By his own estimation, Joseph Brandwein has tuned pianos for virtually every major concert pianist who’s performed in Kansas City over the last 40 years. But he refuses to name-drop. “I’m strictly low-key,” Brandwein says. “I don’t need the praise. I don’t need more business. I just do what I do.”

Every Wednesday evening, radiating 80 miles from 39th and Main Streets, eclectic, rambunctious music permeates the Kansas City airwaves when “The Classical Challenge” broadcasts on KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio. “The Classical Challenge,” the only classical music show on KKFI, is unlike any classical music radio show in the region. “We try to play things that are either experimental or challenging...” said Mike Pettengel, host and founder of the show.