Kansas Public Radio

06/07/2026

Bob McWilliams here, and this afternoon on Trail Mix, songs from Connie Dover from 1994, Peter Case from 2000, Alison Krauss and Union Station from 2002, along with new releases by Sky Smeed, Old Crow Medicine Show, the Two Tracks, and Tony Trischka (with guest Billy Strings.) That and lots more, from 1:06 to 4 this afternoon on KPR

06/07/2026

June 8th marks the 60th Anniversary of the 1966 Topeka tornado, a massive storm that ripped through the heart of the city.

Were you there in 1966? Share your memory with us using the "Talk to Us" button on the KPR app, and Kaye McIntyre may share your story in a future Prairie Journal episode.

To find the "Talk to Us" feature, tap the three lines on the left side of your screen in the KPR app.

06/05/2026

On this edition of Conversations Christy Hale talks about her picture book, "Reaching Across the Sky - A Celebration of Bridges." Christy Hale is an author, illustrator, art director, designer, and educator. She is the creator of many award-winning books for young readers, including “Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building,” “Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World,” and “Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World,” just to name a few.

On this edition of Conversations Christy Hale talks about her picture book, "Reaching Across the Sky - A Celebration of Bridges."

06/05/2026

Tonight on the weekly all vinyl jazz hour, a Grammy nominated LP from 1981 by underrecognized singer Bill Henderson, an LP by JJ Johnson from 1958 with the false label "recorded in concert," solo piano by the great Catalan pianist Tete Montoliu, and much more, in the 9 o'clock hour tonight on KPR

06/04/2026

Bob McWilliams here, with this week's Top Ten list of current folk releases:
Artist Record Label
1 MARK ERELLI Spring Green Self-Released
2 DIRK POWELL Wake Last
3 SUE HOROWITZ Rainy Nights And Rearview Windows Self-Released
4 TWO TRACKS Seasons Unknown Self-Released
5 OLD NO. 1 REVISTED VARIOUS ARTISTS Truly Handmade
6 JOHN GORKA Unentitled Red House
7 DELLA MAE Magic Accident Compass
8 JOAN SHELLEY Real Warmth No Quarter
9 JESSE RUBEN Belong Self-Released
10 ALISON BROWN AND STEVE MARTIN Safe, Sensible And Sane Compass

06/03/2026

On this edition of Conversations, Craig Fisher talks about directing the Theatre Lawrence production of "The Addams Family." The musical opens on Friday, June 5th and runs through the 21st. Wednesday is grown up and wants to marry a "normie." Can the two very different families learn to accept each other?

On this edition of Conversations, Craig Fisher talks about directing the Theatre Lawrence production of "The Addams Family."

06/03/2026

Tune in tomorrow, June 4, for a very special tribute in memory of former KPR Audio Engineer Jeffrey "Chubby" Smith. Both KPR Morning and Afternoon Classical will dedicate two special hours (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) to a broadcast of classical performances recorded by Chubby.

Over the years, he helped the station record dozens, if not hundreds, of performances and we're proud to share them with you.

Help us celebrate the life and legacy of Chubby on your local KPR station or at kansaspublicradio.org.

06/03/2026

Bob McWilliams here, with this week's Top Ten list of current jazz releases on Kansas Public Radio.
Artist Record Label
1 BRIA SKONBERG Brass Cellar
2 BOBBY BROOM Notes Of Thanks Steele
3 EMMET COHEN Universal Truth Mack Avenue
4 TED ROSENTHAL The Good Old Days TMR
5 CHRIS HAZELTON In Rotation Cellar
6 STACEY KENT A Time For Love naïve
7 STEVE WILSON Enduring Sonance Smoke Sessions
8 TUMBAO BRAVO WITH PAUL VORNHAGEN Joy Of The Mambo Global Pulse
9 FULLER SOUND Dynasty Cellar
10 BILLY CHILDS Triumvirate Mack Ave

06/02/2026

⭐️May's KPR Community Spotlight was on Kansas Trails Inc.

Working with communities across the state to build and care for the trails that bring people together. From small-town paths to wide-open prairie routes, they believe trails connect folks—to the land, to each other, and to the places they call home. They partner with local leaders and volunteers to expand outdoor opportunities, support local economies, and keep Kansas a place where being outdoors is part of everyday life.

Learn more at kstrails.org.

06/01/2026

On this edition of Conversations, Ward Larsen talk about Tom Clancy’s “Rules of Engagement,” a Jack Ryan Novel. Ward Larsen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Before turning to fiction, Ward served as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm, worked in federal law enforcement, became an airline captain, and is a trained aircraft accident investigator

On this edition of Conversations, Ward Larsen talk about Tom Clancy’s “Rules of Engagement,” a Jack Ryan Novel.