Cordovas’ ‘Strange Roots Radio’ Joins the Sonic Planet’s Weekend Schedule

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Sonic Planet is welcoming Nashville’s Cordovas to its weekend lineup, adding the psychedelic country-rock band’s “Strange Roots Radio” show to the Americana station’s schedule.

The two-hour program will be heard Friday and Saturday’s at 8 p.m. EST Listen anywhere, anytime on the free Google, Apple, Audacy or LIVE365 app as well as any home internet connected listening devices like Alexa and online at www.thesonicplanet.com.

“We are excited to be airing this groundbreaking programming for our audience, Coast to Coast, in all 50 states, Canada, UK and Mexico,” noted The Sonic Planet Program Director Mike Bonts.

“Strange Roots Radio” is a deep-cutting exploration from the American South and beyond, exploring the fringe of the Americana canon’s fabric, according to Cordovas’ frontman Joe Firstman, who’s also the show’s voice.

Cordovas, whose music American Songwriter magazine calls “timeless … with lyrics that are indefinite but at the same time emotionally specific,” formed in 2011.

“Like the mud-covered stilts holding up the grand American music billboard, Strange Roots Radio digs deep to uncover the sometimes-forgotten essence of roots music: pure American weirdness,” Cordovas’ band member and show producer Lucca Soria added. “Join us as we spin everything from New Orleans queens to California hippie heroes, plus poetry, interviews and more.”

Cordovas are Joe Firstman and Lucca Soria along with a cast of weirdos who split their time between Nashville, TN and Todos Santos, MX.

ABOUT THE SONIC PLANET

It’s all about the music. The Sonic Planet is a web-based Americana radio station that offers hosted live-streaming roots music. It is produced by Creative Public Media and is available 24 hours a day. Hear a mix of musical roots: rock, folk, soul and blues from a diversity of legendary, local and emerging artists. Visit www.thesonicplanet.com.

Celebrate Florida’s Culture at the 73rd Annual Florida Folk Festival

If you’re looking for the perfect Memorial Day Weekend adventure, why settle for just one experience? Whether you’re craving music, dance, art, food, or even a nature escape, savvy festivalgoers know there’s one place where you can do it all – White Springs, Florida, along the scenic Suwannee River.

Each year, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park hosts the Florida Folk Festival, a nationally recognized celebration of Florida’s rich cultural heritage. Now in its 73rd year, the festival continues to spotlight the state’s diverse traditions, music, food, and art.

Del Suggs of Saltwater Music captures the spirit of the event perfectly: “We often think of America as a ‘melting pot’ where we all blend together, but I think of the Florida Folk Festival as a ‘salad bowl.’ All the different cultures come together here, but they retain their original flavor. Each culture contributes to the whole and adds a completeness that would be missing otherwise. It’s those individual flavors that make Florida so unique.”

A Feast for the Senses Since 1953, folk artists and cultural ambassadors have gathered by the river to share stories, music, and crafts that reflect generations of Florida life. From Irish fiddle tunes to frozen key lime pie, and from bluegrass to Caribbean rhythms, the Florida Folk Festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in the unique flavors of the Sunshine State.

With 13 stages and more than 300 live performances, there’s no shortage of entertainment. This year’s impressive lineup features a variety of genres—folk, blues, gospel, country, Latin, jazz, bluegrass, Caribbean, and zydeco—guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

A few of the 2025 Performers Include: • The Lee Boys • Walter Parks • The Firewater Tent Revival • Mean Mary • Lili Forbes & the Funky ‘Taters • Cortadito • Remedy Tree • Sinkhole Serenaders • The Currys • Jeanie Fitchen • The Little Mercies • Papaloko and Loray Mistik • Jim Stafford …and many more!

One of this year’s highlights is the return of the Sacred Steel Summit, featuring steel guitar legends from across the country. This soulful, high-energy showcase is a can’t-miss event for music lovers. Something for Everyone Feeling inspired? Join a jam session, take a dance lesson, or explore the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River. Prefer to sit back and soak it all in? Grab a seat at the Heritage Stage and watch the region’s best dancers show off their moves.

For families, the Children’s Area offers special performances, games, crafts, and activities tailored just for kids. A shaded playground provides the perfect spot for little ones to burn off extra energy. Come Hungry Food lovers will find plenty to savor—from Southern comfort food like collard greens to international delights like Greek gyros.

Quench your thirst with a local craft beer, fresh squeezed lemonade, or a classic root beer float while enjoying performances at the Amphitheater Stage. Honor & Celebrate This Memorial Day Weekend, the Florida Folk Festival offers a special opportunity to honor those who have served while celebrating the culture and spirit of Florida. Whether you’re dancing under the stars, learning a new craft, or simply relaxing by the river, the Florida Folk Festival is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. For tickets and more information, visit www.FloridaFolkFestival.com.

ABOUT THE SONIC PLANET
It’s all about the music. Florida has been home to many influential musicians across genres, the perfect launching pad for the Sonic Planet. Listener powered and independent Americana roots radio where you hear a mix of musical roots: rock, folk, soul and blues from a diversity of legendary, local and emerging artists. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to enrich the lives of music lovers, champion roots music, live local music and connect our community to one-of-a-kind programming, experiences and with one another. Our goal is to uplift and promote artists whose music may fall outside cultural norms and not often heard. www.thesonicplanet.com.