From Mourning & Memories to Gathering the Family & Getting Through

As Veterans Day approaches, this week’s show includes several songs that focus on the memories and treatment of old soldiers as well as a bunch of pieces about inclusive gatherings of family and friends as Thanksgiving draws near. And, in the wake of a number of appalling recent violent incidents we’ll also include a set of songs and tunes about wading through challenging times.

Spooky Encounters, Votes, & Late Night Changes

Three events that loom just over the horizon shape the Song Parlor this week: Of course Halloween lies just ahead; then, in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday, November 4th,, it will be time for us to Fall back to standard time; and, finally, a couple of days after that a momentous Tuesday election day rolls around. So this week, we’ll give a nod to all of these upcoming events by including a bunch of songs and tunes about spooky encounters (sometimes late at night) as well as a piece or two about the importance and power of voting.

Climate Challenges & Conversations, Western Lands & Sea Scenes

This week we begin with some songs and tunes related to environmental challenges and responses before moving along to a set that (perhaps in response to our noisy and often uncivil and negative present) explores several modes of conversation and communication from long ago to recent times. And then we finish up with several musical scenes and landscapes that take us into the west and out to sea.

Fall Comes In: Birds in Flight, New Arrivals, and Endurance

This week in the Song Parlor, as we get ready to flip the calendar page from September to October, birds are on the wing and songs and tunes about endurance, memories and our times are in the air.

Summer’s End – On the Move + Some Celtic Colours

This week’s show begins with a few pieces for the end of summer, as the official end of the season draws near. Then we’re on to some songs and tunes about moving on – sometimes on foot, sometimes by train, and sometimes by putting out to sea. And we’ll save a bit of time for celebrating some Celtic Colours, as the time for the great festival on Cape Breton again approaches.

Celebrating Labor (and Leisure)

As Labor Day comes around, on this week’s show we feature songs and tunes that explore some labor history – as well as several clusters of pieces that celebrate relaxation or seem well suited for end of summer (or work week) gatherings.

Summer Rolls On

As August rolls quickly by, this week in the Song Parlor we feature songs and tunes related to a bunch of summertime activities – we’ll get out on the road, do a bit of bird watching, spend a little time with a varied assortment of animals, and check in with a musical preview of a tempting one-day festival in Vermont.

True or False? Lies, Truths & Other Matters

This week in the Song Parlor we focus on songs and tunes that explore various kinds of truth stretching (and sometimes outright lying) – and on pieces that emphasize the importance of speaking (and singing) out clearly and truly.

Some Summertime Activities

This week’s show features songs and tunes that focus on summertime activities – digging in a couple of gardens, getting out on the river, singing a song of protest, previewing a new festival, enjoying an excursion or a game, taking a trip to a fair – and, finally, rolling home.

A Birthday + Some Borders & Divisions (Or Not)

Woody Guthrie turns 106 on July 14, and as his birthday approaches we celebrate both by hearing from Woody and some of his friends and by listening to more recent versions of some of his songs – as well as other recent recordings that explore the kinds of issues about borders, boundaries and divisions – and the possibility of building positive social connections – that were always close to the heart of his creative vision.