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, 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

This month, WCRI's Kids Hour hosts Jamie and Skylar, listen to music by Bulgarian American violinist Bella Hristova! She will be part of Newport Classical's ongoing Chamber Series on Friday, April 25th, at the Newport Classical Recital Hall. She will be in collaboration with returning pianist, Anna Polonsky. For tickets and information, visit newportclassical.org

This month on The 95.9 Company Break, Mike catches up again with the owner of Mystic River Paintworks, Alix Stanley. From your initial contact with Mystic River Paintworks to completing your project, you are entitled to timely and accurate information concerning all aspects of the job. Your projects are staffed by friendly, uniformed, skilled craftsmen who will complete the job safely and efficiently. You must be fully satisfied by the work completed and the value received. For more information, please call 860-867-6435 or visit mysticriverpaintworks.com

This week, Jane examines how much we've allowed technology to take over our lives.

On this week's Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Saxophonist Cercie Miller from her 1998 Jazz Project Records recording, “Blue Vistas.”

Musica Dolce is the subject of this week's program with Paul Rosenbloom, Artistic Director. We talk about their upcoming concerts and listen to some of the music from the program being presented on Sunday, April 13th at 2 PM at St. Peter's By The Sea in Narragansett. For more information, you can go to www.musicadolce.org

In this episode of This Old Tree, Doug presents the fourth edition of "Tree Story Shorts" on This Old Tree, where guests get to tell their own tree stories! Salacious pepper trees, historic oaks, a tree named after a Marvel character, a beech tree's farewell at a college reunion, big tree hunters, an old-growth tulip poplar in Queens, a neighborhood ash tree in Amsterdam, and the largest tree at Kew Gardens - this episode has it all. Listen to what people have to say about the trees that inspire them.

This week, Jane finds an unusual peace in nothingness.

This week, Joe is featuring Saxophonist, Composer, and Arranger Dan Moretti from his 2025 Roots Grooves Records recording, “Dan Moretti and Brazilia/Celebrating The Music of Wayne Shorter/Live At The Pump House.” 

The Mystic Chamber Music Series is the subject of this week's program with Thomas Readett, Artistic and Executive Director, along with special guest Gary Upton, owner of Upton Bass. We will discuss the upcoming concert on Saturday, April 12th, at 5:30 PM at The Noank Baptist Church. For more information, you can go to www.mysticchambermusicseries.com

This week Jane explores how nature regulates our emotions and heals us from within.

This week Joe is featuring Pianist David Hazeltine, from his 2006 Chesky Records recording, titled “Manhattan.” 

The Community Player's production of “Merrily We Roll Along” is the subject of this week's program with Christopher Margadonna, President and John K. McElroy, Director. We talk about the musical and listen to some of the very interesting songs from the show being presented April 4th through the 13th. For more information you can call (401) 726-6860 or go to www.thecommunityplayers.org

This week Jane observes wildlife sparring over their next meal and ponders how the human species justifies stealing.

This week Joe is  featuring The Heath Brothers, Jimmy, Percy and Albert (Tootie,) from their 1997 Concord Records recording, titled “As We Were Saying.” 

This week, for a special show about St. Patrick's Day, we feature Eddie Dillon, Composer, Arranger, Singer and Guitarist He is one of the original guests on the show when it started in 2007. Eddie is the only person to have appeared with Mike every year of the show's existence. We'll listen to some examples of his music, some of his personal favorites and discuss his upcoming concerts. For more information you can go to www.eddiedillon.com