UPR Holiday Programming 2016-17

Holiday Programming on UPR is sponsored by Intermountain Clinics

THANKSGIVING

BACKSTORY: THE HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Day 9:00 a.m.

BackStory is a weekly show in which renowned U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf, and Brian Balogh tear a topic from the headlines and plumb its historical depths. Over the course of each episode, the historian-hosts are joined by people in the news, callers, and fellow scholars interested in exploring the roots of contemporary America. Together, they reveal the connections -- and disconnections -- between past and present.

SPLENDID TABLE’S TURKEY CONFIDENTIAL

Thanksgiving Day 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Turkey Confidential is a live, two-hour, call-in program. Help is on the way for Thanksgiving cooks, kitchen helpers and dinner guests on the biggest cooking day of the year. Lynne Rossetto Kasper, award-winning host of public radio's national food show The Splendid Table®, will be available to answer listener questions throughout the live, two-hour program. Quickly becoming a Thanksgiving morning tradition, past shows have included everything from a cross-country trucker cooking his Thanksgiving dinner on the manifold to a panicked first-time cook who didn't realize a turkey needs to be thawed. Lynne handles all questions with wit, expertise and laughter.

GIVING THANKS

Thanksgiving Day 7:00 p.m.

With music and stories for Thanksgiving, it's Giving Thanks, hosted by John Birge. No clichés about pilgrims and pumpkin pies. Instead, it's a contemporary celebration of the spirit of Gratitude. Including a continuing Giving Thanks tradition: a spellbinding story from actor Charles Laughton, giving thanks for Art that connects us all to the creative spirit.

Whether you’re early in the kitchen, on the road to a family gathering, or relaxing after the feast, Giving Thanks provides the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving: the warmth of great music, and truly memorable words.

THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE

Friday November 25 7:00 p.m.

The Science of Gratitude is a one-hour documentary focusing on the latest information regarding the power (or lack of it) of being thankful. We hear research, expert opinion, and individual stories to illustrate how gratitude often has a large impact on overall happiness. The program covers gratitude in the workplace, in relationships, in health, in child-rearing, etc. It is hosted by Academy Award winning actress, Susan Sarandon.

CHRISTMAS / WINTER SEASON

ADVENT VOICES

Thursday December 1 9:00 p.m.

Advent is a time of quiet contemplation and waiting. It's waiting for darkness to become light and for hopes to be realized. Throughout the centuries Advent has been observed musically in sacred and secular ways. Join Lynne Warfel for an hour of the most beautiful vocal music inspired by and written for Advent.

SELECTED SHORTS HOLIDAY GIFT SET: CHRISTMAS GUESTS

Sunday December 4 1:00 p.m.

Guest host Robert Sean Leonard celebrates the season with three holiday stories.

First, Truman Capote's "One Christmas" is a companion piece to his well-loved essay "A Christmas Memory." In this story, he's plucked from his rural Alabama home to spend the holidays in New Orleans with the father he barely knows. The reader is John Shea.

Grace Paley is best known for her semi-autobiographical stories about her colorful Jewish family. But in "The Loudest Voice," her young heroine Shirley Abramowitz is drawn into a different holiday tradition--she's cast in her school Christmas play. The reader is Linda Lavin.

Our last work is a playful exercise in pastiche by the ever-playful New Yorker humorist and illustrator James Thurber. "A Visit from St. Nicholas" is his re-imagining of the Clement Clarke Moore classic verse--in the style of Ernest Hemingway! The reader is Selected Shorts’ late host and founder, Isaiah Sheffer. And to all a good night.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE MOREHOUSE & SPELMAN GLEE CLUBS

Monday December 5 9:00 p.m.

One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges -- two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation -- get together to present a spine-tingling concert program. It's a joyous celebration of the schools' tradition of singing excellence, with their trademark mixture of spirituals and carols. Korva Coleman hosts.

FESTIVO ALT.LATINO WITH CORAL CANTIGAS

Tuesday December 6 9:00 p.m.

