Classical 95.9-FM WCRI

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce moderates a conversation with our featured author, Jim Pierce. About the Author: Jim Pierce is a retired insurance executive. His political roots include family ties to three American Presidents.  “Treachery” is historical fiction about the first eighteen months of America's “War between the States”. The Northern troops were hapless and results amazingly lopsided in the early days of the conflagration. The story develops a theory as to why that may have been the case. "The Beginning" places the reader next to Prime Minister Winston Churchill as he steers England through its darkest hours in 1940 and 1941. This is a story you will not want to miss! Historical fiction serves two purposes; the reader can learn about a past time, place, and people, while simultaneously enjoying the story being told.  About The Beginning: "The Beginning" takes readers on a journey into Winston Churchill's world, set in the tumultuous years of 1940 and 1941. From the very first day he became prime minister, Churchill faced relentless challenges. Through historical fiction, the author skillfully transports readers back to these pivotal events, personalizing the experience and bringing history to life. For more information about Jim Pierce, visit www.amazon.com/Beginning-Jim-Pierce. For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com

This week, Jane shares a memorable childhood story that involved a hilariously chaotic encounter with one of nature's most misunderstood animals.

This week, Joe features Bassist and Composer, Charles Mingus, from his recording in 1977 and released in 1988 on Who's Who In Jazz/Jazz Workshop recording, titled “ Charles Mingus: His Final Work.”

Block Island's Mary D Fund is the subject of this week's program with Marguerite Donnelly, Executive Director. We discuss her life on the Island, the Fund's origins, its current status, and two upcoming events: The Mary D Ball on July 26th and the 61st Annual A Cappella Festival. We listened to some of the music that will be presented at the Festival. For more information, you can go to the Mary D Fund on Facebook.

This month, WCRI's Kids Hour hosts Jamie and Spencer listen to music that allows us to make a story using our imagination. 

In this week's 95.9 Company Break program, Mike talks to Dan Lathrop, President of Lathrop Insurance. Francis Lathrop Sr. started the Lathrop Insurance Agency in 1939 in Westerly, RI. His mission was simple: to safeguard his community against future disaster. Over time, the community recovered, reclaiming its identity as a premier tourist destination and thriving business hub. And the Lathrop Insurance Agency grew with it. Today, eighty-plus years and four generations later, Lathrop Insurance remains an independent family-owned agency known for its expert, customized service throughout southern New England. For more information, please call (401) 596-2525 or visit www.lathropinsurance.com

This week, Jane explores one of the benefits of waiting our turn.

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Pianist and Vocalist Eliane Elias, from her 2024 Candid Records recording, titled “ Time And Again.”  

The LaGrua Center in Stonington is the subject of this week's program with Dan Brandl, Executive Director, and special guest Sean Nelson, Band Leader of the New London Big Band. We talk about what has been happening at the Center, as well as the Big Band Concert on July 18th, and listen to Sean's music. For more information, you can go to www.lagruacenter.org or newlondonbigband.com

In this episode of This Old Tree, Doug introduces us to Kabirvad, a 500-year-old, 4-acre banyan tree in the heart of Gujarat, India. The spectacular tree is a national treasure associated with Saint Kabir, a 15th-century mystic poet known for his timeless poetry. He challenged institutions, religions, and social conventions. Who was he, and how is his legend tied to a banyan tree? Journey to India to learn about Kabirvad. In understanding the tree, you may find the essence of Kabir himself.

This week, Jane discusses the benefits of letting go of all the answers.

This week, Joe features Saxophonist Lucky Thompson, from his 1954 recording, released on Fresh Sound Records in 1991, titled “Accent On Tenor.”

Theatre By The Sea's second production of the 2025 season, Waitress, is the subject of this week's program. We talked to two of the show's cast, Dakota Mackey-McGee and Christopher deProphetis, about the musical and listened to some of the very popular songs from the show. For more information, call (401) 782-8587 or go to www.theatrebythesea.com  

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features pianist McCoy Tyner from his 1987 Who's Who in Jazz recording, “ Live At The Musicians Exchange Cafe.”

