural revolution.*****STOP PRESS*****I only ever talk about history on this podcast but I also have another life, yes, that of aspirant fantasy author and if that's your thing you can get a copy of my debut novel The Blood of Tharta, right here:Help the podcast to continue bringing you history each weekIf you enjoy the Explaining History podcast and its many years of content and would like to help the show continue, please consider supporting it in the following ways:If you want to go ad-free, you can take out a membership hereOrYou can support the podcast via Patreon hereOr you can just say some nice things about it here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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For Joe Henry, truth in songwriting doesn't come from confession or fact. It comes from presence, from listening, from surrender, from giving shape to the ineffable. As he puts it: “Total presence—that is the code of my road.” Henry's road has taken him across both the literal and metaphorical map of American music. Born in North Carolina, raised in Georgia and Ohio, and coming of age in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he grew up suspended between North and South, white and Black, rural and urban. This early sense of duality, of living between poles, helped shape his identity and fed a lifelong curiosity. Alongside his brother Dave, he immersed himself in records, films, and books that would later form the bedrock of his creative work. Over the past four decades, Henry has become one of the most respected songwriters and producers in American music. His solo albums, beginning in the late 1980s, blend literary songwriting with genre-bending arrangements. As a producer, he's worked with artists like Allen Toussaint, Mavis Staples, Solomon Burke, Bonnie Raitt, Rodney Crowell, Joan Baez, and Meshell Ndegeocello. He co-wrote Madonna's hit “Don't Tell Me,” (she also happens to be his sister in law) and more recently, he's been collaborating with Jon Batiste. This year he is releasing three of his classic albums on vinyl for the first time.  In this wide-ranging conversation, Henry discusses his love of character-driven songwriting—an approach influenced early on by Randy Newman and Bob Dylan—and his rejection of the notion that autobiography equals authenticity. “Your factual experience can be disruptive to the truth you're trying to allow to move through you,” he says. www.third-story.com www.leosidran.substack.com www.wbgo.org/podcast/the-third-story

Sowulo played Hellfest 2025 and Pipeman Radio was there for an amazing set. They will also be performing at Midgardsblot and Castlefest.Sowulo Find Light in Darkness on New Album NIHT comes out August 29 on Season of Mist.Lead single “Āsteorfan” resonates wisdom amidst ancestral echoes. Video has walking on coals which Pipeman relates to from doing it at Tony Robbins seminars.Rising Nordic folk star celebrates pagan legacy by honoring connection with the sun. For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his upcoming concept album, NIHT,  journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, lead single "Āsteorfan" ("To Die") is a meditation that, while filled with sorrow, finds that death is not a final resting place, but a portal into spiritual awakening.    The name "Sowulo," meaning "Sun" in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.Subscribe to The Adventures of Pipeman at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/supportTake some zany and serious journeys with The Pipeman aka Dean K. Piper, CST on The Adventures of Pipeman also known as Pipeman Radio syndicated globally “Where Who Knows And Anything Goes.” Check out our segment Positively Pipeman dedicated to Business, Motivation, Spiritual, and Health & Wellness. Check out our segment Pipeman in the Pit dedicated to Music, Artistry and Entertainment. Would you like to be a sponsor of the show?Would you like to have your business, products, services, merch, programs, books, music or any other professional or artistic endeavors promoted on the show?Would you like interviewed as a professional or music guest on The Adventures of Pipeman, Positively Pipeman and/or Pipeman in the Pit?Would you like to host your own Radio Show, Streaming TV Show, or Podcast? Contact the Pipeman:Phone/Text Contact – 561-506-4031Email Contact – dean@talk4media.com Follow @pipemanradio on all socials.Visit Pipeman Radio on the Web at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradio, www.theadventuresofpipeman.com and www.pipemanradio.com. Download The Pipeman Radio APP.The Adventures of Pipeman is broadcast live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET and Music & Positive Interviews daily at 8AM ET on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) and replays on K4HD Radio (www.k4hd.com)  – Hollywood Talk Radio part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). The Adventures of Pipeman TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).The Adventures of Pipeman Podcast is also available on The Adventures of Pipeman Podcast, Pipeman Radio Podcast, Talk 4 Media, Talk 4 Podcasting, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

