89.7 WGBH  

 

 

89.7 WGBH

Jazz with Bob Parlocha


Bob Parlocha is a nationally known jazz expert and former program director and host of KJAZ in San Francisco.

Listen on 89.7 WGBH

Weekends from 12am to 6am

A Celtic Sojourn

Harvest Home


LISTEN
An important and usually celebratory time in all agrarian societies, Harvest songs and tunes are common throughout Celtic culture. This edition of A Celtic Sojourn explores that theme.
Eric Jackson

Spotlight on Kenny Garrett


LISTEN
Host Eric Jackson celebrates the 50th birthday of alto saxophonist, Kenny Garrett.
Steve Schwartz

Pepper Adams


LISTEN
Host Steve Schwartz celebrates the 70th birthday of baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams.
A Celtic Sojourn

The Tin Whistle


LISTEN
The Tin Whistle: Often called the "penny whistle" because of its cheapness, in the right hands, this instrument soars.
Steve Schwartz

Bill Charlap


LISTEN
Host Steve Schwartz commemorates the birthday of jazz pianist Bill Charlap
A Celtic Sojourn

Oct. 23: Martin Simpson Plays Holywell


LISTEN
On this edition of A Celtic Sojourn, Brian O'Donovan brings you a concert guitarist Martin Simpson recorded at the beautiful Holywell Music Room at Oxford University in England.
89.7 WGBH

You Tell Us: Thumbs Up Or Thumbs Down?


THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
Every week, The Emily Rooney Show's week-in-review panel gives the week's most noted events a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." Now, you can join the conversation. Vote below, and tell us your thoughts on the week's news in the comments section.
Jazz On WGBH With Eric Jackson

Spotlight on Kurt Elling


LISTEN
Host Eric Jackson features the music of jazz vocalist Kurt Elling.
The Emily Rooney Show

Tracking Our #maheritage

If you're on Twitter, you might have noticed a new trending topic for Boston on Thursday -- #maheritage. That's the tag folks around the state are using to label their tweeted reminiscences about growing up in Massachusetts.
Local Politics

Capuano: 'Where Is The Compromise?'

Rep. Michael Capuano is criticizing President Obama for what he says was the failure to play hardball with Congressional Republicans on a tax deal announced Tuesday.
HEAR THE INTERVIEW
Religion

Study: When Preachers No Longer Believe


A Boston-area philosopher and cognitive scientist knows some preachers, rabbis and ministers no longer believe the creeds they teach, forcing them into moral, social and professional isolation. Now he wants to figure out how common that is.
A Celtic Sojourn

April 30: Len Graham


LISTEN
Len Graham, who hails from Northern Ireland, is recognized as one of Ulster's finest singers. On this program, Brian O'Donovan explores his many recordings.
GREATER BOSTON VIDEO

Frank: To Cut Deficit, Cut Military Spending


MORE GREATER BOSTON
With the stock market still feeling the aftershocks of last week’s S&P downgrade, Congressman Barney Frank says it’s time to, quote “stop being the world’s policeman” if it wants to stabilize the economy.
Jazz

Welcome 2012 With Toast Of The Nation


WGBH and NPR kick off 2012 with the annual Toast of the Nation broadcast — this year featuring jazz guitarist Julian Lage.
89.7 WGBH

This American Life


This American Life explores a theme each week — fiascos, conventions, the job that takes over your life — through a playful mix of radio monologues, mini-documentaries, "found tape," short fiction and unusual music.

Listen on 89.7FM
Saturdays at 11AM
NEWS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PRI's The World


VISIT THE WORLD
PRI's "The World" brings one-of-a-kind international stories home to America. Each weekday, host Lisa Mullins guides listeners through major issues and stories, linking global events directly to the American agenda.

Listen on 89.7 WGBH 

Weekdays at 3 and 8pm
89.7 WGBH

The Takeaway



"The Takeaway" is morning news for engaged listeners. Each day hear a fresh morning drive-time program. John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee convene critical conversations, take live reports from the field, provide a platform for commentary and analysis, and invite listeners to join the discussion.

