For much of his life, John D. Rockefeller Jr. was known primarily as the heir to one of America’s greatest fortunes. But as author Steve Kemp explains in his new book, An Exaltation of Parks: John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s Crusade to Save America’s Wonderlands, Rockefeller became something else: a determined champion of America’s national parks. His money helped preserve landscapes from Acadia to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Yosemite — and, perhaps most significantly for this region, the Great Smoky Mountains.But Kemp’s story isn’t simply about a wealthy man writing checks. Rockefeller built alliances, assembled talented teams and worked behind the scenes to turn conservation ideas into reality. At times, that meant pushing against the interests — and even the wishes — of people in his own social circle. In this conversation with Todd Steed, Steve Kemp talks about how Rockefeller found his calling as a conservationist, the strategies that made him effective, and how a partnership between philanthropy, government and dedicated park advocates helped create some of the landscapes we now consider national treasures.

Trumpeter Riley Mulherkar and Trombonist Andy Clausen of pioneering quartet The Westerlies discuss their new album celebrating the music of Bill Frisell and their upcoming Big Ears debut.

Matthew Motley speaks with composition professor Dr. Ryan Lindveit and composer-performer and songwriter Tanner Porter about UT's upcoming Contemporary Music Festival.

The New Zealand bands brought shimmering soundscapes and lovingly crafted tunes to The Orange Peel.

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Unearthed after a century, Virginia Woolf’s "The Life of Violet" reveals three witty, tender portraits of friendship and freedom, capturing a young woman’s search for identity in Victorian England.

Todd's longtime band mates, Dave Nichols and Dug Meech join him to select their favorite songs from the recorded history of Smokin' Dave and the premo dopes. Hilarity and sonic exploration ensue.

Margherita Fava discusses her newest release, Murrina, an expressive and impressive follow up to her debut, Tatatu. Her CD release party is this Sunday, Oct. 5th at Barley's at 8:00.

Beauty from Ashes is a concert that focuses on the hope that exists in the courageous choice of survival by sharing the stories of suicide survivors. Belle Toh shares details of the upcoming concert, taking place this Saturday at 7:00 at the Square Room.

The Reed Sisters were a hit on Oak Ridge cable TV and then suddenly seemed to vanish. Rachel Nanstad discusses her new documentary, The Reed Sisters: An American Story, which answers a lot of questions and solves the mystery for this unique and wonderful family act. There will be a screening of the documentary on September 18 at Central Cinema at 6:30.