Darel Snodgrass
Classical Music HostI began piano lessons at age 6, trumpet at age 9, and began teaching myself the guitar at 10. My electronics knowledge comes from my father, who had the RCA television and stereo shop in my hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas for nearly 20 years. My dad is still fixing televisions at age 79.
I attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville as a music major, and worked weekend shifts at the U of A radio station (my first experience playing classical music on the radio). I spent a summer playing piano, guitar and bass at the defunct “L'il Abner”- based theme park Dogpatch USA, near Harrison, Arkansas. After a few years playing music professionally, I finished a BS degree in Radio/TV production at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
After another few years playing music in the Ozarks, I moved to Memphis with my wife. I’ve served as Operations Manager of WKNO-FM since 1988, and morning Classical Music host since 1994 – conducting more than 4,500 Checking on the Arts interviews along the way.
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Rev. James Lawson Jr.’s memoir, "Nonviolent: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love," explores his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his philosophy of nonviolent direct action. Co-author Emily Yellin discusses his legacy ahead of a February 20 event at the National Civil Rights Museum.
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The IRIS Collective concert season continues Saturday, February 21, at 7:30 p.m. at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts with "It Feels Like a Dream," featuring Eunbi Kim and IRIS musicians.
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The third and final installment of the Black Artists in America series, From the Bicentennial to September 11, is on view at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens now, through Sunday, March 29.
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Concerts International’s chamber music season continues Friday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. at Harris Concert Hall with a flute and guitar duet featuring Gary Schocker and Jason Vieaux.
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Darel Snodgrass talked with GPAC Executive Director Parke Kennedy about new dates for several performances that were postponed due to recent winter weather.
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Tennessee Shakespeare Company (TSC) presents "The Taming of the Shrew" now through Sunday, February 15, on the Tabor Stage.
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The Works of Heart Valentine’s Art Auction is underway, featuring original artwork by more than 120 Memphis and Mid-South artists in support of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
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The Friends of Music Concert Series at Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Memphis continues Friday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m. with award-winning pianist Andrew Nesler.
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The Beethoven Club of Memphis presents "Piano Music of Spain and Latin America" on Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace–St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
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2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Dixon Gallery & Gardens opening as a museum in the former home and gardens of Hugo and Margaret Dixon.