Tonight on Torch & Twang me and DJ Sparrow took a moment to recognize some important anniversaries in country and folk music including the 50 year anniversary of Bob Dylan’s Desire, the 58 year anniversary of Johnny Cash’s live performance at Folsom Prison, and the Death of Bob Weir only a few days ago. After this, the two of us took the rest of your shortened show to discuss the political side of folk music, playing both old legends like Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly as well as modern artists like Jessie Welles and Carsie Blanton. After diving into the history of these musicians and the issues that inspired them to make their music, we ended things off on a lighter note with a all-synth version of Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Thanks for listening, cowpoke, we’ll catch ya ’round the fire next time.
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Torch & Twang 1.13.26
January 14, 2026
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About the Contributors
Dante Chinni-Ianzito, Co-Host of The Progressive Torch & Twang
Outside of his show here at Impact, Dante (he/him) stays very busy around campus. He’s a double major in International Relations and Comparative Cultures and Politics with two minors as well. Beyond that, he spends plenty of time doing nerd stuff like model UN and Dungeons and Dragons. With all that going on, he enjoys spending some time relaxing and listening to a bit of old time folk and country when we can. At the moment, his favorite song lyrics are “Down the sand forever/only music is forever” but ask him in a few days again in a few days and he’ll probably have a different answer for you.
Wren Cueter, Co-Host of The Progressive Torch & Twang
Wren (they/them) is a Junior here at MSU studying English and hopes to go into the bigger music industry some day. Ever since they were a little kid they’ve loved music and has now become a major music collector with over 1200 records on cd. Some of their favorite music is folk music and they’ll defend Bob Dylan the day they die. Come listen into the Torch and Twang every Tuesday 8pm-12am to hear them and their co-host ramble on about their favorite folk and country tunes.