Shows
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookCarol Crittenden on Traditions 2-9-25New Jersey singer-songwriter Carol Crittenden (www.carolcrittenden.com) joins host Ron Olesko to share songs from her long-awaited second full album,"Glimmer". After her debut album, En Route, was released in 2011, Carol announced that she was pregnant with her first (and only) child. She has since been balancing career goals and family life.
Carol recorded and toured as lead singer of Four Celtic Voices with a No. 1 CD on the BillboardWorld Music Chart. She honed her songwriting at Dar Williams songwriting retreats.
This last decade has brought about changes, growth, deep sorrow, and pure joy. Glimmer is a tribute to...
2025-02-1048 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTHE TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS on Traditions 1-26-25The Twangtown Paramours (www.twangtownparamours.com) visit with Ron Olesko to discuss and share tracks from their new album "The Wind Will Change Again".
The Twangtown Paramours are an award-winning husband and wife Soulful Folk duo from Nashville. They are three time Kerrville finalists and and winners of Texas’s Wildflower Contest. Recently, other artists have started to record their songs. Lead singer, MaryBeth Zamer used to sing background vocals for Eva Cassidy. Writer, producer, and guitar player, Mike Lewis is the author of a #1 platinum selling hit in Korea and sometimes plays upright bass for Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
2025-01-1546 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJIM BOWERS on Traditions 11-10-24Jim Bowers discusses his book "The Man in the Gold Lame Suit", a biography of Phi Ochs. Host: Ron Olesko
2024-11-0952 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookNEALE ECKSTEIN on Traditions 10-27-24Host Ron Olesko sits down with Neale Eckstein to discuss and sample tracks from Neale's new album "Never Too Late".
Neale Eckstein has been chasing music his entire life. He started playing guitar with two friends in his basement when the Peter, Paul and Mary album came out. By the time he was in college, he was playing in rock cover bands, but still revered the singer/songwriter genre. He wore out vinyl by Tom Rush, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and James Taylor. (In the “pinch me, how did this happen?”, he became good friends with both Noel Paul Stookey and Tom...
2024-10-2648 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookHEATHER PIERSON on Traditions 10-20-24Host Ron Olesko visits with Heather Pierson (www.heatherpierson.com) to discuss and share songs from her new album "Back to the Light".Heather Pierson is a singer/songwriter, pianist, songleader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her live performances feature her ease at the piano and her bell-tone voice that Americana Highways says ‘sounds like timeless wind moving slowly through the trees.’ Heather’s latest album, Back To The Light, was recorded ’live on the floor’ in Portland, ME with her trio—bassist Shawn Nadeau and drummer Craig Bryan—and pulsates throughout with the grooves of...
2024-10-1339 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJENNIFER ROE on Traditions 9-22-24Jennifer Roe, Executive Director of Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) sits down with Ron Olesko to discuss the role of FAI in growing and perpetuating the folk community. Plans for the 2025 International conference as well as future conference locations are discussed, along with the challenges facing the folk music world in 2024.
2024-09-2432 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRIK PALIERI on TRADITIONS 9-8-24Folksinger Rik Paleri (www.rikpalieri.com) joins host Ron Olesko for a discussion about Rik's latest album "Hands of Time", featuring 10 original songs and one traditional song, a project that developed from Rik's exploration of the roots of country music.
2024-09-1044 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTENI RANE On Traditions 9-1-24Host Ron Olesko welcomes singer-songwriter Teni Rane(www.tenirane.com) to TRADITIONS to talk about her new album.
Inspired by the stories of everyday life, Teni Rane is a folk-country singer-songwriter with a vintage vocal edge and a knack for capturing ordinary scenes in a way that is at once specific and widely relatable. Comfortable in everything from overalls to full-body sequins, Rane isn’t afraid to explore musical territory and synthesizes vocal and sonic influences into her own brand of country-infused, Americana-folk-pop with a jazzy vocal lean that feels simultaneously familiar and brand new.
2024 sees her offer her first fu...
2024-09-0356 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookGINA COLEMAN of Misty Blues On Traditions 8-25-24Founder and lead singer of the band Misty Blues, Gina Coleman (www.mistybluesband.com), visits with host Ron Olesko to discuss the groups new album "I'm Too Old For Games: A Live Tribute to Odetta".
The album is the second installment in the live Odetta tribute recordings the band has captured. In a perfect bit of timing it doubles as a celebration of Odetta's recent induction both the Blues Hall of Fame and The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame!
2024-08-2651 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookHOWARD FIELDS on Traditions 5-12-24Howard Fields, drummer for the Harry Chapin Band, visits with Ron Olesko to discuss his years working with Chapin and the reunited band and their new concerts with the Chapin Family - Tom and Steve Chapin, the Chapin Sisters and Jen Chapin.
2024-06-0456 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSTELLA PRINCE on Traditions 5-12-24Stella Prince visits with Ron Olesko to discuss and share songs from her latest EP "Dear Future Me".
