The Appalachian dulcimer’s unique sound resonates on a cellular level with those of Irish or Scottish heritage, and is just plain lovely to the rest of us. Robert Scott of Where Ravens Fly discusses the history of the instrument, and plays a couple of songs on a Appalachian dulcimer he designed.
With podcasts, we’ve actually returned to the good old days of radio, when there were entertaining shows – comedy, drama, suspense. Robert and Rosemarie Gerould of the Bob and Ro Radio Show re-enact old radio shows with scripts actually written during the original radio show days.
What instrument does the human voice share the same range? With the approach of St. Patrick’s Day, Whistler Hall of Fame inductee Milt Briggs whistles a few Irish tunes, and provides a little insight into the life of a competitive whistler.
A day or two spent with mountains, canyons, or rivers, equals a year of therapy. Under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (10/2/68), selected rivers of the United States “… with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition … shall be protected …”
Nevada County, California recently hosted the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, showcasing over 120 environmental and adventure films. A few people interviewed with regional and national concerns, and solutions: The Woolman Semester School (alternative school), San Juan Ridge Taypayers Association (gold miners v. clean drinking water), Sierra Club (overpopulation), Citizens Climate Lobby, Alaskans First Campaign (save the Chuitna River), American Rivers, Friends of the River, Sierra Nevada Geoengineering Awareness, and United for the Yuba. Western India farmers and lions are discussed regarding the award-winning film, “Pride.”
South Sac Jooks‘ American root music start the new year off on a high note (pun intended.) We talk a little about the history of root music, and the Jooks play a couple of tunes with harmonica, guitar, washboard, and string bucket bass for instruments.
Answering your burning questions about Burning Man with a round table discussion of five Burning Man devotees.
Also, we visit the Homestead National Monument of America in Beatrice, Nebraska.
Have you succumbed to the allure of comic books? Whether you’re a newbie or a long-time fan, this fun discussion with Shane Holden, Sierra O’Loughlin and Ethan Weeks of Metropolis Comix will surely make you want to chime in.
And, we visit the Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Why are the numbers of luthiers dwindling? This week, I talk with Dave Lynch – owner of Guitar Workshop, tech, and inventor ,about the world of guitars and the magical attributes of music.
Also, we visit San Juan Island National Historic Park.
What does a hog sound like on a 1,000 pipe unit orchestra organ? Dave Moreno, technician/organist, demonstrates instrument sounds and special effects on this 80+ old organ used during the silent movie era. And, we visit Zion National Park.
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