Carla Eckels

Wichita

Radio Host and Director at KMUW-FM (Wichita, KS)

Articles

Finding joy in the unexpected journey of motherhood

6 days ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Inside her comfortable living room, Lola McLaurian, has photos sprawled out on a coffee table. “[Here are] my three children, Jay is my oldest, Kimberly's the middle and Natalie is my youngest child."McLaurian describes what it was like when they first placed her son Jay in her arms. “It was amazing,” she said. “You know, you never think of that much love inside of you and when you see that baby for the first time.
Keith John shares stories behind Stevie Wonder’s iconic songs

1 week ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, May 11Coming up on Soulsations, the Stevie Wonder birthday celebration continues with Keith John, Stevie’s background singer for more than 40 years. John is the son of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Willie John, known for the 1956 hit "Fever."Keith John shares stories behind Stevie’s iconic songs, including how Stevie’s oldest daughter, Aisha, who inspired “Isn’t She Lovely, ”became a background singer.
Celebrating Stevie Wonder: A month of music and memories

2 weeks ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, May 4Music innovator Stevie Wonder turns 75 on May 13th. We’ll celebrate the 25-time Grammy winner all month long! Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont, who’s sang backup for Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Bill Withers, Prince, and many others, shares what it’s like to audition for Stevie Wonder as a part of his group, Wonderlove.
Much love and timeless grooves

3 weeks ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, April 27Coming up on Soulsations, new music by Omar. The English singer-songwriter reminds us “There’s Much Love in the World.” Hear soulful classics from the Beginning of the End, Earth, Wind & Fire, Carl Carlton, The Dramatics, and a jazzy groove from saxophonist Boney James and trumpeter Rick Braun.
Jazz, Gospel & Soul

4 weeks ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, April 20Coming up on Soulsations, jazz vocalist April May Webb from Newton, Kansas, joins us fresh off her win at the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. She’s in good company with past winners like multiple Grammy winner Samara Joy. Hear our conversation about Webb’s music and her band, Sounds of A&R. Also, hear a new single from Motown legend Smokey Robinson, “Be Thankful for What You Got,” and uplifting gospel from Hezekiah Walker featuring John P. Kee.
A North Wichita barbershop figures out a way to support the community in style

1 month ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Precision haircuts come naturally to this young bilingual business owner, who opened up a barber shop two years ago in Wichita’s north end. Since then, Alfred Urbina has worked diligently to ensure the business lives up to its name: 4 The People Barber Lounge. According to Urbina, the barber lounge was born out of being involved in the community. “We're always doing a bunch of community events, giving back. That's pretty much what we stand for,” Urbina said.
New music from Eric Roberson

1 month ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, April 13Coming up on Soulsations, hear new music from Grammy-nominated neo-soul artist Eric Roberson, featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, with “Where You Gonna Go.” Plus, Wichita’s own veteran bass player Conrad Rucker, by way of Kansas City, brings us this week’s DoubleTake: “You Send Me,” written and recorded by legendary soul artist Sam Cooke, along with a cover by noted vibraphonist Roy Ayers.
Soulsations remembers vibraphonist Roy Ayer

1 month ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, March 30Coming up on Soulsations, we remember vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers. He passed away March 4 at the age of 84. We’ll share his music, including this week’s DoubleTake: his biggest hit, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” along with a soulful cover by the talented British band Incognito. Also, Tauren Wells and Erica Campbell lift us “Up” with their refreshing contemporary gospel tune. Plus, groove to classics from Sly and the Family Stone, Loose Ends and Cheryl Lynn.
Feel-good funk

1 month ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

Sunday, March 25Get ready for soulful vibes this week on Soulsations! Groove to the energizing sounds of KC & The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Brick, and a funky jam from the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Feel uplifted with a “Feel Good” tune from Nigerian-born American gospel artist Blessing Offor. This week’s DoubleTake features the 1979 groove “I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson, alongside a sweet, jazzy version by Esperanza Spalding.
"Grief S.U.C.K.S." author Stephanie Stovall talks about how to move forward in the face of tragedy

1 month ago | kmuw.org | Carla Eckels

The sudden death of a loved one can send one reeling with uncertainty and overwhelming grief. It’s what happened to Stephanie Stovall two years ago when her husband Carl died from a pulmonary embolism after 31 years of marriage. Stovall recently published a book called "Grief S.U.C.K.S."This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Let’s start with the title of the book "Grief S.U.C.K.S." You created an acronym with the word "sucks." What does it stand for?