“No one sings like Stella Prince,” says Grammy-winning producer and steel guitarist Steve Fishell (Dolly Parton, John Prine, Mavis Staples). “I was transported the first time I heard her and I bet you will be too.”
Self-produced, Stella recorded a handful of songs for her Dear Future Me EP live at the legendary Sound Stage Studios where she worked with Fishell. Described by Nashville Scene as the artist “carrying the banner for a new generation of folk musicians”, Stella’s goal is to bring folk...
2024-05-1430 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookPHIL ODGERS on Traditions 4-14-24Phil Odgers, a London-based singer and acoustic guitarist with the band The Men They Couldn't Hang visits with Ron Olesko to discuss and share songs from his new album "Far Rockaway: The Songs of Phil Ochs", recorded with John Kettle(Merry Hell).The album presents 11 songs which particularly resonated with Phil Odgers on one level or another. It’s a mixture of politically themed and some of Och’s more personal or introspective songs - ones that Phil Ochs,perhaps, less widely known for.
Originally aired on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on April 14, 2024
2024-04-1640 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMAGPIE on Traditions 4-7-2024Magpie, Terry Leonine and Greg Artzner, visit with Ron Olesko to discuss and share songs from their new album "Endless River". The album release celebrated their 50th anniversary as a performing duo.
Since 1973, Terry and Greg have brought their unique sound and remarkable versatility to audiences everywhere, featuring traditional and vintage Americana to contemporary and stirring original compositions.
Originally aired on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on April 7, 2024
2024-04-081h 31
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJILLIAN MATUNDAN on Traditions 3/10/24Jillian Matundan visits with Ron Olesko to discuss and share songs from her debut full-length album "Singing to the Moon".
Jillian is an award-winning, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter. Her music and style are a blend of her favorite acoustic, rock, indie, and folk influences and inspirations. She continues to win audiences with her deft and percussive guitar style, soothing vocals, and a warm, funny, unassuming stage presence.
Originally aired on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on March 10, 2024.
2024-04-0552 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookCHRISTINE LAVIN on Traditions 12-10-23Singer-songwriter Christine Lavin visits with host Ron Olesko to discuss "The Seasons Project", a compilation of 80 songs and 63 artists celebrating the seasons of the year and more.
2023-12-1343 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSHARON KATZ on Traditions 10-15-23Host Ron Olesko visits with South African born singer-songwriter Sharon Katz who will share songs from the new album "For You" by Sharon Katz and the Peace Train. Take everything you love about South African rhythms and choirs; mix in some Cuban magic; add a dose of Philly jazz; tackle issues of love, loss, and adversity; and you get the latest album from global activists Sharon Katz & The Peace Train
2023-12-0659 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookDAVEY O. on Traditions 10-1-23Buffalo born and bred singer-songwriter Davey O. (www.daveyo.com) visits with host Ron Olesko to share songs from his new EP "Some Days".
Davey O. has been described by Buffalo News critic Jeff Miers as having "a journalist’s eye for detail and poet’s ear for the well-turned observation". Embarking on a twenty year journey that has resulted in a collection of justly-earned, highly introspective songs, Davey crafts pure Americana that is not of the social and political consciousness, but drawn from the deep well of experience and human emotion - no hackneyed story lines, no insincere polish, just...
2023-12-061h 05
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTOM PAXTON And JOHN McCUTCHEON on Traditions 12-23-23Host Ron Olesko sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriters TOM PAXTON and JOHN McCUTCHEON to discuss and share songs from their album "Together". Tom and John also share stories about songwriting and give their views on the contemporary folk scene.
2023-12-061h 07
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMiles And Mafale on Traditions 10-8-23Catherine Miles and Jay Mafale visit with host Ron Olesko to discuss their latest album "Be Brave" and share their thoughts on creating music since the pandemic.
2023-10-1047 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSTELLA PRINCE on Traditions - September 17, 2023Singer-songwriter Stella Prince (www.stellaprincemusic.com)returns to Traditions to update us on her latest songs and projects. Since her last visit with host Ron Olesko two years ago, Stella has moved to Nashville and created a new all-female singer-songwriter showcase series at a local venue, which she is now taking on the road to New York City and London. Stella also shares some of her latest songs.
2023-09-1930 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTHE KENNEDYS on Traditions - September 10, 2023Pete and Maura Kennedy (www.kennedysmusic.com)visit with host Ron Olesko to share songs from their new album "Headwinds", their first studio album of original songs in five years. The Kennedys discuss creating music during the pandemic and now being able to tour again.
2023-09-1344 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSOFIA TALVIK On TRADITIONS August 27, 2023Swedish born singer-songwriter Sofia Talvik (www.sofiatalvik.com) visits with host Ron Olesko to discuss her new album "Center of the Universe" and to share stories about life as a touring artist on two continents.