Listen on 89.7FM
Weekdays at 6AM and 9AM

Steve Schwartz

Dizzy Gillespie


LISTEN
Host Steve Schwartz celebrates the music of John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, born October 21, 1917, who changed the face of jazz in the 1940s as one of the inventors of Be-Bop.
Eric Jackson

Spotlight on Andy Bey


LISTEN
Host Eric Jackson features vocalist Andy Bey, born October 28, 1939. We'll hear Andy Bey leading his own band and working with others, including Horace Silver.
America's Test Kitchen Radio

An Insiders View Of The Restaurant Business


LISTEN
LISTEN TO ATK RADIO'S SERIES PREMIERE
Ever wonder why your favorite restaurant struggles while so many second-grade establishment have lines out the door? America's Test Kitchen Radio presents an insiders view of the restaurant business.
Boston

June 2011 Report: Youth Way on the MBTA

Youth Way on the MBTA's June 2011 report: Opportuni(T): Youth Riders, the Affordability Crisis, and the Youth Pass Solution
Jazz on WGBH With Steve Schwartz

Steve Schwartz 11/11/2011


LISTEN
Join Steve Schwartz in his 11/11/2011 show celebrating vocalist Ernestine Anderson (b. 11/11/1928) and alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano (b. 11/12/1923).
89.7 WGBH

Best Of NPR 2011


LISTEN NOW
Thanks to listener support, public radio sounded really good this year. Hear complete stories, interviews and reports from NPR’s Best of 2011 collection.
Classical New England

Classical Music with Alan McLellan, with the 1 O'Clock Report


Each weekday, Alan McLellan brings you a lively mix of classical music from across the centuries and around the world, with a summary of local news at 1pm with reporter Christina Quinn.
THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW

RI's Voter ID Law: Disenfranchisement, Or Good Security?


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW
By Abbie Ruzicka
Earlier this month, Rhode Island became the latest state among a handful that has signed a so-called voter ID law that requires all Rhode Island voters to show valid identification at the polls. Some say the laws disenfranchise the poor, while others say they're simply good protection against voter fraud.
Local Politics

Patrick: Probation Dept. Is Isolated Problem


WATCH THE SHOW
By Adam Reilly
Patrick is defending the right of elected officials to recommend people for jobs in state government -- even though that practice is at the center of the Probation Department controversy.
UPDATED

After Expulsion, Turner Vows To Fight Back


AFTER TURNER CONVICTION, CITY COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD
By Adam Reilly
The Boston City Council voted 11-1 to expel Chuck Turner, ending his 10-year career there. Last month, Turner was convicted of federal bribery charges.

Boston

Back On His Feet, Menino Defends School Closures

By Adam Reilly
Parents are reeling from the Boston Public School Committee's controversial vote Wednesday night that will close nine schools and merge several others. Mayor Thomas M. Menino, now back on his feet after two hospital stays, is defending the move. MAP: SCHOOLS SLATED FOR CLOSURE
PHOEBE PRINCE

Suicide Aftermath Still Divides South Hadley


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
The town of South Hadley is still struggling to come to terms with the death of Phoebe Prince, who took her own life one year ago Friday.
Local Politics

DiMasi Co-Defendant Pleads Guilty


EARLIER: DIMASI WILL FACE FULL LITANY OF CHARGES
By Adam Reilly
A key co-defendant in the federal corruption case against former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi is pleading guilty — and joining forces with the government. That could make things harder for DiMasi's defense.
GREATER BOSTON

Strangely Quiet, N.H. Waits For Primary Season


By Adam Reilly
With the New Hampshire presidential primary less than a year away, Manchester should be bustling. But right now, it’s relatively quiet. Would-be nominees have been reluctant to dive in — and the Granite State is getting restless.
WHERE WE LIVE

Lynn Pursues Blue-Collar Cosmopolitanism


THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW: LYNN
WGBH SERIES: WHERE WE LIVE
By Adam Reilly
The people who live and work in Lynn say the city doesn’t get the respect it deserves. And despite the recession, they’ve got ambitious plans for the future.
Politics

Analysis: One Day In, DiMasi Trial Promises Drama


GOV. PATRICK TO TESTIFY AT DIMASI TRIAL
By Adam Reilly
The long-awaited trial of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi on federal corruption charges started Thursday. Based on the opening statements, it won't disappoint in terms of drama or political intrigue.
WHERE WE LIVE: NEWTON

In Newton, A Chilly Reception For Mayor Warren's Senate Bid


GREATER BOSTON: WARREN DEFENDS HIS BID
By Adam Reilly

Newton Mayor Setti Warren declared his 2012 Senate candidacy on Tuesday -- but his bid is getting a chilly receptiion in his hometown.