NPR Music's Alt.Latino presents a 2014 encore performance featuring the 20-piece choral ensemble Coral Cantigas. This musical performance also includes stories about holiday traditions and cultures. Hear a traditional Peruvian Christmas Carol, folk music from Brazil, Spain, and Mexico plus Parrandas from Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The many rich styles of Latino choral music will unite listeners through the joyful and transformative power of music. Hosted by Felix Contreras.

AN AFRO BLUE CHRISTMAS

Wednesday December 7 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a very special holiday concert with Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble Afro Blue and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Hear the a-cappela group perform a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire. The joyous celebration includes one of a kind arrangements on traditional holiday songs plus new compositions…music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris.

SONG TRAVELS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Thursday December 8 9:00 p.m.

Join Michael Feinstein for an hour of yuletide cheer and music. This edition of Song Travels journeys from Hollywood’s vintage silver screen to New York City’s iconic Birdland club. The Michael Feinstein Big Band performs selections from the classic movie White Christmas, and Feinstein shares rare recordings from some of his favorite performers.

A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN 2016

Friday December 9 9:00 p.m.

Brian O'Donovan's A Celtic Sojourn has thrilled radio audiences for almost thirty years. For the last fourteen, the Christmas-themed live version of the show has drawn on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of this season. First launched in 2003, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn has grown to 17 shows in five cities. For the past few years, in celebration of the second decade of the concert series, one of the shows at the beautiful Cutler Majestic Theatre in downtown Boston has been broadcast nationally. This year will see a new special featuring the 2015 program. With super-group Solas returning as the "House Band," Dervish lead singer Cathy Jordan, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and cellist Natalie Haas, the stage comes alive with sounds of the Celtic lands. In recent years though, O'Donovan has also included "musical cousins" of Celtic Music: Appalachian, Acadian, and in this program, Scandinavian as the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc with musicians from Shetland, Norway, and Sweden charmed the Boston audience while collaborating with others on stage.

SELECTED SHORTS HOLIDAY GIFT SET: HO, HO, HUH?

Sunday December 11 1:00 p.m.

Guest host Jane Kaczmarek presents four Christmas-themed works to bring you comfort, joy, and a little sass.

Ron Carlson’s “The H Street Sledding Record,” is a charming and funny tale about a family preparing for an annual ritual—and a big change. It’s read by Keith Szarabajka.

Next, Frank O’Connor’s “Christmas Morning” gives us a richly detailed picture of a family in turn-of-the-century Ireland, but this family’s Christmas is overshadowed by poverty. Reader Malachy McCourt knows this landscape well.

Next, a whimsical comedy from a different era, George Shepherd’s “Occurrence on the Six Seventeen,” from 1939: sober, self-absorbed commuters, “with necks that know exactly how long they must be pressed against the seat back”, briefly unite in Christmas joie de vivre. The reader is Tony Roberts.

And finally, humorist Calvin Trillin is dreaming of the perfect Christmas—anywhere but here. His witty ditty “Christmas in Qatar” bemoans meaningless gifts, underdone feasts, and appalling relations.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE AMERICAN FESTIVAL CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA

Broadcast of this program is sponsored by Import Auto in Logan

Monday December 12 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Also Saturday December 24 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

And Christmas Day 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Dr. Craig Jessop, former Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and current Dean of the USU Caine College of the Arts, leads the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra in stirring performances of holiday classics. The concert features special guest artists Jenny Oaks Baker, Jenny Jordan Frogley and Kurt Bestor, along with the Westminster Bell Choir and much more.

Broadcast of this program is sponsored by Import Auto in Logan

HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY

Monday December 12 9:00 p.m.

Join Lynne Warfel for an hour of holiday movie music that ranges from the sentimental to the completely cranky. From "White Christmas" and cozy homes for the holidays, to Grinches and Scrooges, Hollywood Holiday takes in your favorite holiday movies from a musical point of view.