2023-09-1342 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookALLAN PEPPER, co-founder of The Bottom Line in NYC on TRADITIONS 8-13-23Host **Ron Olesko** welcomes **Allan Pepper**, co-founder of the legendary Greenwich Village club _The Bottom Line_. Allan shares music from a new CD featuring a concert given by **Jorma Kaukonen** at _The Bottom Line._
2023-08-141h 09
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookNick Russo and Betina Hershey of the Scooches on Traditions 7-9-23Ron Olesko shares a conversation with vocalist Betina Hershey and multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo of the band THE SCOOCHES, discussing and sharing songs from their just-released 'LIFT YOU UP,’ the celebrated group’s third full-length album.
The Queens-based band, formerly known as Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, raise their voices, their instruments, their consciousness, with an eclectic melting pot of original music inspired by world folk traditions, global Americana, New Orleans verve and the unfettered exuberance of the 1920s.
2023-07-1053 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRobinson And Rohe on Traditions July 2, 2023Ron Olesko visits with the duo Robinson and Rohe (Liam Robinson and Jean Rohe) to discuss their new album "Into the Night".
2023-07-0350 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookANNIE BARTHOLOMEW On Traditions May 28, 2023Ron Olesko welcomes Annie Bartholomew to the show from her home in Juneau, Alaska. Annie has released her debut album "Sisters of White Chapel"
2023-05-3042 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTHE ROUGH AND TUMBLE On Traditions May 8, 2023Ron Olesko visits with The Rough and Tumble, the duo featuring Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, about their latest album "Only This Far". (www.theroughandtumble.com)
2023-05-3052 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookDAVE FRY on Traditions April 16, 2023Host Ron Olesko visits with folksinger/educator and co-founder of Godfrey Daniels, Dave Fry (www.davefrymusic.com). Dave discusses his new book _Welcome to Godfrey Daniels_ and the history of the iconic venue in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
2023-04-1740 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRIK PALIERI on Traditions April 9, 2023Rik Palieri (www.rikpalieri.com) sits down with host Ron Olesko to share songs from his forthcoming album "Hands of Time" and to talk about his 50th anniversary as a performing artist.
2023-04-1055 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookREGGIE GARRRETT on Traditions March 19, 2023Reggie Garrett visits with Ron Olesko to discuss his new album "York's Lament and Other Stories" an album that has been in the making Reggie’s entire life. Reggie takes us on an odyssey exploring various aspects of Black life in America. In keeping with his expansive approach to music, much of the subject matter and musical styles step outside genres usually associated with contemporary Black music.
Reggie has been performing throughout the U.S. and Canada for a number of years. Based in Seattle, Washington he performs mostly original songs mixed with pop covers and more traditional style folk ba...
2023-03-1953 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookLES BARKER On Traditions 2004English poet, performer, creator of folk song parodies and other "thingees", passed away at the age of 75 on January 14. 2023. Les, born in Manchester, England, had relocated to Bwlchgwyn, near Wrexham in northern Wales in the mid 200s. Les, who also authored more than 70 books and released 20 albums, visited with Ron Olesko on the WFDU show "Traditions" back in 2004 on one of his last visits to the United States. In this recording, you will hear Les recite some of his most well known pieces and also talk about how he he was led into this field of endeavor.
2023-01-231h 06
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTerre Roche on Traditions - October 30, 2022Terre Roche, a founding member of the acclaimed trio The Roches, discusses her new book and digital album "Kin Ya See That Sun". Features recordings, the first time being played on radio, of live performances of Terre and her late sister Maggie doing arrangements of songs they did when they were teenagers traveling around the country to play on the college coffee house circuit. Host Ron Olesko and Terre Roche discuss the book, which is filled with lyrics, photographs, drawings and recollections from various people who remember them from way back when.
2022-12-021h 04
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJOHN DILLON On Traditions September 11 2022Ron Olesko talks with singer-songwriter, luthier and radio host John Dillon(www.hoperoadmusic.com) about his new album "Hope Road: From Addiction to Recovery." Through story and song, John tells the story of his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and his road to recovery.
2022-09-1249 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookHUBBY JENKINS on Traditions September 4th, 2022Hubby Jenkins (www.HubbyJenkins.com) visits with host Ron Olesko in advance of an upcoming appearance at the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club (www.hurdygurdyfolk.org). Hubby discusses his love for old-time music, his work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and more
2022-09-0541 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJOE JENCKS on Traditions August 28, 2022Joe Jencks (www.joejencks.com)visits with host Ron Olesko on Traditions, heard on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com. Joe discusses his new album "The Coming of the Years", a musical journey inspired by Joe's exploration of family history and heritage from Ireland.
2022-08-291h 03
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookPETER MULVEY on TRADITIONS - August 21, 2022Peter Mulvey joins host Ron Olesko to discuss the new CD "Love is the Only Thing", the new album from Peter Mulvey and Sista Strings. Aired on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on August 21, 2022.