Government

Witness Thought Kickbacks Were Going To DiMasi

By Adam Reilly
The corruption trial of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi continued Tuesday with testimony from Bruce Major, the former business partner of Joseph Lally, the overeager software salesman turned government cooperating witness. YOUR DIMASI TRIAL GUIDE
Race & Ethnicity

Study: Whites Say Anti-White Bias On Rise


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
A new study conducted by professors at Tufts University and Harvard Business School says whites think anti-white bias is on the rise. But an unscientific trip to downtown Boston doesn't yield the same results.
Local Politics

Gov. Testimony At DiMasi Trial Appears To Bolster Prosecution


PATRICK ON THE STAND: WHAT ARE THE STAKES?
By Adam Reilly
Gov. Deval Patrick told prosecutors ex-House Speaker Sal DiMasi repeatedly reminded him about the importance of a software contract that would eventually go to Cognos, the company DiMasi is accused of steering government contracts toward in exchange for kickbacks.
POLITICS

Romney Kicks Off 2012 Campaign In N.H.


By Adam Reilly
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney made it official yesterday: He's running for president. He made the announcment in New Hampshire, a state where he's considered the frontrunner for the GOP primary — but does he have it on lock?
Boston

After Controversy, Boston Muslims Find Community, Inclusion



SEPT. 11: A DAY OF REFLECTION, A DECADE OF STORIES
By Adam Reilly
At a barbecue at Roxbury's Islamic Cultural Center, WGBH's Adam Reilly speaks with Boston-area Muslims about how they feel they're perceived here, 10 years after Sept. 11.
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

The Gov.'s Council: An Existential Drama?


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
Calls are mounting for the Governor's Council to be eliminated, because many think it's an antequated, do-nothing body. So it may not be a coincidence that the Council has been making life more difficult for Gov. Deval Patrick.
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

Brown Supporters React To Revelation In Memoir


By Adam Reilly
The buzz around Sen. Scott Brown's new memoir began when he announced during a 60 Minutes interview that he'd been sexually abused as a child. About 70 people lined up to get copies of the book signed by Brown in Boston that day -- and some were still trying to work out what to make of that news.
GREATER BOSTON

Origins Of Carson Beach Fight Disputed


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
Carson Beach was the scene of a tense standoff between hundreds of youth and law enforcement officials after a fight drew a large crowd. But it's unclear exactly what happened, and whether gangs are involved.
WHERE WE LIVE: SPRINGFIELD

One Month Later, Tornado Victims Rebuild


TORNADO RECOVERY: HOW YOU CAN HELP
By Adam Reilly
Just over a month after tornadoes ravaged Springfield, Monson and other nearby communitites in Western Massachusetts, the story here isn’t ruin. It's recovery.
Boston

Union Oyster House Turns 185


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
After nearly two centuries of existence, Union Oyster House has its own unique body of lore: From JFK’s favorite booth to a plaque honoring Boston’s first female waitress. And as the restaurant prepares to celebrates its 185th anniversary Wednesday, business is still brisk.
Environment

Scientists: Climate Change Not Sweet For Sugar Maples


By Andrea Smardon
Scientists at UNH say some of New England's maple leaves are less brilliant in color, and the sap is less sweet. They think these things are related -- and that climate change is the cause.
Boston

School Closures Up For Vote; Parents Wait


MAP: HOW THE PROPOSAL WOULD AFFECT BOSTON
By Andrea Smardon
The Boston Public School Committee votes Wednesday proposal to shutter nine of Boston's schools could save up to $10 million -- but some parents and teachers say the disruption to the students wouldn't be worth the savings.
Education

BPS Votes To Close 9 Schools


MAP: AFFECTED SCHOOLS
By Andrea Smardon
Amid jeering and booing from angry parents, teachers and students, the Boston School Committee voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve superintendent Carol Johnson’s proposal to consolidate school resources through closures and mergers.
Education