This week, Jane talks about how sometimes nature has the power to sweep us off our feet.

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce moderates a conversation with our featured author, New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. About the Author: Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Oprah magazine.  She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, and she's based in New York City. About The Stolen Queen: Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same. New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who's in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.” Though Annie soon realizes she'll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana's capricious demands and exacting standards. Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met's celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She's consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant. That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection's most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare's legendary curse might be reawakening. As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she'd never return: Egypt. But if they're to have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger. For more information about Fiona Davis, visit fionadavisbooks.com. For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com  

This week, Jane examines how in nature there is always a pull toward balance.

This week Joe is featuring Pianist, Paul Schemling from his 1995 North Star Records recording, titled “One For The Road.” 

This week Newport Classical is the subject of the program with Trevor Neal, Artistic Director. We talk about their upcoming Annual Music Festival that will run at many locations in the Newport area and listen to music that relates to those performances. For more information you can go to https://www.newportclassical.org/

On this month's episode of WCRI's Kids Hour, hosts Jamie and Skylar listen to music from shows nominated for Tony Awards this year! You'll hear music from Dead Outlaw, Hamilton, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Endings, and more!

In this week's 95.9 Company Break program, Mike talks with Susan Adams of Herbwise Naturals in Westerly, RI. Herbwise Naturals has many homeopathic remedies, vitamins, etc. They have one of New England's most extensive inventories of bulk herbs and spices, and they can also order them as needed. Please get in touch with them by email at herbwisenaturals@gmail.com, call 401-596-7815, or visit herbwisenaturals.com

This week, Jane explores sentimental attachment in nature by asking the question, "What would you grab if you only had a couple of hours?"

This week, Joe features Pianist, Composer, and Arranger Bill Mays from his 2025 No Blooze Music recording, “SoundScape.”

The Kingston Chamber Music Festival is the subject of this week's program with Natalie Zhu, Artistic Director, and Anna Gray, Communication Coordinator. We talk about the upcoming Festival and listen to some of the fantastic music presented from July 23rd to August 3rd. For more information, you can go to www.kingstonchambermusic.org

This week, Jane recalls a day when a sudden encounter with nature changed her priorities. 

This week, Joe features Saxophonist Frank Wess from his 1994 Concord Records recording “Tryin' To Make My Blues Turn Green.”  

The South County Tourism Council is the subject of this week's program with Louise Bishop, President. We talk about the upcoming season and listen to some of the music that is being used to help promote this vibrant area in a new video campaign. The video can be seen on their website. For more information, you can go to www.southcountyri.com

This week, on A Walk In The Park, Jane discusses city dwellers, nature, and air pollution with a city solution.

Theatre By The Sea's opening production of the 2025 season, Always Patsy Cline, is the subject of this week's program, with Kat Moser-Priddy, director, and Jacob Priddy, music director. We talked about the musical and listened to some of the very popular songs from the show. For more information, call (401) 782-8587 or go to www.theatrebythesea.com 

This week, Joe features Clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, Pianist Dave McKenna, and Guitarist Joe Cohn from their 1999 Concord Records recording, “Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Us.”

This week, Jane explains how we experience nature with all of our senses by sharing a favorite recipe made with fresh ingredients from her garden.

This week Joe is featuring Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, from her 1957 recording released in 1991 on Polygram Records, titled “Like Someone In Love.”  

The Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra is the subject of this week's program with John Eells, Interim Conductor and President Greg Henninger. We talk about their upcoming concert and listen to some of the music that will be presented on June 8th at 3 PM at the E. Providence H. S. Auditorium. For more information you can call (401) 274-4578 or go to www.nabsco.org

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce moderates a conversation with our featured author, New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger. About the Author: Lisa Unger is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author. Her books are published in 32 languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations, an honor held by only a few writers including Agatha Christie. Her work has been named on “Best Book” lists from TODAY, People, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, Amazon, IndieBound and many others. She has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel + Leisure. She lives in Florida with her family. About Close Your Eyes and Count to 10: When the real game begins, who will make it to the count of 10? Charismatic daredevil and extreme adventurer Maverick Dillan invites you to the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. But as the players gather on Falcao Island, the event quickly spirals into a chilling test of survival. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be. Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves. For more information about Lisa Unger, visit lisaunger.com. For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com

This week, Jane explores how the scars from our past can make us strong.

