When one thinks of folk music, images – and the music – of such great artists as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie often come to mind … however, folk music extends far beyond, often transcending across other genres such as the Blues, zydeco, country, bluegrass and the like. You too can learn more about this vast, eclectic genre known as folk every Sunday thanks to Kyra Dean, host of Folk Weekend on Tri States Public Radio (TSPR).
As the online promo for the weekly program states: 'Join Kyra Dean on Sunday nights at 7 p.m. as she travels through the worlds of alt. country, Americana, bluegrass, blues, and of course, folk on Folk Weekend. You'll hear classic recordings that defined their genres as well as new releases from contemporary artists that push in new and interesting directions. There is something for everyone on Folk Weekend.'
Dean took over the Sunday evening spot from Ken Zahnle, who was producing the show, along with Ovation and Jazz After Hours. Zahnle had taken over the popular TSPR shows after the retirement of the station mainstay and legend, the late Jeff Holtz.
'I approached Kyra about hosting 'Folk Weekend,' thinking she would bring a new dimension to the program and introduce listeners to a wider range of artists and styles,' former Interim General Manager and Current TSPR Board President Julie Murphy shared. At that time, Kyra was leading AIS (Audio Information Services), but I suspected she wanted to get involved in the music side of the station and that she had much to offer. Kyra's take on folk music is broader and more inclusive than what has traditionally been considered 'folk' and she has curated a program and a following all her own. There now is a whole community of Kyra groupies - and I love it. Her curiosity and creativity really are on display in 'Folk Weekend.' Listening to this program is an education.'
Dean, who admits to being a 'huge music nerd' since her childhood, grew up listening to punk, metal, pop and alt rock, and recalled the first cassette tape she bought was Michael Jackson's, 'Thriller.' She found her way into folk when she was into Pearl Jam, and the group played a Bob Dylan cover, which led to what has become a lifelong love for Dylan's music and messages. And Dylan then led Dean down the music rabbit hole where she discovered a whole new world of tunes … and to her delight, thanks to Folk Weekend and her love of music, she continues to discover loads of new artists which she loves sharing with her listeners.
'I was hired part-time in 2020 to lead our Audio Information Services, and when Julie asked if I wanted to host the 'Folk Weekend' show, I immediately said 'Yes!' She just handed over the reins to me and trusted me enough to do this,' Dean explained. 'I wasn't a folk music expert, but with Dylan being my favorite musician, I really started delving into folk music. I learned that he was influenced by Irish and English ballads, the Blues and more, so this led me to more and more influences, and learning about all the music that fits within folk music. And I'm still learning. It's fascinating stuff, with 100-plus years to reference.'
She begins putting together her playlist for the upcoming show on Mondays, sometimes tying it in with what's going on the world, a holiday, a major event or milestone or just to commemorate an occasion. For example, last Sunday's show was a tribute to the late WIU College of Fine Ars and Communication Dean Billy Clow, who was a fierce ally and advocate for the west-central Illinois and Iowa public radio station. And sometimes, it's just what Dean is in the mood to hear.
'I remember Jeff telling me he liked my mix of old and new music. I got a stamp of approval from Jeff, so I really don't stick to any particular era or style when I'm putting together my playlist,' Dean shared. 'I'd say the playlists are eclectic as folk is really an umbrella for bluegrass, the Blues and more.'
With Labor Day coming up, Dean plans on her Sunday, Sept. 1 first show having a pro-union, pro-labor, 'working class' theme, featuring Bob Dylan (of course), Woody Guthrie and much more.
'With the current state of the country, some of the new music I've been finding and sharing really speaks truth to the power, and I like that,' she added. 'I really think folk music is music for, and of, the people.'
Besides hosting 'Folk Weekend,' Dean also serves as the station's full-time operations director, which means she oversees programming and makes sure everything runs smoothly, 24-hours a day, around the clock. Along with her daily duties, and putting together her weekly show, Dean would also like to bring back Rural Route 3, which Holtz and local folk musician Chris Vallillo came up with several years ago. The popular show, which Vallillo hosted and co-produced ran from 1990 through 1998, was nationally distributed, and in which Vallillo performed next to (and with) contemporary and traditional folk musicians.
'I really want to build on 'Folk Weekend,' and I'd love to bring back Rural Route 3 at least once a month with a touring act to continue spreading the joy of live music,' she said. 'During our fundraiser in April, I brought in numerous local musicians to play the music of the late John Prine who passed away in April 2020. I'd really like to do more of this as people really responded to it.
'We have so many great local treasures who I'd love to have play for our audience,' Dean added. 'The artists we have in this region have such immense talent. I really do love curating music and presenting it to others to enjoy.'
Outside of work, the VIT grad, U.S. Navy veteran and Western Illinois University alumna continues her foray into music, hosting open mic nights at local clubs, deejaying special events, taking part in karaoke and playing guitar (and singing) with the local favorite, Iron Orchard. Dean played with local bands during her college years, and before joining TSPR, she worked as an on-air personality and music director for WJEQ, eventually taking over its alt rock sister station, 95.9.
'I've been immersed in the Macomb music scene in some way for many years,' Dean said. 'I have a cool job at TSPR, but 'Folk Weekend' is the coolest part about it. Getting to spread good music to others is really something special.'
Tri States Public Radio 'Folk Weekend'
7-9 p.m., Sundays Dial positions: WIUM at 91.3FM, WIUW at 89.5FM, WVKC at 90.7FM, K292GR at 106.3FM Streaming online at tspr.org tspr.org/podcast/folk-weekend-on-demand
