Some Upcoming Appearances and A Few Other Bits of Minutae

Some items for the various programs:

SUNDAY SIMCHA: As you all know Purim is just around the corner and we shall meet you with our "gregers" in hand and with some festive music. The big news is what is planned for PASSOVER .

The cover of a CD you see on the left is a must have in your collection and is put out by, to me, the record company that, in my opinion, is one of the rare entities that still releases meaningful material and not just the "pop" and commercial material.

On Sunday Simcha I am happy to say that I will be joined by three of the main artists that have put this together---Kim and Reggie Harris along with Rabbi Jonathon Kligler. We will devote the entire hour to this greatly anticipated and timely visit. It will be recorded at Rabbi Kligler's Congregation in Woodstock, NY and will cover music (from the CD) as well as a discussion of the common bonds all people have in this world. Be they Jewish, African-American, or of any ethnicity or religion. Passover seems a most appropriate time to present this program and we are honored to have these sincere, talented, and insightful people join the program for this program.

TRADITIONS: Some great programs in the offing now that Ron and I have gotten past the much needed fund raising efforts at WFDU to keep this eclectic programming on the air. Eclectic programming you will find nowhere else on the radio dial. That is not a mere BS statement---think about it. Dial around.

We plan to air our Traditions Showcase from NERFA and more material recorded there in March. In April Deborah Holland will be joining me in the studio. She is touring in this area at the time and we will recall her last visit to

the program
We will also play and talk about her newest CD and reminisce about some of her wonderful past works---The Panic is On, The Book of Survival, and her newest CD " Bad Girl Once---Good Girl Now".

Also---some live music in the studio from this greatly talented person.

AND NOW THE MINUTAE FOR SOME HUMOR --OR AS MONTY PYTHON SAYS---Something completely different:

Nice old Jewish Grandmother takes the little boychick to the beach and a huge wave washes him away. She looks to the heavens and pleads that she has been a pious and devout woman all her life---Why oh Why should this happen---please send him back to me.

Another huge wave delivers him safe and sound to the beach. After much hugging and kissing Jewish Grandmother looks to the heavens again--"...he had a hat".

Moving on: Man walks into a bar and says that he can identify any wine served to him while blindfolded and let us make wagers. The patrons and barkeep agree---1st one: Chateau Rothschild 1925---perfect. Next: Coppola 1992--excellent. This goes on until one of the inebriated pees into a glass and the hand it to Mr. Expert---he sips and says ---Ech! Urine. Yes---but by who and when?

If you have any jokes (PG rated) to share please use the e mail addresses for either program or post them as comments here.

And let us never forget the 3 musical notes that go into a bar---G flat, B flat, and A flat. They are thrown out because this bar does not serve minors.

Some Random Non-Musical to Musical Thoughts

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This is a "blog" as we all know. For those who wonder what does "blog" mean---it came from the expression------web log. Say it fast and you get the idea.

Which brings me to the whole idea of "blogging" and reality. There are ones such as this that serve a purpose of informing a community of kindred spirits about items of interest to them and also giving the group ---and we are a community--information that is something they want. Playlists for the various radio programs I do, updates on events pertaining to them, and such.

Then there are the "blogs" that purport to be "news". While it is true that reportage via newspapers, magazines, and "air" media can be suspect one has also to say that there is a hierarchy there that has to be answered to. For the most part things are checked and double-checked. "Blogs" are a different animal. Everyone has his or her own news outlet now. Each "blogger" reports the news---their version of it. Double checking---confirmations---hey, why bother it is my "blog" and I know what I am talking about. Sexual proclivities. Sure, post your thoughts. Movie Critics. Sure, post your expert opinion (and state it as fact).

My point to all this is that this "magic lantern" known as the Internet has opened something---like Pandora's Box--that cannot be closed. While it has created "community" it has also put us into the position of not knowing what is true or what is just rumor or gossip--or just "virtual".

It is true that all things evolve. From the early days of radio to TV to Internet. Going further back---letters, cards, and then telegrams.

My point to all this is that all these innovations--call it progress---has also created less "reality". We no longer can tell what is fact and what is fiction. When a photo is "adjusted", when it is not. What happened to "...the camera never lies". It does thanks to digitization. In all honesty--it did with "air brushing"---but that was fairly noticeable.

A "blog" giving information to a unique community is one thing.
Bloggers" who present themselves as reporters are a whole different issue. While we cannot stop or censor we can, at least, be skeptical and questioning. Or we can just creat a "blog" for a community we are involved in---music, literature, arts, etc; and comment, discuss, and present events.

