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Listen back to some of our favorite interviews of 2023. Join us for words and music from Skypp, Aye Marcay, Zakir Hussain, 123 Andrés, La March Nueva, Dwani Phiri, and Kronos Quartet.

Part two of our look back at some of our favorite music and interviews of 2023. Indianapolis music legends Rodney Stepp and Allen “Turk” Burke will discuss their work with The Spinners, and R&B vocalist Debbie Nelson will share her memories of growing up on the Avenue.

Kyle Long speaks with Alan Bacon, co-founder and president of the Indianapolis-based arts and culture organization GangGang, about their I Made Rock ’N’ Roll Festival. It honors the Black roots of rock music May 18, 2024, and will feature performances by Janelle Monáe, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolph Band, Joy Oladokun and more. Plus, more memorable Cultural Manifesto interviews from 2023.

We’re celebrating the life and music of Les McCann by listening to his work with the Indianapolis bass player Leroy Vinnegar.

Kyle Long interviews Branford Marsalis, who will make two appearances in Indiana in January 2024.

An interview with jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Branford Marsalis. And playwright Cheryl L. West and actor Maiesha McQueen discuss the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of “Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer.”

Explore the Ink Spots’ influence on rock and roll. The only Indianapolis act to be inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame, the Ink Spots remain one of the most influential acts to emerge from the Avenue.

Listen to an interview with NPR’s Ari Shapiro. He’ll discuss his cabaret act Och & Oy!, a collaboration with the Scottish actor Alan Cumming. We’ll also discuss the life and music of the Indiana songwriter Bruz Fletcher, a pioneer of LGBTQ+ music during the 1930s.

An interview with the Indianapolis R&B artist Brandon Lott, with music from his latest release, “Aquadream.” And a live session from La Marca Nueva, a young Indianapolis band that specializes in regional Mexican music styles, including sierreno and corridos tumbados.

Allen “Turk” Burke and Rodney Stepp share music from an unreleased Spinners’ album Stepp and Turk produced in Indianapolis. And Stepp will recall performing with The Spinners at Muhammad Ali’s legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, Africa.