Darel Snodgrass
Classical Music HostI began piano lessons at age 6, trumpet at age 9, and began teaching myself the guitar at 10. My electronics knowledge comes from my father, who had the RCA television and stereo shop in my hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas for nearly 20 years. My dad is still fixing televisions at age 79.
I attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville as a music major, and worked weekend shifts at the U of A radio station (my first experience playing classical music on the radio). I spent a summer playing piano, guitar and bass at the defunct “L'il Abner”- based theme park Dogpatch USA, near Harrison, Arkansas. After a few years playing music professionally, I finished a BS degree in Radio/TV production at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
After another few years playing music in the Ozarks, I moved to Memphis with my wife. I’ve served as Operations Manager of WKNO-FM since 1988, and morning Classical Music host since 1994 – conducting more than 4,500 Checking on the Arts interviews along the way.
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Orpheum Theatre Group President and CEO Brett Batterson discusses "Disney’s Beauty and the Beast," the upcoming Broadway season, the musical "SUFFS," the "Tony Awards," and this summer’s "Movies at the Orpheum: 70s Blockbusters" series.
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The Memphis Potters Guild will host its annual "Spring Show and Sale" Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, at St. Anne Catholic Church.
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Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center (BPACC) concludes its 2025-2026 season with two outdoor “Music by the Lake” concerts, "Almost Elton John and the Rocketmen” and the return of “Almost Famous.”
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As the Dixon Gallery & Gardens celebrates 50 years in 2026, they invite you to “Meet the Dixons” through Sunday, May 31.
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Opera Memphis has just announced its new season. The 2026–2027 season marks the company’s 70th year of presenting opera to the Mid-South.
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The PRIZM Ensemble will hold its annual “Summer Camp and International Chamber Music Festival” from Monday, June 1, through Wednesday, June 6, at a new location: Balmoral Presbyterian Church.
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The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) season concludes Sunday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Overton Park Shell with the annual "Sunset Symphony."
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The 10th Annual Foundry Invitational and River Exhibition (F.I.R.E.) for foundry and casting artists takes place May 14–17 at the Metal Museum.
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The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concludes its Classic Accents concert season for 2025-2026 with a performance on Friday, May 15, and Sunday, May 17.
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Concerts International concludes its 2025-2026 season with flutist Tara Helen O'Connor and guitarist Jason Vieaux on Friday, May 15, in Harris Concert Hall at the University of Memphis (UofM).