Local music

Co-hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies delve into a diverse program beginning with the tragically short life and beautiful music of Lili Boulanger. We'll also hear a chamber work from Astor Piazzolla, concertos from Alexandre Guilmant and Frédéric Chopin, and the world premiere of a violin concerto by Chris Rogerson.

We're continuing our ode to women and celebrating Women's History Month on Sound Currents with an episode about music and motherhood. Hear music and conversation with this week's guest: Stacey Barelos.

The music of composer Claude T. Smith is some of the most played in all of the symphonic band repertoire, being performed in classrooms as well as concert halls. He was born in Monroe City, Missouri and spent many years in Lawrence and Kansas City. Classical KC's Brooke Knoll speaks with Smith's daughter Pam Smith Kelly about Claude's life and music. Plus, hear several of his compositions.

Kansas City has no shortage of great concerts coming through the metro. Whether you're paying out big for stadium tours or catching up-and-coming acts at the smallest punk club, here's where to get started in exploring the local music scene.

Kansas City may have a long legacy of jazz musicians, but it’s not known these days as a destination for musical artists. Manor Records is trying to change that by funding local artists and music venues.

A Republican state representative from St. Charles wants to legalize psilocybin, aka magic mushrooms, for medical treatment in Missouri. Plus: Manor Records closed its brick-and-mortar store in Strawberry Hill and is focusing on its true mission: making money for local musicians.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the most fiddle-y of holidays, hear music from the Fretless, a supergroup fiddle quartet. Hear fiddle tunes and folk melodies turned into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements that have quickly gained a dedicated following and accolades from around the world.

Celebrate the changing seasons with Kansas City Symphony performances of orchestral favorites including Bach's "Air on the G String" and "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3." We'll also hear Yo-Yo Ma as soloist on Haydn's "Concerto in D Major" and guest conductor Ludovic Morlot leads the orchestra through Beethoven's bucolic "Symphony No. 6."

Celebrating the life and legacy of Kansas City singer Ida McBeth, who died last week at age 70. Plus: Missouri voters legalized recreational marijuana last November. Will Oklahoma be next, and what can they learn from Missouri's successful ballot measure?

March is Women's History Month. Celebrate with Sound Currents, as we explore music by and inspired by women.

McBeth, who died Wednesday at age 70, was known for her captivating stage presence and deep, commanding voice. She was a mentor and role model for younger generations of Black women coming up in the Kansas City jazz scene.

Ida McBeth started her career as a teenager singing at the Playboy Club in downtown Kansas City. She went on to earn mayoral proclamations and a lifetime achievement award from the American Jazz Museum.