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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The season continues at the Halloran Center for Arts and Education with the next edition of Princeton James Productions Soulful Murder Mysteries: "Brown Sugar Diner: The Last Slice" on Sunday, April 12.
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The Orpheum Theatre has announced its 2026–2027 Broadway season, featuring seven productions, including six Memphis premieres.
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The biennial Memphis Flower Show, presented by the Memphis Garden Club, returns to the Dixon Gallery & Gardens Saturday, April 11, through Sunday, April 12. The show is one of only five major garden shows sanctioned by the Garden Club of America (GCA).
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The University of Memphis Department of Theatre and Dance presents its annual "Emerge: New Student Dance Works."
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The regular season is winding down at Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center (BPACC), but summer theatre camp registration is just around the corner.
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Tennessee Shakespeare Company (TSC) presents its annual "Children's Literacy Gala" on Saturday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the TSC headquarters at 7950 Trinity Road.
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The Mahogany Chamber Music Series continues at Crosstown Arts on Sunday, March 29, at 3:00 p.m. with "An Afternoon in Havana," featuring guest pianist Yami CruzMontero, local favorite on saxophone Michael Shults, and Mahogany curator and pianist Artina McCain.
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The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Opera Memphis, presents Verdi’s "Requiem" with chorus and guest soloists, in a concert that will air live on WKNO-FM.
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This year marks 50 years since Hugo and Margaret Dixon opened this home and property to the public as the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, and the Dixon is celebrating all year, starting with the "Golden Anniversary Garden Party."
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The acclaimed Luther College Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Church of the Holy Apostles at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.