
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 Orpheum Theatre Group’s biggest party—and biggest fundraiser— Orpheum Soiree, returns to Orpheum Theatre on Friday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m.
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Opera Memphis opens its new season with "I Hear America Singing" on Saturday, October 18, at the Crosstown Theatre.
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The widely acclaimed vocal quintet APOLLO5 performs at Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Memphis on Friday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m., as part of the Calvary Friends of Music concert series.
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New Moon Theatre Company presents "The Drowning Girls," Friday, October 17, through Sunday, November 2, at TheatreWorks@TheSquare. Written by Beth Graham, Daniela Vlaskalic, and Charlie Tomlinson, the play is based on the true story of three young brides murdered by the same husband.
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"Art on Fire," the Dixon Gallery & Gardens’ signature fall fundraising party, takes place Saturday, October 18, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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The 22nd annual Soul of the City walking tours at Elmwood Cemetery will take place from Friday, October 17, to Saturday, October 18, starting at 5:00 p.m.
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The Jazz Foundation of West Tennessee presents "Two Steps from the Blues: A Tribute to Bobby 'Blue' Bland," featuring Rodd Bland and The Members Only Band, on Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ned R. McWherter West TN Cultural Arts Center in downtown Jackson, Tennessee.
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The Dixon Gallery & Gardens presents "L’Estampe originale: A Graphic Treasure" in the Main Galleries, on view Sunday, October 12, through Sunday, January 11, 2026. This fascinating exhibition provides a rare glimpse into French Impressionist printmaking and the art of color lithography.
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The Memphis Germantown Art League (MGAL) celebrates 50 years with a "50th Anniversary Exhibition and Celebration," now through Friday, October 31, at the Memphis Botanic Garden. The reception is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12.
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The Memphis Chamber Music Society (MCMS) season continues with a "Schubertiade" on Sunday, October 12, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 pm at Annesdale, the home of William Townsend. Cellist John-Henry Crawford and the Vega String Quartet will perform.