St. Louis on the Air

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A block party will unveil the dream of transforming MLK Drive in St. Louis into a ‘cultural corridor’ Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

A vision for a cultural corridor in north St. Louis is taking shape in The Ville neighborhood. The MLK Cultural Blvd Project is being showcased at a block party March 21 to celebrate the effort’s progress. The event will also unveil a new report that explains the history and hope behind the corridor plan on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Aaron Williams, president of the nonprofit 4TheVille, and artist and community liaison Dail Chambers, are among the project’s leaders. Williams and Chambers discuss the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in St. Louis and why they see it as the perfect site of a future cultural corridor and tourist attraction.

New book invites young readers to explore Forest Park’s evolution Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

For Ian Sullivan, a childhood in the Franklin County countryside made Forest Park a sacred destination for adventure and wonder. Now, the St. Louisan asks kids to explore how one of the city’s iconic and beloved spaces came to be. He takes us into his new children’s book, “How Forest Park Was Made,” and the landmark’s history ahead of an author event in St. Charles County.

The Sheldon Concert Hall celebrates Miles Davis’ centennial birthday with ‘Unlimited Miles’ Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Miles Davis’ reputation as a jazz giant remains to this day. On March 28, the Sheldon Concert Hall & Galleries will celebrate the world-renowned trumpeter with “Unlimited Miles: Miles Davis at 100,” which will feature contemporary jazz performers who have been inspired by Davis’ musicianship. The Sheldon’s executive director Peter Palermo and Gerald Early, a Washington University professor of African and African American Studies and editor of “Miles Davis and American Culture, Vol. 1” reflect on Davis’ influence on jazz, his relationship with the St. Louis region and what’s to be expected at “Unlimited Miles.”

Advocates urge St. Louis residents to apply for radiation compensation before 2027 deadline Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was expanded in July to include 21 ZIP codes impacted by atomic waste leftover from the Manhattan Project dumped in different parts of the St. Louis region. The move followed years of advocacy and alarm from residents like Dawn Chapman, co-founder of Just Moms STL, who acted after seeing her neighbors and relatives become sickened with cancers. Since RECA's expansion, the Department of Justice has received more than 11,000 claims and paid out more than $63 million. More people are still applying, but their cases and medical conditions can be complex. Many have found aid from Brent Trout, manager of the St. Louis County Library’s history and genealogy department. Trout and Chapman discuss the challenges of applying to RECA, why records like yearbooks can be critical evidence, and why advocates are encouraging people to apply before the program’s deadline in 2027.

New museum exhibit explores the legacy of iconic Route 66 in Missouri Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

As the United States’ first federal highway system, Route 66 connected people and places across the country. It was also a symbol of independence and adventure. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the highway, we recall notable Route 66 stops, share stories from the former highway’s heyday and examine its legacy today.

Rising R&B star Jordan Ward says St. Louis will always be home Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

The day after Jordan Ward graduated from Parkway North High School in 2013, he moved west to Los Angeles to pursue a career in arts and entertainment. In the years since, Ward has performed as a dancer with Beyoncé, Janet Jackson and Justin Bieber. He’s also released two albums on his own. His latest project, “Backward,” was released in January through Interscope Records, and he’s currently headlining “The Apartment Tour” with 29 stops in North America and the United Kingdom. Hours before hitting the stage at his homecoming stop at Delmar Hall, Ward joined us to discuss his career, the evolution of his music and the importance of staying connected to St. Louis and its music scene.

How Rosemary Woodruff Leary left St. Louis and became ‘The Acid Queen’ Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Rosemary Woodruff Leary, a St. Louis native, was best known during her life as the wife of the psychedelic pioneer Timothy Leary. But a book highlights her unsung role in that movement, including how she helped her husband escape prison and become international fugitives. We'll revisit a September 2025 conversation with author Susannah Cahalan about her latest book “The Acid Queen: The Psychedelic Life and Counterculture Rebellion of Rosemary Woodruff Leary," which also tells the story what happened after Timothy Leary and Rosemary separated, and her decision to come return to the public eye before her death.

This year’s 314 Day is different after the tornado — but the love for St. Louis remains Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Twenty years ago Terrell “Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk founded 314 Day to recognize March 14 as a day to celebrate all things St. Louis. The civic pride holiday has origins in Black St. Louisan culture, and in the decades passed the celebrations have spread and is now part of the greater St. Louis identity. On this special 314 Day episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” three St. Louisans share their thoughts on the state of St. Louis and its culture. Plus, we join a new St. Louisan on their first 314 Day experience.

St. Louis Irish Arts teachers celebrate 10 years of music and friendship Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

St. Louis musicians Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon have performed and toured together for years. The Irish fiddle and harp duo’s new album, “The Belles of St. Louis” is a celebration of their musical friendship — and a nod to St. Louis’ rich, and growing, traditional Irish music scene. Ahead of their annual St. Patrick’s Day concert, they perform songs and tunes from the album, share tidbits on Irish music and culture, and discuss last summer’s blockbuster hit, “Sinners,” which has spurred interest in Irish folk music among new audiences.

New songs from St. Louis artists perfect for your spring playlist Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

As Earth awakens from a deep winter slumber, this month’s new music roundup is here to lend you some early spring energy. STLPR reporter Chad Davis and music show originator and producer Miya Norfleet discuss their favorite new releases including the funky dance track “Dance with You” from Starwolf and emotionally driven anthem by national artist with strong St. Louis roots Jordan Ward.

. Check out our new music roundup playlist.

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