As to the picture on top. That is me not giving news just presenting some music and some honest comments about the artists.

I did say there were some musical thoughts to this as well. That has to do with some material that has been arriving and I felt that might be something of interest---

There is a wonderful CD presenting Hank Williams At The Grand Ole Opry. Where, by the way, he was not a welcome presence rather rapidly. It is put out on the Mercury label http://www.mercurynashville.com/ Some great tracks with intros by Red Foley and routines (that have not aged well) by Minnie Pearl.

One last thought about one of the longest running programs anywhere--Grand Ole Opry (though TV has changed it, certainly). A film from the 1940s--Mrs. Wiggs of The Cabbage Patch---it starred Fay Bainter (if you wanted a tear jerker you hired her). I was quite young and never forgot it---farm family, poor, big night out---Grand Ole Opry--farm burns down while there---tragic. That's the film. The basis of so many country songs and there emblazoned in celluloid. Not tape.

Some Sunday Simcha Suggestions

A few suggestions for some wonderful cinema that I thought might be of interest to you all. They are right up the alley of a program devoted to Jewish music and thought---be it serious or be it comedic---or be it cultural. Which, as you know, is Sunday Simcha on WFDU (89.1 FM) in the NY/NJ area and on the web http://www.wfdu.fm/

Let us start with Gloomy Sunday. This magnificent film has been around for quite some years and has travelled around the world and is probably what one might, now, consider a cult film.

It is a brilliant Hungarian film in German. A study of the relationships and the events of a group of people---German, Jewish, male, female and the history that envelopes them from the late 1930s until the near present time. The take is quite different than other films of this genre and also makes it more personal.



Without giving away the plot which is unique let me just say that during the last 10 minutes or so of this film one should not take their eyes off the screen. There is a subtle and interesting event that puts the entire film into perspective---or should I say context. Alfred Hitchcock not withstanding---this is brilliant.


Now here is a truly happy person---Dani Levy. He is accepting the Lola prize for the wonderful film, " Alles Fur Zucker". One of the first films to be able to

poke fun at the Jewish community in Germany. A film that contrasts the East Germans and West Germans, the Orthodox and the Non-Orthodox in the most hilarious and touching ways.

At the awards Henry Hubchen, the lead, said---"I Beat Hitler"---referring to his award ahead of the actor that captured the character of dear old Adolf in "The Downfall" (who's performance was brilliant).

The confrontations between the Orthodox brother and the gambling and alleged neer-do- well brother from the West is truly a must see. For its comedic and its human insights it is a must not miss film.

I hope to be able to mention other things of interest for listeners to Sunday Simcha and I also hope that you will keep listening for a program that I hope fills a void in our cultural fabric in this area---and on the web. You can listen on the web, as you know

A FEW UPDATES AND COMMENTS

You can see that my grandson is smiling. That is because I informed him and his mom how generous your pledging was in week #1. His mood is so changeable and you do not want to see a shot of him in a bad mood.

Trust me!!

So, my suggestion---please keep pledging to Traditions and to Sunday Simcha. Seriously now. I won't go into the whole thing mentioned in the last posting here---paying bills, shows that are in jeopardy, etc; Trust me here----the weekend ones are the ones--Simcha for sure.

Let us face it---the only ratings are the financial ones on this station. That pays the bills. That keeps the equipment current with all this new technology. If a program cannot pull its weight---well, goodbye. You have seen that. I doubt that you want to lose programs that you want. Sunday Simcha is, face it, expendable. It is the only "Yiddishkeit" in this major area. It is up to you to keep it there---for us. For you and for me---I do it for the love of it and you listen because you want that connection.

That goes as well for Traditions. Ron Olesko --who I am proud to call a mentor and friend-- started it some 27 years ago. The longest running show on WFDU. My opinion is, of course, partial---the most interesting and meaningful one as well. What "radio" should be about---New material, Traditional material, and a blend of personalities that keep you listening. WFDU is one of the only stations left in this area---perhaps elsewhere---where that can happen. Trust me---no other station in this area---University or otherwise fits that bill

SO---we do need you to call this Sunday (or e mail us) for either Traditions or Sunday Simcha. We are supporting each other.

