TABLETALK And A Few Other Updates

TABLETALK: While it is not yet confirmed I wanted to let you know that the brillaint author Calvin Trillin will, hopefully, grace this program on the 3d Sunday in February. I wanted to chat with him about his wonderful memoir---"About Alice".

A most moving memoir about his many years of marriage to "Alice". Or as the NY Times says: "..this walloping book".

I have a personal interest that I should state up front. Not financial. Personal. Very personal.

His telling of his life and his relationship is so closely akin to mine that I am hoping that he will share that with us all. Also, that he will be able to tell us how he can write this tome in an objective manner.

I , for one, am so moved by it and relate to it in many ways. Honesty, once again, The Bully Pulpit allows me to present these things---happily.

Due to a heavy travel commitment by Mr. Trillin this conversation is put on hold for the moment.

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TRADITIONS: I am delighted to welcome to the program Kim and Reggie Harris.

They will be talking to us about their brilliant new CD---Get On Board (Appleseed Recordings).

It is always such a delight to be able to have these meaningful artists on the program. It is what I think this program and "radio" should be all about. They will also be joining me for SUNDAY SIMCHA as we near Passover along with Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, to reflect on the community that we all share with regards to slavery, celebration, and a joint community of interest.

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SUNDAY SIMCHA: A no guest program today---but a preview of some of the generous premiums that have been offered by some of the artists that we are priviliged to play on this program--and also---

Comedy Corner--as always. A few insults by our favorite "insulter" --Don Rickles and a lot more.

A Kate Wolf Rememberance

One of the artists that I have wanted to commemorate for quite some time now is Kate Wolf. Born in January, 1942 and sadly left us at such a tender age in 1986.
My first inkling of her came from friend in 1984 who introduced me to her music and her voice. Admittedly, I listened reluctantly. I was smitten. Never have I heard such a voice and such feeling.

She started life as Kathryn Louise Allen (aka Katie Lou) in San Francisco. There is much moving and there are many relationships in her brief life. I won't delve into that here since you can read all that in her biography on the Kate Wolf website-- http://www.katewolf.com/

What I would like to mention is how her music has affected me and so many others. You can read all about her history ---radio host, performer, composer, mother, wife, etc; on the website that has been put up by her children.

"Give Yourself To Love". That song, alone, has so much meaning. Written for a friend's wedding it is used now for many occasions.It is a wonderful piece at funerals. I know some who have used it at that sad event. Truly meaningful. Her interpretation of songs by others--Leonard Cohen, Jack Tempchkin (Peaceful Easy Feeling), and so many more can make you tear up when listening.


A few little sidebars here. Bio, as said you can get on her website.

I had the delight of interviewing her children on my radio program---TRADITIONS (WFDU Teaneck NJ) which I co-host w/ Ron Olesko a while back and the insights and love they showed for Kate and how they are keeping her music alive is just a wonderful thing. I add, here, that listeners call many times to request her touching music.

Kate Wolf has appeared on Prairie Home Companion, she had the toured this country, she had a protege --Nina Gerber who has gone on to great things and has always credited Kate (with her song--Kate's Guitar), and, to my surprise, Pete Kennedy, of THE KENNEDYS , accompanied her many a time.

This is a shot of Pete Kennedy with the legendary Chet Atkins. Sorry---no shot of Pete with Kate.

Moving on now--having appeared on all these venues, having toured the country and building a wonderful following of devoted listeners and fans she, as said, sadly, left us at such a tender age.

The good thing for us is that she has left us our "inheritance". A wonderful array of music that we can use through our life's travels. It can set our mood---not politically-- but can help us overcome many of the "bumps" in life and give us an anchor to hold and reflect.

To learn more visit the website: http://www.katewolf.com/ You can also find her recordings there. Unless you are clothing deprived the T shirt part is off limits.

Fund Raising February Premiums For Traditions & Sunday Simcha

The first 3 Sundays in February will be when I ask for your support on SUNDAY SIMCHA --Live in Studio---and also when Ron Olesko and I --together--will ask for your support on TRADITIONS.




Let me start with a few brief comments about SUNDAY SIMCHA.








Joy Katzen Guthrie

Margot Leverett & Klezmer Mtn. Boys

Pictures represent some of the generous premium offers that have been donated by some of the artists that you have come to enjoy on the program. In keeping with the tradition of the program they are offered to you for a contribution of $36.00 for a CD ---you know Double Chai. Old habits are hard to break so let us stick with tradition. The pictures are of Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys on right and Joy Katzen Guthrie on left. Supplies are limited.

I would add that your support in any amount will be appreciated and, frankly, you will be supporting programming that you care about. You know, certainly, that Jewish programming is something you will not find on the radio dial today except in rare instances---and WFDU is that rare instance. WFDU as all places has bills to pay and technology to keep up with and since it is a non commercial station --except for the Milady's Blintzes I push--listeners have to support the station and the programs. Those programs that are not supported are in jeopardy. Which means a listener's favorites are in jeopardy.

On a positive note let me just say that I am sure that you don't need premiums to support this program. So when February rolls around do call me on those first 3 Sundays or pledge via e mail to the program and let us keep company for another "freylach" year. Alevai!!

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Little Toby Walker

Let me now turn to TRADITIONS where Ron Olesko and myself will be asking you to keep the longest running program---27 years now---on the air heading for another 27--at least. Here are just a few pictures of the artists that we have featured on the program and have generously donated premiums to this program. I once again say that I am sure that premiums are not what keep you tuned to the program---a love of the music and the presenters (I hope) are what do that. I won't repeat what I said above about the station and the importance of it and the programming. You already know that. All premiums--$40.00 for one and $75.00 for two. I am sure that premiums are not your motivation in supporting the program but we like to think of them as a nice "thank you" gift to a family member.

As said--any amount will be appreciated by us and by you for having Traditions and Bill/Ron to kick around for another 27 years---well, not 27 in my case anyway. But don't consider it a farewell gift yet---my doctor has DR orders only for "air times"-you know---Do Resuscitate. Other times DNR

Kim /Reggie Harris / Kate Campbell/ James Durst

Finally let me just end with hoping for support for the programs and you can call us during the 1st 3 Sundays in Feb. It will be a delight to hear from you. You can also pledge via e mail to our e mail addresses--or if you would like to see a list of the premiums I would be happy to e mail them to you. Just write to the addresses below and request a premium list (remember all supplies are limited):

sundaysimcha@yahoo.com

wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

But, as I said, I am sure you feel strongly enough about both programs that a premium is not your priority.

Best of all will be to call us at 201 692-2012 in Feb. or drive by with an armored car and drop off a sack of money----or Shekels for Simcha (we'll convert them).