When Nicole Kidman affixed her usually icy gaze upon the world (that night it was soft) in 2003 and…read moreaccepted her Academy Award, she mentioned that 'art is important' -- and she's correct. Art is important. Public radio is important. I'm so pleased that there's an outlet like 88.9 WDNA that combine the two into relaxing, inspiring, soul-lifting music.
Jazz is as American as apple pie and as traditional an art form as we know in these United States. As a former resident of New Orleans and Chicago, I can honestly say that listening to jazz -- really, actively listening, feeling and absorbing jazz -- is a musical treat that, for me, has no equal. The programming highlights both local, national and international versions of the art form and, as a listener, it's thrilling to meditate on all the variations on a theme. We are more alike than unalike.
In addition to the groovy tunes coming from the dial, the physical studio space is also rather impressive. The main room houses a rotation collection of art pieces that educate and entertain. When I was there, they were wrapping up an interactive exhibit where one could press a button and hear music/biography of the musician wt which he gazed. I really enjoyed it primarily because of Celia Cruz. How one can look at a picture of that woman or hear her music and not smile, dance and slap someone (just because; azucar!), I don't know. Leaving the main room, I was fortunate to get a tour of the music collection and studios at the station. I have long been enamored of radio and seeing the volumes of CDs, records and tapes and thinking about their importance to not only the world of music, but culture, history, celebration, and peace... it's pretty overwhelming. Become an active global citizen by participating in the wonders of local music. It's good for the soul.
