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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Darel Snodgrass spoke with Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) director of programming, Emily Hefley, about upcoming events, including the final "Peanut Butter & Jam" kids’ program of the season, featuring IRIS Collective.
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The sixth annual "Women in the Arts" event at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens brings together women of all ages for a day of performances, demonstrations, classes, and conversations ranging from personal storytelling to championing gender equality.
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Opera Memphis presents the world premiere of "Pretty Little Room" at Crosstown Theatre, Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m.
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The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Classic Accents series continues with guest artist New York Philharmonic violinist Audrey Wright performing the Memphis premiere of "Ellen Zwilich's Violin Concerto."
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The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Memphis (UofM) presents "As You Like It," the musical, literally on the mainstage at the Humphreys Theatre Building.
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Country music artist Carlene Carter leads a lineup of family-friendly performances and concerts at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center.
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The documentary "Natchez" is screening at Malco Ridgeway Cinema Grill through March 6. Director Suzannah Herbert explores how Natchez navigates its antebellum tourism legacy and an unresolved history that continues to influence the community today.
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Rev. James Lawson Jr.’s memoir, "Nonviolent: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love," explores his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his philosophy of nonviolent direct action. Co-author Emily Yellin discusses his legacy ahead of a February 20 event at the National Civil Rights Museum.
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The IRIS Collective concert season continues Saturday, February 21, at 7:30 p.m. at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts with "It Feels Like a Dream," featuring Eunbi Kim and IRIS musicians.
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The third and final installment of the Black Artists in America series, From the Bicentennial to September 11, is on view at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens now, through Sunday, March 29.