JOY TO THE WORLD--A HOLIDAY IN PINK

Tuesday December 13 9:00 p.m.

The internationally acclaimed “little orchestra" Pink Martini bedecks the airwaves with festive holiday songs from across the globe. From timeless classics to rarely heard gems, hear a multi-denominational, multi-cultural jubilee, overflowing with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family. Hosted by All Things Considered’s Ari Shapiro.

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS IN THE NEW WORLD 2016

Wednesday December 14 9:00 p.m.

In celebration of the holiday season, A Baroque Christmas in the New World 2016 brings you music from 17th- and 18th-century Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, including a cantata and three free-standing works by Sumaya — most of which comes from the only surviving manuscript in full-score in Sumaya's own hand.

ACCESS UTAH HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2016

Thursday December 15 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.

The Lightwood Duo (guitarist Mike Christiansen & clarinetist Eric Nelson) and “Christmas Chronicles” author, playwright, and UofU Theater Professor, Tim Slover join us once again for great music and funny and heartwarming stories for the holidays.

CAROLS AND CHEER

Thursday December 15 9:00 p.m.

Classical24 host Scott Blankenship and The Singers' Matt Culloton join forces to review their favorite carols this holiday season. You’ll be able to sing along as the two share their top picks for the Christmas season, performed by today's leading artists and ensembles.

PAUL WINTER'S 36TH ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Friday December 16 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Return of the Sun -- and the Warming of the heart with Paul Winter's Annual Winter Solstice Celebration. On the darkest night of the year, we head back to New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine to hear The Paul Winter Consort and the glorious Cathedral Pipe Organ. The performance brings traditional holiday favorites and new sounds from around the world with special guests Ivan Lins and Renato Braz. Hosted by John Schaefer.

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: IN CELEBRATION OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE 2016

Saturday December 17 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice 2016 is an all-new, two-hour compilation of musical excerpts, plus a few short poetry and prose readings, selected from the live Christmas/Winter Solstice Revels stage productions that took place in December, 2015, in nine cities across the United States.

SELECTED SHORTS HOLIDAY GIFT SET: PASSAGES

Sunday December 18 1:00 p.m.

Guest host Jane Kaczmarek presents four works about love, friendship, and passages through life. In William Goyen’s “The Texas Principessa,” the narrator is trying to tell us the story of the life and death of her best friend, if only she could keep to the point! The reader is the late, great Doris Roberts. The second piece is by the late humorist, essayist, and actor David Rakoff. His final work was the epic novel in verse: Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish, which follows the intersecting lives of its main characters through an American century. In the excerpt we’ll hear, a jilted boyfriend has to give a wedding toast—and it’s a doozy. The reader is Jackie Hoffman.

A dreamy afternoon on the river is recalled by Rick Bass’s “The Canoeists,” The story shimmers with vivid details and sensual recollections, and is read by Neil Patrick Harris. We conclude this program with another perfect couple, “The Owl and the Pussycat,” from the 19th-century poet Edward Lear’s charming verse. It’s read by Bill Irwin and John Lithgow.

TERRIBLE, THANKS FOR ASKING

Monday December 19 9:00 a.m.

Two days after Nora McInerny's husband Aaron died, she celebrated Thanksgiving with her family. Well...maybe not "celebrated". Actually, why would you do that? Try to be normal when clearly everything isn't? But every year, millions of people do the same thing during the holidays. This new special features conversations with Lucy Kalinithi and Amber Tozer, and some of the women of the Hot Young Widows Club on the challenges of dealing with trauma and loss during this sensitive season. Plus, stories of people's worst holidays ever. That's for real. Worst. Ever.

CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES

Episodes 1&2 - Monday December 19 7:00 p.m.

Episodes 3&4 - Tuesday December 20 7:00 p.m.

Episodes 5&6 - Wednesday December 21 7:00 p.m.

Episodes 7&8 - Thursday December 22 7:00 p.m.

