All times listed are Eastern Time
*denotes part of our Roots and Branches series
*American Routes – Hard Road To Travel: Shelby Lynne and Michael Hurley
Conversation with the eclectic song stylist Shelby Lynne–formerly of rural Alabama, now of Palm Springs–to hear about the vicissitudes of her musical and emotional journey from country to pop, including a recent embrace of Dusty Springfield. Elusive singer-songwriter Michael Hurley talks about a family devoted to opera and his sometimes dark, often humorous disaffected songs about the mysteries of modernity and werewolves. Plus a visit to an Alabama cemetery for revered coondogs. We surround it all with Southern soul, hard country, deep blues, traditional jazz and respect for what is still significantly unknowable and magical in American culture.
Bluegrass Breakdown – Donna Ulisse & Friends Live
She’s a singer, songwriter and bluegrass poet … and that’s not even the half of it. On her new CD, “Walk This Mountain Down,” she hits the ball out of the park, across the river and into the next county. Donna Ulisse and friends, Andy Leftwich, Andy Hall, David Pomeroy and Keith Sewell; and husband, Rick Stanley, will be joining us for some searing live action.
Bluegrass Master Class – Banks of the Ohio #75
Fred Bartenstein brings you an enjoyable bluegrass history lesson. Learn about the origins of “Copper Kettle,” “Gospel Plow,” “Handsome Molly,” “Milk Cow Blues,” “Polly Vaughn,” and “The Waves on the Sea.” There are also a number of songs with Civil War themes and some interesting world music parallels to bluegrass. A production of the International Bluegrass Music Museum, hosted by Fred Bartenstein.
Bluegrass Review
We open with an HDS (hard driving song) that happens to be about a gal who takes her man leaving as a plus. Then, a Rhonda Vincent reflective song about a woman getting it back together. The words chosen for the song lyrics and the setting make a contemporary song. Then we play a Delia Bell number about a similar circumstance, but the way the story is told reminds you of bluegrass and country from at least a generation ago. On the Gem of Bluegrass, we spotlight Jimmy Martin, one of the greatest bluegrass voices ever. Later on the show, bluegrass interpretations of rocker Tom Petty songs. It’s said that bluegrass artists are drawn to the roots orientation of Petty material. Then we play a couple of unaccompanied instrumental pieces which you might think are stronger without full band accompaniment. Show host Phil Nusbaum enjoys talking to listeners. Contact him at pnusbaum@bitstream.net.
Bluegrass Signal – In Memory Of Mike Seeger
A memorial tribute to the recently-departed Mike Seeger, one of the most influential acoustic musicians of the past half-century. The program presents a wide variety of Mike’s music: his collaborations with Alice Gerrard, Bob Baker, Paul Brown, David Grisman, and his folksinging half-brother; his recordings of the first bluegrass album(s) and many Stanley Brothers concerts; his 50 years as a founding member of The New Lost City Ramblers; and his many solo recordings, including one made at a music camp nearly 30 years ago by “Bluegrass Signal” producer/host Peter Thompson
*The Dick Spottswood Show
In the first hour we dust off a few old 45s and enjoy some traditional music from the 1950s I cheated and used CD reissues in some cases—the rest we enjoy in all their crackly splendor. Hour two features mountain fiddle music from Poland, a medley of sad, sad songs about mistaken relationships, and cameo appearances by Hank Snow, the Amburgey Sisters, Reno and Smiley, Bill Monroe, Bert Williams, Jimmy Martin, and more of our favorites.
*etown – John Gorka and Hot Buttered Rum
We’ve got another fantastic Etown show this week, featuring the return of a long-time Etown favorite, John Gorka. Hosts Nick & Helen Forster welcome this honored icon of the folk tradition as he shares new and classic material, delivered with his warm, rich baritone voice. Also, the tasty Northern California band, Hot Buttered Rum, makes their very first Etown visit. They have a hip and fresh sound that weaves together the traditions of folk and bluegrass with modern influences of rock ‘n roll, reggae and more.
The Free for All – Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. LIVE, Friday 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Gary Henderson Show – Saturday 8-11 a.m. LIVE, Monday 12 p.m., Friday 12 a.m.
LIVE The Katy Daley Show - Monday-Friday 7-10 a.m. ET
The Lee Michael Demsey Show – Saturday 11a.m.-2p.m., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET LIVE
Lonesome Pine RFD with Carol Beaugard – Mon. 12 a.m., Wed. 9 p.m., Thurs. 12 p.m.
*Mountain Stage Featuring Jerry Douglas Band, Drew Emmitt Band, Jayme Stone & Mansa Sissoko, Julie Fowlis, Brooke Waggoner. Playlist.
Music from Foggy Hollow
In Music from Foggy Hollow this week, Mike Kear’s featuring a new CD from Lou Reid and Carolina. He says he’s always been a fan of Lou Reid’s since he bought his first bluegrass CD, and this lives up to all his expectations. Also on the show this week, new music from Randy Kohrs, Claire Lynch, Sisters band Gold Heart, and at long last, a peek a the second cd from Grasstowne. As usual we hear from Erio Meili in Brazil, and there’s time for some goofing off too. It’s another just oozing with bluegrass goodness, so dont miss it!
Music that Matters to Cadillac Sky’s David Mayfield
Old Time Jam
This week Hubie showcases some new CDs – some brand new and others new to him. Come hear the latest from Adam Hurt, Red Mountain, and Mac Traynham & Shay Garriott, along with a recent effort by Rafe and Clelia Stefanini. Then enjoy some cuts from The Young Fogies Volume Two, the Rock Mountain Ramblers, Chance McCoy, the Indian Creek Delta Boys, Airtight and more.
Open Mic
This week we Open the Mic for Bill Foster and Les McIntyre. This All Night Bluegrass show aired in February of 1982. The show evolved into the program, Bluegrass Overnight and both Bill Foster and Les McIntyre became mainstays of the WAMU family.
LIVE The Ray Davis Show – Mon-Fri 3-6p.m., Sunday 10am-1p
Rotating Shows
The Bill Miller Show – Sunday 3 a.m. (August 23)
This week we’ll take a bluegrass journey around the USA, ridin’ our thumbs to Mexico, dancing at a Big Ball In Boston, kicking back and relaxing in our mountain home, and visiting various locales in the Sweet Sunny South. So pack up a banjo and make sure you have a good broadband signal outside of DC as we head out for an extended summer vacation.
The Tom “Cat” Reeder Show – Tuesday 12 p.m., Thursday 12 a.m., Sunday 3 a.m. (August 30)
Special Programming
We’ll hear from the up and coming Americana group Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay. And we’ll remember musician and historian Mike Seeger, who passed away August 7th.
LIVE Stained Glass Bluegrass hosted by Bob Webster
This week “Sheriff Andy Taylor” of Mayberry performs some wonderful versions of the old hymns to kick start the third hour of our weekly gathering. Deputy Barney Fife is nowhere around but we’ll sing along together nonetheless so don’t miss the fellowship.
*Thistle and Shamrock – A Case for Guitar
Virtuoso players in Scotland, Ireland, Brittany and beyond are setting a new standard for roots-inspired acoustic guitar music.
LIVE *Traditions with Mary Cliff – Saturday 2-6 p.m.
Uptown Bluegrass with George McKnight – More New Songs
This week’s show features new songs and old songs with a new renditions by some pretty amazing artists. We mix things up with straight ahead bluegrass, some old timey sounds and just plain good music.
