Hearing Voices - Radio Stories / Music

Hula dancers from APOP Hawaiian Cultural Center website photo

Hula on the Mainland 5:50 Ceil Muller

Forty-five years ago this month, Hawaii became the 50th state. Currently, more than half of those who have native Hawaiian blood have left the islands for opportunities on the mainland. But the islands’ cultural heritage is embraced even by the generation born on the mainland. One of them is Kawika Alfiche, a 31-year-old Hula teacher, and director of the APOP Hawaiian Cultural Center.

Broadcast: Aug 19 2004 on KQED Pacific Time Subjects: Music, Historical

Marsked Marvel contest poster: Guess who he is?

Charley Patton, Bluesman 5:04 Barrett Golding

The Blues Man myth is a hard drinkin’, fightin’, lovin’ guitar player; traveling the country as a singer, a preacher, an outlaw, and a teacher. This legend comes close to the reality of one’s man’s life: Charley Patton, born around 1890 in the heart of the delta. (Interviews courtesy: Honky Tonks, Hymns, & the Blues , from NPR, Artemis Media Project, Pacific Vista Productions, and Murray Street, New York). [transcript]

Broadcast: Mar 18 2004 on NPR Day to Day Subjects: Blues, Music, Historical

Jim’s Grave 13:24 Barrett Golding

A portrait of the people who pilgrimage to the Pere-Lachaise cemetery in Paris to visit the grave of Jim Morrison, the "Doors" lead singer. Since 1997, Professor Mark Neumann has been traveling there to record interviews and make photographic portraits. The pilgrims arrive at Morrison’s tomb from many countries. Many leave letters, poems, and personal momentos. Their journey, and their values of freedom and rebellion become intertwined with the myth and media image of Morrison.

Broadcast: Feb 13 2004 on PRI/MPR Savvy Traveler Subjects: Cultural, International, Historical, Music

My Guitar is Better than Prozac 1:50 Viki Merrick

Maynard Silva, a sign painter and blues musician, finds that the therapeutic value of playing guitar beats any drug. [transcript]

Broadcast: Jan 26 2004 on NPR Day to DaySeries: WCAI/WNAN Sonic IDs Subjects: Music, Health

Learning to Love the Cello 2:04 Brent Runyon

A sonic postcard about a young cellist and her budding relationship with her instrument. [transcript]

Broadcast: Jan 23 2004 on NPR Day to DaySeries: WCAI/WNAN Sonic IDs Subjects: Education, Music

Traveling Middle Earth 10:23 Dmae Roberts

Maori meets Mordor, as the premiere of "Lord of the Rings" put New Zealand in the spotlight. A series of audio snapshots of the country and culture. [transcript]

Broadcast: Dec 16 2003 on PRI/MPR Savvy Traveler Subjects: Travel, Music, Environment, International

Maori Singers, New Zealand 1:43 Dmae Roberts

Sound Travels takes us to New Zealand for one more taste of the ancient culture. A walk in the night woods with campfies going and music ringing through the trees.

Broadcast: Dec 16 2003 on PRI/MPR Savvy Traveler Subjects: Music, International

Let the People Decide 7:20 Jake Warga

A trip to the auditions for the American Idol TV series to examine the merging of aestetics and democracy in the United States. It’s the latest trend: using the popular vote to create music, art, and celebrity.

Broadcast: Nov 8 2003 on PRI/WNYC Studio 360 Subjects: Entertainment, Music

Pamyua’s Song of the Wild 3:57 Gregg McVicar

From Earthsongs: Alaskan singing and traditional dance group Pamyua (pronounced BOMB-yo-uh) is up for three trophies at the Native American Music Awards later this month. They blend Afro, Yupic and Inupiaq Eskimo influences into an Arctic soul stew, spiced with their mimicry of wild animal sounds they hear at home. [transcript]

Broadcast: Nov 5 2003 on NPR Day to DaySeries: Earthsongs Subjects: Native, Music, Environment

Wu Man, Master of the Pipa 5:14 Dmae Roberts

Musician Wu Man plays an instrument that is 2000 years old and is often compared to the lute. She is credited for bringing the sound of the pipa to American audiences, but often, she doesn’t play traditional music. On her current nationwide tour, she performs works by contemporary composers like Philip Glass and Tan Dun. [transcript]

Broadcast: Sep 4 2003 on KQED Pacific Time Subjects: International, Classical, Music