Today we'll check in with those who are are innovating in Nashville’s dance scene and find out where Middle Tennesseans can go to see the work of local dancers and choreographers. Plus, visionary dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey carved out a space in the dance world for African American dancers to express themselves, and brought a blend of jazz, ballet, and Black cultural vernacular to the stage that has forever changed American modern dance. For a closer look, we'll also speak with past and present performers from this groundbreaking group.

Guests:

Further Listening:

This is Nashville | Salsa, two-step, bachata… we’re talking partner dancing!

How to keep up with local dance performances: Nashville Dance Community list, compiled by Amanda Roche

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell takes listeners calls today.

Then, starting this Friday, April 19, Nashville Public Radio will be running the seven-part series Taking Cover at noon. Hosted by NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and Graham Smith of the Investigations unit, Taking Cover investigates the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history and the events that followed. This Is Nashville producer Katherine Ceicys spoke with Bowman and Smith about the series and what listeners can expect. 

This Is Nashville will be live again tomorrow, Thursday, April 18, and will return again on Tuesday, April 30.

Guests:

Learn More:

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

Middle schoolers, high schoolers and college students all over Middle Tennessee run student newspapers, TV stations and recording studios. These student journalists work hard to deliver news and inform their communities. Today, we’re talking with student writers, reporters and podcasters about their latest coverage — and what it’s like to be an emerging journalist right now. Join us!

Guests:

Learn More:

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

With more than 40 years of journalism experience in Nashville, Emmy-award-winning Demetria Kalodimos is still one of the best-known names and faces in local news. After a long career in television, she’s moved on to documentary filmmaking, teaching and resurrecting the print-gone-web Nashville Banner. We sit down with her to talk about her career, the golden days of local tv news, and what’s next for this venerable journalist.

Guests: 

Nearly 20 years ago Oprah Winfrey had a segment on her show encouraging women to get fitted, saying "change your bra, change your life." We'll talk to our own local expert on what makes a good bra.

And then we turn our attention to a group of women who support each other in their time of breastfeeding. The members of La Leche League, an organization with chapters across the world, meet to share resources, tips, and advice for this crucial point of nurturing a new life.

Guests:

If you stand outside a local Old Navy on a hot summer day, you might see a grandmother carrying large bags, overflowing with discounted American-themed apparel for the whole family. It's hard to resist a good sale, especially when it comes in the form of patriotic polyester.

Others might be a little more hesitant to proudly display patriotism via flying the flag outside their home or office or by saying the pledge at ballgames. We asked our listeners what you thought about the pledge of allegiance. We'll discuss these comments and more as we understand Nashvillians' relationship to the American flag.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

Guests: 

Further Reading and Listening

If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving to WPLN for this year’s spring fund drive. 

Military service is a point of pride for many here in Tennessee and across the country. From wanting to serve something bigger than oneself, to seeking job experience or world travel, to honoring a family tradition of service-  everyone who joins the military must find their own reason for signing up. Today we’re talking with local recruiters from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps to learn more about each branch and the first steps anyone here in Middle Tennessee can take towards serving. Join us to learn how to join up!

Guests:

Learn More:

U.S. Air Force recruitment website | www.airforce.com/how-to-join

U.S. Army recruitment website | www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/steps.html

U.S. Coast Guard recruitment website | www.uscg.mil/Join/

U.S. Marine Corps recruitment website | www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join.html

U.S. Navy recruitment website | www.navy.com/joining

U.S. Space Force recruitment website | www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/enlisted-guardians

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

When you think about freemasons, your mind might wander to the founding fathers. Then, you might feel a shiver down your spine and wonder why you sense the eerie presence of Tom Cruise.

It turns out, that all of that fear and cult association might be misplaced. Today, we go straight to the source: two freemasons from our very own West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. With host Khalil Ekulona at the helm, we'll demystify freemasonry and fraternity.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to the West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. 

Guests: 

Further Reading and Listening

If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving to WPLN for this year's spring fund drive. 

Today we’re talking with two couples who have been together for several decades…and who are happy to say that they continue to love and like each other each day.  We’ll also hear about a bonded couple who show their love through sharing treats, making biscuits, and grooming each other….guess what species they are! Join us!

Guests:

Learn More:

Nashville Catio

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Magnolia McKay.

The idea that Black people can make country music is new to some, but it’s not really a new concept. We’ll dive deep into the history of country music, and the Black artists who helped create and innovate in the genre. 

Join us here on KNTRY Radio. 

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Jewly Hight. This episode was hosted by Jewly Hight. 

Guests: