So Saint Paul

They’re cousins, collaborators, Saint Paul artists and now they’re officially a duo.On this episode of So Saint Paul, host Katey DeCelle sits down with Ryah and Boogie, two artists who found their way to the St. Paul Get Down through very different paths and are now joining forces as 2KO — Total Knockout.Boogie talks about joining the Get Down in 2023, finding his confidence onstage and his plans to release more music and hit more open mics. Ryah shares how her musical journey began through Freedom School, why she stepped away from music, and the teacher who helped convince her to pick it back up.Then there’s the music. Ryah brings “Hit The Road,” flipping a Ray Charles sample and featuring her unmistakable whistle tag, while Boogie turns up the energy with the drill track “Walk ’Em Down” and his signature “aha.”The cousins also get into beat hunting, mentors, pre-show rituals, their favorite Get Down performers and what it’s like balancing music with their work as special education educators. And they give us a first look at 2KO, including an unreleased track they’ve already been testing out onstage.Two artists. Two styles. One family. Total Knockout.

What happens when you stop being afraid to make something bad and just start making?On this episode of So Saint Paul, host Katey DeCelle sits down with rising Saint Paul artist KA111, whose music journey started at just 14 with her first song, “Not What I Asked For.” She shares the heartbreak behind that track, how her sound has evolved, and why sometimes the best way to become a better artist is to make the messy stuff first.KA111 also talks about returning to the St. Paul Get Down, the youth music program that helped her learn commitment, push through hard things and get more comfortable owning the stage. From performances at 825 Arts and Harriet Island to the resources and mentors she’s found at the High School for Recording Arts, she opens up about what it takes to grow into your own voice.Hear “Not What I Asked For” and “Cross the Line,” her collaboration with friend and fellow artist, and get a preview of what she’s bringing to the St. Paul Get Down finale at Raspberry Island on August 29.Plus: influences, mentors, an upcoming October 16 show at HSRA and some surprisingly good advice for anyone trying to make art:Make the bad stuff. Keep going. Get better.

Saint Paul’s next generation of musicians are already making noise.On this episode of So Saint Paul, host Katey DeCelle sits down with Pres and HthaDreamer, two 21-year-old artists who’ve spent the past three years growing their sound, confidence and creativity through the St. Paul Get Down youth music program.They talk about sharpening their lyrics, experimenting with new genres, learning from mentors, hitting the stage at summer shows, and what happens when young artists are given a real space to create. H also shares how he’s taking things to the next level by organizing his own concert, Dream Wave.And, of course, there’s music. Hear HthaDreamer’s “Soul Food” and “OKAY,” plus Prez’s “Only Girl,” along with the stories behind their stage names and where you can hear more.Plus, get the scoop on the St. Paul Get Down finale at Raspberry Island, a free, all-day celebration with live music, headliners, surprises, food trucks and more.Turn it up. Saint Paul’s young artists have something to say.

What happens when a centuries-old oak tree becomes one of St. Paul's most beloved music venues? On this episode of So Saint Paul, host Katey DeCelle sits down with Sean Kershaw, co-founder of the Grand Oak Opry, to explore the story behind the West 7th neighborhood's unique, donation-based backyard concert series. Now in its 12th season, the Grand Oak Opry brings hundreds of music lovers together each summer to celebrate Minnesota artists in one unforgettable setting, Sean's backyard! Musician Jayanthi also joins the conversation to share why performing under the legendary oak feels so special and previews her upcoming performance with Davu Seru and Tom West. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the Opry for the first time, this episode is a celebration of community, live music, and the magic that happens when neighbors gather beneath the branches. Learn more here: https://grandoakopry.com

So Saint Paul welcomes the rising youth band Stal. to the WFNU 94.1 FM Frogtown Community Radio studio following the radio debut of their single "Attitude." Stone Williams, Pablo, Dorian, and Chris share how they came together through the Saint Paul Get Down program, with help from the High School for Recording Arts. They talk about how the Get Down program helped them learn everything from songwriting and collaboration to promoting themselves as independent artists. They talk about their first performance together at prom, preview upcoming Saint Paul Get Down performances, and discuss their individual music projects. Plus, hear the stories behind their songs "Swisher Sweet" and "Sketch," the influences shaping their sound, and what's next for one of Saint Paul's most exciting young bands. Tune in!

History, music, and inspiration come together on this episode of So St. Paul on WFNU 94.1 FM.Host Katey DeCelle sits down with the creators and performers behind Go Down Moses, a powerful musical film and soundtrack celebrating the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. We hear from composer and film director Bob Hindel and collaborators Amelia (who plays Lucretia Mott), trumpet player Octavia Webber, actor Andy Mobley, and lead actress Jada Stumon (Harriet Tubman). Go Down Moses is a historical musical about Harriet Tubman's life and the abolitionists who helped her free hundreds of enslaved people. They discuss how the project began at St. Peter Claver School, its stage and dance versions, and its hour-and-a-half film, plus a new 37-song, three-CD narrated collection covering Tubman’s life. The group shares why Tubman’s story is urgently needed today, plays the radio debut of music from the soundtrack, including “Someday” a song about abolitionist Thomas Garrett. To view the trailer, rent the film, and access the music, and learn more, visit harriettubmansoul.com

From Hoops to Hope: It’s Yo Boooy Khadar’s Biggest Weekend Yet On this episode of So Saint Paul on WFNU LP 94.1 FM, host Katey DeCelle sits down with community organizer and hype man extraordinaire, It’s Yo Boooy Khadar, to talk about his 4th Annual Stop the Violence Basketball & Youth Entrepreneur Event at the Frogtown Community Center.What started as a way to honor the memory of Khadar’s friend, Johntay Hudson, after his tragic death at the Mall of America has grown into a powerful weekend of community, connection, and opportunity. Khadar shares how basketball became the vehicle for bringing people together, creating positive spaces for youth, and showing what's possible when a community invests in itself.Listeners will hear about this year's packed lineup, including semi-pro and community matchups, middle school games, Purdue vs. Nebraska, a brand-new educators vs. kids showdown, celebrity guests, performances, and family activities. Plus, Sunday’s Youth Entrepreneur Fair gives young people the chance to launch their own businesses, sell their products, and keep every dollar they earn.Special guest actor and community advocate Ken Sagoes joins the conversation to discuss his admiration of Khadar, and his nonprofit, The Giving Back Cooperation, and why supporting youth leadership matters. We also hear from two fabulous kids that Khadar mentors in an after-school program, Leo and Nora, (and mom too!) Khadar also shares his vision for expanding the event across Minnesota and beyond through his future nonprofit, Journey of the Youth.It's more than basketball—it's a full-court press for peace, purpose, and the next generation. Tune in!

A new chapter in Saint Paul cannabis culture is here!On the latest episode of So Saint Paul on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio, host Katey DeCelle talks with Sofia Loraine and Carrie Claypatch, co-founders of Really Dope, the new dispensary opening in Selby Dale at 162 Dale St N.They share how their cannabis-infused yoga classes started quietly in 2019, evolved during the pandemic, and grew into a wellness-centered cannabis business rooted in intention, education, and community.The conversation breaks down cannabis basics for curious newcomers : from THC, CBD, terpenes, and strains to edibles, drinks, tinctures, flower, and more, while also talking about stigma, safe consumption, and Minnesota’s legal cannabis system.🎉 Plus: hear details about Really Dope’s Grand Opening on May 30 from 10 AM–7 PM featuring pizza, coffee, giveaways, tastings, psychic readings, and goodie bags. Tune in to hear these Really Dope women!