91.1FM WTJU Charlottesville, U.Va.

Doc Watson Show

Stories and music all tied to the dedicated, fine flat pickin' and charming Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson. We'll hear from his influences, his friends, family and of course, all weaved in, plenty from Doc himself.

Thanks for All the Songs, Bob

A Folk and Roots salute to the amazing songwriting skills of Bob Dylan in the year of his 70th birthday.

From the Belgian Congo to Modern Kinshasa

In the 1950's there were two music revolutions happening in the world. One, which everyone knows of, was the birth of Rock n' Roll; the other was in central Africa with the rise of what became Soukous and the electrification of Congolese instrumentation. The leading light of this evolution was Franco et le TPOK Jazz who went on to become Africa's first music superstar.
In the Congo today new sounds from Kinshasa are blowing minds anew. Join the Rum Cove for a trip into the Belgian Congo as we rhumba our way through the arc of Congolese music history bringing us up to the modern era where the capital seethes with the sound of Congotronics!

Virgina is for Lovers (of Music)

Virginia Folklorist Jon Lohman, who is also Director of the Virginia Folklife Program at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, travels the commonwealth in search of all forms of art including, of course, music.  From the myriad Crooked Road sounds of old-time, blues, bluegrass, country and more, to the Tidewater gospel sounds of the Paschall Brothers, Jon has recorded some of the finest traditional folk musicians in Virginia.  So tune in as Jon Lohman takes us on a musical journey that will show Virginia is indeed for lovers (of music)!

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

English Folksong

In the late 19th and early 20th century, men and women took their notebooks and primitive sound recording equipment to pubs and farmhouses all over England.  Farmers, fishermen, cooks, and mole catchers sang for the likes of Cecil Sharp, Lucy Broadwood, Percy Grainger, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.  We'll hear some of the songs they collected---both original field recordings and interpretations by folk musicians a century later.

California Americana

Everyone knows California is the home of celebrities, the place where musicians go when they have it made. But the golden state also produces homegrown stars in the Americana cosmos, ranging from Ry Cooder to Bonnie Raitt, Merle Haggard to Tom Waits, alongside John Fogerty, Los Lobos, Kate Wolf, Dave Alvin, M. Ward and Eliza Gilkyson, to name just a few sons and daughters of the Bear Republic. Join the Monster of Happiness with 2 hours from the musicial coast with the most on California Americana.

Righteous Babe: The Music and Influences of Ani DiFranco

For the past two decades, Ani DiFranco has been in the public eye as a folk singer, a feminist, a bandleader, an independent record producer and a social justice advocate.  During this show, we will explore her evolution from New York coffeeshop folk singer to her current incarnation as a wife, mother and internationally known performer.  Along the way, we'll play the artists who influenced as well as collaborators and fans. 

'From the Vault' Documentaries

Folk and World music documentaries from Pacifica Radio’s ‘From the Vault’

Folk Punk

Wake up early for an exploration of this lesser-known Folk crossover genre. Expect the show to be rude, stripped down, Lo-Fi, and D.I.Y. Who says you need electric guitars and overdrive to play punk rock?

Bluesy Folk

Folk music preceded jazz, but jazz compartmentalizes "the blues" more. Bluesy folk will demonstrate the link between the two genres using historic and current folk songs. From Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly, to Bob Dylan and James Taylor, we'll have them singing the blues.

Bluegrass Rocks

Like your bluegrass traditional, but fast and rockin? Prefer Kenny's fiddle played fierce, Bill's mandolin at full tilt, or Earl's banjo flat out? Start your day out with your foot tapping. We'll be playing em hot. 

LIVE! The Buzzard Hollow Boys on Walk Right In!

Join Rebecca and her talented guests for some electrified folk/roots/swing. They will play hits from their CD Moonshine Remorse Redemption, such as “Pick Poor Robin Clean,” “Windsboro Cotton Mill Blues,” and “Kentucky Moonshiner” and they will delight you with some Dylan songs put through the Buzzard filter, as we celebrate Bob’s 70th birthday.