Teachers' Union Would Link Evaluations With MCAS Scores

By Andrea Smardon
The Massachusetts Teachers' Union, the largest such union in the state, is endorsing the use of student test scores to assess teachers' performance. They unveiled their plan for the new evaluation system at a state Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. READ THE PROPOSAL
WGBH Local News

MBTA GM: No Fare Hikes This Year


By Andrea Smardon
MBTA officials have started the process of trying to close a more than $120 million budget deficit they’re facing in the next fiscal year. General Manager Richard Davey is assuring riders that there are no immediate plans to raise fares -- but the T is considering other proposals.
Education

UMass Officials Hope To Pick New President Thursday


By Andrea Smardon
Officials at the University of Massachusetts are optimistic that they'll select a new president by the end of the day Thursday. They say they're looking at several serious candidates with academic backgrounds -- but they want to make sure their pick can think creatively about the budget crisis facing the university.
Technology

At MIT, The Jeopardy Machine Is Personal


NOVA: THE SMARTEST MACHINE ON EARTH
By Andrea Smardon
Wednesday night is the much-anticipated final round of the quiz show Jeopardy, in which Watson, a computer, competes against the two greatest champions in the show's history.  The contest has generated a special kind of excitement at MIT.
Education

High Scores, Participation Draw Attention To Lynn Charter School


By Andrea Smardon
On Monday, the Massachusetts Board of Education will announce its picks for the state's newest charter schools. One of them could be a KIPP school -- part of a national network of charter schools that says its already seeing results at its existing school in Lynn.
Education

16 New Charter Schools Approved For Mass.


INSIDE A LYNN CHARTER SCHOOL
By Andrea Smardon
State education officials approved plans for 16 new charter schools Monday, significantly expanding the number of charter schools in some of the state’s lowest-performing districts.
Boston

BPS School Closures Spark Civil Rights Complaint


EARLIER: BPS VOTES TO CLOSE 9 SCHOOLS
By Andrea Smardon
A coalition of lawyers and educators have filed a federal civil rights complaint against the Boston Public Schools, alleging a recent school closure plan discriminates against the city’s Black and Latino students and parents.
Education

Lawrence Teacher Firings Ignite Debate


MORE EDUCATION: 16 NEW CHARTER SCHOOLS APPROVED FOR MASS.
By Andrea Smardon
Lawrence teachers are responding to the news that one third of their corps will not be returning to their jobs in the fall, one year after the school was termed underperforming by the state.
Boston

Activists Call For New Boston Precinct Map


By Andrea Smardon
Voting rights advocates are asking the City of Boston to draw a new precinct map for the city. Boston is the only city in Massachusetts not required to redraw precincts once every 10 years. 
Business

Former State Environmental Chief Gets Into Business


EARLIER: BOWLES STEPS DOWN
By Andrea Smardon
Former Massachusetts Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles is heading into the private sector. He left his post as the state's top environmental official at the beginning of this year, and is now starting a new consulting firm with three other colleagues from the state.
Education

Total Immersion: Assessing English-Only Education In Massachusetts


WEIGH IN: YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ENGLISH IMMERSION
By Andrea Smardon
Massachusetts voters decided in 2002 that public school teachers should speak only English in their classrooms. This week, WGBH’s Andrea Smardon investigates the impact of the ballot measure known as Question 2. I
Education

Total Immersion: Students Team Up For Dual Immersion


PT. 1: TOTAL IMMERSION
WEIGH IN: YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ENGLISH IMMERSION
By Andrea Smardon
Massachusetts’ voters decided in 2002 that public school teachers should speak only English in their classrooms. But at the Dever-McCormack K-8 School in Dorchester, teachers are bringing Spanish back into the classroom.
Education

Total Immersion: Teaching English With English


WEIGH IN: YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ENGLISH IMMERSION
By Andrea Smardon
Massachusetts voters decided in 2002 that public school teachers should speak mostly English in their classrooms. WGBH's Andrea Smardon visits Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Framingham, where the entire school is focused on the needs of English Language Learners.
Education

Among Teachers, Qualified Support For Use Of MCAS In Evaluations

By Andrea Smardon
The state's Education Board has approved new regulations that use students' MCAS scores as one of criteria to evaluate teachers. It's a change many teachers welcome — but they want to make sure it's implemented alongside a series of other changes. NEW TEACHER EVALUATIONS INCLUDE MCAS SCORES
Education