2022-08-2245 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookFRED ARCOLEO on Traditions July 31, 2022Ron Olesko sits down with singer-songwriter Fred Arcoleo to discuss Fred's new album "We are Mighty: Sustenance for the Struggle"
2022-08-0256 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookHAPPY TRAUM on Traditions - July 24, 2022Ron Olesko welcomes Happy Traum to TRADITIONS. Happy discusses and shares music from his new album "There's a Bright Side Somewhere"
2022-07-2750 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookNORA BROWN on TRADITIONS July 17, 2022Nora Brown joins Ron Olesko to discuss her new album "Long Time To Be Gone" (Jalopy Records)
A 16 year old rising star, Nora plays old-time traditional music with a particular interest in eastern Kentucky and Tennessee banjo playing. Along with the banjo and guitar she also sings traditional unaccompanied ballads from southeast Appalachia and beyond.
She has played at numerous venues and festivals including TED Salon in NYC, NPR Tiny Desk, Joe’s Pub, the Floyd Radio Show, Brooklyn Folk Festival, Oldtone Roots Music Festival, Irvington Folk Festival, Blue Ox Festival in WI, Mountain Song Festival in NC, and has ha...
2022-07-1843 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookDeidre McCalla On Traditions 6-12-22Deidre McCalla(www.deidremccalla.com) joins host Ron Olesko to discuss her new album "Endless Grace". This is Deidre's fifth independently released album, her first since 2003. Originally from New York City, she has been a performing singer-songwriter for nearly five decades as she continues to create powerful performances that are honest and uplifting.
2022-06-121h 04
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookABBIE GARDNER On Traditions on May 29, 2022Abbie Gardner (www.abbiegardner.com) visits TRADITIONS with Ron Olesko to discuss her new album "Dobrosinger".Abbie has spent the last year making the record she’s always wanted to make. It’s intimate, real and raw - her dobro and voice recorded at home, without a band or any studio tricks to hide behind. This is just a girl and her resonator guitar sitting down to play you songs. The result is stunning - you can hear every breath, every chuckle, as if you are in the room with her.
The album includes 4 co-writes, 5 songs that Abbie wrote on her...
2022-05-3046 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTOM CHAPIN on Traditions - May 22, 2022Host Ron Olesko's special guest was Tom Chapin. Tom premiered songs from an album that will be released this summer - "Hold Our Ground".
Tom was Ron's last in-studio guest just prior to the pandemic lockdown in 2020, and Tom was Ron's first in-studio guest since the start of the pandemic.
Aired on WFDU-FM and on www.FolkMusicNotebook.com.
2022-05-2351 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookBARRY ORECK on "Traditions" - May 8, 2022Barry Oreck (www.barryoreckmusic.com)visits with Ron Olesko to discuss his new album "Leap Year".
To helps support this archive and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com, please consider leaving something in our "tip jar" at PayPal.me/folkmusicnotebook.
2022-05-1541 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookROB CARLSON on "Traditions " - April 10, 2022Rob Carlson (www.robcarlsonmusic.com) visits with Ron Olesko to discuss his new album "Rob Carlson".
2022-04-1156 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookCARLA ULBRICH On "Traditions", April 3, 2022Carla Ulbrich (www.carlau.com) visits with Ron Olesko to discuss her latest album "Twang". Originally broadcast 4/3/22 on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com
2022-04-043h 00
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookGREG GREENWAY on TRADITIONS - March 27, 2002Greg Greenway (www.greggreenway.com) visits with Ron Olesko to discuss his new album "Songs From the Beginning" where Greg revisits songs he wrote over 40 years ago at the start of his career. Originally broadcast 3/27/22 on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com
2022-03-281h 00
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJanis Ian On Traditions (aired 1-16-22)Guest Janis Ian discusses her new album "The Light at the End of the Line" with host Ron Olesko. Janis also talks about her decision to retire from touring and recording and looks back at her memorable career.
2022-01-1737 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSi Kahn on Traditions - 10/24/21Si Kahn visits with Ron Olesko to discuss the re-release of his album "Been A Long Time".
2021-10-251h 11
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookEfrat on Traditions - September 5, 2021Singer-songwriter-violinist EFRAT (www.efratmusic.com) visits with host Ron Olesko to discuss her new EP "We Just Need Love". Aired on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on September 5, 2021
2021-09-0749 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJohn Flynn on Traditions - 8/29/21Singer-songwriter John Flynn (www.JohnFlynn.net) joins host Ron Olesko to discuss his new CD "Wild Beats the Wings".
2021-08-3048 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMichael Johnathon on Traditions 8-15-21Folksinger Michael Johnathon visits with host Ron Olesko to discuss his latest CD "The Painter", his new book and the return of live audiences to Michael Johnathon's Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a show also heard Saturday evenings at 8pm ET on www.FolkMusicNotebook.com
2021-08-1647 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookREGGIE HARRIS on Traditions (aired 4-25-21)Reggie Harris visits with Ron Olesko on TRADITIONS to discuss his new album "On Solid Ground". Originally aired on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on 4/25/21.
