Cultural Archives — Page 5 of 6 — Alternative Radio

Neruda & Modern Latin American Literature
Jorge Edwards
Pablo Neruda of Chile, 1904-1973, won the Nobel Prize in 1971. Jorge Edwards, a Chilean writer, discusses Neruda’s vast literary output. Edwards, who knew Neruda, describes how his work evolved from early romantic poetry to, after the Spanish Civil War, radical and political. Edwards has great insight into Neruda and the nuances and textures of […]
Satirical Verses
Edward Dorn
Satire has long been a favorite device of artists seeking to subvert by making fun of those in power, be it church, state, king or landlord. If they are especially good at it, they can be banished, like cartoonist Thomas Nast, or novelist Salman Rushdie. But poetry has never wielded enough influence to bring down […]
Masks & Realities
Ariel Dorfman
Why has Chile, a country with a small population, produced so many world class writers, musicians and poets? Ariel Dorfman explains: “It’s a place where the best and the worst things can happen. It’s a land of great mysteries, of many contrasts.” He then goes on to give his personal background and inspirations that have […]
The Poetry of Palestine’s National Poet
Mahmoud Darwish
This program features some of Darwish’s finest poems, including “Promises,” “The Roses and the Dictionary,” “My Mother” and “Passport.” You will hear the poems in Arabic followed by English translation. Musical renditions are by famed oud master Marcel Khalife. With the participation of Mohamed Abu Zahra. Part of David Barsamian’s World Poetry Series.
From Sand Creek & Other Poems
Simon Ortiz
This is a deeply evocative program. Simon Ortiz has a captivating voice and a subtle artistic sensitivity. He talks about his background and influences that have informed his worldview, poetry and prose. He reads from his classic work “From Sand Creek,” which depicts the 1864 massacre in Colorado of defenseless Arapahoe and Cheyenne by the […]
West African Music
Kobla Ladzekpo
Master percussionist from Ghana, talks about West African music, with many musical examples. Interview by David Barsamian and part of his “Ganges to the Nile” series Recorded at KGNU
Ravi Shankar: A Musical Portrait
Ravi Shankar
2 CDs This is a special Ganges to the Nile program on Ravi Shankar, India’s great sitarist and composer. Ganges to the Nile was hosted and produced by David Barsamian on KGNU from 1978-85. This 2-CD set explores the wide range and versatility of maestro Shankar. A veritable musical bridge linking East and West, he was […]
Angel and Isabel Parra in concert
Angel and Isabel Parra
2 CDs The great Chilean folksingers sing some of Latin America’s most popular and important folk songs. They are the children of the legendary singer/songwriter Violetta Parra. Angel Parra died in 2017. Recorded at the University of Colorado.
The Copts of Egypt: Early Christianity
Fred Denny
Interviewed by David Barsamian. Recorded at KGNU.
Riffin’ on Music & Language
Amiri Baraka
The origins of key elements of African American culture, such as the blues and jazz, can be traced to traditional West African griot and djali musicians and performers. They were not just entertainers and storytellers but custodians of memory. They are the link in the trans-Atlantic chain leading to Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, […]
Artists in a Time of War
Howard Zinn
The role of artists, writers, poets, actors, and musicians have an enormous impact on society. Because of the special place they occupy in people’s hearts and minds their influence is central. Artists shine light into the dark crevices of the human psyche. They question, nudge and agitate. Bonnie Raitt, Michael Franti, Arthur Miller, Alice Walker, […]
Hip Hop Culture & the Legacy of Tupac Shakur
Michael Eric Dyson
Rap music and hip hop culture have achieved influence and popularity with youth across the globe. Rising from the inner cities of LA and New York, the music has given birth to an entire generation of charismatic street poets. But with the current glorification of the “gansta” image by the music industry, hip hop’s once […]

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