Have you ever thought about the relationship between corporate money and equitable arts initiatives? Percussionist Sidney Hopson has dedicated his career to convincing for-profit institutions that investing in the arts for Black and brown communities can impact their bottom line in a positive way. He speaks with Garrett about this, and lots more! Garrett and Scott remind you that music is not an escape with a few very timely selections, and former manager of Classical Minnesota Public Radio gets a special shout-out. 

This opus is dedicated to Kansas City's KJ Brooks, and his made possible, in part, by Derek Menchan and BluKlok Records. 

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​When Wayne Shorter tragically lost his wife in an airplane crash, he vowed to live an even happier life with the help of an ancient philosophy: Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō. He talks with Garrett about Buddhism, what it means to find "zero gravity", and what it means to make allies out of demons and devils. Johnathan Gibbs is the special guest co-host, and helps Garrett tackle the topics of #EndSars, the MET's inability to pay its musicians, and more. In the final movement, the guys re-address Daniel Elder and "Keith". 

​Ensemble Pi has operated at the intersection of music and social justice since 2015, and in an upcoming concert the group will tackle the need for Black reparations head on! Allison Loggin-Hull talks to Garrett about "The Pattern", which is a piece of music she wrote specifically for this virtual performance. The ensemble's pianist, Idith Korman, offers her thoughts and experiences as both a musician who centers social justice, and the recipient of Jewish reparations. Garrett and Scott honor the legacy of the late John Brim, and the guys respond to an anti-racist statement made by WUOL-FM. 

For the 69th opus of TRILLOQUY, the guys decide to spend some time at the intersection of music and sex, featuring a few of Scott's favorites by Donna Summer. Special guest, Derek Menchan talks with Garrett about how he utilizes Afro-centrism and his ability to overlay his multi-talents to create new recordings of the "classics", and a scene from the film, "The Prince of Egypt" serves as the frame for pretty difficult conversation between the hosts.  

​The Sphinx Organization has celebrated and brought together Black and brown musicians for over two decades, but because of COVID, the organization's annual gala is going digital. This online event will include a performance of a work by composer Carlos Simon, who talks with Garrett about the gala, his music, and how he engages the issue of police brutality as an artist. Scott offers his opinion on the music of Alanis Morissette (and Beyoncé's cover of her most famous song), followed by a conversation concerning this year's Presidential Election. 

When it comes to hosting radio, some things just can't be taught. WUOT-FM's Todd Steed talks about this, some of the challenges of working in management at a radio station, and what made Garrett the "right person" for his spot on the afternoon airwaves, despite his not having any radio experience at the time. Scott weighs in on how he deals with rude listeners, and Garrett takes a cue from Kanye West. 

Making music is the second most intimate thing that two people can do together. Garrett chats with Abe Hunter from the Lied Society about the intimacy of art song, and their upcoming collaboration of an audio-only broadcast that will include the premiere of a work written in honor of the late George Floyd. After the guys read their official statements following Garrett's termination from APM/MPR, Scott talks about some of his most intimate moments on stage, and they both explore music written in the spirit of freedom. 

***A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED GARRETT MCQUEEN DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.***

Franklin Willis teaches elementary music in Nashville, but in his words, he's much more than a music teacher! He speaks with Garrett about teaching culture, teaching life skills, and teaching joy with hip-hop as the foundation. Scott continues to settle into old(er) age with "post-yacht rock", and with a new look! And Garrett responds to the allegation that white men and their music is being "erased" by diversity and equity initiatives. 

Tea Sierra's dedication to Blackness fueled their entry into orchestral music, their journey through earning an MIS in Urban Studies, and their decision to move up to Minnesota to continue the journey. Garrett and Tea talk about this, the importance of Trap Music, and why the "Wakanda industrial complex" won't save humanity. Scott honors the late Chadwick Boseman with a "then and now" look at Black Panther, and Garrett shares why he was taken off the air at his radio gig.