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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, Ricky Skaggs. Born in Kentucky in 1954, Skaggs has played a central role in shaping modern bluegrass and country music. A child prodigy, he first performed on stage with Bill Monroe at age six, and at age seven, he appeared on national television with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.
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 Records, Vivian Carter. Vee-Jay Records is considered to be the most successful Black-owned record label of the pre-Motown era.
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 blends experimental composition, improvisation, and ambient textures to create spaces that invite reflection and deep listening.
Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month
November 26, 2025
Listen to a special episode celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. Learn how Native American musicians are reinventing traditional culture in the 21st Century, featuring interviews with the experimental pow wow group Medicine Singers, and the hip-hop artist Supaman.
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 inspires his show on this archived segment from 2016.
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 best known as the co-founder and executive director of Sones de México Ensemble, Chicago’s premier Mexican folk music collective.
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 new nonfiction book, Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection, his work in public media, and his deep roots in Indianapolis. Green’s novels, including The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Paper Towns, have sold over 50 million copies and inspired several major film adaptations.
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 Theatre's production of 'Marie & Rosetta,' a musical about the rock and roll legend's life.
Exploring PASIC - The Percussive Arts Society International Conventio
November 6, 2025
Take a deep dive into the world of PASIC during its 50th edition, PASIC 50, held in Indianapolis. Listen to an interview with the Indianapolis-based composer, performer and instrument builder Rob Funkhouser. Plus, conversations with past PASIC performers and honorees, including Elayne Jones, Giovanni Hidalgo, Susie Ibarra, Cindy Blackman Santana, Daru Jones, and more.
ARCHIVE: Herman 'Butch' Slaughter
November 5, 2025
Kyle Long features Echoes of Indiana Avenue co-host Herman 'Butch' Slaughter on this short segment from Cultural Manifesto.
Bernie Sanders and AOC in Terre Haute for the Eugene V. Debs Awards Ceremony
October 29, 2025
Recently, Terre Haute, Indiana welcomed two of the nation’s most prominent political figures — Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Sanders visited the city to receive the Eugene V. Debs Award. Hear Kyle Long's interview with Sanders, along with music from the Local Honeys, who opened the ceremony.
Celebrating Sister Rosetta Tharpe with the cast of IRT’s “Marie and Rosetta”
October 29, 2025
Hear interviews with members of the cast and creative team behind the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre’s production of Marie and Rosetta —including actors Cherish Love, Jaela Cheeks-Lomax, and music director Morgan E. Stevenson.
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