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Jazz star Cassandra Wilson's latest album soars over a swirling array of musical influences. She tells Debbie Elliott about a work that pays tribute to the Native American spirit and the rich traditions of American music.

The Tour de France is under way, but after the retirement of Lance Armstrong last year, many Americans have lost interest in the legendary race. And new fees from the Tour itself mean fewer tourist dollars in French and American pockets.

Want to have a professional take your picture in a National Park? You'd better plan ahead. The Park Service has been ordered by Congress to start charging photo permit and location fees to some photographers. Host Debbie Elliott looks at the new policy and how it's playing out on the National Mall in Washington.

Learning how to play a musical instrument isn't just for kids anymore. An organization called New Horizons has helped establish over 100 bands and orchestras for older players in the U.S. and Canada over the past 15 years. Many of the group's members are either complete novices, or haven't played in decades.

In honor of the interstate highway system's 50th anniversary, we talk to three engineers about their favorite parts of the system.

In the right hands, remixes have tremendous power: Producers can transform mediocrities into masterpieces, and they can recontextualize music outside its original genre. Djinji Brown approaches Kahil El'Zabar's "Running in the Streets" with an appropriately light touch.

The Texas band Midlake has been compared to everyone from The Flaming Lips to The Beatles, which actually makes sense: Consistently accessible but unpredictably inventive, its music appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners.

Monday at midnight is the deadline for enrolling in the Medicare drug benefit. Those who miss the deadline may be facing higher premiums for life. Debbie Elliott talks with NPR's Julie Rovner about who should, and who shouldn't, hurry to meet the deadline.

Christopher John Farley talks about his new book Before the Legend: The Rise of Bob Marley, which traces the reggae star's formative years. Marley died of cancer 25 years ago, but left a global music legacy that still endures.

Tilly and the Wall is an Omaha, Neb., indie-rock band named after the well-known children's book. According to critic Will Hermes, their music has a childlike wonder and breathlessness — perhaps most evident in their percussion, which comes mainly from tap-dancing.