eTown

John Prine Tribute

With the recent passing of the legendary singer-songwriter John Prine (October 10, 1946 - April 7, 2020), eTown host Nick Forster revisits the interview from John’s 1996 visit to the eTown stage. This podcast features a brief reflection from Nick and a conversation with John, as he discusses his family history and musical roots. John Prine left a lasting memory on us all, both here at eTown and beyond, and we’re forever grateful to have experienced his soul and legacy. 

Joachim Cooder / Bonnie Paine / Award: Sarah Evans (Well Aware)

It’s an eclectic hour of music and conversation in this week’s rerun with the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Joachim Cooder (a talent in his own right who also happens to be the son of the iconic musician Ry Cooder).

Also making her first solo appearance on the show is singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bonnie Paine (a founding member of Elephant Revival).

Plus, we’ll hear from eChievement Award winner Sarah Evans, founder of an Austin-based nonprofit The Well- Aware Project that funds and implements clean water systems for impoverished communities in Africa. Be sure to tune in!

The Lil Smokies / Jack Broadbent / Interview: Xiye Bastida

Our musical guests this week include the Missoula-based bluegrass, folk band The Lil Smokies, for their first ever visit to eTown.

We’re also joined by UK-born singer/songwriter Jack Broadbent, who received his start as a busker and is known for his unique blend of acoustic and slide guitar with folk and blues-inspired vocals.

Also, Nick has a conversation with Xiye Bastida, a 17-year-old youth environmental youth activist, who is often called “America’s Greta.” It’s a classic eTown not to be missed.

William Fitzsimmons / Raye Zaragoza / Award: Bryan Ware (The Crayon Initiative)

William Fitzsimmons returns to the show with his gentle, insightful sound (some compare him to Gregory Alan Isakov, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens).

Also with us: young Raye Zaragoza, who is already an established singer, songwriter, and performer as well as a Native American activist.

Plus we’ve got a heartwarming eChievement Award story about a California man, Bryan Ware (The Crayon Initiative) who is reducing waste while helping young patients heal, all by recycling crayons. All, this week . . . in eTown.

Railroad Earth / Matt Andersen / Interview: Bill Bennett (Sweet Relief)

The iconic group Railroad Earth returns to eTown after five years to share their unique sound, featuring elements of progressive bluegrass, folk, rock, country, jazz, and more.

We’ll also be joined by blues powerhouse Matt Andersen, for his second visit to eTown.

And we’ll hear from Bill Bennet, the current executive director of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a support organization that provides medical and financial relief to artists and musicians in need. Be sure to tune in!

Colin Hay / Doyle Bramhall II / Interview: Kate Greenberg (National Young Farmers Coalition)

eTown welcomes back one of the most recognizable musical voices of our generation, Colin Hay (known in part as his work as a member of Men at Work).

And Austin guitar virtuoso Doyle Bramhall II makes a trip to eTown this week to share some original songs.

Plus Nick talks with Kate Greenberg of the National Young Farmers Coalition about the financial challenges of starting out in sustainable agriculture today. That’s this week, in eTown!

Blind Pilot / Mirah / Award: George Basch (Himalayan Stove Project)

Our musical guests this week include the nationally acclaimed indie-folk group Blind Pilot from Portland, Oregon,

as well as Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Mirah.

In addition, we’ll share an interesting eChievement Award conversation with the George Basch, founder of the organization, The Himalayan Stove Project combating the drastically negative health and environmental effects of traditional but highly pollutive cooking methods in the Himalayas. It’s a classic eTown not to be missed.

 

Check out videos at: www.etown.org

The Milk Carton Kids / Rose Cousins / Award: Roz Babener (Community Warehouse)

This week on eTown, The Milk Carton Kids, an American Indie folk duo, return for their second visit to eTown along with Canadian folk-pop singer/songwriter Rose Cousins for her eTown debut.

We’ll also hear from an eChievement Award winner, Roz Babener who founded a Community Warehouse, a  furniture and goods bank to help those in need in the Portland community.

Väsen / Sam Amidon / Award: Robert Adamson (One Bistro)

This week’s eTown program features a deep dive into folk music styles from around the world. First up, the prolific Swedish folk band Väsen makes its first appearance on the show. Their musical collaboration has spanned decades; theirs is a rich, unique, beautiful sound, and their performance on eTown features rare, one-of-a-kind instruments.

Joining us for his second visit to eTown is American folk artist and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon, who shares his recent stripped down musical explorations.

Plus we’ll bring you a great eChievement Award story about an Ohio man, Robert Adamson, who created the “pay what you can afford” One Bistro Restaurant in his community to serve those in need, while bringing a wide variety of citizens, rich and poor, together to share a meal and connect each day.

Tribute To Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo Founder

Joseph Shabalala (28 August 1941 – 11 February 2020) was the founder of South African musical group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group found fame in the late 80's when they were invited to collaborate with Paul Simon on the landmark album Graceland. Joseph and Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed on Etown in 2006 along with Etown favorite Darrell Scott. This podcast episode features a chat with Nick Forster and Joseph as well as an amazing finale collaboration featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Darrell Scott along with the Nick and Helen Forster and the Etones - enjoy!