Sowulo played Hellfest 2025 and Pipeman Radio was there for an amazing set. They will also be performing at Midgardsblot and Castlefest.Sowulo Find Light in Darkness on New Album NIHT comes out August 29 on Season of Mist.Lead single “Āsteorfan” resonates wisdom amidst ancestral echoes. Video has walking on coals which Pipeman relates to from doing it at Tony Robbins seminars.Rising Nordic folk star celebrates pagan legacy by honoring connection with the sun. For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his upcoming concept album, NIHT,  journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, lead single "Āsteorfan" ("To Die") is a meditation that, while filled with sorrow, finds that death is not a final resting place, but a portal into spiritual awakening.    The name "Sowulo," meaning "Sun" in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.Subscribe to The Adventures of Pipeman at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/supportTake some zany and serious journeys with The Pipeman aka Dean K. Piper, CST on The Adventures of Pipeman also known as Pipeman Radio syndicated globally “Where Who Knows And Anything Goes.” Check out our segment Positively Pipeman dedicated to Business, Motivation, Spiritual, and Health & Wellness. Check out our segment Pipeman in the Pit dedicated to Music, Artistry and Entertainment. Would you like to be a sponsor of the show?Would you like to have your business, products, services, merch, programs, books, music or any other professional or artistic endeavors promoted on the show?Would you like interviewed as a professional or music guest on The Adventures of Pipeman, Positively Pipeman and/or Pipeman in the Pit?Would you like to host your own Radio Show, Streaming TV Show, or Podcast? Contact the Pipeman:Phone/Text Contact – 561-506-4031Email Contact – dean@talk4media.com Follow @pipemanradio on all socials.Visit Pipeman Radio on the Web at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradio, www.theadventuresofpipeman.com and www.pipemanradio.com. Download The Pipeman Radio APP.The Adventures of Pipeman is broadcast live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET and Music & Positive Interviews daily at 8AM ET on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) and replays on K4HD Radio (www.k4hd.com)  – Hollywood Talk Radio part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). The Adventures of Pipeman TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).The Adventures of Pipeman Podcast is also available on The Adventures of Pipeman Podcast, Pipeman Radio Podcast, Talk 4 Media, Talk 4 Podcasting, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

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On this week's show, we celebrate the release of Bruce Springsteen's Tracks II: The Lost Albums box set with our Lost Albums Mix Tape. All this & much, much less! Debts No Honest Man Can Pay is a podcast that thinks it's a radio show...because it used to be one. The show started in 2003 at WHFR-FM (Dearborn, MI), moved to WGWG-FM (Boiling Springs, NC) in 2006 & Plaza Midwood Community Radio (Charlotte, NC) in 2012, with a brief pit-stop at WLFM-FM (Appleton, WI) in 2004. It phoenixed into a podcast in 2020, thanks to the fine and fabulously furious folks at NRM Streamcast. 

Welcome back to Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! In today's episode, we journey to the eastern side of Asia to explore the rich folk music traditions of South Korea. From heartfelt folk songs to energetic drumming ensembles, Korean traditional music—known as gugak—is a vibrant part of the country's culture and history. Join me as we explore:

Last Struggle Bus for June 2025 Support us on PayPal!

10 years on air with your favorites and brand new music Support us on PayPal!

In this episode of Around Town with Mike Jeffers, he talks with Claire Jefferys, wife of acclaimed New York musician Garland Jeffreys, about her powerful new documentary, “Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between.” Co-directed with filmmaker Evan M. Johnson, the documentary explores the extraordinary life of Garland Jeffreys—an artist who broke boundaries as a biracial rock & roll trailblazer, poet, and activist. From the streets of Brooklyn to international stages, Garland's story unfolds through archival footage, rare performances, and insightful interviews. Claire shares the behind-the-scenes journey of making the film and offers a firsthand look into the interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Harvey Keitel, Laurie Anderson, and many more. These tributes from friends and collaborators paint a vivid picture of Garland's influence on music and culture over the last several decades.  Don't miss the exclusive screening of the documentary on June 28, 2025, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. The event will include a Q&A with the filmmakers and special appearances by Jon Langford and Nicholas Tremulis, both of whom have personal connections to Garland's work and legacy. Get tickets and information here: http://bit.ly/3G4Y6wd

Claire Jeffreys, filmmaker and Garland Jeffreys’ wife, joins John Landecker to talk about her film, Garland Jeffreys: The King In Between, a documentary about the life of singer Garland Jeffreys. Claire also talks about Garland’s connection to Chicago and the screening of the film this Saturday at the Old Town School of Folk Music. For more […]

Folk Music & Beyond host JoAnn Mar spoke with Dr. Angela Wellman and Hannah Mayree, two Bay Area musicians and educators who are part of the current effort to encourage more African Americans to take up the banjo and reconnect with the early American roots music of their ancestors.

