Leslie Ovalle

Jan 31, 2024 | wlrn.org | Leslie Atkinson |Elisa Baena |Alyssa Ramos |Leslie Ovalle

If there’s a band that defies labels, it’s Snarky Puppy. Michael League founded the group almost 20 years ago when he couldn’t get into any of the music programs at his Texas college. Instead, he created a band that was rooted in jazz, but opened itself to all kinds of musicians — folks who were willing to break the mold. "I just tried to find people who I thought would be up for that — basically trying to find people who weren't jazz snobs," he said on WLRN's Sundial.

Jan 4, 2024 | wlrn.org | Leslie Ovalle

Ron Magill is a rare breed. As a boy, he hand-fed squirrels in his backyard. He grew up dreaming of watching lions chase gazelle across the plains of Africa, like they did on his favorite TV show. A lot of us had that dream as kids, too. The difference is that Magill grew up — but he never grew out of it. As communications director for Zoo Miami, Magill serves as a spokesman for the animals.

Dec 26, 2023 | wlrn.org | Nicole Lopez-Alvar |Leslie Ovalle

In South Florida, 2023 was a year of expansion and culinary side-quests for established restaurants. Some chefs opened new projects and pop-ups grew up to be restaurants. Other standout places embraced South Florida culture by injecting it straight into their menus. Food editors from the Miami Herald, the Miami New Times and The Infatuation spoke on WLRN's Sundial to share some of the best places to eat in South Florida, as well as the dishes that wowed them.

Dec 15, 2023 | wlrn.org | Leslie Atkinson |Elisa Baena |Alyssa Ramos |Leslie Ovalle

Eduardo Cabra was the man behind the music. For nearly a decade, he produced the sound of the popular Puerto Rican band, Calle 13. Cabra and his brother formed the alternative hip-hop group in 2004, and their blend of genres and social commentary won them a slew of awards, including three Grammys. A definitive soundtrack of South Florida would no doubt include songs by the duo like Atrévete-te-te or Pa'l Norte. The duo went by stage names — him, "Visitante", and his brother, "Residente".

Oct 24, 2023 | wlrn.org | Leslie Atkinson |Leslie Ovalle

Miami is the place where Nicole Tallman found her voice. For years, you’ve been hearing her words. But they’ve been coming out of other people’s mouths. She’s been a ghostwriter for college presidents and a speechwriter for South Florida politicians on either side of the political spectrum. Now, she’s writing in her own voice. And she’s empowering others to find theirs. Nicole is the poetry ambassador for Miami-Dade County. She was appointed by Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava.