Matt Markgraf

On this day in 1962, a 20 year-old Bob Dylan released his first album, simply titled Bob Dylan. The album featured folk standards like "Man of Constant Sorrow" and "House of the Risin' Sun" along with two originals, "Talkin' New York" and "Song to Woody." The album received little notice, but was good practice for his breakthrough, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.

It’s Tuesday, March 19

“Herb Appeal” is Friday at 11:30 at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Office.  The luncheon offers a four-course meal prepared with different herbs and the opportunity to learn more about growing, preparing, storing, and cooking with herbs.  Purchase $20 tickets from any PAMGA member or at the Extension Office.

German inventor and mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel was born on this day in 1858. He developed the Diesel engine, which became an  important replacement for the piston engine, and more fuel efficient than gasoline engines. Although, he may not have known the significance of his own design. In 1913, Diesel suffered a mysterious death on the passenger steam ship SS Dresden.

It’s Monday, March 18

There’s an informational meeting tonight about the Paducah Parks Services Department softball leagues.  The meeting is tonight at 6:30 at the Parks Office, and the deadline to register teams is March 29.  For more information, visit paducahky.gov.

As many as 60 conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius were involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. According to Plutarch, a seer had warned Caesar that harm would come to him in the Ides. On this morning, he joked with the seer that the Ides have come but the prophecy had not been fulfilled, to which the seer replied, "Aye, Caesar, but not gone."

It’s Friday, March 15

Paducah Parks Services offers its annual Leprechaun Hunt tomorrow afternoon at Noble Park.  Registration starts at 12:30, and the hunt begins at 1.  Teams of family members or friends compete against other teams to complete a scavenger hunt through the park.  The event is free and prizes are awarded.

Today is Pi Day! And there's nothing funnier than a pie in the face! When you contribute to WKMS today before Sounds Good, you can get in on the fun! Make your gift (or additional gift) at 800-599-4737  and place your vote for the WKMS staff member who'll get a pie in the face near the end of Sounds Good today! :)

It’s Thursday, March 14

The Murray State University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band present a concert tonight at 7:30 at Lovett Auditorium.  The free concert features works by Rossini, Holst, deHaan, Grainger, and deMeij.

Classically trained vocalist Solitaire Miles has the range and sound that echoes the musings of jazz singer Anita O'Day and Ella Fitzgerald, and opera singer Fredericka Van Staad. Her brilliantly recorded albums Born To Be Blue and Melancholy reflect her complex ideas and multifaceted influences. But equally impressive are her paintings, one of which is of President Obama that was accepted by the White House. Café Jazz host and Department of History professor Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her by telephone about her work and views on the future of jazz as an art form. A shortened version of this interview aired on Café Jazz Wednesday, March 13. The interview above is the longer, full version.

On this day in 1988, the Seikan Tunnel opened allowing rail travel from from Honshu to Hokkaido in Japan, becoming both the longest and deepest rail tunnel in the world, and the longest undersea tunnel in the world. Swizterland aims to beat the record with the Gotthard Base Tunnel beneath the Swiss Alps in 2017.

It’s Wednesday, March 13

The Paducah Symphony Orchestra hosts its Beat Beethoven 5K Run/Walk Saturday morning at Noble Park.  Race participants start to the opening notes of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and try to finish the 5K before the music ends.  Race-day registration starts at 7:30, and the race begins at 9.  See more at paducahsymphony.org.

If you gathered the family around the radio on this day in 1933, chances are good you heard President Roosevelt's first "fireside chat." The 'chats' were FDR's effort to communicate directly to citizens. With a cheery voice and demeanor, these made him quite popular and made it imperative that a president be both charismatic and stoic.

It’s Tuesday, March 12

The Mayfield-Graves County Food Pantry seeks donations of food or money. During March and April, donations are applied to the Feinstein Challenge, a matching program providing one million dollars nationwide to food pantries.  Drop off donations at 424 S. 9th Street in Mayfield Monday through Thursday from 9:30 to noon.  Call (270) 247-6333 for more information.

On this day in 1993, Janet Reno became the first woman to serve as Attorney General and would eventually become the second longest serving Attorney General after William Wirt (in 1829). In 2009, the American Judicature Society awarded her their highest honor for "her commitment to improving our systems of justice."

It’s Monday, March 11

The McCracken County Public Library hosts “Gross to Great! Picking Produce for Your Family’s Health and Wallet.”  The free class is tonight at 6.  Registered dietitian Laura Duff teaches participants how to tackle unfamiliar tastes, boost their families’ health, and lower grocery bills.  For more information, call 270-442-1166.

Chicago area pianist, composer, and band leader Kelly Brand has been on the music scene for well over a decade and a half entertaining jazz lovers with her innovative compositions and arrangements. Her original compositions, as well as her covers of musicians like Bobby Hutcherson, have enthralled listeners from the concert stage to her stellar recordings. Murray State History Professor and host of Café Jazz Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her via telephone in an interview that was aired recently on the Wednesday night broadcast. Hear is the full interview. Discover more of her work at kellybrand.com.