Trial Balloon

The Next Generation

Posted at 1:00 AM on April 18, 2009 by Dale Connelly (7 Comments)

This week, Radio Heartland's Saturday night edition on Minnesota Public Radio News features local artists who play music far older than their years would suggest.

Daniel Libby and Alyssa Bicking are "The Floorbirds", a duo specializing in traditional folk songs and traditional-sounding song writing.
We'll also hear brothers Teague and Ian Alexy, "The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank." The Hobo Nephews sound like they just stepped out of a boxcar rolling through the dust bowl, but they're firmly based in the here and now.
And yes, there really is an Uncle Frank.

Speaking of high-profile relatives, in the second hour, we'll hear songs in the studio from Natalia Zukerman, the daughter of classical virtuosos Pinchas and Eugenia Zukerman. Natalia grew up with great music in her ears. Fortunately for us she made the choice to direct her talent into folk and blues, and she goes at it with a refreshing amount of intelligence and energy.

Natalia just started a tour with German-born folk singer Antje Duvekot, who emigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and spent her high school years staying as silent as possible. But song writing opened up an avenue of expression that has allowed her to win some of the top prizes awarded to singer/songwriters in the folk music world.

Musicians updating old styles and bringing generations of innate talent into new musical worlds, tonight on Radio Heartland.


Comments (7)

Greetings -- don't know if anyone else is on blog. I'm brewing a cup of Tulsi Tea to keep me going while enjoying Dale's show on KNOW. The Bill Holm tribute was on right after PHC, but that was my bathtime after a day of karate, so I only caught parts of it.

The Natalia & Antje duo sound very pretty right now. Is the Duo Concert going to be replayed sometime soon? I don't remember -- I might have missed it. Wish I could have been there to meet other folks ... I'm just going to enjoy the music and my tea now.

Posted by Joanne in Big Lake | April 18, 2009 10:20 PM


I hope you enjoyed your tea, Joanne. Having a nice warm cup and a bath after a day of martial arts sounds like a plot point from a 007 movie. Are things more exciting in Big Lake than we imagine?

The Bill Holm tribute was a wonderful live show that translates very well to broadcast. Since you missed it last night, you should know it will be on KNOW tonight at 6 pm.

And our Duos Show from March 28th will be broadcast two weeks from tonight, May 3rd, at 7 pm on Radio Heartland.

Thanks for listening and visiting the blog!

Posted by Dale Connelly | April 19, 2009 7:26 AM


Thanks for the info, Dale. And no, things aren't that exciting in Big Lake. I'm too focused on karate and pretending I can do the physical stuff like I could at 20 ...

Posted by Joanne in Big Lake | April 19, 2009 9:14 AM


What is Tulsi tea, Joanne? Is it like red bush tea which I love? I was sipping english apple cider as we listened to a great Saturday night of radio between PHC, Bill Holm tribute and Dale's show. I don't watch TV much any more except for public TV--the reality shows frankly are "unreal" to me. Also radio allows you to do two things at once, yet you are often able to pause and consider.

Dale you have been putting together a great mix of people and music. The RH community seems to have a healthy combination of eclectic interests while being grounded to the basics of life- the human spirit and the land-- wonderfully articulated by Bill Holm's writing and speaking. I am grateful for the media that have preserved our ability to continue to hear his voice.

I am often telling others about RH. I don't have HD radio (yet) in car or home so use the computer. Unlike others I cannot access this (blocked) at work so listen briefly in AM but usually after I return home in the evening. I think once someone listens to RH and checks the Trial Balloon comments they will likely be hooked to RH. The need to access by HD is currently limiting those who listen in the car since it is not standard equipment. I keep meeting people with long commutes so am telling them to get HD radio added!

It always helps to have the pictures of baby goats! (and pets) I love them and look forward to more.
Jenny

Posted by jenny | April 19, 2009 1:29 PM


Will the Bill Holm tribute be available as a podcast? It's very rare, but I'll have had two evenings in a row of social outings that prevent me from hearing more than the first half-hour. I did catch your show last night, Dale, and give it two thumbs up!
Joanne -I am very impressed with your karate, pole dancing, and general funkiness. It will be fun to meet some day and teach one another our individual gyrations!

Posted by Donna | April 19, 2009 1:35 PM


Jenny - Tulsi is another name for Holy or Sacred Basil. It is revered in India and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Most Indian households grow or have Tulsi as part of daily sacred ceremonies, I believe.

I read an article recently that the Indian government wants to plant lots of Tulsi trees/bushes around the Taj Mahal to clean the air. Apparently, Tulsi produces large amounts of oxygen. Interesting stuff. It has a slightly spicy, exotic taste.

Thanks, Donna! Yes, it would be fun to meet other RH bloggers and party down (gently, of course).

Posted by Joanne in Big Lake | April 19, 2009 3:35 PM


I just learned about Tulsi a couple months ago on Dr. Mercola's site www.mercola.com
Excellent health and wellness info from an MD with a holistic approach. Do a search on Tulsi on his site (or anything else of interest). You can also sign up for free newsletter. Just FYI ...

Posted by Joanne in Big Lake | April 19, 2009 3:51 PM


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