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Vocalion Records’ historic 1928 Indianapolis sessions
July 30, 2025
In the summer of 1928, the Vocalion Record Company visited Indianapolis in search of the city’s best musical talent. The label’s trip to Indianapolis was a success, Vocalion discovered and recorded several early stars of Indianapolis country, blues, jazz, and pop music — including blues legends Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, Black country music pioneers Lulu Jackson and James Cole, and more. This week on Cultural Manifesto we’ll listen to Vocalion’s historic Indianapolis recordings.
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The top 10 most valuable Indiana LPs and singles
July 23, 2025
Listen to the top 10 most valuable Indiana LPs and 45 RPM singles of all time. Also, hear interviews...
The experimental Naptown hip-hop group 81355 returns with “Bad Dogs”
July 16, 2025
Listen to an interview with the experimental Indiana hip-hop group 81355, featuring Oreo Jones,...
Joel Frederiksen on fusing the songs of Leonard Cohen with music of the French Renaissance
July 9, 2025
Listen to an interview with the vocalist and lute player Joel Frederiksen. During his upcoming...
New summer releases from essential Indiana musicians
July 2, 2025
Listen to new summer releases from essential Indiana musicians, along with interviews with...
Multimedia artist Jessica Dunn creates surrealistic electronic soundscapes
June 25, 2025
Jessica Dunn is a multimedia artist and musician based in Indianapolis. Her creative practice...
The Indiana Brothers discuss their work in Carnatic music
June 25, 2025
The Indiana Brothers are a Carnatic music duo from Central Indiana, featuring twin brothers...
The past and present of the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering
June 18, 2025
For over 50 years, the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering has attracted old-time music fans...
Indianapolis composer Hanna Benn debuts new work with the ISO
June 11, 2025
This June, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will premiere a new work from the Indianapolis...
Beach Boys’ founder Brian Wilson on the influence of Indianapolis’ The Four Freshmen
June 11, 2025
Listen to a 2017 interview WFYI’s Kyle Long recorded with Brian Wilson, the visionary...
Fort Wayne’s Nitish Kulkarni explores Indian American identity on Indigo
June 4, 2025
Listen to an interview with Fort Wayne, Indiana-based musician, composer, arranger, and producer...
The Gary, Indiana composer Jlin is revolutionizing electronic music
May 28, 2025
Listen to an interview with the acclaimed Gary, Indiana composer and electronic music producer...
Taylor Hall / Jenny Boyts
May 21, 2025
Listen to an interview with the musician and activist Taylor Hall. May is Mental Health Awareness...
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with Indiana musicians
May 14, 2025
Celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month with music from...
Historian Nicole Martinez-LeGrand on the lost history of Indianapolis’ El Barrio
May 7, 2025
Listen to an interview with historian Nicole Martinez-LeGrand, director of a new documentary...
Deantoni Parks discusses Technoself, Andre 3000 and his early years as a drumming prodigy
April 30, 2025
Listen to an interview with the percussionist, composer and technologist Deantoni Parks, known...
Gary Bartz on Andy Bey, jamming with Wes Montgomery and Malcolm X
April 30, 2025
Listen to an interview with legendary jazz saxophonist and composer Gary Bartz. A two-time...
Kate Lamont and Devon Ashley
April 23, 2025
Listen to an interview about Kate Lamont’s latest project, a remastered reissue of her...
Todd Rundgren / Nnenna Freelon
April 16, 2025
Listen to an interview with Todd Rundgren, a pioneering musician, songwriter, and producer...
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