Jim Drake takes us on an interview with Cody Johnson, a young composer featured in award-winning video games. His collaboration piece “Vanitas” embraces the social turmoil that many experienced in the last five years. He will be live in concert with three other composers of note this Sunday, Feb. 19 at Wyeast Middle School at 2 p.m. Find out what the younger generation has to say with Jim Drake’s interview here.

CCCNew’s Jim Drake interviews Irish Roots Band Kalos. The trio goes deep into how they make their music and what influences them and most importantly who gets to carry the accordion.

This week, I sat down with comedian Jon Bennett, an Australian storyteller who gives an amazingly sordid and bizarre story of his brother’s life with poignant reflection. Bennett will be performing twice this weekend - Tonight, Dec. 16, at the Granada in The Dalles and on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Bingen Theater. Tickets are still on sale. Click here to find out more.

Our Columnist Morgan Olson recently caught up with Maddie Dollarhide after she was awarded Youth of the Year by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. Olson gives us some insight into Dollarhide and her love of animals as well as getting a glimpse at what motivates the Dufur High School Senior.

Our Jim Drake zoomed in an interview with Jennifer Batten, whose career as a rock guitarist is most notable for several world tours with the King of Pop, Micheal Jackson. Calling Portland home, Batten has assembled a lineup of NW musicians for her new band, Full Steam, who specialize in 80s rock covers. They’re set to play Thursday in Hood River.