Our 10th Anniversary Struggle Bus with the bands who have been with us since the beginning Support us on PayPal!

On this week's show, we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ+ icons of queer country & new wave, and pour one out for legends Sly Stone and Brian Wilson as well as the sorely underrated Jill Sobule. All this & much, much less! Debts No Honest Man Can Pay is a podcast that thinks it's a radio show...because it used to be one. The show started in 2003 at WHFR-FM (Dearborn, MI), moved to WGWG-FM (Boiling Springs, NC) in 2006 & Plaza Midwood Community Radio (Charlotte, NC) in 2012, with a brief pit-stop at WLFM-FM (Appleton, WI) in 2004. It phoenixed into a podcast in 2020, thanks to the fine and fabulously furious folks at NRM Streamcast. 

New music from Alestorm and the introduction of Nor'easter Tippers & Pypes Support us on PayPal!

In this episode of our Around the World summer series, we're traveling to Ukraine, a country with a deep love of singing, a powerful history, and some truly fascinating folk instruments! Join me as we: Discover the meaning of folk music and why it matters.  Learn about Ukraine's journey to independence and how music has helped preserve its culture. Explore the beautiful three-part harmonies often sung a cappella by Ukrainian choirs. Hear traditional instruments like: Bandura – a harp-like instrument with up to 60 strings. Trembita – one of the world's longest instruments used in mountain villages. Tsymbaly – a hammered dulcimer that creates rhythmic dance music. Understand how folk music varies from region to region in Ukraine. You'll hear snippets of folk songs throughout the episode and learn how modern Ukrainian artists are keeping these traditions alive today.

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Send us a textPlease join me in welcoming the inimitable Mia Guldhammer to Nordic Sound #54. Performing with acts such as Virelai, Mallebrok, and now Guldganger, Mia has long made a name for herself as a passionate keeper and performer of the Scandinavian ballad tradition at Medieval markets and reenactments, as well as a celebrated vocalist in the Danish folk music scene. Mia takes us through her experience in both, diving deep into the enchanting world of medieval balladry, how we keep them alive (and meaningful) today, and how we can bridge the worlds of traditional folk music and medieval reenactment. Mia, thank you so much for joining the Nordic Sound, it was an absolute pleasure to nerd out with someone as passionate and knowledgeable as yourself.0:00 Overture1:46 Introduction4:06 Mia's Musical Upbringing12:29 Medieval Ballads25:24 Danish Folk Music51:40 Medieval Markets and ReenactmentsSupport the showThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsoundThe Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:GeorgeBetsCarrieGenLeighMikeCindyClaytonDrakeEricJamieJuliaMaryMichaelMichaelSeanSimonTony

In this episode we explore the lesser-known but historically rich Johnson City Sessions of 1928 and 1929. While the Bristol Sessions are often credited as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” Johnson City played a vital follow-up role in capturing the authentic sounds of Appalachia.Frank Buckley Walker, a Columbia Records talent scout, recorded local musicians in a Johnson City lumber company office, including Clarence Ashley, Charlie Bowman, and the Roane County Ramblers.It's another one of the Stories of Appalachia.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.

This week's guest, Davey O., is a Buffalo -born songwriter whose work has been praised by Music Critic Jeff Miers as having "a journalist's eye for detail and poet's ear for the well-turned observation". For two decades, Davey has honed his craft, creating deeply introspective Americana that speaks to the human experience rather than political or social themes. His songs are raw, honest, and completely devoid of insincerity, each one a vivid soundtrack for the listener's imagination. Armed with his Gibson guitar and a tireless work ethic, Davey brings his captivating stories and songs to audiences across the U.S. His dedication has earned him significant recognition, including a New Folk Finalist selection at the Kerrville Folk Festival and opening slots for esteemed artists like Ellis Paul and Suzanne Vega.   Davey joined Rockabilly Greg In the Flamingo Lounge on June 9, 2025 and shared his music and stories.