Canadians That Count

Your host, Aer Stephen, wanders north of our friendly border and brings you music from solo artists and bands from Canada. Pledge for your favorite, eh?

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Freedom Songs

Tune in to hear voices raised in song for workers' rights, racial and gender equality, the rights of indigenous people, social justice and peace. Your hosts will play the songs the big bosses and politicians never liked - sung in the streets, coal mines, cotton mills, picket lines and protests - springing from the enduring and indefatigable human desire for freedom and justice. From blacklisted artists like Buffy St. Marie to folk icons like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Hosted by Pete Marshall (Sunset Road) and Mark Haskins (Atlantic Weekly).

Old School Kicking Mule: Bluegrass Before the Festival Boom

Around 1971 a new generation of musicians began to show up in the world of bluegrass, and that high lonesome sound started getting lost in the "haze" of folks like Sam Bush and Courtney Johnson.  Jeff Vogelgesang and Grant Colby, both well known bluegrass historians (and musicians), will select and discuss bluegrass tunes dating from its early origins, all the way until that seismic implosion when the grass went from "blue" to "new"...

Music for Fairports

Take a trip back to the good old days of fairy queens, raven wizards and haunted forests. Journey to impossible mythical lands, where ancient viols and medieval hurdy gurdies mingle with progressive percussion and electric riffing. The British folk-rock scene of the 1970's, rife with juxtaposition and cross pollination, yielded some pretty unique hybrids. Music for Fairports celebrates this improbable moment in time with the music of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Forthingay, The Strawbs and several influential solo artists including Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson.

'From the Vault' Documentaries

Folk and World music documentaries from Pacifica Radio’s ‘From the Vault’

Indie Folk

Indie rockers and folkies will both feel at home as we blur the line between the two WTJU departments for three early morning hours. There will be a worm for every early bird who tunes in to this eclectic offering.

Old Time String Bands from Virginia

The emphasis has always been on fiddle and banjo in the many hundreds of string bands playing across the US over the decades.  WTJU continues the music that was a popular mainstay on radio broadcasts eighty years ago. From the Camp Creek Boys to the Possum Hunters, the driving fiddle and hot banjo get the job done.  As a Virginia fiddler once said, "when you are teetotal plumb give out, this music will wake you up."

Solas 15th Anniversary

2011 marks the 15th anniversary of the Irish-Amercan band Solas. Larry & Pete take a detailed look at the band's career, taking in the numerous side projects by various band members, past and present.

Soul Safari

You know about the music of Fela Kuti. Now sample irresistible Afrobeat, Afro-soul, and Afro-rock grooves from dozens of bands whose music has rarely been heard outside Africa until recently. Recent releases from labels like Strut, Syllart, Soundway and others showcase the sweet sonic collision of hypnotic, horn-driven rhythms and James Brown-influenced vocals.

Souled Out Dylan

Join the Juddermeister for an exploration of Black American artists as they make the songs of Bob Dylan their own. From Bobby Womack’s take on “All Along the Watchtower” to Nina Simone’s cover of “Just Like a Woman”… all Dylan covers by Black soul artists… come lay lady lay.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Psyche-Folk!

The work of pioneering English folk-rock producer Joe Boyd.  He produced seminal albums by the Incredible String Band, Nick Drake, Vashti Bunyan, Fairport Convention, John and Beverly Martin, Richard and Linda Thompson, Fotheringay and more.  Get on your white bicycle and take a journey with your genial host, Rob Nowicki -- you’ll be glad you did!

The Founding Fathers and Mothers

Even though there have been a huge number of stars in the world of popular music in the past century, only a small number qualify as the essential musicians who defined 20th-century music.  Professor Bebop will showcase ten who have had an indelible impact on roots and popular music.  You can augment this list with your suggestions AND your pledges! OK, just to start your thinking: One of Bebop’s ten is Chuck Berry.

