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Live from Studio A

Live from Studio A: Chris Castino with Chicken Wire Empire

By Christine Dean
Published July 15, 2022 at 1:28 PM CDT
Five men standing in front of a frosted window that says the North 103.3 FM; the second from left is holding a guitar and third from left is holding a fiddle and bow.
Christine Dean
(L-R) Jordan Kroeger, Chris Castino, Ernest Brusubardis IV, Jon Peik, and Carter Shilts

Castino was the primary songwriter for legendary Minnesota jam band The Big Wu; during the period of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, he started collaborating with Milwaukee bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire on new, bluegrass versions of some of his Big Wu tunes that would become an album, Fresh Pickles. The release features notable guests including Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Keller Williams, and Tim O’Brien. Castino and the band stopped by our studios for an interview and performance on July 15, 2022 on their way up the shore to perform as part of the first annual Lutsong Music Festival at Lutsen. They also perform on Saturday, July 16 at the Big Top Chautauqua.

Chris Castino
Chicken Wire Empire

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Live from Studio A Live from Studio AChris CastinoThe Big WuChicken Wire EmpireMinnesota Music
Christine Dean
Christine is The North 103.3's Music Director, a host of Music Through the Day, and the producer of Live from Studio A. One of her favorite things about her job is the opportunity to share music from the Twin Ports’ many talented local artists. In her spare time she takes full of advantage of Duluth’s outdoors opportunities.
See stories by Christine Dean
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