A snowy December evening in the Rockies. A car stuck off the side of the road. A sleigh flashing past chased by something terrible and bleak. These are the curious events that lead to an astounding discovery—the true and complete story of the man the world has come to know as Santa Claus. The Christmas Chronicles is a radio drama (8 half-hour episodes) about Klaus, the carpenter; Anna, the racer; a greathearted reindeer, Dasher; and the malevolent Rolf Eckhof. The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay. Slover is the author of Joyful Noise and Hancock County. He teaches dramatic literature and script analysis at the University of Utah and directs the playwriting and London study abroad programs for the university’s Department of Theatre.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR

Monday December 19 9:00 p.m.

The sounds of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir floated into many homes during the holidays in the '60s & '70s on Goodyear and Firestone albums, bringing lush renditions of favorite Christmas carols. Those warm memories and feelings come right back again in this holiday special. The choir continues its tradition of great artistry with touching arrangements of familiar carols, and surprises with lesser-known melodies that will surely become the new classics. Join the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, accompanied by the Orchestra at Temple Square, for their annual Christmas concert.

DINNER PARTY DOWNLOAD HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Tuesday December 20 9:00 a.m.

We've made a special episode of The Dinner Party Download stuffed with holiday goodness. You'll hear: a Yuletide playlist; etiquette tips to save you from a work party snafu (or maybe create a memorable one?); a little-known chestnut of holiday history; conversations with special guests both nice and (delightfully) naughty; and lots more! Featuring good cheer, comic relief, and a tipple or two, the episode's a perfect companion to the hectic and happy holiday season. Join us, won't you?

IN ITALIA: A RENAISSANCE CHRISTMAS FROM VENICE, NAPLES, MILAN AND BEYOND 2016

Tuesday December 20 9:00 p.m.

In the sixteenth-century, the splendor of the Renaissance blossomed across Italy as a new Holy Roman Empire stretched its wings from the Urals to the Atlantic. This special holiday edition of Harmonia brings listeners wonderful sixteenth-century Christmas music from the Venetian world of Giovanni Bassano and Gioseffo Zarlino, moving westward to the Milan of Franchinus Gaffurius, and southerly to the Naples of Diego Ortiz.

TINSEL TALES 3

Wednesday December 21 9:00 a.m.

In keeping with a well-loved NPR holiday tradition, hear the third collection of extraordinary Christmas stories that will transport you to unexpected places. Audie Cornish, Ken Harbaugh, Nina Totenberg and other voices from NPR's past and present tell stories of the season. Some tales are funny; some are touching; some are insightful or irreverent or nostalgic or surprising. You might recognize them from our broadcast archives — or you might fall in love with them for the first time. Hosted by Lynn Neary

WELCOME CHRISTMAS!

Wednesday December 21 9:00 p.m.

The perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups, led by Philip Brunelle. Join host John Birge for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.

TINSEL TALES 2

Thursday December 22 9:00 a.m.

NPR fills millions of homes each holiday with humor, warmth, and a host of festive voices. Continuing with the tradition of the first Tinsel Tales program, this is another collection of the best and most requested holiday stories. Joy, hope, and childhood memories overflow as NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

MARKETPLACE TAKES CARE OF HOLIDAY BUSINESS

Thursday December 22 10:00 a.m.

The Marketplace Weekend team looks at where the holidays meet money. Host Lizzie O'Leary is joined by some of American Public Media's biggest names to explore that intersection, tell some stories, and help you financially navigate the holiday season.

WINTERSONGS 2016

Thursday December 22 7:00 p.m.

Also Christmas Day 10:00 p.m.

An annual Cache Valley tradition. The combined forces of the USU Music Department, under the direction of Dr. Cory Evans, perform music for the season in acoustically-rich St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park. Hosted by UPR’s Tom Williams and Dr. Cory Evans.

A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS

Thursday December 22 9:00 p.m.

A program of holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by the superb 12-man ensemble known as "an orchestra of voices."

