Dear Friends in Folk,

Please pardon my not using the "bc" function on this mailing... But after you read this, you may feel the need to contact one other.

This afternoon I heard the sad news that Mary Cliff has been asked to collect her things and leave WETA FM Radio this Friday, and that this Saturday night will be the last broadcast of her show, "Traditions." As the WETA FM website describes it, "Traditions, [Mary's] four-hour Saturday night folk music program, is known for its breadth: a mix of traditional, revival, singer-songwriter, ethnic, world and kitchen music, with a strong emphasis on artists and performances in the greater Washington area." It is notable that Traditions is Washington D.C.'s longest-running radio show devoted to folk music. The Institute of Musical Traditions celebrated the show's 30th anniversary with a special concert in January of 2004.

I called Mary and she verified the bad news, reading me excerpts of the official dismissal letter that began, "After careful consideration*" She is shocked, but taking it rather well, considering how sudden this is. She told me that only last week, she was assured that the station would keep airing "Traditions" until she retired. She is trying to remain hopeful, and says she is keeping her ear to the ground for other stations that might pick up her show (and Prairie Home Companion, which is also homeless!).
Word is spreading like wildfire on the internet. Washingtonpost.com already has an article in today's Metro section entitled "WETA to Resume Classical Music Broadcast: Move Comes as WGMS Changes Programming." Print media will not be far behind*Mary says she has already talked to columnist Mark Fisher of the Post's Metro section, as well as someone from Washington CityPaper.

This is a terrible day for the folk community -- for folk music fans; for folk musicians who depend on Mary to help fill the venues where they make their livings as performers; for the venues that book folk and traditional music; for small indie labels that publish this music; and for all who love the thriving Washington, D.C. folk music scene that Mary has nurtured all these years.

I'm sure that as word spreads, there will be organized protests with strategies that encourage us to pull together in a certain direction. Until then, we can express our thoughts about the dismissal of Mary Cliff and the loss of the "Traditions" show by phone or email to WETA's Director of Audience Services, Sheryl Lahti. (Do remember, though, that Sheryl had nothing to do with this decision).

Sheryl Lahti's email address is: slahti@weta.com

The telephone number for WETA Audience Services is (703) 998-2724. Someone will answer between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, and can transfer your call to Sheryl.   

To leave a message after hours, wait until the pre-recorded message finishes, and you hear the beep. Make sure to spell your name, and leave your daytime phone number. Mary says that they will tally and catalog the comments they receive; the recording says they will make an effort to respond.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of this bad news, but I wanted you to know as soon as I did.

With appreciation for Mary Cliff and all they years we've enjoyed Traditions,



This e-mail was sent to me by a folkie friend in the DC area.   It would be very good if all folkies in the DC area--in fact anybody who's ever heard Mary's show--would register their views with WETA. I've already done so.