WKMS is celebrating the spirit of the season with over 50 hours of special holiday programming from Thanksgiving through Christmas!
See the complete schedule here, which is subject to change. And, as you put the final touches on your charitable giving for the tax year, consider making a holiday gift to WKMS. Thanks!
Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving Day
11 a.m. - My Life as a Wild Turkey
Spend an hour celebrating all things “turkey.” You’ll learn about the intelligence of the animal and hear an airplane pilot give a play-by-play of the ninja-like moves of a wild turkey in flight.
Noon - The Sporkful: Thanksgiving Is For Eaters 2016
Tune in for an entertaining Thanksgiving Day special by Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful, featuring hilarious and personal holiday stories from Mo Rocca, Amy Sedaris, Robert Krulwich, and others.
Friday, November 25
11 a.m. - Paul Simon: Songwriter
This hour features archival interviews with Paul Simon describing his creative process, and it includes some of Simon’s own favorites from throughout his solo career – from “Kodachrome” and “Late in the Evening” to deeper cuts such as “Darling Lorraine” and “Love and Hard Times.”
Noon - Bob Dylan & The Band: The Complete Basement Tapes
Hear the complete story behind Bob Dylan and The Band’s 1967 recordings in Woodstock, NY, now known as the Basement Tapes.
Monday, December 5
Noon - Christmas with Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs
NPR’s Korva Coleman hosts the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in a classic presentation of spirituals and carols.
Tuesday, December 6
Noon - An Afro Blue Christmas
Michele Norris hosts a celebration with Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble, Afro Blue, and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut.
Wednesday, December 7
Noon - Joy to the World: A Holiday in Pink
The internationally acclaimed “little orchestra" Pink Martini celebrates with festive holiday songs, from timeless classics to rarely heard gems. All Things Considered’s Ari Shapiro gets in on the fun as host.
Thursday, December 8
Noon - Festivo Alt.Latino
Alt. Latino’s Felix Contreras hosts this special featuring 20-piece choral ensemble Choral Cantigas; Peruvian Christmas carols; folk music from Brazil, Spain, and Mexico; and Parrandas from Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
Friday, December 9
11 a.m. - Marketplace Takes Care of Holiday Business
We all need help financially navigating the holiday season! Join Lizzie O’Leary and her team as they explore the intersection of money and “the holidays.
Monday, December 12
Noon - Song Travels: Home For The Holidays
Join The Michael Feinstein Big Band for yuletide cheer and music with a journey from Hollywood’s vintage silver screen to New York City’s iconic Birdland club.
Tuesday, December 13
Noon - Hollywood Holiday
Classical host Lynne Warfel takes you on a musical retrospective through some of Hollywood's most cherished Christmas-themed movies, including White Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, and more.
Wednesday, December 14
Noon - A Christmas Celtic Sojourn 2016
Host Brian O'Donovan tells Celtic stories and shares the stage with international musicians. This Christmas-themed show draws on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season.
Thursday, December 15
Noon - All Songs Considered for the Holidays
Join Bob Boilen on a Dickensian journey, with visits from Carrie Brownstein, Dan Auerbach, Aimee Mann, Ben Folds, and more. Plus, they will play the usual unusual holiday songs.
Friday, December 16
Noon - The Dinner Party Download: Holiday Special
It’s a special episode of The Dinner Party Download stuffed with holiday goodness including a Yuletide playlist, etiquette tips to save you from a work party snafu, and little-known chestnuts of holiday history.
Sunday, December 18
11 a.m. - PSO: A Christmas Celebration
Enjoy the very popular Paducah Symphony concert featuring its choruses, recorded December 10, 2016.
Monday, December 19
11 a.m. - A Chanticleer Christmas
Chanticleer performs holiday favorites new and old, and continues to be a favorite for all who love the superb 12-man ensemble known as “an orchestra of voices.”
Noon - Welcome Christmas!
Hear an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries with this perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups.
9 p.m. - A Café Jazz Christmas with George Eldred
Join George for heavenly offerings of all things Christmassy and jazzy tonight!
Tuesday, December 20
11 a.m. - Carols and Cheer
Classical host Scott Blankenship and conductor Matthew Culloton host a virtual sing-along of carols as they review their favorites for the holiday season.
Noon - Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The famous choir continues its tradition of great artistry with touching arrangements of familiar carols, plus some lesser-known melodies that are fast becoming the new classics.
9 p.m. - A Café Jazz Christmas with Todd Hill
Dr. Hill will help you “deck the halls” this holiday season with some great vintage jazz tunes!
Wednesday, December 21
11 a.m. - St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Enjoy a service in song and word from Minnesota’s St. Olaf College with hymns, carols, and orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity.
7 p.m.- St. Paul's Winter Solstice Concert
9 p.m. - A Café Jazz Christmas with Brian Clardy
Find sanctuary with Dr. Clardy and his thoughtful holiday jazz mix.
Thursday, December 22
11 a.m. - Jazz Piano Christmas XXXII
It’s a special family affair at this year's concert featuring Chicagoans Willie Pickens and daughter Bethany Pickens, plus husband-and-wife duo Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes.
Noon - MSU: Company For The Holidays 2016
The Murray State Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Jazz Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and faculty soloists Drs. Randall Black and Maribeth Crawford are featured in this annual special celebrating goodwill and friendship at Murray State University.
9 p.m. - The Jive House Funky Christmas (repeat December 25 Christmas Day)
John and Brad are “merry and bright” in this funky version of The Jive House tonight.
10 p.m. - The Off Beat Christmas (repeat December 25 Christmas Day)
Austin Carter soothes your holiday nerves with great reggae tunes old and new.
11 p.m. - Retro Cocktail Hour Christmas Special
Retro host Darrell Brogdon brings you two hours of tiki-tidings that are shaken, not stirred.
Friday, December 23
11 a.m. - Tinsel Tales 3: Even More NPR Christmas Favorites
In keeping with the well-loved NPR holiday tradition, hear the third collection of extraordinary Christmas stories with nostalgia that transports you to unexpected places.
Noon - Hanukkah Lights 2016
Hear all-new Hanukkah stories written specifically for this program, hosted by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.
9 p.m. - Left of the Dial Christmas
Memories, mistletoe, and seasonal misery abound in John’s holiday mix curated specially for fans of 70s and 80s new wave-punk-glam-rock.
11 p.m. - The Last Splash Christmas
The guys embrace the season with a cornucopia of tunes ready to knock off your Festivus socks!
Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve
9 a.m. - A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
The King's College Choir performs live in the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of readings and music from Cambridge, England.
10:30 a.m. - Music From The Front Porch Christmas
Christmas Eve fellowship continues with host John McMillen and joyful bluegrass versions of holiday classics.
1 p.m. - Rick's Kitchen Sink Christmas
Greetings and goodwill continue with Rick’s curated playlist featuring tunes for the occasion.
9 p.m. - Beyond The Edge Holiday Spectacular
Gather around the radio to hear Tracy play alternative favorites for the season, while Santa “does his thing.”
11 p.m. - Weekend Energy Christmas
Tonight you may have to turn down the volume on “the loudest show on public radio” so you don’t wake any sleeping kids. It’s a house music mix in honor of Santa visiting your rooftop.
Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day
5 a.m. - Classical Encore Christmas
Angelic sounds abound with classical music on Classical Encore.
1 p.m. - Christmas In the Fifties
In 2004, Dr. Bob gathered friends to talk about memories of Christmas in the Fifties. He recorded those stories, added music and fun facts, and produced a show that won several awards. Join Dr. Bob for an encore presentation of the original Christmas in the Fifties.