Electric Folk Book I

We will discuss the emergence of electric guitar in Folk songs of the early 1960s and how it transformed a new sound in popular music for a new generation in America and across the globe ~ reflecting a new and exciting combination of fabulous music back ‘n’ forth from Don McLean to Dylan and the Beatles, from Roger McGuinn & the Kinks (with Skiffle) to the Mamas & Papas to Paul Simon and from Donovan to Melanie ~ How it has progressed and who was influenced beyond ~

'From the Vault' Documentaries

Folk and World music documentaries from Pacifica Radio’s ‘From the Vault’

The Long Version

It seems most radio stations just don’t have the time to play songs longer than 3 minutes these days, but there are plenty of great songs too long for condensed radio. Tune in to hear a few of them, all longer than 10 minutes and many with stories to tell, on The Long Version.

Flute Music from Around the World

What is it about the sound of the flute that provokes the soul no matter what country you are from? Visit the flute in many traditions with Sandy Goodson.

Cape Breton's Music

The community of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is a tight one, and music and dance glues it together. With more fiddlers per capita than any other country the small island moves to this unique blend of Scottish and French music. Longtime Atlantic Weekly fave Sandy Goodson will be hosting some very special guests to help introduce you to this specific, magical musical tradition. If you like your music lively, tune her in and prepare to ‘shake a leg’.

String 'Em Up

Tune in for the string sounds of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, ukelele, cello, bouzouki, dulcimer, and more.  You never know what musicians in the area might stop by to pick a few tunes...

The Songs of Johnny Cash

Johnny’s voice and love of the common man are what we remember about him. But he was also a terrific writer whose songs have been recorded by many artists. Tune in to a special edition of The Cosmic American Jamboree as we feature the song writing talents of The Man in Black.

Duets

If there is anything better than a voice raised in song, it's two voices intertwining melody and harmony.  Join your host as he searches for sublime duets in the folk, bluegrass, and new acoustic traditions. From Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard to the McGarrigle Sisters - tune in for both little-known and well-known duets that will knock your socks off.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

The American Pastime

The baseball season is heating up, and the boys of summer are brought to you in song during this special fundraising edition of Folk & Beyond with Aer Stephen. The Baseball Project has been busy with spearheading a resurgence of songs about stars from the diamond, and heroes of all eras will be brought back to life.

Local Women

Join the hostesses of the Eclectic Woman Show as they celebrate the musical talents of local women.

Dr. Judder’s Rizzum Roots and Blues Revue

A gris-gris tonic guaranteed to cure all ills from the music of New Orleans... a little Dr. John, a touch of Coco Robicheaux, a sprinkle of Johnny Jenkins, plus other intoxicating concoctions. Join the Krewe de Judder and save your soul.

'From the Vault' Documentaries

Folk and World music documentaries from Pacifica Radio’s ‘From the Vault’

How Much Further Dare We Go?

The Crank of Dawn presents an edgy show of zany irreverence and impudent raunchiness for your entertainment. Stronger fare for weaker minds wrapped in glib and informative announcing.

Emmett's Farewell

Emmett Boaz passed away on November 6, 2010, doing one of the things he loved best: Hosting Leftover Biscuits on WTJU. A few months before his death, Emmett put together his own version of his final show. As we celebrate Emmett this week, Peter will air a special encore edition of that program. If time allows, Peter will also sneak in other segments from some of Emmett's older shows as well.

Hawaiian Eye

Vintage and contemporary musical fruits of the reluctant fiftieth state: ohana-style Slack Key, ukulele and steel, slidin' on the frets, and incomparable harmonies. No Don Ho... but, maybe, some Hawaii Five-0. Your support keeps the Aloha of WTJU thriving and surviving.

