Cultural Manifesto

This week on Cultural Manifesto hear a preview of Indy Jazz Fest and Bloomington’s Lotus World and Music Arts Festival. We’ll share interviews with Indy Jazz Fest performers Stanley Clarke and Sheila E. Plus words and music from Lotus Festival artists, including Sonny Singh, RAM, and La Perla.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with the 20x Grammy-winning guitarist Pat Metheny — he’ll be performing at this year’s Indy Jazz Fest. Metheny will discuss his connections to Indiana and his long relationship with the music of Wes Montgomery.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with Andrés Salguero and Christina Sanabria of 123 Andrés - a Latin Grammy-winning duo who create bilingual music for children and families. The music of 123 Andrés incorporates rhythms from across North and South America, and features collaborations with legendary Latin music performers including Rubén Blades, and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Also, listen to the latest edition of Rebel Music with Karla López Owens, an ongoing series exploring the relationship between music and activism. Karla’s guest will be the activist and writer Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez. Prisca is the founder of the online platform Latina Rebels, and the author of the 2021 book "For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color”. Prisca will be giving a free talk at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on September 12, as part of the IUPUI Chancellor’s Diversity Speaker Series.

Rebel Music with Karla López Owens is an ongoing series on Cultural Manifesto exploring the relationship between music and activism. On this episode, Karla’s guest is the activist and writer Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez. Prisca is the founder of the online platform Latina Rebels, and the author of the 2021 book "For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color”. Prisca will be giving a free talk at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on September 12, as part of the IUPUI Chancellor’s Diversity Speaker Series. In this conversation, Prisca discusses some of the life experiences that shaped her writing, and shares music that inspired her along the way."

Listen to the latest edition of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis, a new series exploring the people and places connected to the Indianapolis poet Etheridge Knight. Mat’s guest is poet Elizabeth Gordon McKim, Etheridge Knight’s partner and companion during the final years of his life. McKim lives in Lynn, Massachusetts. She recently visited Indianapolis for the unveiling of a new Etheridge Knight mural on Massachusetts Avenue. During the 1980s, Knight and McKim lived together on Mass Ave at the Barton Tower housing project. McKim will discuss her connection to Etheridge Knight, and her latest book “Elizabetheridge: A Memoir in Poetry”.

Finding Etheridge explores the people and places connected to the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Etheridge Knight. Etheridge Knight died in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991, but his legacy grows stronger with each passing year On this episode of Finding Etheridge, Mat’s guest will be the poet Elizabeth Gordon McKim, Etheridge Knight’s partner and companion during the final years of his life. McKim lives in Lynn, Massachusetts. She recently visited Indianapolis for the unveiling of a new Etheridge Knight mural on Massachusetts Avenue. During the 1980s, Knight and McKim lived together on Mass Ave at the Barton Tower housing project. McKim will discuss her connection to Etheridge Knight, and her latest book “Elizabetheridge: A Memoir in Poetry”. .

Finding Etheridge explores the people and places connected to the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Etheridge Knight. Etheridge Knight died in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991, but his legacy grows stronger with each passing year. On this edition of Finding Etheridge Host Mat Davis, speaks with Hanako Gavia, great-niece to Etheridge Knight. Hanako Gavia is the Assistant Director of Butler University's Center for Citizenship & Community. An Indianapolis resident since childhood, Gavia is very close to her family - including Etheridge Knight's sisters Clyneese Bennett and Janice Knight.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, Kyle Long talks with the jazz trumpeter and classical music violinist, Justin S. Kinchen. We’ll discuss his EP "Family Reunion: A Tribute to Uncle Funkenstein.” The recording celebrates saxophonist Russell Webster’s 1983 double LP “Uncle Funkenstein,” one of the most revered Indianapolis jazz albums. Kyle also speaks with the legendary Indianapolis concert promoter Steve Sybesma, best known for his work with Sunshine Promotions. Sybesma was a co-founder of the Deer Creek Music Center, and helped to bring some of the biggest stars in music to Indianapolis - including Michael Jackson, Prince, The Rolling Stones, and many others. We’ll discuss Sybesma’s latest project, the All IN Music & Arts Festival, a two-day event happening at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with Oreo Jones, Jane Kim, and J. Brookinz — the organizers of Chreece, an all-day hip-hop festival happening in Fountain Square. This year’s Chreece lineup features over 70 local hip-hop artists, along with the influential producer 9th Wonder, known for his work with Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and others.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, listen to an hour of words and music from the Bloomington-based guitarist TJ. Jones. He’s worked with several of the most legendary bands/artists in Indiana music - including Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign, Screaming Gypsy Bandits, Caroline Peyton, and the IU Soul Review. Jones’ music career started in Richmond, Indiana as a teenager. During the 1960s, his high school band The Vondells recorded an obscure single titled "Hey Girl You've Changed" for the local Airtown label. The record received no attention at the time of its release - but over the years its became a cult favorite among dancers in the British Northern Soul music scene. Today the Vondells’ original 45 release of "Hey Girl You've Changed" sells for over $3,500. During the 1970s Jones relocated to Bloomington, quickly becoming a fixture in the city's music scene. Jones has recorded and performed with many prominent Bloomington artists, including Bill Wilson, the Ruthie Allen Band, Evolution, and more. Jones continu

