For John Grant, There's Power In The Personal
Grant, who is HIV positive and a recovering addict, finds courage in writing intensely honest music. "When you perform it, there's just the joy of connecting with people," he says.
Music
Marching Band's Expected Performance In Inaugural Parade Sparks Controversy
The marching band from Talladega College, Alabama's oldest private, historically black liberal arts college, is listed as one of the participants in the inaugural parade on Jan. 20.
Metropolis: 12/31/16
Hear tracks by Deadmau5, Bonobo, Sam Von Horn and more in a special New Year's Eve EDM mix from KCRW's Jason Bentley.
In Mexico City, A Technicolor Borough Serves Up Tasty Street Foods — On Water
The ancient canals of Mexico City's Xochimilco borough are packed with colorful barges, centuries-old floating gardens, and boats selling an array of local street foods.
Forget 2016 — Here's Some Of 2017's Best Music
NPR Music editor and reviewer Stephen Thompson recommends new songs by Sinkane, Little Simz, Japandroids and more.
For These Three Teachers, School And Rock Go Hand In Hand
By day, Nicola Berlinsky and sisters Lisa Pimentel and Joanie Pimentel are colleagues at an elementary school. By night, they're bandmates — in a group they ironically named No Small Children.
On The Men Who Rattled Pop's Gender Rules — And What It Means To Lose Them Now
New York Times cultural critic Wesley Morris joins Ari Shapiro to discuss how three departed stars — David Bowie, Prince and George Michael — helped change the meaning of manliness in pop culture.
Ben Johnston Hears The Notes Between The Notes
The composer's string quartets are known for their use of microtones — and their extreme technical difficulty. Just in time for his 90th birthday, The Kepler Quartet has finally recorded them all.
'Shakespeare In Music & Words' Marks 400 Years Since The Bard's Death
A new two-CD set features music inspired by Shakespeare as well as actors reading his work. Critic Lloyd Schwartz says any excuse to honor the master playwright is a good one.
Loston Harris On Piano Jazz
The singer and pianist performs "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me" with host Marian McPartland.