Monthly Archives: March 2013

Jim Diamond: WPRB has lost one of our own

A note from Tobias, to express the feelings of all of us at WPRB:

Rabbi Jim Diamond

I owe my twelve-year career as a classical music announcer to Jim Diamond. For almost twenty years, I listened to WPRB and wondered if I could be an announcer. Then, in 2001, I heard a familiar voice on the air. Jim was announcing a classical music program. I asked him if I could watch him produce a show. He was very welcoming, and two weeks later, I started creating shows on my own.

Jim had a wonderful radio voice. You always felt that he could actually see his listeners, because he talked directly to them.

He was also Rabbi Jim Diamond, Hillel director of the Center for Jewish Life at Princeton, for nine years. In that role, he was a fine manager, teacher, and a voice of just morality.

He had a full life until this morning, when he was struck and killed in a senseless auto accident.

Rabbi Jim Diamond: you were only 74 years old. We mourn our loss.

 

MasterClassics: The Story of Edwin Grasse

This story cowritten by Tobias of MasterClassics (Tuesdays, from 6AM to 8AM) and Byrd

Edwin Grasse: A Story I Knew, About A Person I’d Never Heard Of:

 
Article about Edwin Grasse in the Baltimore Sun, 24 April 1922, accessed through ProQuest Historical Newspapers

Article about Edwin Grasse in the Baltimore Sun, 24 April 1922, accessed through ProQuest Historical Newspapers

“Ever heard of Edwin Grasse?” Bob asked one Tuesday when he entered the WPRB studio at the end of my show.

“No,” I replied. I didn’t think I had.

“He’s a good composer,” Bob said, “And a pianist. And an organist. But he was blind from birth.”

I was suddenly alert.

“When was he born?” I asked.

“Late nineteenth century.”

“Did he live in New York?”

“Yes.”

“I think I know a story about him!”

Continue reading →

Spring Break Discovery Week at Princeton Public Library

Do you have small to medium children people who are off on spring break this week? Do you have no idea what to do with them? 

The Princeton Public Library has a literally absurd number of amazing events going on next week. The full schedule of events is here, but here are some highlights (for ages 5+):

Tuesday, March 26th from 3-4 PM: Dragons and Dreams

This is a fantasy/science adventure to save a kingdom, complete with an Ice Sorceress and a dragon keeper, all courtesy of the Piccirillo Sciencetellers.

Wednesday, March 27th from 3-4 PM: Animals from Eggs

This is pretty self explanatory. Some animals come from eggs. This is all about that.

Friday, March 29th from 3-4 PM:  Discover Physics

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, “Every child loves physics!” But actually, David Maiullo from Rutgers is supposed to put on an amazing display that both kids and parents love.

If your kids go to a school with spring break in April, you’re still set. The PPL has some awesome talks going on that week too, including Discovering Insects on April 5th and Discover Lenape Lifeways on April 2.

Wed 3/27, 8PM: An interview with “Couldn’t You Wait” director Seth Pomeroy

Listen to WPRB 103.3 FM on Wednesday, March 27th at 8:00 pm ET as Jon Solomon interviews director Seth Pomeroy about his documentary Couldn’t You Wait?: The Story Of Silkworm.

Nearly seven years in the making, Pomeroy’s tremendous film about one of America’s great rock bands (which includes interviews with Steve Albini, Jeff Tweedy, Stephen Malkmus and Gerard Cosloy among others) was released last month to universal acclaim.

In a nearly 80 minute conversation that will air for the first time this Wednesday evening, Pomeroy and Solomon talk extensively about the development of this project, the obstacles encountered along the way and their mutual love of Silkworm’s impressive body of work. A few selections from the Silkworm catalogue are added throughout for good measure.

You can purchase a DRM-free download of Couldn’t You Wait? for just $5 but there are hours of impressive bonus features available at the $10 and $20 levels.

