WNIJ, WNIU to offer holiday programs

Northern Public Radio’s WNIJ (89.5) is offering special holiday programming this month.

At 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, enjoy the Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show. Clarence Fountain and his legendary gospel group have won four Grammy Awards in the last four years. In this program, we join them on stage as they present their own take on the Christmas classics “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World,” along with some gospel favorites, including “I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord.” Renee Montagne hosts.

At 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, tune in for J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday. Rockford’s own J.R. Sullivan returns home for his 13th annual holiday celebration, recorded live at Memorial Hall. Joining Jim this year are Megon McDonough, Randy Sabien, Shawn Wallace, Linda Abronski and Stephen Vrtol III. The program repeats at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24.

At 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, don’t miss “A Paul Winter Solstice Concert.” From the cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, Paul Winter, one of the original world musicians, is back again with a unique exploration of the solstice tradition in cultures near and far. The Paul Winter Consort is joined by musicians from all over the world, including singer Renato Braz from Brazil, Russia’s Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble and woodwind player Paul McCandless from Oregon.

Jonathan Winters’ “A Christmas Carol” airs at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24. It’s a WNIJ tradition, updated this year with NPR host Lisa Simeone. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations.

“Christmas from the World Café” is scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25. A very special “roots Christmas” stage show featuring new takes on holiday classics, as well as new contributions to the holiday tradition. David Dye hosts this one-hour program of roots, blues, Americana and other contemporary music providing some old-fashioned Christmas cheer, recorded onstage at the World Café Live in Philadelphia. Guests include Raul Midon, Jonatha Brooke and Old Crow Medicine Show.

At 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, enjoy “A Jethro Tull Christmas with Ian Anderson.” Multi-instrumental musician, prolific writer, distinctive singer and conspicuous flutist Ian Anderson of the British band Jethro Tull shares colorful Christmas memories, and presents tracks from the “cynical and grumpy” Jethro Tull Christmas Album. Anderson talks about his relationship with the flute and re-learning to play the instrument properly after three decades of recording and touring.

At noon Saturday, Dec. 30, The Capitol Steps present “Politics Takes a Holiday”. Washington’s irreverent political theatre troupe takes a look back at the year that was.

Finish the year at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, with Garrison Keillor’s New Year’s Eve Special. Keillor celebrates New Year’s Eve at the Ryman Auditorium, joined by the regular “Prairie Home Companion” performers and many other musical guests. Keillor and company will ring in 2007 at midnight.

Visit www.wnij.org for news and arts information, plus program schedules and play lists heard on 89.5 FM. WNIJ is the NPR News/Talk station of Northern Public Radio, the broadcast service of NIU.

Meanwhile, (WNIU (90.5 FM) serves up a generous helping of holiday spirit within its 24-hour-a-day classical music programming this month.

Between Dec. 18 and 22, announcer David Rutherford rings in Sounds of the Season with special features in the 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours. Each morning, David highlights a Christmas tradition, from drummers drumming and pipers piping to handbells a-ringin’ and carolers singing. Hear about the origins of “Messiah” sing-alongs and the story behind the popular, perennial “Nutcracker.”

Also during that week, The Daily Special host Kimberlea Daggy keeps the Sounds of the Season going through the noon hour. Monday and Tuesday features “Cantatas for the Season” by Buxtehude and Britten. Kimberlea also delivers musical gifts such as Mozart’s “Linz Symphony,” written in gratitude for Count Thun’s warm welcome to Mozart and his new bride, Constanze.

On Wednesday, hear carols from around the world - familiar favorites along with some not-so-familiar melodies from France, Germany, Russia, England and America. Thursday showcases the Christmas section of Handel’s “Messiah,” and on Friday, the Suite from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” sets the stage for a festive holiday weekend.

Steve Blatt continues the Sounds of the Season each weekday afternoon from Dec. 18 to 22, presenting holiday recordings by Anonymous 4, Chanticleer, the Taverner Consort Choir and Players, Kings College Choir and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Visit www.wniu.org for a complete schedule of programs and playlists heard on your radio dial at 90.5 FM in DeKalb and at 105.7 FM in the Rockford area. The Web site also features an Arts calendar, news updates and more. WNIU is the classical music station of Northern Public Radio, the broadcast service of Northern Illinois University.

12-11-06