New music from The Longest Johns and the last new music from Tom Mason Support us on PayPal!

On this week's show, we spend quality time time with new records from Julien Baker & TORRES, Tune-Yards & Esther Rose, spin fresh tracks from Superchunk, Ethel Cain & Low Cut Connie, and listen to some choice words for the current administration from Bruce Springsteen. all this & much, much less! Debts No Honest Man Can Pay is a podcast that thinks it's a radio show...because it used to be one. The show started in 2003 at WHFR-FM (Dearborn, MI), moved to WGWG-FM (Boiling Springs, NC) in 2006 & Plaza Midwood Community Radio (Charlotte, NC) in 2012, with a brief pit-stop at WLFM-FM (Appleton, WI) in 2004. It phoenixed into a podcast in 2020, thanks to the fine and fabulously furious folks at NRM Streamcast. 

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Folk music has surged an unexpected comeback in rock, country, and crossed over even more now in pop! Young modern singers Alex Warren and Myles Smith are making headlines with their catchy and powerful music. Learn how similar their songs, family backgrounds, and recent success are trending part of 2025's music scene. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaAlex Warren's websiteCurrent singles: "Ordinary", "Ordinary (Wedding Version)", "Bloodline" feat. Jelly RollPerformances: The Tonight Show, American Music AwardsCharting: UK's Official Charts, Billboard Artist PageWedding articleMyles Smith's websiteCurrent singles: "Stargazing" (2024-2025), "NIce to Meet You" (2024-2025), "Blink Twice" - Shaboozey feat. Myles SmithPerformances: The Voice's winter 2024 finale, Brit Awards 2025, American Idol finaleBrit Awards Rising Star acceptance speech, Time 100Related Episodes: Ep. 123 - Z100's Radio HistoryEp. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"Ep. 187 - Ed Sheeran Top 11Ep. 192 - Jelly Roll's Bio & Top 3 HitsEp. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"Ep. 260 - Global Citizens Festival 2024 - ReviewEp. 261 - Coldplay - Top Album SongsEp. 270 - Coldplay's & Dick Van DykeEp. 273 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2)Ep. 292 - Ed Sheeran's "Azizam" & "Old Phone"Ep. 294 - Prom 2025 Playlist

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Can Sidetracked ever top being endorsed by Jacob Alon's therapist? Annie and Nick are joined by the self-described "cheeky folk" artist to talk about their debut album. Elsewhere, Nick shares what it's like to be backstage with Iggy Pop, and Annie praises Taylor Swift for reclaiming her music from Scooter Braun. Plus, Annie and Nick swap notes on the Scissor Sisters O2 gig, analyse Bono ruffling Elon Musk's feathers, and advise on how to turn a festival into a hen do. SONGS HAIM - Take Me Back Wet Leg - CPR Miley Cyrus - Easy Lover Obongjayar - Holy Mountain ALBUMS Jacob Alon - In Limerence OTHER Pan Amsterdam: https://panamsterdam.bandcamp.com/ Biggy Pop: https://www.instagram.com/biggypop/?hl=en

  Welcome to a brand new season of our summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! Every 2 weeks this summer, we're visiting a different country to explore its folk music traditions—and today, we're heading to the Horn of Africa to discover the rich and unique sounds of Ethiopia! In this episode, you'll learn: What makes Ethiopian music sound so different from Western music The special musical scales called qignit (including the Tizita scale) The fascinating traditional instruments of Ethiopia: the krar, masenqo, and washint How music is woven into celebrations, faith, and storytelling The unique Ethiopian dance called eskista, full of fast footwork and expressive shoulder movements Plus, we'll hear musical clips throughout the episode to bring these traditions to life!

