The TRILLOQUY Team
Loki Karuna (formerly Garrett McQueen) is a musician, producer, and “classical agitator” working at the intersections of race, contemporary culture, and the arts. While known to many as a professional bassoonist with performances alongside the Detroit Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Louisville Orchestra, Loki’s work has evolved into a national platform for decolonized thought and institutional change.
In 2022, he transitioned to the name Loki Karuna as an act of personal and professional liberation. Rooted in his practice of Nichiren Buddhism, the name reflects his mission as a "perceiver of the world's sounds" (Loki/Avalokiteshvara) and his commitment to radical compassion (Karuna) within the classical music ecosystem.
As the creator and host of The Sound of 13, Loki explores the deep connections between reconstruction-era constitutional amendments and the landscape of American music. His media portfolio also includes the award-winning podcast TRILLOQUY—hailed by The New York Times as “required listening”—as well as Gateways Radio, Noteworthy Classical, and The Sounds of Kwanzaa.
Today, Loki serves as the Executive Director of the American Composers Forum (ACF) and the President of TrillWerks Media. A 2024 Musical America "Top 30 Professional of the Year," he serves on the board of directors for the Lakes Area Music Festival, the Cedar Cultural Center, Decolonizing the Music Room, and Lyrica Baroque, maintaining his reputation as a vital voice in the movement to decolonize and diversify the arts.
In 2022, he transitioned to the name Loki Karuna as an act of personal and professional liberation. Rooted in his practice of Nichiren Buddhism, the name reflects his mission as a "perceiver of the world's sounds" (Loki/Avalokiteshvara) and his commitment to radical compassion (Karuna) within the classical music ecosystem.
As the creator and host of The Sound of 13, Loki explores the deep connections between reconstruction-era constitutional amendments and the landscape of American music. His media portfolio also includes the award-winning podcast TRILLOQUY—hailed by The New York Times as “required listening”—as well as Gateways Radio, Noteworthy Classical, and The Sounds of Kwanzaa.
Today, Loki serves as the Executive Director of the American Composers Forum (ACF) and the President of TrillWerks Media. A 2024 Musical America "Top 30 Professional of the Year," he serves on the board of directors for the Lakes Area Music Festival, the Cedar Cultural Center, Decolonizing the Music Room, and Lyrica Baroque, maintaining his reputation as a vital voice in the movement to decolonize and diversify the arts.
Scott Blankenship (co-host, Op. 1-200) grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, in a pretty benign and stereotypical midwest middle-class existence. As a senior in high school, Scott discovered theater and entered the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a theater (he spells that 'er') major. UNO was a commuter campus at that point, and in order to fulfill an internship credit Scott got an internship at KVNO. Since the station was on campus, he didn't have to give up his parking spot, and consequently fell in love with public radio. Over the course of almost 15 years, Scott held many different managerial and on-air roles.
In 1993, Scott and three close friends decided to form their own theater group to showcase local playwrights and actors, and The Shelterbelt was born. For over 20 years, The Shelterbelt presented dozens of original offerings from what was once a humble sandwich shop called Killgore's. While living the Bohemian artist lifestyle of a public radio host and actor, Scott began writing short scenes and one-act plays for the 'belt. Some of the pieces produced include He Who Laughs Last, Hypnotized, and the full-length Friends Like These. Friends Like These was nominated for a TAG award for Best Original Script in 2006.
For Scott, TRILLOQUY is the culmination of decades spent honing skills in broadcasting and the arts; writing, editing, storytelling, and all the production elements that you hear every week but happen behind the scenes. When Scott isn't working on TRILLOQUY (or hosting live radio), you can find him playing guitar, woodworking, and brewing beer.
In 1993, Scott and three close friends decided to form their own theater group to showcase local playwrights and actors, and The Shelterbelt was born. For over 20 years, The Shelterbelt presented dozens of original offerings from what was once a humble sandwich shop called Killgore's. While living the Bohemian artist lifestyle of a public radio host and actor, Scott began writing short scenes and one-act plays for the 'belt. Some of the pieces produced include He Who Laughs Last, Hypnotized, and the full-length Friends Like These. Friends Like These was nominated for a TAG award for Best Original Script in 2006.
For Scott, TRILLOQUY is the culmination of decades spent honing skills in broadcasting and the arts; writing, editing, storytelling, and all the production elements that you hear every week but happen behind the scenes. When Scott isn't working on TRILLOQUY (or hosting live radio), you can find him playing guitar, woodworking, and brewing beer.
