DONATE
Back to: Cultural Manifesto
40 Indiana Guitar Pioneers Every Hoosier Should Know
40 Indiana guitar pioneers every Hoosier should know: South Bend, Indiana’s Willie Woods
March 4, 2026
In the third edition of our new segment, “40 Indiana guitar pioneers every Hoosier should know,” learn about the South Bend guitarist Willie Woods, best known for his work with Jr. Walker & the All Stars.
Composer and instrument builder Rob Funkhouser discusses Respiratory Cycle
March 4, 2026
Listen to an interview with the Indianapolis-based composer, performer, and instrument builder Rob Funkhouser. His latest album, “Respiratory Cycle”, features two immersive, long-form suites, “Exhale” and “Inhale.”
40 Indiana guitar pioneers every Hoosier should know: Gary, Indiana’s Donald Kinsey
February 24, 2026
In the second edition of our new segment, “40 Indiana guitar pioneers every Hoosier should know,” learn about the Gary, Indiana, guitarist Donald Kinsey, who played with artists including Bob Marley, Albert King, and Peter Tosh.
Cesar Maldonado on the roots of Mariachi Herencia de México
February 18, 2026
Listen to a conversation with Cesar Maldonado, founder and artistic director of Mariachi Herencia de México. Based in Chicago, the ensemble grew out of the Mariachi Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and advancing mariachi music through youth education.
Wayne Newton on his early work in country music
February 11, 2026
Listen to Kyle Long’s interview with “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton. With a career spanning more than seven decades, he is among the most enduring figures in American popular entertainment. But Newton’s career began much earlier, in the 1950s, when he was still a child, singing country music alongside his brother, Jerry.
The Indiana pioneers of Puerto Rican music
February 11, 2026
Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl last Sunday was the most-watched halftime show in history, placing Puerto Rican music squarely at the center of American pop culture. For decades, Puerto Rican music has enjoyed widespread popularity here in the Hoosier State. We’ll celebrate the Puerto Rican music pioneers of Indiana.
Scholar and broadcaster Nia I’man Smith discusses Sonic Blacknuss Radio
February 4, 2026
Kyle Long speaks with Nia I’man Smith, who is a scholar and radio host based in Bloomington, Indiana. She’s currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Indiana University Bloomington. Smith is also the creator and host of Sonic Blacknuss, a biweekly program on Bloomington’s community radio station, WFHB.
Discovering Sun Ra’s Indiana connections
February 4, 2026
This month on American Masters, PBS will present “Sun Ra: Do The Impossible” — a new documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Sun Ra, one of the most visionary figures in jazz music. Sun Ra’s early work was shaped by Hoosiers, including trumpeter Art Hoyle, saxophonist/flutist James Spaulding, and recording engineer Bud Pressner.
Exploring Gil Scott-Heron’s work with the Princeton, Indiana producer Robert Hosea Williams
January 28, 2026
Explore music featuring the Princeton, Indiana producer and engineer Robert Hosea Williams (also known as R. José Williams), best known for his work with Gil Scott-Heron.
Surina Gangwani is bringing Sofar Sounds back to Indianapolis
January 28, 2026
For more than a decade, Sofar Sounds has connected music fans with intimate, unconventional concert experiences in cities across the globe. After a hiatus, the project is returning to Indianapolis—thanks to local ambassador Surina Gangwani, who is relaunching the series with a renewed focus on community.
Martin University founder Boniface Hardin fought for equality in classrooms and communities
January 28, 2026
Last December, Martin University announced it would close, citing years of financial strain and declining enrollment. The closure brings to an end a legacy that began more than 50 years ago with Boniface Hardin.
Neko Case discusses her new album, Spotify, and the influence of Umm Kulthum
January 21, 2026
Neko Case is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and genre-defying albums. She discussed her new album, “Neon Grey Midnight Green,” and her upcoming performance in Indiana with WFYI’s Kyle Long.
View More Articles
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.