Listening Lyrics Archives

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The mischievous musician Didar Singh Khalsa, on Listening Lyrics, July 24, 2026

This week on Listening Lyrics we have Didar Singh Khalsa. He is a Woodland-area guitarist, singer and highly prolific songwriter whose music blends Americana, alternative folk rock and country-rock.

Didar has played guitar for more than five decades. He began writing and recording his own songs much later, partly inspired by attending several songwriting camps taught by British guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson.

His songs tend to be lyric-driven, imaginative and sometimes wry or philosophical.

His latest album Bourgeois Virtue contains 14 songs, including “Lord, Wind Me Down Slowly,” “We’re Underwater Here,” “Finish the Tapestry” and “Under the Linden Tree.”

Didar is a distinctive local musician who writes because he has something personal, thoughtful and occasionally mischievous to say, rather than because he is chasing commercial trends.

Turning up the music for Galileo Place, on Listening Lyrics, July 17, 2026

Tune in as Benjamin Brothers (pictured) and Louise Joyce, chief development officer at YoloCares, share the inspiring story behind a special afternoon of music, community, and giving back.

Benjamin, a Davis high school student, was looking for a meaningful way to get involved when he discovered Galileo Place, an adult day program operated by YoloCares. The program offers physical and cognitive activities, social connection, and a welcoming sense of purpose and community.

Inspired by what he saw, Benjamin came up with a great idea: bring together his band, Hello Awkward, along with other local musicians, for a benefit concert supporting Galileo Place. The concert takes place Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Galileo Place, 1909 Galileo Court, Suite C, in Davis.

Music for this week, July 4, summer and the Empire State Building, on Listening Lyrics, July 3, 2026

This week’s Listening Lyrics tries to do the nearly impossible: squeeze an entire busy week into one music format without needing a permit from the city of New York.

First, we celebrate Independence Day, with all the red-white-and-blue spirit, and the annual reminder that someone, somewhere, is about to overcook a hot dog. Then summer festivities kick fully into gear, bringing sunshine, long evenings, outdoor music, and that wonderful seasonal feeling of asking, “Is it hot enough for you?” even though everyone already knows the answer.

And finally, because this week apparently did not have enough going on, we climb all the way to the top of the Empire State Building for a proposal high above New York City. Romance, skyline, music, and maybe just a little fear of heights — what more could a show need?

Join us for a week of songs that celebrate summer, freedom, love, and the kind of big moments that deserve a soundtrack.

Jazz takes on rock, on Listening Lyrics, June 12, 2026

Rock 'n' roll and jazz have always had a complicated relationship. Rock is often built on simplicity, energy, and attitude. Jazz thrives on improvisation, reinterpretation, and surprise. But when jazz musicians get their hands on rock songs, something magical can happen.

Whether you're a jazz fan curious about rock, a rock fan curious about jazz, or simply someone who enjoys hearing great musicians take creative chances, I think you'll find plenty to enjoy.

So settle in, keep your ears open, and see if you can recognize these classics as they're transformed by some of the world's most inventive jazz artists.

I'm Pieter Pastoor, and this is Listening Lyrics on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis. Listen in now.

Listening Lyrics, May 29, 2026: With Karl Rasmussen, joyfulness is a Big Sticky Mess

When it comes to guests, Karl Rasmussen is definitely on the “A” list. He’s articulate, thoughtful, full of energy, and brings the kind of warmth and enthusiasm that leaves an impression on everyone he meets.

Karl is a true multi-instrumentalist—equally at home on guitar, keyboards, trombone, percussion, and vocals. He’s a driving force in Davis/Sacramento’s own Big Sticky Mess, a band with deep local roots and a sound often described as a joyful blend of early-’70s funk, soul, and rock—full of groove, humor, and heart.

Beyond Big Sticky Mess, Karl has lent his talents to a wide range of Northern California bands and projects, including Boca do Rio, ideateam, and several jazz and funk collaborations. No matter the setting or style, one thing always comes through: Karl loves making music and loves sharing it with others.

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