2021-04-2651 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookPaul Kaplan on Traditions 3-21-21Paul Kaplan discusses his new album "We Shall Stay Here" with host Ron Olesko.
2021-03-2259 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookGangstagrass - Danjo and R-Son The Voice of Reason on TraditionsDanjo and R-Son the Voice of Reason from the band Gangstagrass join Ron Olesko on Traditions. Their amazing blending of hip-hop and bluesgrass has created an exciting sound that Gangstagrass has been expanding audiences across the nation. Music from their latest album "No Time For Enemies" will be heard - including a version of "This Land is Your Land" that is not to be missed!
2021-01-2557 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSonny Ochs on Traditions - 80th anniversary of Phil Ochs birthSonny Ochs visits with Ron Olesko on Traditions to discuss her brother Phil and the 80th anniversary of Phil Ochs birth. Originally broadcast on 12/13/20 on www.folkmusicnotebook.com and WFDU-FM.
2020-12-2054 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookNINA RICCI on TRADITIONS - August 23, 2020Nina Ricci joins host Ron Olesko to discuss her new CD "Fare Thee Well: A Tribute To Joan Baez". (www.NinaRIcciMusic.com)
Originally broadcast on WFDU-FM and www.FolkMusicNotebook.com
2020-08-2443 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookBARRY ORECK on WFDU May 10, 2020Barry Oreck (www.BarryOreckMusic.com) visits with Ron Olesko on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS from his home in Brooklyn to celebrate his new EP "We Fit Together"
2020-05-1835 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookThe Levins Shelter in PlaceThe Levins Shelter in Place by FOLK MUSIC NOTEBOOK - Ron Olesko
2020-05-1816 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookGeorge Mann On Traditions 4-7-19George Mann returns to the WFDU studio for a visit with host Ron Olesko. A former union organizer and activist based in Ithaca, New York, George sings songs from the last century of the labor and social justice movements, and his own songs are powerful and funny takes on the state of the nation.
2019-09-271h 00
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSharon Katz on Traditions and Folk Music Notebook 9-1-19Sharon Katz on Traditions and Folk Music Notebook 9-1-19 by FOLK MUSIC NOTEBOOK - Ron Olesko
2019-09-0937 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music Notebookwww.marionhalliday.comSinger-songwriter Marion Halliday (www.MarionHalliday.com) visits the studios of WFDU-FM to perform songs from her new CD "Rings Around Saturn" and to chat with host Ron Olesko about songwriting.
Aired on WFDU on7/7/19 and Folk Music Notebook on 7/24/19
2019-07-2549 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTHE GIRLS GO TO MONTREALAuthor and singer-songwriter Jane Ross Fallon discusses her new book "The Girls Go To Montreal" (www.townforestbooks.com) with host Ron Olesko. The book is a musical ghost story, incorporating original song lyrics into the story. Recordings of the song enable the listener to experience the music.
2019-06-2227 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookKaren Kramer, director of "Renegade Dreamers"Ron Olesko speaks with Karen Kramer, director of the documentary "Renegade Dreamers"
"Renegade Dreamers" is a window into the New York protest poets and folk singers of today who use their art for social change, interwoven with a look back at the Beat poets and radical protest singers of the legendary Greenwich Village coffee house scene of the ‘60s that started it all.
Music from Matt Pless, a contemporary political singer-songwriter, is featured at the end of the interview.
Originally aired on WFDU-FM on May 26, 2019 and rebroadcast on www.FolkMusicNotebook.com on May 29.
2019-05-2822 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMARC BERGER On Traditions 3 - 17 - 19Singer-songwriter Marc Berger joins Ron Olesko in the studio of WFDU-FM to share some live songs and recordings from his CD "Ride".
2019-03-2856 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookBARRY ORECK On TRADITONS 1-27-19Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Barry Oreck (www.barryoreckmusic.com)and Jesse Miller visited Ron Olesko to perform live and share songs from Barry's new CD "How the Bright Earth Spun". Barry discusses growing up in the Chicago folk and blues tradition studying with folk luminaries at the famed Old Town School of Folk Music and soaking in the exploding blues scene. Barry has had a long career in music, dance, and performance art as well having a doctorate in Educational Psychology and working as a writer and educator in the arts and gifted education.Originally broadcast on WFDU-FM on 1-20-19.
2019-01-3050 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookJoanie Madden from Cherish The Ladies on Traditions 11-25-18Joanie Madden, founder and leader of Cherish the Ladies, joins host Ron Olesko to talk about the group's new CD "Heart of the Home". The 17th recording from Cherish the Ladies finds them traveling back to Ireland to record with artists such as Nathan Carter, Mollie O'Riorden, Kate Purcell and more. Joanie also tells us about the groups upcoming holiday tour and future plans.
