WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 06 - 01:22 PM

I am sorry, Ron, I missed this, much to my own dismay. The whole household has been recovering from a nasty bout of upper respiratory crap. I wound up spending the day in bed, too far from the computer to listen in. Sure wish there was an archive. It sounded as if it was a really neat program.

kat

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 12:40 AM

I'll be listening. The line-up looks good.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 08:47 PM

The blue clicky:

www.wfdu.fm

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 07:20 PM

Really, really looking forward to it!!

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 05:29 PM

Rather than "refresh"---I will say "concur"---hopefully you all have read Ron's really nice---and, frankly, understated and true comments and will be joining us this Sunday.

In any case---Happy and Healthy New Year to one and all.


Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 09:43 AM

Thanks Kat! I hope you enjoy it.

I think it is a really good lineup that shows the diversity of styles in our "folk" community. I know traditionalists will scoff at some of the contemporary songwriters, but I think the majority of listeners will be pleasantly surprised at some of the "new" artists they will meet during this broadcast.

Modern Man is one of the funniest groups on the scene. They have graced stages of festivals and venues across the country and always deliver laughs.

Mudcatters should know Debra Cowan by now.   I think she is one of the finest interpreters of song performing today. She gave an wonderful performance!

Joe Jencks carries on in the spirit of Woody Guthrie and Phil Ochs. His voice is simply stunning.   He walks the walk. Don't miss him!

Deirdre McCalla has been performing in folk and women's music circles for a number of years.   She is a powerful performer and had the audience on their feet.

This was the first time I had the chance to watch Johnsmith perform. He writes some beautiful and moving songs, one of which had me in tears.   He is also a seasoned performer who draws an audience into his music.

The Dreamsicles are Tom-Prasada Rao and Cary Cooper. Tom burst onto the scene in the mid-90's with an outstanding performance at Kerrville. He is one of the finest songwriters on the scene, and since he teamed up with Cary they have been making beautiful music together!   They give a very energetic show!

What can you say that hasn't been said about Joel Mabus. He bridges the worlds of traditional and contemporary. He is an incredible picker and singer, a lethal combination!   If you have not seen Joel Mabus in concert, you are missing a real treat!

Pat Wictor is a name that you will be hearing more of. Pat is an amazing guitarist, wonderful vocalist, and has an endearing personality on and off stage.   His music is rooted in the blues, but he brings a unique style that has been garnering rave reviews and a lot of attention. A star on the rise!!!

Chuck Mitchell is getting attention that is long overdue.   As the ex-husband of Joni Mitchell, he has often been viewed as a curiosity.   He is an amazing performer who interprets traditional folk songs, Bertol Brecht, and contemporary songs.   His performance incorporates his skills as both a musician and actor and I think he deserves greater recognition. When Chuck graces the stage, he holds the audience and breathes new life into songs.

Antje Duvekot is one of my favorite "new" songwriters. She first gained attention a few years back when Solas covered her songs. She is a mesmerizing performer and an amazing poet. She is another songwriter who star is rising.

Our showcase will conclude with the trio Red Molly. It is beginning to sound cliche, but they are another group that is gaining attention. Exquisite harmonies, well-crafted songs - both original and covers of contemporary and traditional songs.   At times they remind me of a female version of the Carter Family with a touch of western swing. They are unique and not to be missed!

Sorry if I sound like I am gushing, but I am very excited about this show. NERFA is a wonderful showcase opportunity that brings together a very eclectic combination of performers under one roof (the roof at Kutsher's also leaks!).   I do think that this show offers a glimpse at the folk community.   It may not be everyones definition of "folk", but there are some very talented performers that deserve greater attention - and I think many of the artists that we are presenting this Sunday will be headlining at festivals, clubs and other venues in the months and years to come.   

Please join us for this show!

Ron

Subject: RE: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 03:01 PM

That sounds wondeful, Ron! I look forward to it, thanks!

Subject: WFDU-FM at NERFA-New Year's Day Special
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 28 Dec 05 - 10:40 PM

This was a very special year for my co-host and I - and it was a very special NERFA for us as well!

In 2005, WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS marked it's 25th anniversary on the radio and my co-host Bill Hahn and I celebrated by hosting a showcase at this year's NERFA.   We hosted a Friday night showcase at this year's Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference (NERFA), which was held in one of the conference rooms following the Tricentric concerts. NERFA is an annual industry conference that attracts musicians, presenters, media and the music industry. There are dozens of showcases throughout the weekend. Since the purpose of showcasing is to give artists an opportunity to strut their stuff in front of an audience, we felt it would be great to record the showcase and offer these showcases to an even larger audience on the radio and to those listening in for our live internet stream.

This Sunday, January 1, from 3 to 6pm eastern time we will present a three hour edition of WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS featuring all the artists who participated in our private showcase as well as a few additional artists that allowed us to record their showcases.   We will proudly present:

Modern Man
Debra Cowan
Joe Jencks
Deidre McCalla
Johnsmith
The Dreamsicles
Joel Mabus
Pat Wictor
Chuck Mitchell
Antje Duvekot
Red Molly

We realize that this is just a small portion of the incredible talent that gathered at Kutsher's this past November.   Bill and I wish we could have broadcast many more artists, but we think the three hour show will give listeners an indication of the diverse talent that makes up our community while helping to spread the great work that is accomplished each year at NERFA.

If you are in the NYC area this Sunday, please listen in at 89.1FM.   From anywhere else in the world, just check out our website at www.wfdu.fm and listen in live! (We do not archive our shows - live streams only.) If you were at NERFA, perhaps you can relive the experience or catch an artist you missed.   We will do our best to recreate the experience - without the mold!!

It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since I started this radio show. Thanks to NERFA, I get an annual "booster" shot that helps remind me of the important music and wonderful people that make up this folk scene. Bill and I can't wait to share a sampling of that talent this Sunday.

Hope you can tune in! Happy New Year!!