TINSEL TALES

Friday December 23 10:00 a.m.

This program features stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk -- these and other NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

OCCASIONAL SHIVERS

Friday December 23 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by Branford Marsalis, and with music, song and dialogue, “Occasional Shivers” tells the story of two young lovers who meet at a pair of Christmas parties in 1960s Manhattan. The music is new, but sounds straight up torch song, written in the tradition of the Great American Songbook. Millie Maguire, Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dixon, Django Haskins and Skylar Gudasz are joined by jazz greats Scott Sawyer, Bill Frisell and an all-star cast for what is sure to become the next sentimental holiday classic.

JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS XXXII

Friday December 23 8:00 p.m.

Join the Kennedy Center and NPR Music for a special family affair at this year's holiday concert that features Chicagoans Willie Pickens and daughter Bethany Pickens, plus husband and wife Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes. Hosted by Felix Contreras.

CHRISTMAS FROM UPR

Friday December 23 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Staff members of UPR present an eclectic mix of holiday music and memories. You might even hear a short radio drama!

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Saturday December 24 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Hosted by Michael Barone, this is a live service of spoken-word and music (choral and organ) broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England. The 30-voice King's College Choir performs the legendary Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of Biblical readings and music.

THE SPLENDID TABLE’S HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS WITH AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

Saturday December 24 3:00 p.m.

It’s a team approach to holiday eating and entertaining this year when The Splendid Table joins forces with America’s Test Kitchen to simplify entertaining and the holiday kitchen. Lynne Rossetto Kasper, Bridget Lancaster, Jack Bishop and other America’s Test Kitchen personalities take it all on, whether you are cooking for two or twenty. Join us for foolproof ideas and recipes, gift guides for the eaters and cooks on your list and the perfect snack for Santa.

JONATHAN WINTERS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Saturday December 24 6:00 p.m.

An updated version of a public radio tradition hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Also featuring Mimi Kennedy.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE AMERICAN FESTIVAL CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA

Broadcast of this program is sponsored by Import Auto in Logan

Saturday December 24 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Also Christmas Day 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Broadcast of this program is sponsored by Import Auto in Logan

HANDEL'S MESSIAH FROM UPR

Saturday December 24 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

An annual UPR tradition: On Christmas Eve we present a wonderful performance of Handel’s great oratorio led by Trevor Pinnock with The English Concert and Choir and soloists Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook and John Tomlinson. This special program features insightful and poignant commentary from Craig Jessop, former Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and current Dean of the USU Caine College of the Arts. Hosted by UPR’s Tom Williams.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE AMERICAN FESTIVAL CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA

Broadcast of this program is sponsored by Import Auto in Logan

Christmas Day 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Broadcast of this program is sponsored by Import Auto in Logan

JAZZ TIME WITH STEVE WILLIAMS - CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Christmas Day 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

UPR is partnering with KCPW to bring Jazz Time with Steve Williams to our statewide audience.

Jazz Time with Steve Williams features live performances, interviews, commentary, history, a local jazz calendar of events, and of course music – curated by legendary radio host Steve Williams.

From ragtime to bop, from Havana to Paris to Salt Lake City, from Billie Holiday to Joe Lovano, Steve is your guide through the many varieties of jazz music – past and present. Steve Williams has a lifelong love of jazz. His father was a horn player in New York, performing with American jazz legends Charlie Parker, Gene Krupa and Joe Venuti, among others. Williams is a champion of the jazz scene in Utah and a legend in his own right – having interviewed the likes of Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Lionel Hampton, and emceeing jazz festivals around the United States.

WINTERSONGS 2016

Christmas Day 10:00 p.m.

MARKETPLACE TECH'S CODEBREAKER SOLSTICE

Tuesday December 27 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.

As the year turns over host Ben Brock Johnson and a list of high profile guests look at how technology plays an ever deeper role in our lives. “Codebreaker Solstice” tackles our mixed feelings about tech with a sense of humor, a sense of awe, and a sense of holiday cheer.
We’ll hear of virtual reality’s promise and the quirky outcomes of using consumer technology to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. In true Codebreaker fashion, you might even get the chance to crack our special holiday tech-powered puzzle!