2018-11-2737 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMYA BYRNE on TRADITIONS 11-18-18Mya Byrne (www.myabyrne.com)chats with Ron Olesko and shares some of her new songs. The interview was recorded on November 10, 2018 at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference (NERFA) in Stamford, CT.
From San Francisco by way of NYC, Mya Byrne is a poet, award-winning performing songwriter, and activist. A proud trans woman, she established her solo folk-Americana career in 2012 after years of performing with roots-rock band, the Ramblers, opening for acts such as Levon Helm.
Mya’s been featured on many great festival and club stages across the country. Her first solo record hit #31 on the roots charts, an...
2018-11-2031 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookGATHERING SPARKS On Traditions 5-20-2018The duo Gathering Sparks (Eve Goldberg & Jane Lewis) join host Ron Olesko for a live performance in the studio. From Southern Ontario, the folk/roots duo embraces folk, pop, blues and gospel influences tastefully played on acoustic guitar, piano, accordion, and ukulele.
2018-05-2144 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMichelle Murray On WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 5-13-18Ron Olesko welcomes Washington D.C. based singer-songwriter (and former WFDU-FM radio host!) Michelle Murray back to perform songs live in the studio and to share recordings from her new EP This Life, My Life. www.michellemurraymusic.com
2018-05-1445 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookPete Seeger Statue Unveiling - Puffin Foundation 5-5-18A report on the unveiling ceremony of the Pete Seeger statue at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, NJ on May 5, 2018. Featuring excerpts from remarks given by sculptor Gary Sussman; Neal Rosenstein, Vice President of the Puffin Foundation; Gladys Rosenstein, Executive Director of the Puffin Foundation; and music from David and Jakob Bernz. This report was broadcast on TRADITIONS heard on WFDU-FM on May 6, 2018 with host Ron Olesko
2018-05-0324 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookNick Russo of Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches on TRADITIONS 4-8-18Nick Russo of the band Banjo Nickrau & Western Scooches visits with Ron Olesko to discuss the group's new CD "Get Us Out of Fearland". Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches performs eclectic mix of country, bluegrass, western swing, rockabilly, blues, traditional jazz, dixieland, old-time music, folk, roots music & Americana.
2018-04-1044 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookHAPPY TRAUM On WFDU-FMs TRADITIONS 3-18-2018Happy Traum (www.happytraum.com) discusses his lifelong experiences in the folk revival with host Ron Olesko. Happy shares stories about his experiences in the blossoming folk scene in 1950s Greenwich Village, Bob Dylan, the Woodstock Community, his late brother Artie and much more. (Photo by Brian Johnson)
2018-03-2242 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTOM CHAPIN and MICHAEL MARK On WFDU-FM'S TRADITONS 3-4-2018TOM CHAPIN (www.tomchapin.com) and bandmate MICHAEL MARK join host Ron Olesko in the studio for a live performance and a preview of Tom's latest CD "At The Turning Point", a live concert recorded at the Turning Point in Piermont, New York in December 2017. The CD features Tom along with Michael Mark and Jon Cobert as they celebrate their celebrate 30th anniversary of sharing the stage together and are joined by Tom's daughters the Chapin Sisters for a(photo by John Bruno)
2018-03-211h 07
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookANTONIO ANDRADE On Traditions 03 - 11 - 2018Pennsylvania-based Pennsylvania based singer-songwriter and guitarist Antonio Andrade (www.lifeshakes.com) joins host Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and harmonica, he delivers an engaging brand of "rockin’ folk" and routinely captivates audiences with his spirited live performances. Antonio visits Ron to share songs from his latest CD "Something Happened"
2018-03-1246 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMartin Swinger On WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 11-26-17Singer-songwriter Martin Swinger (www.martinswinger.com) joined host Ron Olesko in the studio for a live performance and to share songs from his forthcoming CD "Living Things". Socially conscious, thought provoking and surprizingly entertaining, Martin is celebrated for his fluid voice and engaging delivery. He’s recorded 5 CD’s, won local and national songwriting awards, is a repeat performer at Kerrville Folk Festival and counts among his fans Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, Billy Jonas, Ezra Idlet, Vance Gilbert and John Waters.
2017-11-2950 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookAllison Dietz on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONSBaltimore based singer-songwriter Allison Dietz visits Ron Olesko to share live music in the studios of WFDU-FM.
2017-11-1922 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookTrickster Sister on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONSSisters Jane and Marion Halliday of the trio Trickster Sister visited the studio of WFDU-FM to share live music with host Ron Olesko.
Trickster Sister is proud purveyor of their own special blend of bluegrass and bourbon infused, original, women-powered Americana. This all-women group brings together their diverse talents to create an enticing blend of indie, folk, and bluegrass musical styles, with lush vocal harmonies over-top.