Among Teachers, Qualified Support For Use Of MCAS In Evaluations


NEW TEACHER EVALUATIONS INCLUDE MCAS SCORES
By Andrea Smardon
The state's Education Board has approved new regulations that use students' MCAS scores as one of criteria to evaluate teachers. It's a change many teachers welcome — but they want to make sure it's implemented alongside a series of other changes.
Energy

In Lexington, Solar Is Coming


By Andrea Smardon
One of the state’s largest alternative energy companies, Evergreen Solar, is in the process of closing its manufacturing plant in Devens. But the landscape for solar manufacturing in Massachusetts isn’t all bleak. A solar startup in Lexington, 1366 Technologies, is looking to open a new plant in Massachusetts.
WHERE WE LIVE

Devens Makes Plans Far Beyond Evergreen Solar


WGBH SERIES: WHERE WE LIVE
By Andrea Smardon
The former army base Devens has been thrust into the spotlight as the place where alternative energy company Evergreen Solar built a manufacturing plant, then abruptly closed it, moving its operations to China. But Evergreen is only part of a larger story of rapid economic change in Devens.
Education

At Dorchester School, Inclusion Through Art


By Andrea Smardon
An international education conference is highlighting the work of Dorchester's William Henderson Inclusion Elementary School for its pioneering work incorporating the arts into its classrooms. WGBH's Andrea Smardon visits the school.
Boston

Boston Nightclub Under Scrutiny After Students Allege Racism

By Anna White-Nockleby
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is investigating allegations of racism at a Boston nightclub after a group of black Harvard and Yale students were kicked out of a pre-scheduled event there last month.
Art & Design

Somerville Artist Paints Spacey First Night Button


By Anna White-Nockleby
Local painter Scott Listfield’s artwork is featured on this year’s First Night button, the admissions ticket for the New Years Eve festivities.
89.7 WGBH

Boston Website Helps Users Find Government Docs — Legally


By B. John Campbell
Wikileaks has dominated news headlines by releasing thousands of confidential government documents online. In Massachusetts, a new website is going about government transparency in an entirely different way. 
TRANSPORTATION

Commuters Quietly Pleased With MBTA Experiment


By B. John Campbell
But the MBTA is piloting a program to give commuters a little solace from all this noise. They're marking off certain cars on the commuter rail as quiet cars. And as the program wraps up its second week, it's getting rave reviews from riders.
The Emily Rooney Show

AG Coakley Warns Federal Government of Nuclear Storage Risks


RENEWED FOCUS ON NUCLEAR REACTOR AT MIT
By Ben Taylor
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is calling on the federal government to help find alternative storage for spent fuel rods at the state's Pilgrim nuclear plant and Vermont's Yankee plant.
Environment

After 30 Years And $1 B, Mass. Superfund Sites Still Toxic


ASHLAND: POISONED TOWN STILL NOT CLEAN
TOWN BY TOWN: TOXINS IN MASS
By Beverly Ford (NECIR)
There are 31 contaminated sites have attained Superfund status due to contamination. According to EPA records, at least one-third of those sites may pose a health risk to people living and working nearby. 
WHERE WE LIVE

Foxboro: On The Heels Of The Patriots


WGBH SERIES: WHERE WE LIVE
By Bob Seay
Gillette Stadium, the home of the Patriots, is Foxboro's economic engine. But hosting the NFL's most successful franchise also means cleaning up after it -- and living with the instability currently dominating NFL contract negotiations.
PATRIOTS DAY

How - And Why - We Piece Together Patriots Day Reenactements


By Bob Seay
Monday is Patriots Day, and one of the events that will mark the day is the reenactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord. One Redcoat reenactor told Morning Edition how — and why — thousands of volunteers piece together battles centuries old.
Economy

Bankruptcies At Record High In Mass.


By Bob Seay
Bankruptcy filings in Massachusetts are up -- way up. There were 23,000 filings last year, up 16 percent from 2009. The national rate, meanwhile, rose just 9 percent. In an interview with WGBH's Bob Seay, bankruptcy trustee Carolyn Bankowski cited the sluggish economy and slow housing market as factors in the rise.

The hits and the highlights from WGBH

Stay in the know about upcoming shows, special events, discounts, and more!
See a sample »
   
pss:999