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with the legendary jazz pianist Bob James. Some music fans know James for writing the theme song to the hit television show Taxi, or through the extensive use of his work in hip-hop sampling — he’s one of the most sampled artists in the history of rap music. But few know that James’ first career breakthrough happened in South Bend, Indiana in 1962. James will also discuss his collaboration with Indianapolis jazz legend Freddie Hubbard, and offer his thoughts on the use of his music in sampling.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to a preview of an upcoming concert by the Grammy-winning Indian-American vocalist Falu. She’ll be performing in Indianapolis this August with the American Patchwork Quartet. As a child in Mumbai, Falu studied North Indian classical music. Over the years she’s worked with a wide range of artists - including Philip Glass, A.R. Rahman, Karsh Kale, Pretty Lights, and many others. Also hear new releases from Indianapolis musicians Hanna Benn and Jordan Munson.

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with singer-songwriter Steve Earle, best known for his work in country music. Earle’s songs have been recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Carl Perkins, and Joan Baez  — and in 2020, Earle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. We’ll discuss Earle’s connections to Indiana, and how he’s used his music to advocate for social justice. Plus, a new edition of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis for the second half of his conversation with poet Elizabeth Gordon McKim, Etheridge Knight’s partner during the final years of his life.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, listen to the latest edition of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis, a new series exploring the people and places connected to the Indianapolis poet Etheridge Knight. Mat’s guest will be the poet Elizabeth Gordon McKim, Etheridge Knight’s partner and companion during the final years of his life. McKim lives in Lynn, Massachusetts. She recently visited Indianapolis for the unveiling of a new Etheridge Knight mural on Massachusetts Avenue. During the 1980s, Knight and McKim lived together on Mass Ave at the Barton Tower housing project. McKim will discuss her connection to Etheridge Knight, and her latest book “Elizabetheridge: A Memoir in Poetry”. We’ll also listen to new releases from two rising stars in the Indianapolis music scene: Taylor Hall and Oltanie Charles.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, hear an interview with Bill Levin, best known as the founder of Indiana’s First Church of Cannabis.  Levin also has a substantial history in the Indianapolis music scene. During the 1980s he promoted punk rock concerts and managed punk rock bands - including the legendary Indianapolis group Zero Boys.

This week on Cultural Manifesto we’ll talk with the reggae music icon Ziggy Marley. Hear about his work in the new Spiderman film, an upcoming biopic about his father Bob Marley, and his history of performing for PBS Kids’ shows — including Sesame Street, and Arthur.  We’ll also catch up with the Indianapolis-based jazz drummer, and hip-hop artist Dorian Phelps. His band, Hurricane and The Gang, just issued their debut recording Capture the Flag.

Finding Etheridge explores the people and places connected to the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Etheridge Knight. Etheridge Knight died in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991, but his legacy grows stronger with each passing year. On this edition of Finding Etheridge, Mat Davis talks with Michaal L L Collins. Collins is an Indianapolis-based poet, writer and literary critic. Collins was a close friend and protege of Etheridge Knight. Collins was one of the last participants of Knight’s Free Peoples Poetry Workshop, and has written several chapbooks of haiku inspired by Etheridge Knight.

This week on Cultural Manifesto, we’ll talk with rapper Parris Ladame. She has a new album out titled “Pressure P”. We discussed her early years growing up in Indianapolis, and the teacher that inspired her love for poetry.  And we’ll catch up with the Indianapolis vocalist and composer Hanna Benn. 2023 is becoming a breakout year for Benn — her voice was featured on the Oscar-nominated soundtrack for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, her composition “View (Un)titled” was recently premiered at Carnegie Hall by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and she’s a featured performer on the new Meshell Ndegeocello album.

Tune in this week for a special Pride month edition of Cultural Manifesto. We’re celebrating the legacy of Labyris, a feminist lesbian bar that operated near downtown Indianapolis from 1978 to 1984. Labyris hosted live performances from some of the biggest names in the women’s music movement, including Holly Near, Toshi Reagon, and June Millington, founder of the legendary rock band Fanny. Kyle Long speaks with club’s founder Mary Byrne. He also talks with Lē Weaver, an Indianapolis musician who performed at Labyris, including rare recordings of Lē performing live at Labyris.

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop music. Explore influential figures in Indianapolis' hip-hop history, from the 1970s to today, including Reggie Griffin who created beats for early rap classics including “The Message,” WSYW 801 A.M.’s rap radio format co-originator B-Boy Chilly T, Hit Makers Showcase host Paul Middlebrook, Mudkids’ co-founder Rusty Redenbacher, and Patrice 2 Fine, one of the first female rappers in Indianapolis to appear on record. Plus more from Rickie Clark, Grover Wilcher, Steve Weakley, N.A.P. and B.M.W. Listen to words and music from artists including: Reggie Griffin — He created the beats for many early rap classics at Sugar Hill Records, including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message”. B-Boy Chilly T — In 1991 he helped launch Indianapolis’ first radio station dedicated exclusively to rap music, WSYW 810 A.M., better known as “Yo! Eight-One-Oh!”. Paul Middlebrook — During the 1980s he created and hosted “Hit Makers Showcase”, a public acce