LIVING ON EARTH: HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2016

Wednesday December 28 10:00 a.m.

This year's "Living on Earth" holiday show presents tales from Celtic traditions, an African-American parable, and other stories all centered on the theme of hope. Two characters listeners will meet in this program include a trickster slave who outwits his master, and a boy who discovers that he’s descended from an enemy tribe!

CHANUKAH / HANUKKAH

HANUKKAH LIGHTS 2016

Monday December 26 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.

A perennial NPR favorite, Hanukkah Lights features Hanukkah stories and memoirs written by Kathryn Blume, Leah Lax, Eric Kimmel, Issac Bashevis Singer, and Jonathan Safran Foer, as read by NPR's Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

CANDLES BURNING BRIGHTLY

Tuesday December 27 9:00 p.m.

A celebration of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights with an exploration of Chanukah foods and traditional activities ... and plenty of music. Mindy Ratner hosts.

CHANUKAH IN STORY AND SONG 2016

Thursday December 29 9:00 p.m.

Narrated by the late Leonard Nimoy and sung by the acclaimed vocal sextet The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble, "Chanukah in Story and Song" is a unique holiday program created especially for public radio listeners. This delightfully engaging program presents 25 eclectic selections, from the Ladino songs of the Spanish Jews and Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe to modern Israeli tunes and the ensemble's original version of "I Have a Little Dreydle." The ensemble performs a cappella as well as with instrumental accompaniment. The narration, written by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik, sheds new light on the holiday's customs and rituals.

KWANZAA

A SEASON’S GRIOT 2016

Saturday December 31 8:00 p.m.

A Season's Griot is public radio's only nationally syndicated Kwanzaa program. Hosted for 22 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual one-hour special captures the tales and traditions of African American and African peoples. This year’s program will celebrate Family & Celebration.The show’s poet laureate, Beverly Burnette, and other members of the Season’s Griot family return and familiar and favorite elements of Griot will also be in place with plenty of music in the 2016 edition of A Season's Griot.

NEW YEAR’S

TOAST OF THE NATION 2016/2017

Saturday December 21, 2016 9:00 p.m. to Sunday January 1, 2017 3:00 a.m.

An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation presents festive jazz. Spirited, improvised, and swinging, each segment stops in a special venue, throughout the country. This year Toast of the Nation will travel to the Newport Jazz Festival, Winter Jazzfest, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. It’s sure to be a non-stop celebration of musical fireworks that will keep you dancing and swinging all night long. Hosted by WBGO’s Rhonda Hamilton.

JAZZ TIME WITH STEVE WILLIAMS - NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL

New Year’s Day 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

UPR is partnering with KCPW to bring Jazz Time with Steve Williams to our statewide audience.

Jazz Time with Steve Williams features live performances, interviews, commentary, history, a local jazz calendar of events, and of course music – curated by legendary radio host Steve Williams.

NEW YEAR’S WITH THE PSO

New Year’s Day 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Audience favorite Hélène Grimaud returns to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony in Maurice Ravel’s dazzling Piano Concerto in G. Manfred Honeck rounds out the program with musical gems from the waltz and polka tradition — including Franz von Suppe’s Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna Overture; Johann Strauss Jr.’s Emperor Waltz; some short pieces by Victor Herbert and much more.

THE INNOVATION HUB: A WISER BETTER YOU

Monday January 2 9:00 a.m.

The end of the year is a time of reflection. What went right? What went wrong? But it’s also when we look ahead at how we can make the next year better than the last. So this holiday season The Innovation Hub’s gift to you is a show on becoming a wiser, better you. Mark Bittman explains how to cook with confidence, Barbara Oakley tells us how we can take in ideas easier, and Camilla Benbow and David Lubinski share what traits genius kids have in common.