I am hoping that this Sunday we will be able to continue some of our usual programming---new material, traditional material, and some thematic things and do less pleading for money---your phone calls and e mails can help us in that effort. Keep the e mails coming and the phones ringing and we shall play the music---such as:

Kate Campbell

Eric Bogle & ?????

They will be singing for us about topics that touch us all---Black History Month, Disabilities, Politics---and, best of all, as always, in the most entertaining and meaningful ways.

In addition I will have the Eric Bogle piece that commemorates Kate Wolf this week---we missed that during the Kate Wolf commemoration.

You also know that if we can reach $1,000 Ron Olesko will air that unique recording---one of a kind---Joni Mitchell and Chuck Mitchell (her first husband and a brilliant entertainer in his own right).

There will be a lot of others---if we can limit the sales talk and concentrate on our usual modus operendi---you know---music and wit.

In addition we did lose a wonderful artist this past week---OK--not really folk but the soundtrack of a generation---mine. Perhaps yours as well. He did Hank Williams covers, They Call The Wind Maria, Green Leaves of Summer, duets with Jo Stafford, Eddie Arnold, and so many other things---Frankie Laine. He lived a long and a fruitful life---we shall play somethings from him this weekend if we can avoid a lot of sales talk.

If you have some Laine favorites let me know and I will try to get them on.

We will, as always, close with something meaningful and---back to the top now---your support ----and your comments are welcome.

YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED

I AM HOPING THAT WINNIE WILL GET YOUR INTEREST

As you can see by the header that sounds like one of those Spam things that are inundating us all. But in this case it is not Spam or a shell game. It is just a reminder and an update about the fundraising efforts on WFDU. Unlike other stations --from the majors to other university sponsored minors we come to you but once in any year. Even then for a brief 3 week period.

Is it annoying ---you bet. Is it needed==you bet. Can we shorten the pitch time on our programs---you bet. Here is how---e mail these addresses prior to Sunday Feb. 4 to pledge to either of these programs and we will eliminate 10 minutes of "pitching" for every pledge over $25.00 we receive.

For Sunday Simcha: www.sundaysimcha@yahoo.com

For Traditions: www.wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

We will be talking to you on Sunday about the importance of keeping the station technically current. The technology changes so rapidly these days. There was a time when 10 years or so elapsed between major innovations. Do you recall color TV and its novelty---and how long that came to fruition? Back in the 1900s it took even longer for new innovations to occur. Today---hey, don't blink your eye or the world has changed.

I am not going to give you a list of the upgrades needed at the station--- (aging transmitter problems, digitization, HD radio (multi channels). Frankly---you don't care and neither do I. What we care about is programming---and that is what I want to talk to you about now.

Fyvush Finkel---Guest on Sunday Simcha

Sunday Simcha: On Sunday I will tell you not only that we have been honored by his presence on the program and also by other notables such as---Mike Burstyn, Zalmen Mlodeck and more.

More important is that---to my knowledge---this is the only Jewish oriented program on the Metro NY/NJ/CT airwaves. Think about it. All those years when there were so many. Now it is left to WFDU (appropriately enough in Teaneck, NJ) to keep this programming alive and vibrant.

It is almost 2 years now that I have taken over the programming and the historic title "Sunday Simcha" that so many of you remembered from the WEVD days. That younger folks liked because of its more modern take, with a nod to our most illustrious past. You have come to expect Comedy Corner with our great Jewish Comics (and some great others that touch on the human condition), new Klezmer, old Yiddish theater, and a wonderful new bevy of material from places like The Milken Archives and the Jewish Music Group.

Let us be frank now--no--don't change your name to Frank for business reasons---WFDU is eclectic. Unlike other stations on the left side of the dial--or anywhere else for that matter. As I say ---The Eclectic Weekend Sound of WFDU. During the week you have some mainstream eclecticism (Blues, Country, Rock, Soul, etc;). Overnights you have Gospel. So--weekends you have interviews (Tabletalk), Folk and Topical music (Traditions--more later), and Sunday Simcha---the only Yiddishkeit on the air in this area.

The bottom line is that as much as the station management wants to keep this diversity it has to pay for itself for obvious reasons. I doubt that you or I want to see "Yiddishkeit" leave the airwaves in this area. Or as Eric Bogle said in one of our promos---"and leave radio to Madonna and Prince all day--imagine that."

If Gospel and Celtic can be supported I am sure you can do your part to keep what you like here as well. Your requests--you know this--are always considered and honored.

