Excursions

The Folk-Rock duo known as Water Liars stops by WYSO to chat with Chris Shea on this installment of Excursions.

Water Liars formed after an impromptu basement recording session between band members Andrew Bryant and Justin Kinkel Schuster. With only one microphone, the duo recorded an album that blended folk and rock in a standout way. Having played at the South by Southwest festival, Water Liars’ brand of ghostly folk with a rock edge is quickly gaining a following.

In a special segment, Niki Dakota interviews the masterminds and several of the musicians behind “This is Planet Earth,” the upcoming Dayton tribute to Duran Duran, which takes place at Canal Street Tavern on March 16th.

Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker of the indie rock band Wussy stop by Excursion for a stripped-down performance and friendly interview with host Niki Dakota.

Wussy formed in Cincinnati in 2001 following the breakup of Cleaver’s previous group, Ass Ponys. The group released its debut album, Funeral Dress, in 2005, and followed it with a string of critically acclaimed records. Wussy’s latest album, Strawberry, was released in late 2011.

Folk trio Brother Sun brings a gospel and country tinged performance to Excursions.

Joe Jencks, Pat Wictor and Greg Greenway comprise Brother Sun, a folk trio boasting rich instrumentation and jarring three-part harmonies. Each a touring solo artist in his own right, the members of the group joined together in 2010 after a mutual festival performance. The group took off, spending much of 2011 touring heavily in support of their self-titled debut album.

Niki Dakota was joined by Aaron Rourke of Rivers Unlimited on Excursions to talk about the film Call of the Scenic River: an Ohio Journey. It tells the story of Ohio's scenic rivers, non-point source pollution and the ecological and economic impacts of water quality. Ohio Rivers Unlimited is the oldest rivers conservation organization in the nation. Wright State University documentary film maker Tom Mayer journeys to fifteen of Ohio's scenic rivers to learn about river conservation and its rich history here in Ohio.