This week, Joe features Clarinetist Eddie Daniels and Vibraphonist Gary Burton, from their 1992 GRP Records recording, titled “Benny Rides Again.”

Music On The Hill is the subject of this week's program with Emily Atkinson, the festival's Executive Director. We talked about their upcoming concerts and listened to music from the programs presented from May 28th to June 10th. For more information, you can call 401-738-5632 or go to www.musiconthehillri.org

This month, WCRI's Kids Hour hosts Jamie and Spencer listen to music by the Rasa String Quartet. They will be part of Newport Classical's Community Concerts on Sunday, May 18th. Enjoy a joyful outdoor concert with Rasa String Quartet and multidisciplinary percussionist Brian Shankar Adler as they present Redefining Home, celebrating each artist's musical roots. For information, visit newportclassical.org

On this week's 95.9 Company Break, we speak with the Director of Marketing and Sales for StoneRidge Active Retirement Living in Mystic, CT, Jamie Cornell. She updates us on some new and exciting things happening at StoneRidge in the near future! Located just two miles from the riverfront, StoneRidge is a senior living community of doers and thinkers, artists and educators, lifelong learners, and dedicated volunteers. We support each other, learn from one another, and enjoy each other's company. New retirement community residents tell us they're surprised at how quickly everyone knows their name. Visit us, and it won't be long before you feel connected to the people here. People who, like you, want to continue an active lifestyle in a corner of Connecticut close to their hearts. For more information, call 860-333-8995 or visit www.stoneridgelcs.com

This week, Jane explores how humans assisting is actually co-existing.

This week, Joe features Guitarist and Composer Steve DeConti from his 1993 self-published recording, titled “Gigantic Art Sale.”  

WaterFire is the subject of this week's program with Barnaby Evans, Artist and Founder. We talk about the upcoming season and listen to some of the important music presented in the past. This year's season starts on May 15th and runs through December 31st. For more information, you can go to www.waterfire.org

This week on A Walk in the Park, Jane talks about when nature interrupts our day.

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, from his 1954 Fresh Sound Records recording, titled “Coleman Hawkins and his All-Stars.”  

Theatre By The Sea's announcement of the 2025 season is the subject of this week's program with Bill Hanney, owner of the theatre, and Karen Kessler, General Manager. We talk about next summer's musicals and listen to some of the very popular songs from: Always...Patsy Cline, Waitress, Hairspray, and Heartbreak Hotel. For more information, you can call (401) 782-8587 or go to www.theatrebythesea.com  

This week, Jane turns to nature to show us that attitude is everything when it comes to overcoming obstacles.

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe is  featuring Pianist Lennie Tristano from his 1956/1962 Atlantic Records recordings, titled “Lennie Tristano/The New Lennie Tristano.”

The Mystic River Chorale is the subject of this week's program with Frank Zilinyi, Artistic Director, and Sandra Streeter, Board Member. We talk about what the Chorale has done in the last season and their concert coming up on Sunday, May 18th at 4 PM at Mystic Congregational Church in Mystic. For more information, you can go to www.mysticriverchorale.org

This week, Jane explores the realities of nature and the renewal of spring.

This week on Jazz After Dinner Joe features Saxophonist, Joakim Milder along with Roger Kellaway, piano and Red Mitchell, bass and vocal, from their 1991 Dragon Records recording, titled “Live In Stockholm.”

This week Westminster Youth String Ensemble is the subject of the program with Kathleen Curran Monroe, Director. We talk about the upcoming season and the Spring Concert on Sunday April 27th at 3 PM at the Westerly Armory in Westerly and listen to some selections of past concerts. For more information you can call 401.596.5225 or go to www.westminsterstrings.org