Luke X. Martin
Culture Editor, KCURAs culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City.
I was born in Manhattan, Kansas, and raised in Wichita where I fell in love with public radio listening to member station KMUW. I got my start pulling early morning DJ shifts at the student-run radio station KJHK while studying English at the University of Kansas.
I was previously an intern for KCUR's Up To Date, and joined the staff as associate producer in 2016. I have reported on government and politics in the Chicago metro area, and national security and defense in Washington. My work has appeared online at UPI.com, The Daily Caller, Politics Daily and The Pitch.
I have a master’s of journalism from the Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University. If you see me along a running trail or track in Kansas City, please offer me some water or a high five.
My email is luke@kcur.org.
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UMKC Conservatory student Beth Christensen spent a year as resident artist at the Claridge Court Independent Living Community in Prairie Village, KS. During her time there, she performed concerts and interacted with residents, who shared stories and insights about how music has improved their lives. One resident adding that "it's better than listening to politics." -
Kansas City has a rich accordion history thanks in large part to Joan Cochran Sommers. She's an iconic figure in the accordion world who, at 90 years old, is still conducting, teaching and yes, playing her accordion. Classical KC’s Christy L’Esperance spoke with Joan about creating an accordion program at the UMKC Conservatory and taking her group of Kansas City accordionists on multiple USO and world tours.