Please call me during fund raising time--201 692-2012 or better yet--e mail www.sundaysimcha@yahoo.com There are premiums listed on this blog and also on http://www.wfdu.fm/ scroll down to "specialty programs"'

Bill Hahn with Eric Bogle and band member

TRADITIONS: I am not going to repeat what I said above for Sunday Simcha. It applies in most part to TRADITIONS.

I will just add that Eric Bogle is one of the people that I and Ron Olesko have had the honor and delight to welcome to WFDU's longest running program---TRADITIONS. We have been able to be honored by the presence of emerging great artists and artists of great fame- Pete Seeger, Marjorie Guthrie, Kim and Reggie Harris, Tom Chapin, and ---you know--as I say--"the famous many others".

A little history of the program now. Ron started in some 27 years ago now while still a student at FDU. His creativity and dedication is something that I hope we all can emulate. I joined the good ship TRADITIONS at Ron's behest some 14 years ago now. So=-==Traditions is 27 ---I am only 14 (sounds like the libretto of the Pirates of Penzance).

Back to business now--which I try never to do as you know. TRADITIONS has the same issues as SIMCHA and other programs---in small type for obvious reasons----the ratings. The ratings---unlike commercial radio--are the dollars needed to maintain the operations. The programs that do stay---the others--well, I suppose there is a place where one can visit the remains and reminisce about them. I can think of a few off hand right now---as can you.

So---please do call us on Sunday---the next 3 Sundays 201-692-2012 or write and pledge wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

Fund Raising February on Traditions and Sunday Simcha

Ron Olesko w/ Vance Gilbert

Bill Hahn w/ Margot Leverett & Klezmer Mtn Boys

Both Ron and I are sure you want to support the TRADITIONS program and that premiums are not your main concern. I had written that earlier, but a thank you gift is always nice to have. That also goes for my Sunday Simcha Program.

We are able to offer you a CD from the list below for a pledge of $40.00 with discounted CDs for larger pledges. We will announce that on the air. For SUNDAY SIMCHA the pledge is $36.00 (you know--double Chai).

We hope you will be calling us to make your pledge during the 1st 3 Sundays of February. You can also pledge to us now by e mailing us at either:

wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

for SUNDAY SIMCHA

sundaysimcha@yahoo.com

We will just need a mailing address and the amount of the pledge.

Now for a list of the premiums that many of generous artists have donated for this event:

FOR TRADITIONS

Kim/Reggie Harris Get On Board 2
Hot Soup Hot Soup 3
David Massengill Christmas Stories/Songs 1
David Massengill Stories and Songs 1
Kate Campbell For The Living of These Day 1
Kate Campbell Songs From the Levee 1
Kate Campbell Blues & Lamentations 1
James Durst Internationally Unknown 5

Little Toby Walker Toby Walker Plays Well
With Others 3
Scott Ainslie Feral Crow 1
Rosalie Sorrels My Last Go Round 2
James Talley Nashville City Blues 3
Cosy Sheridan Live At Cedar House 1
Erica Wheeler Almost Like Tonight 1
Cohen & Radcliffe Four Hands No Waiting 2
Tom Chapin In The City Of Mercy 1
Lara Herskovitch Juror # 13 1
The Mammals Departures 1
Roger McGuinn Treasures from the Folk Den 1
Burns Sisters Wild Bouquet 1
John Jacob Niles An Evening With..... 1
Gillette & Mangsen Being There 1
Sloan Wainwright The Song Inside 1
Work O The Weavers Live in Concert 1
Cooper / Nelson / Early The Only Dance We Know 1
Cooper / Nelson /Early Hearts Re turn 1
Cooper/ Nelson/Early Return No More 1
Susan Kane So Long 1
Eve Goldberg A Kinder Season 1
Holly Near /Ronnie Gilbert Lifeline Extended 1
David Ross MacDonald Knuckled Brass & Bone 1

FOR SUNDAY SIMCHA:

Joy Katzen Guthrie Joy Katzen Guthrie 9
The Klezmatics Wonder Wheel 1
The Klezmer Mtn Boys 3
Work O the Weavers Live In Concert 1

Supplies for all the items are, as you can see, limited. The early pledgers capture the worms---or CDs.

Any pledge---small or large will garner the same vote of thanks from Ron and from myself and you can also thank yourselves for keeping programming such as this on the air and vibrant as it has been for some 27 years for TRADITIONS

and over 2 now for SUNDAY SIMCHA (TABLETALK has been around now for over 6 years)