Etown Podcast

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BeauSoleil / Ryan Shaw

Grammy winners BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music, and Etown is thrilled to welcome them back for this encore broadcast. They share their rich mix of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more. Etown also welcomes talented newcomer, Ryan Shaw, a 26-year-old songwriter and singer extraordinaire from Georgia who, along with Nick & Helen Forster and the Etones, rock the rafters with an amazing set of positive, passionate and soulful songs. And there’s a moving E-Chievement Award story about a dedicated Vermont man, all for you in Etown this week.

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DeVotchka / Bettye LaVette

DeVotchKa returns to Etown with their east meets west blend of songwriting and eclectic instrumentation in this repeat broadcast. Having recently released an album of quirky covers, and having provided the score for the hit movie Little Miss Sunshine, lead singer Nick Urata discusses his take on what DeVotchKa does and why, with hosts Nick & Helen Forster. Our other musical guest is R&B artist extraordinaire Bettye LaVette, backed by Nick & Helen and the Etones. Bettye’s broad experience as a backing vocalist for some of the top names in the business and her dedication to her art are finally, if belatedly, getting her a lot of well deserved recognition. And we acknowledge another unique E-Chievement Award winner with a story of a woman who is ‘working locally, thinking globally’ … this week in Etown.

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Ray LaMontagne / Ingrid Michaelson

Etown fave Ray LaMontagne returns for his third visit. This brilliant songwriter and amazing singer brings along his band and some wonderful new songs to share; plus, he has an up close and personal chat with host Nick Forster. Also joining us, rising star Ingrid Michaelson, a NYC based indie singer songwriter and pianist. Nick & Helen Forster & the Etones back her up with great instrumental and vocal support. And the E-Chievement Award is presented to a North Carolina woman who is bringing music into the lives of at-risk kids. The power of music and compelling conversation await you, all this week in Etown!

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Etown at the DNC Pt. II: Ani DiFranco / James Taylor / David Crosby and Graham Nash

Join us for part two of this special Etown event, taped at the Temple Buell Theater in downtown Denver in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. Nick & Helen Forster host this two-part celebratory revue featuring musical performances by David Crosby & Graham Nash, Ani DiFranco, James Taylor, Irma Thomas, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and the Etones. Join us for Part II, another amazing hour featuring some off the most inspirational musical voices of our time, along with compelling conversation with influential citizens and policymakers.

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Etown at the DNC Pt. I: Irma Thomas / Tom Morello / David Crosby and Graham Nash

Etown taped this week’s show and next at the Temple Buell Theater in downtown Denver in conjunction with Democratic National Convention. Nick & Helen Forster host this two-part celebratory revue featuring musical performances by David Crosby & Graham Nash, Ani DiFranco, James Taylor, Irma Thomas, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and the Etones. Join us for this amazing two part series, featuring some off the most inspirational musical voices of our time, along with compelling conversation with influential citizens and policymakers. Tune in this week for Part I and next week for Part II of this historic Etown taping.

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Tift Merritt / Punch Brothers
etown welcomes back composer-singer and mandolinist extraordinaire, Chris Thile, as a member of the new band, The Punch Brothers. This master musician combo also includes Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Chris Eldridge (guitar) and Greg Garrison (bass). As the Boston Globe reports: this “top shelf acoustic quintet is a virtuosic revelation.” Then, singer-songwriter and world traveler Tift Merritt makes her first visit to etown, bringing lots of the infectious, passionate energy she’s become known for. Nick & Helen Forster and the etones lend her their superlative musical and vocal support, too. And the e-chievement award goes to a retired New Hampshire couple for improving the lives of orphans overseas. Be sure to tune in to etown this week for one phenomenal show!

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Ben Harper / Sonya Kitchell

Ben Harper is back in etown in this encore broadcast. Ben’s unique songwriting and instrumental skills have won him awards and acclaim, but that hasn’t changed his attitude or approach to his trade: good solid songcrafting. He plays and talks about his journey through music, and he invites hosts Nick & Helen Forster to join him musically, too. Sharing the stage with Ben is Sonya Kitchell, a young artist from Massachusetts. Winner of the Downbeat Student Music Award and one of youngest participants at the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program, Sonya shares original compositions, delivered with a signature vocal style. And there’s a heartwarming e-chievement award story, involving elderly twin sisters from Tennessee who are feeding the hungry in their community. It’s all right here, this week, in etown!

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Michael Franti and Spearhead / Patterson Hood and John Neff

etown taped this week’s show at the Rothbury Music Festival in Michigan, and features the return of Michael Franti & Spearhead, who get the overflowing etown crowd on their feet, AND hosts Nick & Helen Forster dancing and singing! Patterson Hood & John Neff of the Drive-by Truckers take the stage to share music and conversation. Nick also interviews noted climate expert Dr. Stephen Schneider and activist and environmentalist Winona LaDuke. Plus, a young e-chievement award winner joins us in person to tell us about a successful grassroots river clean up project he’s created. Don’t miss this week’s music and information-packed etown radio show!

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Koko Taylor / Pinetop Perkins

etown returns to the beautiful and historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder to record a show featuring two of the most significant American artists of our time. First, Koko Taylor, the undisputed ‘Queen of the Blues,’ and her Blues Machine, energizes the house with a set of classic blues tunes. etown host Nick Forster interviews Koko, revealing unique stories of her deep history in the genre. Next up is blues and boogie-woogie piano pioneer Pinetop Perkins, still performing at age 95! He’s joined by long-time musical partner Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and etown’s crack house band, the etones, for a rousing set. And the e-chievement award goes to a senior citizen for efforts to address the housing needs of elderly and disabled in his community. Don’t miss this week’s episode of etown!

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Barenaked Ladies / Catie Curtis

The beloved Barenaked Ladies return to etown to share some brand new songs from their latest work, the children’s CD Snacktime. These cleverly crafted tunes definitely appeal to the kid in all of us! Catie Cutis is back in etown, with some of her strongest songs ever. She gets rock-steady back up from Nick Forster & the etones and heavenly harmonies from Helen Forster. Plus, a special 12-year-old from Winnipeg, Canada joins us ‘in person’ to receive the e-chievement award and share her inspiring efforts to befriend and aid the homeless in her country. Gather the entire family and enjoy a special etown filled with wit, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart, all in this week’s broadcast.