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Today we are discussing WoodyFest in Okemah, Oklahoma. The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival celebrates the life and musical legacy of one of America's greatest folk music songwriters and troubadours, Woody Guthrie. Held in Okemah, Guthrie's hometown, this festival offers music, plays, children's activities, poetry readings, craft vendors and more throughout the city. Daytime main stage performances will be held indoors at the Crystal Theater and other locations in downtown Okemah, while evening main stage performances will be held at Pastures of Plenty. Head out to the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival to soak up the friendly atmosphere and to commune with like-minded music lovers from all over the world. Nestled in the heart of Okfuskee County, Okemah, Oklahoma, is a charming destination rich in history, culture, and small-town allure. As the largest city and county seat of Okfuskee County, with a population of 3,078, Okemah invites visitors to explore its unique heritage, vibrant connection to folk music legend Woody Guthrie, and deep Native American roots. Whether you're a history buff, music enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic Oklahoma experience, Okemah offers a delightful blend of attractions and stories waiting to be uncovered. Also discussed KevinStitt, Woody Guthrie Coalition and Cafe 75. Special thanks to our partner, Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers. Want some Only in OK Show swag? #OkemahOK #woodyfest #WoodyGuthrie #folkmusic #WoodyGuthrieCoalition #OHA #kevinstitt #lonniepaxton #cafe75 #moundsok #onlyinokshow #Oklahoma #podcast #traveloklahoma #historic #travel #tourism

Brand new music from The Silver Darling, The Killigans and introducing The Mermaids and Valley Quest Support us on PayPal!

Music lovers, mark your calendars for Saturday, May 31, 2025, as the Doodle Folk Music Festival returns to Bishop Hill, Illinois. The village park will be alive with folk sounds from some of the state's most celebrated artists, including Barry Cloyd, Buck Halker, Chris Vallillo, and the Bucktown Americana Music Show. A special exhibit on Bishop Hill's own Jonas "Doodle" Danielson will be featured in the park gazebo. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Evening festivities continue at P.L. Johnson's with a dinner party, available by reservation. More information can be found at bishophillheritage.org. P.L. Johnson's is hosting a special dinner party this evening, open exclusively to guests with reservations from 4 to 8 PM. Highlights from the menu include hearty beef bourguignon, flavorful Swedish meatballs, cheese tortellini, and Oskar chicken. Dessert options are sure to tempt guests with choices like pavlova and rich chocolate lava cake. Those interested in securing a table are encouraged to call 309-927-3885 to reserve a spot. With a menu offering a variety of savory and sweet dishes, this event promises an indulgent experience for diners in the area tonight. The event kicks off at 10 AM with Barry Cloyd performing songs from his ten albums. At 11:30, Buck Halker brings American Coal Miner songs to the stage, covering more than seven decades of music history. After lunch, Chris Vallillo's afternoon set promises a blend of Midwest tales and masterful bottleneck slide guitar. At 3 PM, the Bucktown Americana Music Show closes out the festival, offering a lively mix of bluegrass, folk, and more. This free event is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities Council, Galesburg Community Foundation, and the Geneseo Foundation. For more details, you can call 309-927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net. Information about this festival is also posted on www.bishophillheritage.org and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook page.

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Legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega looks back at her remarkable career — and forward to her new album, Flying with Angels, her first collection of original songs in nearly a decade. From the moment she emerged in the 1980s with her self-titled debut and follow-up Solitude Standing, Vega has occupied a singular space in popular music. Known for her literate lyrics, calm delivery, and understated innovation, she became an unlikely pop star with songs like “Luka” — a devastating portrait of abuse — and “Tom's Diner,” which began as an a cappella sketch and became a surprise dance hit, later used in the development of the MP3 format. Vega discusses how those early hits shaped her identity, and how she's maintained a relationship with her past work while continuing to evolve as an artist. She shares stories behind her biggest songs, her longtime collaborations (including with producer and ex-husband Mitchell Froom), and her connection to a vibrant downtown New York songwriting community that included figures like Jack Hardy and Fast Folk magazine. She also reflects on the new material, including the haunting “Mariaupol,” inspired by the war in Ukraine, and “Rats,” inspired during the lockdown in New York. These songs mark a subtle shift for Vega: from her usual allegorical storytelling to more direct commentary and bearing witness to events in real time. Along the way, the conversation touches on Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, motherhood, stagecraft, artistic responsibility, and the strange alchemy of simplicity and resonance. Vega shares anecdotes from her life on tour, her early performances (including a childhood appearance at Pete Seeger's feet), and her unexpected intersections with technology and culture. www.third-story.com www.leosidran.substack.com www.wbgo.org/podcast/the-third-story