The trailer for Pomeroy’s movie is embedded below:


You can learn more on the film’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Music Videos in the WPRB Stacks

Over the years, WPRB’s amazing Phil Jackson has brought lots of local artists onto his show, Side-B Radio (Sundays 5-7PM). Two artists in particular were impressed by all our vinyl and asked to shoot music videos in the PRB stacks.

Check out these videos, shot on-site in the WPRB studio. 

First up, Mr. Fickle (The Hip-Hop Nerd), with his video Panco P.S.A. Freestyle:
(warning: some graphic language)

This Camden, NJ artist is currently played heavy rotation on Side-B Radio. Once part of hip-hop groups ‘DA NUTHOUSE’ and ‘B-BOY AKADEMY’, he’s now moved into solo work in and around New Jersey, and even out of state. For more, check out his bandcamp.

Scatta Rpee next, with Da Radar:

From Trenton, Scatta Rpee is part of ‘SPITATAINMENT’ and a regular on Side-B. His new album, DA POWER OF NOW is getting good reviews on Top Mics Tour. Check him out on soundclick.

Special thanks to Phil Jackson from SIDE-B RADIO for clueing me into these awesome videos and giving me background. If you have videos or stories you’d like to see on the blog, email us at pnp@wprb.com.

Corsican Protest Music

I have a new obsession: Corsican protest music.

Wait! I know. It sounds a little ridiculous. But just listen to this song:

Right? Right?

Now imagine thousands of men and women—dishwashers and cleaning ladies and plumbers—walking down the Champs Elysees in Paris and singing this together.

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Why? Basically, the island of Corsica is an island off of France that belongs to France, and there was a big push for independence in the 80’s and 90’s (which continues today, but with less singing). For a more in depth treatment of the history of the situation, you can check out this relatively detailed article, but here’s a simple version:

When French colonialism became less of a force, it left a lot of Corsicans without work, and the island started to fall apart economically. This started a big regionalistic movement, in which Corsicans really began to push for recognition of their unique culture and language, both of which were jeopardized by the economic situation.

Continue reading →

WPRB Fill-ins!

Hey hey hey,

Do not fear, our substitutes are here! Check ‘em out below:

 

4/12/2013        3pm to 5pm    James is out     Chester and Arjun are in!
4/13/2013        4pm to 6pm    Mr. F is out       Scott E. is in!

4/14/2013        10am to 1pm   Jeannie is out     Tim K. is in!

4/21/2013        10am to 1pm   Jeannie is out     Tim K. is in!

4/25/2013        7pm to 9pm     Lizbot is out      John T. is in!

 

Stay tuned to WPRB!

Norwegian Arms visit WPRB

Norwegian Arms

Norwegian Arms, a jangly folksy trio from Philly, recently came down to WPRB to record a session.

With their mandolin, drumsticks, and synthesizer in hand, Brendan Mulvihill, Eric Slick, and Andy Molholt, respectively, rocked out in our basement—ascending to shrill heights in their rendition of Kiva Ikva.

They shared “fun facts” and some great music with us, and now we’re sharing all of that with you! Check out our recording of their time here, and be sure to check them out on the internetzzz.

Also: they’ll be performing at PhilaMOCA on March 8th;  and they released an album earlier this year, Wolf Like a Stray Dog, inspired by Brendan’s time in the wilds of Siberia. Listen to it.

 

Top 5: Jamtronica Music Top 5

This the third and final part of a series on Jamtronica by PRB Staffer Murray Lynch. Read the first and second pieces! 

The New Deal

The New Deal

Murray has set up an 8tracks playlist for you to jam to while you read his pieces, or just while you do stuff and things. Check it out here.

For a quick Top 5, check out Murray’s most recommended Jamtronica songs, in no particular order:

“Find Your Cloud” by Papadosio
“Scheme” by Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9)
“Self Orbit” by The New Deal
“Koncrete” by The Disco Biscuits (footnote: some attribute them with starting the ‘jamtronica’ genre)
“The Elevator” by Particle

BONUS:

“ash” by EOTO