The Jazz Messenger meets Bob Dylan

Join the Jazz Messenger for an unusual excursion into the music of Bob Dylan. "Dylan and jazz, you say?"  Actually, Dylan's music has been covered throughout the decades by many artists and many genres.  Although it's hard to find, say, a cover of Horace Silver playing "Rainy Day Women," there is a bounty of Dylan tunes covered by legitimate (and some illegitimate) jazz artists.

1950’s Country Jukebox

Roots music influences merged and swirled all over country radio during the 1950’s, one of the most creative and dynamic periods of popular music history. You could hear honky tonk, traditional country, western swing, country boogie and rockabilly all on the same jukebox at your favorite establishment. Tune in as we time travel back to that era. And bring plenty of spare change.

Dubbin’ in the Wind

Two hours of reggae tributes to mythic troubadour, Bob Dylan: new, rusty-dusty, dubwise and otherwise, as well as some Sly & Robbie-backed tracks from the Man himself. The Reggae Vibes crew holds out the tambourine for your contributions to the continuing force of community radio.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Sunset Road: Live Albums

There's an aphorism that 'Live music is best.' When performers put out a live album, they are choosing their own best of the best. A sampling of live albums from Sunset Road's Pete Marshall in his regular timeslot.

Party in Nogales

Tex-Mex Extravaganza - From both sides of the border and around the corner with Doug Sahm, the Texas Tornados, Los Lobos, the Iguanas, Big Sandy and many others. Join the Juddermeister and Lonesome George.

North of Zimmerman: Neil Young Covered

Aer Stephen takes you into the night with other artists' and admirers' special takes on the songs and art of Neil Young.

Shouting the Blues

Big-voiced belters of blues and classic rhythm’n’blues were known as shouters originally because they had no microphones to boost their voices over the blast of their bands. This style brought a new power to the music and fueled the development of blues, soul, and rock.  Big Joe Turner, Wynonie Harris, Big Maybelle Smith, and Koko Taylor are just a few of this powerhouse style.

'From the Vault' Documentaries

Folk and World music documentaries from Pacifica Radio’s ‘From the Vault’

Electric Folk Book II

A continuation of an informative discussion on Electric Folk influences and break-offs in popular music ~ including Barry McGuire, Arlo Guthrie, Peter Paul & Mary, Jonathan Edwards, Mary Hopkins & The Lovin’ Spoonful along with Buffalo Springfield & The Byrds ~ A rewarding 'TJU show filled with unique Electric Folk ~

Emmett’s Hangin’ Show

Back in 2003, Emmett Boaz did a marathon show titled, "They Oughta Take a Rope and Hang Me" (The thirteen step program to behavior modification, up thirteen steps and back down by a long drop at the end of a short rope: All about folks who got hung or should have been).  Emmett always considered it one of his favorite programs.  Peter will re-air that original show for you, and "hang" around to take your pledges.

Atlantic Weekly: Rum, Buggery and the Lash

A celebration of the music that was made and the songs that were sung during the trans-Atlantic crossings, the wars that raged on the high seas, the piracy that interrupted many a journey (not to mention the storms that did the same), the hard and dangerous life of the fishermen, and, yes, the sometimes nitty-gritty reality of sailing life. With a title inspired by Winston Churchill and a host of hosts from both halves of Atlantic Weekly: Steve, Kevin, Sumner, Mark R., Sandy, Cinder & Mark H.

LIVE! Alligator

Charlottesville's favorite Grateful Dead cover band.

Folk/Roots Artists 70th Birthday Bash

Bob Dylan isn't the only one turning 70 this year. How about Eric Burdon, David Crosby, Paul Kantner, Aaron Neville, Doug Sahm, Barrett Strong, Ritchie Valens, Tony Valentino (the Standells), Guy Clark, Eddie Rabbit, Tom Fogerty, Long John Baldry, Captain Beefheart, Mama Cass, Chubby Checker, Martha Reeves, David Ruffin, Percy Sledge, Irma Thomas, Joan Baez, Tim Hardin, Harry Nilsson, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Paul Simon, Dan Penn... the list goes on.

