For centuries, the winter holidays — especially Christmas — have inspired musicians and writers to focus on this special time of the year. From humble carols to grand symphonies, there is an almost endless selection of music that is kept tucked away until the dawn of December. WKSU is breaking open the vault and celebrating the season with expanded music offerings — along with specially themed versions of your public radio favorites and other holiday programs added like marshmallows in hot chocolate.
From December 1st through Christmas, WKSU will offer seasonal music exclusively on two of its HD Radio channels. HD-2 will be air Folk Alley's holiday playlist — a collection of the best of traditional and new songs from the worlds of folk and acoustic music. On HD-3, hear orchestral and choral Christmas music. And, these 24-hour seasonal music broadcasts can be accessed online as well, allowing you to listen on computers or mobile devices. Also find links to WKSU's award-winning Ornaments & Icing series (which will only be available online) and more.
Check below for the complete list of holiday programs that fill WKSU's schedule through New Year's Day. Along with classical and folk music, there are commentaries and stories about family, consumerism, traditions, food and other themes that are tied to the season of Christmas, Chanukah and the New Year.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
6:00 am — Hearing Voices: Shopping for Santa - A Season's Greeting
Holiday spirits and communal consumption with a history of America’s malls and their creator, a woman homesteader remembers brutal winters in '20s North Dakota, blues legend Brownie McGhee and more.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
6:00 am — Other Voices: The Gundie Journal
A collection of holiday stories from northeast Ohio
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
7:00 pm — Hanukkah Lights with Susan Stamberg
Acclaimed authors explore Hanukkah stories written expressly for NPR, featuring works by Danit Brown, Michael Blumenthal and Rachel Shukert.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
9:00 pm — Seasonal Folk and Acoustic Music with Jim Blum
Host Jim Blum marks winter and the season’s holidays with a wide-range of music from the WKSU folk music library.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
6:00 am — Hearing Voices: Yes to God – Mother Mary and Thomas Merton
At the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, NPR's Noah Adams talks to those who know Thomas Merton, the Catholic writer and Trappist monk and host Beverly Donofrio goes on a cross-country quest for those who see visions of the Virgin Mary.
1:00 pm — Cooking for the Holidays with The Splendid Table
Host Lynne Rossetto Kasper brings interviews and insights into creating a festive atmosphere with food just in time for setting the holiday table.
6:00 pm — A Prairie Home Companion Christmas Show
Live from the Town Hall in New York, Garrison Keillor presents his annual take on the season with special guests Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux.
8:00 pm — Seasonal Folk and Acoustic Music with Jim Blum
Host Jim Blum marks winter and the season's holidays with a wide-range of music from the WKSU folk music library.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20
6:00 am — Other Voices: Tinsel Tales
Stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas from David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk and others.
10:00 am — A Prairie Home Companion Christmas Show
Live from the Town Hall in New York, Garrison Keillor presents his annual take on the season with special guests Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux.
3:30 pm — In Performance: Christmas in Northeast Ohio
A selection of holiday music captured live from performances by area musical ensembles.
5:00 pm — Travel with Rick Steves: International Christmases
A few of Rick's friends from Spain, Hungary, Holland, Sicily, Scotland and Australia talk about their holiday observances - from Saint Nicholas Day to Epiphany.
7:00 pm — The Thistle & Shamrock: Nollaig
Hear traditional carols, along with seasonal favorites, dance tunes and verses that have all become a part of the traditional Irish and Scottish Christmastide.
8:00 pm — Seasonal Folk and Acoustic Music with Jim Blum
Host Jim Blum marks winter and the season's holidays with a wide-range of music from the WKSU folk music library.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
7:00 pm — Christmas with the ASO and CSO
Selected holiday-themed performances from the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Canton Symphony Orchestra.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
7:00 pm — Handel's Messiah with Apollo's Fire
A new version of Handel's beloved opus from Cleveland's Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Jeannette Sorrell with guest vocalists and Apollo's Singers.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
10:00 am — Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Aired live from King's College Chapel in Cambridge, this program blends scripture, song and readings in a unique celebration of the birth of Jesus.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
5:00 am — A Classical Christmas with WKSU
Enjoy your Christmas festivities with a musical holiday gift drawn from the classical repertoire by hosts David Roden, Mark Pennell and Sylvia Docking.
7:00 pm — A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea
A festive celebration of holiday music both sacred and traditional from one of the most magnificent acoustic venues in America.
9:00 pm — Seasonal Folk and Acoustic Music with Jim Blum
Host Jim Blum marks winter and the season's holidays with a wide-range of music from the WKSU folk music library.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
11:00 am — New Year's Day From Vienna
Direct from to the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, conductor Georges Pretre returns to lead the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Day concert featuring waltzes, polkas and more.
7:00 pm — American Routes 10th Anniversary Concert
Live from the House of Blues in New Orleans, Nick is joined on stage by Dr. Michael White and his Liberty Jazz Band, the young Cajun band Feufollet, and New Orleans jump blues legend Deacon John, along with several special guests.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3
7:00 pm — The Thistle & Shamrock: Raise a Glass
Many a fine song has been sung around the table to celebrate the company, lament the parting, and toast whatever lies ahead. Hand over your car keys and join in with Tony Cuffe, the Voice Squad and Robin Laing and raise a glass to the New Year.
| |
