Syracuse Press Club Awards

WAER is pleased to announce that it took home 6 awards for its original programming at this year's annual Syracuse Press Club Awards dinner!

WAER's awards, specific programs, and program hosts were as follows:

First Radio News Feature:
"Adirondack Voters"
Brad Horn

Adirondack Voters was a special program which took place prior to the Presidential election. This piece included a variety of expert, and everyday people's opinions of Obama and McCain. The story maintained a road-trip quality, and captured some fantastic personalities along the way.

First Radio Sports Story:
"True Hero Lacrosse Player"
Steve Gelbs

This WAER special was about a star lacrosse player who put away his stick for a while in order to defend his country at war. This true story detailed his journey from field to field.

First Radio Sports Show:
"Countdown to Kickoff"
Dan Wolfgang and WAER Sports Staff

This program was the pre-game to the Syracuse vs. Penn State game. Along with highlights on both teams, this radio tailgate also included information about the premiere of the new movie "The Express," at its rightful home in Syracuse, and general information about Ernie Davis; his story, and the impact that he made on Syracuse University, CNY, and the nation at large.

Second Radio Sports Show:
"WAER Sportsnight: Express Premier"
Eric Rothman & Chris McManus

This show, part of popular program "WAER Sportsnight," was a special which highlighted the few days during which Downtown Syracuse was like Hollywood - because of the premiere for "The Express." The show featured some of the more memorable moments from the premiere itself, and also many interviews with Jim Brown and Dennis Quaid.

First Radio Local Newscast
"Election Day 2008"
Scott Willis

This newscast covered everything happening during the Presidential and local governmental election day here in Central New York. It included interviews and eyewitness reports from local candidates as they were making their final rounds on voting day, voters reacting to the historic Presidential election, and reviews on some of the issues relevant to voters as they made their final decisions for both Presidential and local offices.

Second Radio Public Affairs Program:
"Voting for the Future: The War"
Chris Bolt

This particular show marked the last of the WAER special series "Voting for the Future," in which WAER News and Public Affairs Director Chris Bolt hosted hour-long discussions on issues relevant to the Presidential candidates, with a strong emphasis on how these issues affect Central New York. This last edition, "The War," covered decisions lying ahead for the President-to-be regarding the war in Iraq, and military actions in Afghanistan. Questions and topics covered ranged from: "How long would it take to bring the troops in Iraq home, if that decision is made?" to "What impacts from the war are we feeling here at home, both economically, and with the challenges of caring for veterans upon their return?"

WAER works hard to bring you the best original programming relevant to Central New York; and we are proud to generously accept acknowledgement in the form of Syracuse Press Club Awards for our efforts to bring you the best content possible!

For more information on the Syracuse Press Club, and to see a listing of all of the award winners in every category, please CLICK HERE.

Cora Thomas Night at the Syracuse Stage

WAER's own, Cora Thomas, Office Manager and host of WAER original "Sunday Morning Gospel," brings her craft to the stage on "Cora Thomas Night," which is a fundraiser in honor of Cora's mother, including a play right here in Syracuse.

The play which will take place on Cora Thomas Night is "CROWNS;" a play with "hattitude," depicting the various hats or "Crowns" worn by women of the church. A jubilant hit at theatres across the country, Crowns embodies the soul, faith and style of African-American women and their fabulous hats. When a Brooklyn teenager moves south to escape a family tragedy, she is introduced by her grandmother to the "hat queens," and so begins a musical journey of healing, humor and heart, filled with gospel music and colorful dress.

"CROWNS" is a play by Regina Taylor, adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. To learn more about "CROWNS," listen to the 18 minute NPR Story on the play by clicking on the picture below:



Cora Thomas Night; this Sunday, May 17th, kicks off at 5:00 PM, with dessert refreshments and live entertainment from 5-6:30 PM. The performance itself, "CROWNS," begins at 7:00 PM.