2017-11-1926 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMichael Braunfeld on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 11-12-17Singer-songwriter Michael Braunfeld joins host Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM for a live performance. Michael is, first and foremost, a storyteller. His songs capture the everyday triumphs and struggles of ordinary people.
2017-11-1922 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMeghan Cary On WFDU - FM's TRADITIONS 11-5-2017Singer-songwriter Meghan Cary joins host Ron Olesko in the studio to perform live and share songs from her new CD "Sing Louder". The title track is a call to raise our voices together to make a difference, has become an anthem for the music-loving community.
2017-11-0751 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookThe Chapin Sisters On WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 9-2-2017The Chapin Sisters, Lily and Abigail Chapin, visit with Ron Olesko to perform live and to discuss the upcoming Hudson West Folk Festival.
The Chapin Sister are singing, songwriting sisters known for pristine harmonies and haunting melodies. They’ve been compared to sister-acts of old and Appalachian family groups, yet their original songs and arrangements have a contemporary feel.
2017-09-0443 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookGeorge Mann on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 6-11-2017Host Ron Olesko welcomes George Mann to the studio. A former union organizer, George's songs cover the past century of labor and social activism, powerful and often funny takes on the staiton of the nation. George shared songs from his recent project "Until You Come Home: Songs for Veterans and Their Kin". The CD is a compliation of songs from various artists and deals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the cost of war to miliary families. For more information, visit George at his website www.georgemann.org
2017-06-1456 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookStevie Connor Blues And Roots Radio 5 - 21 - 17Host Ron Olesko discusses the future of folk "radio" with the Music Director and co-owner of the website - www.bluesandrootsradio.com. The unique website features roots music programs from across the globe, including Traditions which can be heard on the site every Saturday evening at 6:30pm ET. With terrestrial radio facing changes due to technology, Blues and Roots Radio offers programming that serves the folk and roots community on a 24 hour basis.
2017-05-2918 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRick Massimo, author of "I Got A Song: A History of the Newport Folk Festival" 5-21-17Host Ron Olesko talks with Rick Massimo, author of "I Got A Song: A History of the Newport Folk Festival" (Weslyan University Press). The book offers a history of historic festival, dating back to the original fest in 1959 and after a few sabbaticals, the festival continues to this day.
2017-05-2916 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRamblin' Bob (Rob Carlson)"Memo to the President" on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 5-28-17The iconic protest singer Ramblin' Bob (aka Rob Carlson) visits Ron Olesko to share a new song called "Memo to the Presidentf". To find out more about the music of Rob Carlson, visit his website at www.robcarlsonmusic.com
2017-05-2904 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookThe Levins on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS - 5-7-2017Host Ron Olesko is joined by the Levins in the WFDU-FM studio. Julia and Ira Levin are a contemporary folk duo offering harmony-driven acoustic music that is warm and uplifting without skating over the complexities of life. The Levins perform live in the studio, sharing new songs and selections from their previous recordings.
2017-05-0852 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMelanie on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 5-7-2017Host Ron Olesko chats with music legend Melanie. Melanie talks about her early days as a songwriter/performer and her experience at Woodstock. She also discusses the music industry and her approach to songs and life.
2017-05-0828 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMarjorie Guthrie on WFDU-FM 4-10-1977 (with Tom Taylor)From Ron Olesko's WFDU-FM archives - a 1977 broadcast of an interview with Marjorie Guthrie. The second wife of Woody Guthrie, Marjorie was a major force in perpetuating the music and story of Woody, both during his lifetime and following his passing. She also created an organization that dramatically helped in the research for Huntington's Disease as well as improve patient care and the understanding of the disorder that inflicted Woody for the last 15 years of his life.
Marjorie discusses Woody's battle with the disease, his music, politics and her family including son Arlo Guthrie.
Joining Ron and Marjorie that day...
2017-04-1756 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRamblin Bob (Rob Carlson)"Republican Blues Again" on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 4-2-17The iconic protest singer Ramblin' Bob (aka Rob Carlson) visits Ron Olesko to share a new song called "Republican Blues Again". To find out more about the music of Rob Carlson, visit his website at www.robcarlsonmusic.com
2017-04-0404 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSusanna Reich On TRADITIONS 3-26-2017Children's author Susanna Reich joins Ron Olesko to discuss her new book "Stand Up and Sing! Pete Seeger, Folk Music and the Path to Justice". Featuring illustrations by Adam Gustavson, this is the first illustrated biography of Pete Seeger geared toward young readers. Peter's life and struggles are explored, including his battle with the blacklist, the Vietnam War and his efforts to clean up the Hudson River with the organization Clearwater.
2017-03-2711 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMark Kilianski on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 3-19-17Ron Olesko welcomes Mark Kilianski to the WFDU-FM studio. A versatile guitarist and singer-songwriter with a affinity for old-timey music, Mark is half of he duo Hoot and Holler. Mark shared some of his songs to preview an upcoming solo appearance at Rockwood Music Hall as well as a tour of New England.
