Kyle Long

Hear a conversation with La Vida Arcana, an Indiana-based instrumental trio blending Latin rock with punk, metal and musical influences from West Africa. The group features guitarist Zeke Rodriguez, bassist Lu Figueroa, and drummer and percussionist Abe Rodriguez. Their music combines heavy guitar riffs and propulsive rhythms with themes of magic, mysticism and the supernatural.

Kyle Long speaks with acclaimed alto saxophonist, composer and educator, Rudresh Mahanthappa, who is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz. On November 3, he brings his Hero Trio to the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. The group reimagines music by Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Keith Jarrett, alongside interpretations of songs by Johnny Cash and Stevie Wonder.

Hear the second episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Sarah McLawler’s birth. An Indianapolis vocalist and Hammond organist, McLawler was a pioneer among women in jazz. We’ll hear recordings from her early work on the Hammond organ, including collaborations with saxophonist Georgie Auld and with her husband, violinist Richard Otto.

Indianapolis-raised siblings TJ and Teresa Reynolds discuss Lineage, their first full-length album together. TJ is a hip-hop artist and producer, while Teresa is a singer and songwriter who has performed internationally with disco legend Gloria Gaynor. Blending hip-hop and R&B, Lineage explores themes of family and musical heritage. Cultural Manifesto host Kyle Long recently spoke with them about their collaboration and the making of the album.

Listen to an interview with Hector Flores of Las Cafeteras. The East Los Angeles group blends son jarocho, an Afro-Mexican folk tradition, with hip-hop, rock and cumbia. Flores joins host Kyle Long to discuss Hasta La Muerte, a multimedia theatrical production inspired by Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), coming to the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts on October 29.

Join host Rodney Stepp for the first episode in a three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Naptown vocalist and keyboardist Sarah McLawler.

Host Kyle Long speaks with actor William Shatner about his connection to Indiana, his work in public radio, and the legacy of Star Trek, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Plus Shatner’s new album with country star Brad Paisley and an upcoming heavy metal project featuring songs by Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne.

Listen to an interview with Niladri Kumar, one of India’s most celebrated sitar players. Kyle Long talks with Kumar about his musical partnership with the late tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, his work in Bollywood film music, and the creation of the Zitar. Kumar will pay tribute to Zakir Hussain in concert on October 18 at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Central Indiana.

Hear a tribute to Indianapolis pianist and bandleader Millard Lee, a fixture of the Indiana Avenue music scene during the 1940s. Lee performed at clubs including the Sunset Terrace, the Cotton Club, and the 440 Club. He later joined B.B. King’s band, working as a pianist and bandleader from the mid-1950s until 1961.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with words and music celebrating the Latin music pioneers of Northwest Indiana, including Juan Manuel Guerrero, Adela Dalto, Santos Candelaria and Omar Apollo.