Today (Friday, May 15) is the deadline to RSVP, so for more information, or to reserve your spot for the show, contact Syracuse Stage's Carol Charles at (315) 443-8603 now!

For more information on Crowns, visit the Syracuse Stage website: CLICK HERE.

Cora Thomas

Cora has been a radio personality for more than 20 years, and has created and produced her own gospel show for the last 19 years. A Syracuse native, Cora has been working at Syracuse University since 1988. She is truly dedicated to the city, to WAER, and to her craft as a gospel radio personality.

To hear Cora live, in action, on WAER, tune in to Sunday Morning Gospel every Sunday from 5:00 - 7:45 AM.

Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers Wins Coveted "Lenon Award"

Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

The host/producer of the Words & Music Songwriters Showcase (a WAER community partner) recently won the prestigious "Lennon Award" in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. "Fly," a song by musician, author, and NPR contributor Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, won the 2008 Lennon Award in the country category.

The annual Lennon Award, determined through an online vote, follows the grand prize awarded to "Fly" last fall by a panel of music industry veterans and recording artists such as Bob Weir, John Legend, and Natasha Bedingfield. The Lennon Award victory puts "Fly" in the running for Song of the Year--which comes with a $20,000 prize. The Lennon contest is one of today's most esteemed international songwriting competitions.

The Lennon Award news continues a remarkable journey for a homespun song recorded in Rodgers' basement, with a rhythm section anchored by a cajón (wooden box) and a plastic toy tambourine. The track, featuring country-pop singer Lisa Gentile (host of Music Mavericks) on the duet vocal and Joe Cleveland on five-string banjo, can be heard on the Lennon contest site: CLICK HERE. To learn more about Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, and the Words & Music Songwriter Showcase, CLICK HERE.

Hearts of Space - "Contemplative Music, Broadly Defined"

If you're sick of hearing the same old top 40 songs on constant rotation, and you've been looking for something different, you can count on WAER as your home for diverse music. In our quest to bring you the best alternative music, we have included "Hearts of Space" in our music lineup. Tune in to 88.3 FM every Sunday at 10 AM to listen to Hearts of Space on WAER, where music matters.

Hearts of Space grew out of former architect Stephen Hill's fascination with space-creating, ambient and contemplative music. Beginning in the early 1970s, Hill hosted a weekly late-night radio program on a local station in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1983, after ten years' evolution as a local program, Hearts of Space began national syndication on NPR.

Producer Stephen Hill

From the beginning, the program's success has come from consistently high production quality and sensitive, knowledgeable music programming. The program has defined its own niche: a mix of ambient, electronic, world, new age, classical and experimental music.

After a brief intro., each one hour show is an uninterrupted musical journey, designed to create a relaxed but concentrated ambience. Slow-paced, space-creating music from many cultures: ancient bell meditations, classical adagios, creative space jazz, and the latest electronic and acoustic ambient music are woven into a seamless sequence unified by sound, emotion, and spatial imagery.

Hearts of Space Featured Albums

The ancient resonances of drums, bells, and flutes, the exotic tones of gongs and gamelans, the digital sounds of the Ambient frontier; in its third decade, Hearts of Space continues to deliver the best of the contemplative sound experience, with spacemusic from near and far out.

To learn more about Hearts of Space, CLICK HERE.

To continue to expand your own musical horizons, tune in to WAER at 88.3 FM to listen to Hearts of Space Sundays at 10 AM.

NPR's "Only a Game" on WAER

There's the sports world and there's the rest of the world. NPR brings them together on Only A Game. Tune in to WAER, 88.3 FM, every Saturday at 7:00 AM to catch Only a Game!

An award-winning weekly sports magazine hosted by veteran NPR commentator Bill Littlefield, Only A Game is radio for the serious sports fan and the steadfast sports avoider. Produced by WBUR in Boston, Only A Game puts sports in perspective with intelligent analysis, insightful interviews, and a keen sense humor.

