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.

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.

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.

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.

Listen to an interview with members of Clave Caribe, a Lafayette, Indiana band that has been performing Latin music for 20 years. Founded by Puerto Rican musician “Tito” Toro after he moved to Lafayette in 2006, the group brings together musicians from different countries and musical backgrounds. Their repertoire includes salsa, cumbia, bachata, samba, and more. Host Kyle Long talks with Toro, vocalist Sandra Úsuga, and percussionist Nolan Warden about the band’s history and its place in Lafayette’s music community.

Kyle Long previews Indy Jazz Fest with two dynamic drummers and percussionists. Sheila E. discusses her roots in jazz and Latin music, and the musical family that shaped her career. And Nikki Glaspie talks about the gospel, funk, punk, and metal influences behind her drumming, her years touring with Beyoncé, and the lessons she’s learned from the legendary musicians like Maceo Parker and Chaka Khan.

Indianapolis comedian, poet, author and victim advocate Claressa Patton, better known as Clara D, has made laughter an important part of her life and work. Patton talks with Kyle Long about her journey into comedy, her work as a victim advocate, and the role laughter has played in her own healing. She also discusses her book Healing in Pieces and her efforts to help others navigate grief and loss.