World In Chicago

Celebrating the World Within Our City

Conversations & Interviews

Engaging dialogues with musicians, artists, and cultural voices who bridge worlds through their creative work. These conversations explore migration, identity, and the universal language of music and art.

Musicians collaborating

Music as Journey, Music as Sacred: A Conversation with Gerard Edery

Born in Casablanca and raised between Paris and New York City, Gerard Edery embodies what it means to be a global artist. As both composer and performer, he sings in multiple languages, focusing on Sephardic music—the melodies that traveled with Jewish communities across continents following their departure from Spain. In this conversation, he shares insights about musical heritage, cultural migration, and the power of traditional songs to connect generations.

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November 4, 2022
Yemeni musical heritage

The Heart of Yemen Blues: A Dialogue with Ravid Kahalani

At thirty years old, Israeli musician Ravid Kahalani carries forward the linguistic and musical traditions of his Yemeni family heritage. Singing in Arabic, he creates something entirely unique: a fusion of Yemeni rhythms with sounds from West and Central Africa. His work demonstrates how cultural preservation and innovation can coexist, creating bridges between traditional roots and contemporary expression.

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August 10, 2022
Manila music scene

Discovering Manila's Independent Music Scene: Part Two

Originally broadcast on WHPK 88.5 FM on October 19th, 2010. Host Brenda Lee Intengan welcomes special guest Tony Rago for a deeper exploration of Manila's vibrant independent rock landscape. This program continues our journey into the Philippines' Southeast Asian metropolis, featuring artists from Terno Recordings. Rago spent a week immersing himself in the local scene to bring listeners an authentic taste of Manila's creative underground.

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October 19, 2010 1 Comment
Independent music Philippines

Discovering Manila's Independent Music Scene

Originally broadcast on WHPK 88.5 FM on October 5th, 2010. Host Brenda Lee Intengan and special guest Tony Rago shine a spotlight on Manila, Philippines, and its thriving independent rock community, highlighting artists from Terno Recordings. After spending a week in this dynamic Southeast Asian capital, Rago shares firsthand discoveries about the city's creative energy and its emerging artists who are redefining Filipino contemporary music.

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October 7, 2010 6 Comments
Global music producer

Quantic: The Musical Explorer

Will Holland is a Colombia-based DJ and producer known professionally as Quantic. Over the past decade, he has released numerous acclaimed recordings that blend Latin and African influences with electronic production. As a thoughtful curator, he draws from diverse genres—hip hop, soul music, roots reggae—weaving these elements into something wholly original and deeply informed by global musical traditions.

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October 5, 2010 1 Comment
Gypsy Rhythm Project performance

Speaking with Steve Gibons of the Gypsy Rhythm Project

Our contributor catches up with Steve Gibons, leader of Chicago's Gypsy Rhythm Project, for an engaging conversation about their distinctive musical approach and their experiences performing for diverse ethnic communities throughout the city. Gibons shares stories about connecting with audiences from different cultural backgrounds and how the group's music serves as a universal language that brings people together.

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October 1, 2010
Jazz singer performing

Voices of Strength, Voice with Heart: Meeting Shilpa Bavikatte

Some artists challenge conventional expectations of what a jazz vocalist should be—especially when you're South Asian and grew up in Iowa. For Shilpa Bavikatte, expressing soul through music comes naturally. She embraces the art form completely, understanding that love of music can be a deep reservoir that transcends cultural boundaries and defies stereotypes about who "belongs" in jazz.

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September 1, 2010