2017-03-2134 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRamblin' Bob (Rob Carlson)"Fear Itself" on WFDU-FM 's TRADITIONS 3-12-17The iconic protest singer Ramblin' Bob (aka Rob Carlson) visits Ron Olesko to share a new song called "Fear Itself". To find out more about the music of Rob Carlson, visit his website at www.robcarlsonmusic.com
2017-03-1305 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookBev Grant on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 3-5-17Social activist/feminist/singer-songwriter Bev Grant joins host Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM. Bev, one of the founders of the legendary NYC underground band The Human Condition, shares songs from her new CD "It's Personal". Bev performs songs from her new CD which shows her personal side with a mix of folk,jazz, blues and more and a soul stirring cry out for justice.
2017-03-0752 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookThe Brother Brothers on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 1-22-17The Brother Brothers, identical twins Adam and David Moss, visit Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM to debut their new EP "Tugboats." www.thebrotherbrothersmusic.com
2017-01-2337 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookDAVID BROZA on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 12-4-16Host Ron Olesko welcomes acclaimed Israeli singer-songwriter and humanitarian David Broza to the studio. David performs live in the studio and discusses the documentary and companion CD "East Jerusalem West Jerusalem", a project that brought Israeli and Palestinian artists together in an East Jerusalem studio for 8 days and nights to record with David and co-producer Steve Earle. The result was colllection of songs that blend cultures and languages to celebate collaboration and coexistence. David also discusses plans for his upcoming Town Hall concert.
2016-12-0551 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookMichael Gabriele "New Jersey Folk Revival Music" on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 11-27-16Ron Olesko talks with Michael Gabriele, the author of "New Jersey Folk Revival Music: History and Tradition"(History Press), a new book that provides a narrative on the evolution, history and traditions of the folk revival in New Jersey - from the colonial days of bawdy tavern revelers and fiddle players; to the folklore and culture of the Pine Barrens; NJ's role in the early days of recording artists like the Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson and others; the heady days of the 1950s and 60s folk revival; to the continuing traditions and artists that make the Garden States...
2016-11-2847 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSharon Goldman on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS 9-4-2016Singer-songwriter Sharon Goldman visits with Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM to share songs and stories from her new CD "Kol Isha".
Sharon is a singer-songwriter whose "intense, insightful, vivid" storytelling is a "clinic in how to paint an indelible picture with the simplest images and symbols." Over several well-received albums, she has combined heartfelt portraits and memorable lyrics with unforgettable melodies and pure, precise, expressive vocals — taking a folk/pop sensibility to new artistic heights.
Her latest album, KOL ISHA (A Woman's Voice), offers a bold, unique song journey merging Jewish imagery, myth and memories with a modern, fe...
2016-11-2450 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookRobin Greenstein on WFDU-FM'S TRADITIONS with Ron OleskoRobin Greenstein joins Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM to perform live and share selections from her new CD "Tears and Laughter".
Robin is a singer-songwriter from NYC whose music is a mix of folk, pop, rock, blues, country and jazz. She calls her music "Acousticness."
Stong soulful singing and memorable original songs make a lasting impact on her audiences. Her songs have been recorded on Fast Folk and Atlantic Records. She was picked for a finalist spot at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival Songwriting competition (1989) in Texas on her very first application. Robin was also signed to Bob...
2016-09-2347 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookPaul Sachs on WFDU-FM'S TRADITIONS with Ron OleskoSinger-songwriter Paul Sachs joins Ron Olesko in the studios of WFDU-FM to share songs from his new CD "Love is Love."
Born and raised in New York City. Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Springsteen are the songwriters that influenced Sachs, and pushed him into the folk music circles of the city. Chosen as one of Falcon Ridge Folk Festival's Emerging Artists in 2011.
Sachs still lives in NYC, performing in various venues around the city. He has recorded five independent albums, featuring raw and searingly personal songs of life and love on the mean streets.
In 2013 he won the prestigious New...
2016-09-2249 min
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookSpook Handy on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS with Ron OleskoHost Ron Olesko welcomes Spook Handy (www.spookhandy.com) to the studio. Spook performs live in the studio and also shares songs from his new CD "Keep the Flame Alive - Volume 1: Pete, Woody and Me."
2016-08-251h 00
Ron Olesko's Folk Music NotebookFRED GILLEN JR. on WFDU - FM's TRADITIONS 2 - 21 - 16Ron Olesko welcomes Fred Gillen Jr. to the studios of WFDU-FM. Fred appears in conjunction with his 2/27/16 appearance at the new Schoolhouse Songwriters Series at Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen, New Jersey. Fred performs several songs live in the studio and chats with Ron about his music, his work with Tribes Hill and his recording studio "Woody's House" - out of which a number of acclaimed recordings from the folk community have been produced. www.fredgillenjr.coim
2016-02-2251 min