Karen Leyse's blog

Today, a special heads up for those in the contra dance community: In the Key of Folk is celebrating some new releases from some popular contra musicians, including the Syncopaths, Hayden Stern, Noah Van Norstrand, and Audry Leigh Jaber with Alex Sturbaum. And these are here just in time for the monthly Sacramento Contra Dance this Saturday!

We'll also be revisiting new releases from Carla Gover & Friends, Erik Stuckey, and Scott Cook, along with tracks by Tom Paxton and Ken Pomeroy. Oh, and the photo? The one and only Syncopaths! Put your dancing shoes on and tune in, it's all here, today (Wednesday), at 2 p.m. on KDRT 95.7 FM Davis CA, and at KDRT.org worldwide!

We've been busy as little bees, there's just so much new music & so little time! ...So In the Key of Folk is all about new releases today. We have an album of songs that explore the stories of Kentucky women, all written by Si Kahn and performed by Carla Gover and contemporary female musicians from Kentucky. But there's more!  There are new albums from Ken Pomeroy, Kate Macleod's Mind the Gap, Scott Cook, Eric Stucky, and releases from the worlds of Scottish music and Contra Dance. Some new names, and all great music: join us, we'll be waitin' for you!

Wednesday at 2 p.m. on KDRT 95.7 FM Davis CA, and at KDRT.org worldwide!

It's been a fiery year for the world, but in Davis skies are clear.  And here at KDRT we have our own great sonic energy, so today on In the Key of Folk we'll offer new releases with some real positive energy! We'll be featuring Hayden Stern, Kalos, troubador Kray Van Kirk, ES Pearl, Laurie Lewis, and more! So join us at 2 p.m. and don't be late. We'll include a few classics, too! 

Wednesday at 2 p.m. on KDRT 95.7 FM Davis CA, and at KDRT.org worldwide!

Today's In the Key of Folk is focusing a bit on unconformities, and perhaps on nonconformities also. What could your DJ be thinking??? Just tune in to hear a variety of tunes, including a topical track by Karine Polwart, some new releases by Laurie Lewis, The Punch Brothers, ES Pearl (or is that Ed Snodderly?), and more. Oh, and the photo with the blog is of the Carlin Unconformity, why?  Tune in and check it out! 

When?  Today: Wednesday, 2 p.m. Pacific on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis, and at KDRT.org 

Yesterday was World Nature Conservation Day, so does that make this World Nature Conservation Week? Sounds good to me, and just in time there's a recent release by Benny Bleu, former geologist and fun singer songwriter, to give us the long view of Earth's Mother Nature. Expect more on topic from The Rheingans Sisters, Red Tail RIng, Salamander Crossing, Ordinary Elephant, Dave Alvin, Laurie Lewis, and others! And get out early or get out in the evening and enjoy some outdoors!

Today at 2 p.m. Pacific, here on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis or KDRT.org.

If it's Wednesday it must be In the Key of Folk day, bringing you new additions and old memories, too! Today, besides the little Micronic Ruby in the photo, we bring you new releases by the Punch Brothers and also George Mann & Si Kahn, along with favorite tracks by the O'Kanes, John Prine, Maurice Tani, Dave Alvin, and more by Dolly, Linda, & Emmy Lou, and then even more! Join us for an hour of exploration. Do you like the Micronic Ruby? Ah, remember those days of transistor radios, when recorded music could play from one's pocket?

Wednesday, 2 p.m. Pacific on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis, and at KDRT.org

In the Key of Folk returns today with a little music from Macbeth. Could that be? Just tune in to listen for singing witches ... and you'll also hear a new release or two, tracks by artists including Rita Hosking, Karan Casey, Kray Van Kirk, John Doyle, Emily Scott Robinson, Richard Thompson, The Milk Carton Kids, and a few others. Shall we call it a medley of old and new favorites? It's likely that you'll find some magnificent voices here!

Stop in Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Pacific on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis, and at KDRT.org

Today In the Key of Folk spends some of the hour remembering Bill Wagman (pictured) and the more than 300 musicians that he brought to his Davis house concerts during a span of over 30 years. You'll also hear a new release or two and classic tracks by Chris Webster, Robert Earl Keen, and Driving With Fergus. Join in today and please do check KDRT.org for information on the Celebration of Life for Bill this Sunday, June 28, 2026. We'll look forward to seeing you!

Today: 2 p.m. Pacific on KDRT 95.7 FM or stream at KDRT.org

This week on In the Key of Folk,  we're celebrating the arrival of new music, classic music, and traveling the Nordic lands for some new discoveries. Join in to hear the Haas sisters, Väsen, Østerlide, Wil Maring, Laurie Lewis, and more! What more can we say? The phrase for this week, and always, is "Make new friends, but keep the old." Join in and keep your ears open!

Today: 2 p.m. Pacific on KDRT 95.7 FM or stream at KDRT.org. 

Today In the Key of Folk does some reminiscing on time recently spent out in the singing peace of nature, with tracks by Rita Hosking, Laurie Lewis, Molly Tuttle, and others. Then DJ Karen moves into a mix of favorites and  a try at comparison (curious?). The hour finishes with a Scandi tune or two. Coming up soon!

Tune today at 2 p.m. Pacific at KDRT 95.7 FM or stream at KDRT.org.