Starting this September, WKMS' weekend line-up will feature three new programs and a rearranged Sunday schedule. From live performance to philosophy to etymology, these new programs celebrate the human spirit and the many ways it creates, perseveres, and thrives.
American Public Media announced the cancellation of Live From Here with Chris Thile on June 16th. This decision was made due to a lack of funding caused in no small part by the COVID-19 pandemic and its disastrous effects on live performance of all kinds. The show, which ran for three years, succeeded Prairie Home Companion, a WKMS schedule staple for more than 25 years. Although WKMS is saddened by the loss of Live From Here, the station is excited to present another live music program in its place, Mountain Stage.
Saturdays at 5 p.m., Mountain Stage will feature five musical guests weekly, usually from the stage of the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia, but occasionally from other venues across the country. The program, hosted by Larry Groce, has been on the radio since 1983. Recent musical guests include Greg Brown, Tyler Childers, Mandolin Orange, and Railroad Earth.
WKMS' Sunday line-up features two new programs and rescheduled showtimes for old favorites like Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me and The Splendid Table. See the new Sunday schedule below. New programs and showtimes are in bold.
5 a.m. - Classical Encore
7 a.m. - Weekend Edition
9 a.m. - The Splendid Table
10 a.m. - On Being
11 a.m. - On the Media
12 noon - A Way With Words
1 p.m. - Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me
2 p.m. - The Kitchen Sink
4 p.m. - All Things Considered
5 p.m. - Hidden Brain
6 p.m. - TED Radio Hour
7 p.m. - Reveal
8 p.m. - Travel with Rick Steves
9 p.m. - Afropop Worldwide
10 p.m. - Imported
11 p.m.-12 a.m. - Hearts of Space
The first new Sunday program, On Being with Krista Tippett, examines the "animating questions at the center of human life: What does it mean to be human, and how do we want to live?" Airing Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., Tippett's guests and the topics they discuss are engaging, enlightening, and varied. Recent episodes have included conversations with animal rights activist Jane Goodall, the late congressman John Lewis, and poet and storyteller Marilyn Nelson.
The second new program, A Way With Words, will air Sundays at noon. A Way With Words is described as Car Talk meets Antiques Roadshow. Hosts Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette answer language questions from callers and play a weekly word game with quiz expert and comedian John Chaneski. A show with heart, every weekly discussion centers around the nuances of human relationships and stories.
You can enjoy WKMS' new weekend programming starting Saturday, September 5th, on-air, online, or through your NPR One app or smart speaker (just ask it to 'play WKMS'). Click here for a full program schedue.
