Celebrations Continue!

This Sunday morning at 10 a.m., Ed Henry will be sitting down at the microphone of WMRD-AM 1150 - that's not an unusual event for the 83-year old Middletown native.  In fact, the first Sunday of 2011 marks the beginning of his 61st year on the local airwaves. He started his tenure on "The Polish Melodies Show" when the station was known as WCNX and the studios were located on Main Street down near Washington Street (on the northern side.)

Think of it - he's been broadcasting through the terms of 11 US Presidents (and now, the 12th) and seen the city go from riches to rags and back to a new richness.  Through it all, his sense of humor has never wavered nor has his love of his Polish heritage.  When he first started, there were machines that played 78 rpm records and huge reel-to-reel tape decks (you had to splice the tape to edit your programs and advertisements.) Now, like most stations, WMRD is computerized and, to his credit, Mr Henry has learned how to navigate through the electronic airwaves.

Stolat!! to Ed Henry from all his faithful listeners throughout the state (since his show has been simulcast on WLIS-AM in Old Saybrook, he's picked up a legion of new ones from the Shoreline area.)  As a colleague for the past 14 years, I can honestly say he's one of the friendliest, kindest, and (on many occasions) the goofiest pal a person can have. That's "The Polish Melodies Show" with your host Ed Henry from 10 - 11 a.m on WMRD-AM1150 - He's got personality!

Discussing Haiti

My conversation with Alex Dupuy, Professor of Sociology at Wesleyan, can be heard today ay 12:30 p.m. on WMRD-AM1150 & WLIS-1420AM.  Professor Dupuy, the author of 3 books on Haiti (the latest being "The Prophet and Power: Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the International Community, and Haiti" published in 2006) is a native of the island nation and still has relatives living there (all survived the earthquake with minimal or no damage because they all live outside of Port-au-Prince.)

His knowledge of the country and its political problems makes for compelling listening.

Interview (late reminder)

This morning (Sunday October 11), my interview with vocalist Gretchen Parlato (pictured) will be aired at 11 a.m. on WMRD-AM 1150 & WLIS-AM 1420.

She is appearing this Friday (October 16) at Firehouse 12 in New Haven (www.firehouse12.com) and is a delightful young person with a fascinating story. At a time when there are so many female jazz vocalists, Ms. Parlato stands out with her wonderful rhythmic excursions, soft voice and smart arrangements.

Here's the title track from her latest release, her 2nd for the ObliqSound label.

In A Dream (mp3)

Radio Interview

This Sunday morning (8/23) on N'Shoma, heard from 11 a.m. - 12 noon on WMRD-AM 1150 & WLIS-AM 1420, my guest is Sadia Shepard (Wesleyan 1997), author of "The Girl From Foreign." As you will hear, she's also the creator of the documentary film "In Search of the Bene Israel" (a direct result of the research conducted during the writing of the book) as well as the producer of the upcoming documentary about Vogue magazine, "The September Issue."

The interview, which we recorded several weeks ago, can be heard in its entirety from approximately 11:10 - 11:40.

Music & Stories on the Radio (Promotional Message)

My guest this Sunday on "N'Shoma" is singer-songwriter-guitarist Lara Herscovitch. Her new CD, "Through a Frozen Midnight Sky", has just been released on her La Rama Records label. Produced by John Jennings (Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tracey Grammer, John Gorka, Janis Ian, Ricky Skaggs), the disc features 12 new original songs plus a lovely take on "Here Comes the Sun."

Currently the Connecticut State Troubadour, Lara performs throughout the country, her songs laced with commentary on social issues, community, and civil rights as well as meditations on personal relationships.

The show airs July 5 from 11 a.m. - 12 noon on WMRD-AM 1150 (Middletown) and WLIS-AM 1420 (Old Saybrook - sorry, no streaming audio.) To learn more about Lara Herscovitch, go to www.laraherscovitch.com.

Old School (in a Good Way)

Ed Henry has been a mainstay on Middletown radio for...are you ready...59 years. Despite working at Standard-Knapp in Portland, Henry loved to be on the radio. He started working at WCNX-AM 1150 when the station was on Main Street(near the corner of Washington Street, on the second floor.) He hosted the "Top 30 Show" on Saturday from 9 a.m - 12noon as well as "The Polish Melodies Show."

The latter show celebrates its 59th anniversary this Sunday morning (January 4) at 10 a.m. Despite several changes of ownership and new call letters (WMRD), the program has been a constant in the County. One can be assured of hearing the best polkas, obereks and waltzes, birthday greetings (sung in both Polish and English) and announcements about dances and concerts. Henry mixes new recordings with old favorites, celebrates the major holidays in song, and always with a big smile (you can really hear it in his voice.) He has listeners from throughout the state who shower him with cards, letters, faxes and emails, asking for requests or birthday mentions or just to say "Thank You" for being there.

Even if Jimmy Sturr or Lenny Gomulka or Brave Combo doesn't excite you, one has to admire Henry's longevity and his undying love for his part-time job. The man is 81 (82 in March) and he rarely, if ever, misses a show. You can hear him "live and in living color" from 10 - 11 a.m. Sundays on both WMRD and WLIS-1420AM Old Saybrook. "Stolat!"

Speaking of old school, The Buttonwood Tree presents Moses Randolph & Love Explosion Saturday January 3 at 8 p.m. I believe that one or more of the Moses Brothers (who were a big part of the Middletown music scene in the 1960s and again in the 1990s) is involved with the group and that's good news for lovers of "real" soul music and "R'n'B." For more information, call 347-4957.