Jumpin’ on Your Bail

The regular hosts of Jumpin' on the Bed team up to play songs about breaking the law, jumping bail, and doing jail time. Since musicians are generally of questionable moral character, there will be no shortage of material to choose from.

Vagabond Percussion

We advance beat by beat, thought by thought, pattern by pattern, until the humanity of the drum covers the world.  Lend ears to this project for special programming on global drumming and percussion as part of the WTJU folk music marathon.

A World of Ecstasy: Music of the Sufis

Join us for the Marathon edition of World Turning as our journey takes you to the lands where Sufis create and perform ecstatic and celebratory music to uplift the soul, including, of course, the USA.

Chicken Folk

All songs chicken. Hear songs about the eating of chicken, farming chickens, the Chicken Man, and even the Super Chicken. Cluck cluck cluck, donate a few bucks to WTJU.

'From the Vault' Documentaries

Folk and World music documentaries from Pacifica Radio’s ‘From the Vault’

The Awful Truth

Sometimes in the wee small hours, the veil is drawn aside and we see ourselves for who we truly are. Although closing time has come and gone, we'll still be up celebrating mad poets, world-weary baritones, broken-hearted fools, and drunken saints. Townes Van Zandt, Nick Drake, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen will provide the soundtrack. So join us as we lift a glass to the Awful Truth.

Brazilian Guitar

Please join Bruce of Radio Tropicale for 3 hours of the gentle rhythms of Brazilian guitar.  From the classic sound of Baden Powell and Tom Jobim to the modern sound of Vinicius Cantuaria, start your Sunday with the sweet sounds of Brazilian guitar on WTJU, the Sound Choice in Central Virginia.

Gospel: The Women and the Men

Get in the spirit as Terry brings you the fabulous sounds of men's voices and Rebecca brings you the great women singers. All gospel for three hours to lift you up and inspire you to support the radio station that brings you the music you love all year round.

Dylan's Thieving (or is it Borrowing?) Ways

Few would dispute Bob Dylan's talent as a wordsmith (if not his vocals).  But not only did Dylan steal many lyrics from traditional music and earlier artists, he also "borrowed" several melodies.  From the Bently Boys' "Down on Penny's Farm" (a regionalized reworking of a still older traditional song, "Hard Times"), which Dylan titled "Hard Times in New York Town," to the traditional "Who Killed Cock Robin" (Dylan's "Who Killed Davey Moore"), he clearly had no trouble claiming others' works as his own.  So tune in as we compare and contrast some of the songs he "borrowed"...

Lovesick Dylan Covers

On his Time Out of Mind album, Bob Dylan sings, “I’m sick of love, but I’m in the thick of it.” And we’ll be in the thick of the WTJU 2011 Folk Marathon. So we’re playing Dylan love songs, mostly of the heartbreak variety, from “Rainy Day Woman” to “Simple Twist of Fate” and, of course, “Love Sick.” You’ll hear a few from the 70th birthday boy himself, but also interesting interpretations from some you may already know, such as Joan Baez and Judy Collins, and some you may not, such Barb Junger, June Tabor, Cassandra Wilson, Sophie Hawkins and Maria Muldaur. We promise we’ll break your heart if you promise to pledge to WTJU!

Dervish and Lunasa : Live

A reprise of the entire 'Hope for Ariang' benefit concert at the Jefferson Theater from this past March.

The Music of the Andes

The Andean music we know today is a fusion of Spanish influences brought by the conquistadores and the music of the native cultures of the Andes. Since the 1960’s, this music has undergone a renaissance and its popularity has spread to five other continents. We’ll listen to some of the artists responsible for bringing that music back to life in our own time.

Slide Guitar

Dobro, steel, electric, acoustic, beautiful, scorching: all slide guitar, all styles.