Only a Game Host Bill Littlefield

Crafted to lead into Weekend Edition Saturday, the hour-long program is characterized by Littlefield's exceptional writing and affable personality. Only A Game tells the stories behind the box scores, including the explosion of interest in women's sports, competitive opportunities for the disabled, and the business of sports -- as well as who wins and who loses.

Guests on Only A Game have included writers John Updike, Robert Pinsky, and Roger Angell; commentators Bud Collins and Tim Kurkjian; current and former athletes Muhammad Ali, Kristine Lilly, Senator Bill Bradley, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; and coaches Pat Summit and Geno Auriemma.

From Little League to the Big Leagues, from the Super Bowl to Soccer Moms, Only A Game is sports -- NPR style.

To learn more about Only a Game, including a preview of tomorrow's program, CLICK HERE.

Thanks for Coming Out to the Catherine Russell Concert on Saturday, April 18

Catherine Russell Live at the Show

WAER would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support local jazz at the 1st Annual Jazz Appreciation Month Concert, featuring Catherine Russell! We would also like to thank our corporate sponsors who made this fantastic event possible: AmeriCU Credit Services, LLC, and The Cultural Resources Council.
The show was a huge success, with nearly 400 people in attendance!

And if you missed out on this month's Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration Concert, don't worry about it - this was the 1st Annual Event, so there are plenty more to come! In fact, we're already planning the next one!

Check out a few photos from the event below:

Catherine Russell Signing Autographs

WAER Music Director Eric Cohen on the Mic at the Show

For more photos from the event, please CLICK HERE.

Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), 2009

It's hard to believe, but the month of April is almost over, which also marks the end of Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM). WAER wants to finish this month with a special finale of JAM programming. Read on to find out how we're gonna send April off in style, and welcome May with the best in Jazz Programming.

Butch Miles

On Tuesday, April 28, at Noon tune in to 88.3 FM to catch "The United States Air Force Band Jazz Heritage Series - Butch Miles."

The legendary drummer Butch Miles continues to attract worldwide attention.

Playing with such luminaries as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dave Brubeck, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and others, Miles displays the maturity of his experience with youthful imagination and unending energy.

As the drummer for the world-famous Count Basie Orchestra (1975-1979 and 1997-2007), Miles quickly became renowned for his swinging big band style and techniques.

He travels for the Ludwig Drum Company giving clinics and concerts worldwide. Miles was honored by the State of Texas Senate in 2005 for his accomplishments as a drummer, and he is currently a faculty member in jazz studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

To learn more about Butch Miles, CLICK HERE.

Miles Davis

On Thursday, April 30, at Noon tune into WAER to listen to "Miles Davis - Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary special."

On two days in the spring of 1959, after a string of critically acclaimed and successful albums, Miles Davis recorded what would become Kind of Blue. Nothing would ever be the same - for jazz or for Miles Davis.

There's no real way to tell why a record captures the imagination and attention of the world. Some do, some don't. Miles Davis constantly recorded music, and almost all of it added to his popularity and critical acclaim. But over the years, Kind of Blue found a larger and larger audience. Soon enough, it became the best selling jazz album of all time.

Through interviews with musicians Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Cobb, Jackie McLean, David Amram and others, you will hear the story of the making of Kind of Blue, as well as the lasting impact of this classic jazz staple.

To learn more about Miles Davis, CLICK HERE.

JAM

Jazz Appreciation Month began as a Smithsonian Institution initiative with a simple concept: designate one month for an annual public spotlight on jazz. Jazz Appreciation Month (or JAM) is intended to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both a historical and a living treasure. The idea is to encourage musicians, concert halls, schools, colleges, museums, libraries, and public broadcasters to offer special programs on jazz every April. JAM is also nationally recognized, as the U.S. Congress passed legislation signed by the President in '03 to recognize Jazz Appreciation Month. For more information on JAM, check out www.smithsonianjazz.org.

