WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS, heard Sunday afternoons from 3 to 6pm Eastern Time, will present a two part interview with ERIK DARLING. Part 1 will be heard this Sunday June 11 and part 2 will follow on June 18. WFDU can be heard at 89.1 if you are in the New York City area, or you can listen in via the internet at www.wfdu.fm . (You will need Media Player, available for free at our site.)

I spoke to Erik about his legendary career - from the early days and singing with Roger Sprung and the folks at Washington Square Park, to the Tarriers with Alan Arkin and recording the Banana Boat Song, replacing Pete Seeger in the Weavers, getting a Top 40 hit with the Rooftop Singers, and so much more. We shared music from his new CD "Child, Child" and caught up on what Erik has been up to over the past couple of decades.

In addition, my co-host Bill Hahn will chat with Armenian vocalist and percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan on June 11. Arto will share cuts from his new CD "Singing to the Mountain" as well as his upcoming participation in the Paul Winter Summer Solstice Celebration. We will be giving away tickets to the event as well.

I hope there are no objections to this "commercial" - but since we are a non-commercial radio station and I haven't seen a check in 20 years I didn't think anyone would mind. Besides, I really think the majority of people that post to Mudcat will find Erik's comments and music most interesting. He spoke eloquently and bluntly about many topics surrounding his career, music, and peers. And if you haven't heard Arto, you are missing something! Hope you will tune in if you are in the area, or log-in if you are on the net!

Ron Olesko