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Back to: Cultural Manifesto
Discovering Sun Ra’s Indiana connections
February 04, 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.
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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...
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...
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...
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...
Jazz bassist and beatmaker Brandon Meeks reflects on his roots in Indiana
January 14, 2026
Listen to an interview with Brandon Meeks, an Indianapolis–based jazz bassist, bandleader...
Beatmaker Scott Matelic on the evolution of his soulful, psychedelic hip-hop sound
January 7, 2026
Scott Matelic is an Indianapolis-born hip-hop producer and DJ whose sound emerges from the...
Remembering Indiana musicians who died in 2025
December 31, 2025
Join us as we honor some of the notable Indiana musicians and music figures who passed away...
Standout moments and releases by Indiana musicians in 2025
December 17, 2025
Listen back to the moments and releases that shaped Indiana music in 2025, from long-overdue...
Justin Bland looks back on the history of Made Man Improv
December 17, 2025
Justin Bland is the creator and host of Made Man Improv, a popular improv comedy showcase based...
Ricky Skaggs discusses Christmas music, The Grand Ole Opry and the legacy of Bill Monroe
December 10, 2025
Listen to a conversation with the virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and bandleader,...
40 Indiana guitarists every Hoosier should know: Evansville, Indiana’s Jackie Clark
December 10, 2025
This is the first edition of a new Cultural Manifesto segment titled “40 Indiana Guitar...
ARCHIVES: A Tribute to Vivian Carter
December 4, 2025
This archived episode from 2021 pays tribute to one of the co-founders of the legendary Vee-Jay...
Indiana composer Landon Caldwell on his explorations in experimental sound
December 3, 2025
Landon Caldwell is a multidisciplinary artist and composer based in Indianapolis. His music...
Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month
November 26, 2025
Listen to a special episode celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. Learn how...
ARCHIVE: Felix Contreras, host of NPR's Alt Latino
November 19, 2025
Host of NPR's Alt Latino Felix Contreras talks with Kyle Long about Latino identity and what...
Juan Díes of Sones de México Ensemble reflects on his Indiana roots
November 19, 2025
Listen to an interview with Juan Díes, a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and folklorist...
John Green on his new book, public media, and his Indianapolis roots
November 12, 2025
Listen to an interview with John Green, an award-winning author and YouTuber, discussing his...
FEATURE: Cherish Love portrays Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 'Marie & Rosetta.'
November 11, 2025
Cherish Love, an award-winning performer, is Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the Indiana Repertory...
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