Cultural Manifesto

During the 1950s and '60s the Indianapolis Recorder held all-night Christmas concerts at the Walker Theatre. These concerts raised funds for families in need, and helped launch the careers of many Indianapolis musicians. Host Kyle Long speakes with several musicians who performed at these events.

This week, Kyle Long talks with Indianapolis rapper Skypp about his new album "U4U."

This week, Kyle long talks with visual artist Anila Agha to discuss her new installation "This is Not a Refuge." Saxophonist Rob Dixon also joins the show to talk about his holiday themed concert at the Jazz Kitchen.

On this edition of Cultural Manifesto Kyle Long is joined in studio by Daniel Paquette, best known as the popular children's music performer Mr. Daniel. The two discuss how Paquette's past work performing experimental punk rock and anarchist folk music all coalesced into the children's music he creates as Mr. Daniel.

This week Kyle pays tribute to Indianapolis percussionist Raul Padro, who passed away last month. Also in theis episode, an interview with Crow Nation hip-hop artist @Supamanhiphop

Host Kyle Long continues with his LAMP Records coverage, this week he speaks with members of the popular Indianapolis soul group Words of Wisdom.

Kyle speaks with Bill Simmons, co-founder of Midnight Star. During the 1980s Midnight Star released a series of influential hit records merging electronic dance music with R&B - but Bill Simmons spent his early years performing with local funk and soul bands here in Indianapolis.

On this episode Kyle talks with members of Midwest '70s funk group The Hamilton Movement. Topics of conversation include the band's association with comedian Rudy Ray Moore, which led to Moore premiering his 1975 film Dolemite in Indianapolis.

Host Kyle Long continues his Lamp Records coverage with a program featuring John "Ricky" Jackson, an original member of the Indianapolis funk group Ebony Rhythm Band.

On this episode Kyle's guest is vocalist soul Paul Middlebrook of The P.H.D.'s. During the '60s and '70s The P.H.D.'s were a popular attraction on the Indianapolis live music scene. In 1970 the group issued a sought after single on the Lamp Records label.

Kyle Long presents part two of his series on the legendary Indianapolis funk band Amnesty.

Kyle presents part one of his two part series documenting the legendary Indianapolis funk group Amnesty. In this episode, hear from the group's three surviving members: Joe Trotter, Rafael Barnes, and Gino Johnson.

To celebrate the new WFYI documentary The Revolutionist: Eugene V. Debs, I'll be featuring an hour of protest music - including a look back to my 2018 interview with musician/activist Barbara Dane.

This week Kyle Long shares an interview with the legendary Indianapolis funk drummer Matthew Watson. During the late '60s Watson co-founded the psychedelic funk group Ebony Rhythm Band. Watson died earlier this month at the age of 72.

This week's edition of Cultural Manifesto may be the most significant program Kyle has ever produced. this episode features an hour of previously unheard music from the legendary Indianapolis band Merging Traffic. Plus commentary from two of the band's founding members: Kenny Simms and George Benn. Originally posted December 12, 2018.

Kyle chats with Cuban jazz legend Arturo Sandoval ahead of his 2019 Indy Jazz Fest show. Then, a preview of the 2019 Lotus Fest in Bloomington, IN beginning September 26, 2019.

Kyle celebrates Ken Burns' PBS documentary "Country Music" with a tribute to Indianapolis country music legend Lattie Moore. "Country Music" premieres Sunday, September 15, 2019 on PBS.

On this episode of Cultural Manifesto Kyle Long continues coverage of the new anthology from Now Again Records documenting the Indianapolis soul music label LAMP Records. Joining Kyle is vocalist Pam Davis-Tanner of psych-funk legends Ebony Rhythm Band.

Kyle talks with Indianapolis rapper Double A about his album "How Soon They Forget" and how his work in hip-hop relates to his day job operating the vintage clothing shop Naptown Thrift. Kyle also speaks with Bloomington-based jazz musician Monika Herzig.

This week host Kyle Long talks with Harry Otaku and Pernell From Pike from the new rap group C-Lunch. They all listen to the C-Lunch debut release "Commercial Break".