Studio Session: Lily Henley

09/07/2025 35 min
Studio Session: Lily Henley

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Episode Synopsis

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lily Henley joined Doug Gertner in the KGNU Kabaret Studio alongside musical partner Duncan Wick to share her unique fusion of Ladino and American folk traditions, often described as "Ladino Americana." Henley discussed her Sephardic heritage, her deep dive into the Ladino language and culture—including a Fulbright year in Paris—and her process of writing new melodies for centuries-old lyrics. The duo performed live in studio, offering songs that blend timeless folk storytelling with vibrant, cross-cultural influences. Henley also shared news of her upcoming PhD studies in musicology at Harvard, while Wick spoke about his longtime role with Rising Appalachia and their ongoing collaborations. Their appearance followed a performance at the Green Box Arts Festival and showcased their dedication to preserving and reimagining Sephardic musical traditions for contemporary audiences. (Studio Session: 7/725)