In the 1940s classic film, Casablanca the leading lady, Ilsa says to the club pianist “Play it Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.” which spurs her and and the club owner Rick, down memory lane of their love affair several years ago. Oddly enough the line is usually misquoted as “Play it again, Sam” but whatever way you end up saying it, at the core of the line is the power of music. Highlighting that power and the joy of playing an instrument, the stories in this episode include:

That Old Piano by Michael Reno Harrell (1:27)

A song about an old piano and the nostalgia of the the south. Learn more about Michael Reno Harrell by visiting: www.michaelreno.com

The First Flute by Bob Reiser (4:12)

A folktale from the Algonquin people about a young boy in love who relies on the forest to appease his beloved’s request before she finally agrees to marry him. Learn more about Bob Reiser by visiting: www.bobtales.com

Tater's Musical Adventure by Sheila Starks Philips (17:00)

A story about a little boy’s journey of trying pretty much every instrument but not being able to play anything well until he discovers...the importance of practice! (And just the right instrument). Learn more about Sheila Starks Philips by visiting: www.sheilaphillips.com

The Fiddler & the Wolves by The Storycrafters (27:05)

A skilled fiddler is walking through the woods and he realizes something is stalking him. All he has to defend himself is a loaf of bread, a turkey leg, and his fiddle. So he tries everything he can think of to keep himself safe. Learn more about The Storycrafters by visiting: www.storycrafters.com

The Fiddler of Dooney by Joseph Sobol and Kathy Cowan (37:06)

A song that swings back and forth from the story of a fiddler to their perspective of playing - as well as some great fiddle music. Learn more about Joseph Sobol by visiting: www.josephsobol.com and more about Kathy Cowan by visiting: www.kiltartanroad.com

How Henry Hagglyhoagly Played the Guitar With His Mittens On performed by Bill Harley (42:16)

This story is written by Carl Sandburg. Henry is intent on serenading the daughter of the rutabaga king with the guitar he recently purchased but the night is so cold when he finally arrives beneath her window he decides to keep his mittens on when he plays. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com

The Littlest Drum by Sondra Singer (49:34)

A drum maker had made a little drum for a young girl but she got sick so he gave her family money instead of the drum. Because of that choice he now struggles to sell this tiny instrument at the market until he finds just the right player for it. Learn more about Sondra Singer by visiting: www.storynet.org/teller/