Radio Heartland

06/01/2026

“My favorite place to be is in the middle of a song …” Such a wonderful insight and a captivating lyric from John Gorka’s song, “Favorite Place,” the first song on his latest album, “unentitled,” which released in October 2025 on Red House Records .

John Gorka recently visited The Current studio to record a session for Radio Heartland, during which he gave this solo acoustic performance of “Favorite Place” and two additional songs from “unentitled.” Gorka also chatted with host Mike Pengra, including his experience teaching songwriting — during which time Grocer gained a few insights into his own process.

Find the entire session posted on the Radio Heartland YouTube channel or on our website: https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2026/05/29/john-gorka-studio-session-the-current-for-radio-heartland

05/31/2026

Sunday, May 31, The Current is honoring Bob Dylan's recent birthday with a playlist of 85 Essential Bob Dylan Songs, as chosen by listeners — perhaps you were among those who submitted a ballot!

Host Bill DeVille will play the 85 Essential Bob Dylan Songs starting at 6 a.m. CDT and continuing until 1:30 p.m. You can follow along with the playlist at the link below:

The Current celebrates Bob Dylan's 85th birthday with the 85 Essential Bruce Springsteen Songs countdown on Sunday, May 31.

05/29/2026

John Gorka visited The Current studio to record a session for Radio Heartland, playing songs from his latest album, "unentitled," available on Red House Records.

Visit the link below to watch and listen to the full session. You can also find it posted on our YouTube channel.

Gorka’s latest album is his 17th solo effort and his 10th on the Red House Records label.

05/25/2026

Have you seen the list of the 2026 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards nominees? The list includes past honorees like Brandi Carlile, S.G. Goodman, Charley Crockett, and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, along with new names like Ken Pomeroy, Kashus Culpepper and Boy Golden.

See the full list at the feature linked below:

The list also includes familiar names S.G. Goodman and Charley Crockett alongside fresh faces Mon Rovîa and Ken Pomeroy.

05/24/2026

Happy birthday to Bob Dylan! The revered singer-songwriter turns 85 on May 24.

What are your 10 favorite Bob Dylan songs? Visit the link below to make your picks as The Current assembles the 85 Essential Bob Dylan songs — as chosen by you. We'll tally the results and share them on Sunday, May 31.

In honor of Bob Dylan's 85th birthday (Sunday, May 24), share your 10 favorite songs from his catalog by Monday, May 25, at midnight.

05/23/2026

What are your 10 favorite Bob Dylan songs? Visit the link below to make your picks as Bob Dylan prepares to celebrate his 85th birthday this Sunday, May 24.

The Current's Bill DeVille will share the 85 Essential Bob Dylan Songs, as voted by you, starting at 6 a.m. CDT on Sunday, May 31.

In honor of Bob Dylan's 85th birthday (Sunday, May 24), share your 10 favorite songs from his catalog by Monday, May 25, at midnight.

05/22/2026

Watch and listen to Pert Near Sandstone play "Quiet Hours," a song from their 2026 album, “Side by Side,” in a performance recorded live during a session in The Current studio for Radio Heartland.

You can hear the studio session on Radio Heartland on Friday, May 22, at noon Central. You can also watch on the Radio Heartland YouTube channel or right here: https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2026/05/12/pert-near-sandstone-perform-songs-from-new-album-side-by-side

05/21/2026

Duluth, Minnesota, is the birthplace of Bob Dylan — and the city knows how to celebrate its native son in a way where everyone is welcome to participate. The annual Duluth Dylan Festival (which runs May 17 to 24 this year) showcases Duluth’s poets, writers and musicians while highlighting the music of one of its most prolific artists: the man born Robert Zimmerman in Duluth on May 24, 1941. but known the world over as Bob Dylan. From jam sessions to lectures to concerts and a singer-songwriter contest, Duluth Dylan Fest is a celebration with a distinct northern Minnesota flavor.

Here is an inside look at Duluth Dylan Fest through the eyes of the people who help put it together or simply take part in its events.

Meanwhile, you can celebrate Bob Dylan's birthday by voting for your top 10 essential Bob Dylan songs. The Current's Bill DeVille will share the 85 Essential Bob Dylan Songs, as voted by you, starting at 6 a.m. CDT on Sunday, May 31. Pick your favorite Dylan songs here: https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2026/04/07/vote-choose-your-top-10-bob-dylan-songs

05/20/2026

Austin, Texas, act The Band of Heathens have been together for 20 years, and they have never been on a record label. The Current s Bill DeVille points out that many reviews of The Band of Heathens use "fiercely independent" to describe the band. "It's very accurate," band co-founders Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist respond in unison. Hear more about what they have to say about what it means to them to be an independent band.

05/19/2026

On this week's United States of Americana, host Bill DeVille pays tribute to the late singer-songwriter Guy Clark (pictured), who passed away 10 years ago this past Sunday. We'll hear a bunch of songs by Clark, and we'll also hear some new Americana from Rachel Brooke, The Deslondes and Kacey Musgraves.

Listen to United States of Americana with Bill DeVille on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Central on Radio Heartland. You can also find the episode here:
https://www.thecurrent.org/episode/2025/05/17/united-states-of-americana