Laboring (or Not)

This week we’ll take a musical excursion through some songs and tunes from (and about) American workers and a few folks who’ve tried to help workers organize; we’ll save a bit of time for a side trip to England and Scotland for some songs about the work of the weavers; and we’ll squeeze in a few pieces about lazing round – or being laid off.

Happy Labor Day!

This week in the Song Parlor we feature songs suitable for a summer night around a campfire . . . or for a demonstration . . . or for an August commemoration – and we offer a brief musical preview of Vermont’s New World Festival.

This week in the Song Parlor we feature a bunch of pieces about birds, pesky insects, and facts (alt and otherwise)

Around the 4th & Into July

This week on The Song Parlor we help turn the calendar page into July with some music for a fourth of July weekend (and after); we hear a couple of pieces from Woody Guthrie (whose birthday is on July 14th); and we listen to several songs and tunes from performers scheduled to appear at this year’s New Bedford Folk Festival.

With Father’s Day again upon us, this week’s show is almost all about Dads – though there are a few songs from or about England tucked in at the end.

Happy Father’s Day!

On this week’s show: some songs and tunes about the urge to fly, and a few pieces that suggest the range and power of old (and new) songs

Now (New Releases), Then (Memories) & Soon

This week’s musical journey takes us into the past, the present, and the future. As Memorial Day draws near, we feature a number of songs and tunes for the occasion; we sample several new releases, focusing on pieces that involve making it through challenging times; we hear from several performers scheduled to take part in an upcoming festival featuring music of the sea; and, as we swing into June, and growing season, we include a few songs that explore the lives and work of farm workers in Scotland.

This week’s show features a number of pieces (mainly from new and recent releases) that offer advice of one kind or another (it’s amazing how much advice is floating around out there in song!); and, as Mother’s Day draws near we’ll celebrate with help from several recordings in which talented moms make music with their kids.

As we head from April (and Earth Day) toward May, this week in the Song Parlor we feature songs and tunes with an environmental connection, a birthday set for Pete Seeger (who was born on May 3rd), a little trip to Concord (to visit Emerson, Thoreau, and Walden Pond), and a few pieces that involve May Day celebrations.

Some April Activities & Issues: Money & More

As the Income Tax filing deadline draws near, on this week’s show we feature a bunch of songs about money – and we’ll also turn our attention to other, perhaps more pleasurable, April activities, including a musical preview of a tempting festival in Québec.