To reflect back on all the great Jazz Appreciation Month Programming that WAER brought you this year during JAM, CLICK HERE!

Syracuse International Film Festival - Ben Hur and the CNY Jazz Orchestra Live Tonight!

WAER is the proud media sponsor of The Syracuse International Film Festival, 2009, which begins Today, April 24, and will run until Sunday, May 3.

To catch the opening event, come on out to the Palace Theatre tonight to view a special screening of "Ben Hur" starting at 7:00 PM. This silent screening of the movie will be accompanied by a live jazz music played by J.C. Sanford and the Central New York Jazz Orchestra. For more information about tonight's event, CLICK HERE.

CNY Jazz Orchestra

The Syracuse International Film Festival embraces a truly international community by presenting contemporary, international film for year-round special events and ten full festival days.

Syrfilmfest seeks films with true artistic merit, regardless of length, genre, or form, and has begun to provide a significant showcase for established and emerging filmmakers from around the world.

In addition, Syrfilmfest will continue its role in maintaining and enriching the film culture here in Central New York.

To learn more about this year's Syracuse International Film Festival, CLICK HERE. To view the full calendar of events and screenings, CLICK HERE.

Billy Childs Awarded the 2009 Guggenheim Fellowship Award

Two-time Grammy Award Winning jazz musician Billy Childs can now add another prestigious accolade to his list - The Guggenheim Fellowship Award for 2009!

On April 8, Childs was announced as a recipient of one of the 180 Fellowships given this year to artists, scientists, and scholars. The successful candidates were chosen from a group of almost 3,000 applicants.

This tremendous honor sets the stage for more great things to come. Next month, Billy Childs will be back in the studio to record his Grammy award-winning Jazz-Chamber Ensemble, which will include the Ying Quartet. He has also been co-commissioned by the Detroit Symphony, Boston Pops, Notre Dame Symphony, and Oakland East Bay Symphony to compose a new violin concerto for Regina Carter. This piece will be premiered by the Detroit Symphony in January 2010.

To learn more about Billy Childs, CLICK HERE.

For more information about the Guggenheim Fellowship, including the full list of 2009 recipients, CLICK HERE.

Beale Street Caravan on WAER - Every Saturday from 4 - 5 PM

Beale Street Caravan is the most widely distributed Blues radio program in the world. It attracts more than 2.4 million listeners each week. Produced in Memphis, Tennessee, Beale Street Caravan covers the world with the heartfelt sounds and colorful stories of the Blues and its music makers.

If you tune in, you can expect to hear great Blues music interspersed with interviews with featured artists. Beale Street Caravan takes its audience inside exciting live Blues events in Memphis and around the globe; events such as the W.C. Handy Blues Awards, the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival in Telluride, CO, The US Embassy Venezuelan Blues Tour, The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA, The King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR, and The Blues Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award ceremonies. In addition, celebrity hosts such as Sam Phillips, Jerry Wexler, Cybill Shepherd and others stop in each week to give the audience an inside view into the history and process of the Blues. It's the Best in Blues on Beale Street Caravan.Last Week's Celebrity Host: Cybill Shepherd

To learn more about Beale Street Caravan, CLICK HERE.

To listen to a 5-minute soundbite of the show, and a preview of what you can expect to hear if you tune in, click on Listen Now:

Catch Beale Street Caravan every Saturday from 4 - 5 PM right here on your home for the Blues, WAER 88.3 FM.

WAER's Spring Pledge Drive

Yesterday we kicked off our Spring Pledge Drive. In order for us to keep the drive at its absolute minimum time of 4 days, we need your help, WAER members! We want to wrap up the drive by this Sunday, April 5, so that we can get back to playing the best in Jazz, Blues, Folk, Adult Alternative, and NPR content.

In order for us to keep airing your favorite music, news, and NPR-content, we need Your Help!

Please give us a call at (315) 443-3688 or go online to waer.org to Support Your Station!