Music, Books, Movies and More Music

Are you sitting down? Do you have a comfy chair? A cool beverage? Because while this is a lot of information for one email, we think it'll be worth your while. Here's a quick preview for the terribly busy: (1) Congressional funding update, (2) music to look forward to on WFUV this month, (3) Darren writing about his pal Ringo, (4) a list of reading recommendations for book-lovers, (5) a report from the big Bonnaroo music festival, (6) a chance to join us at the Newport fest for free, (7) a way to contribute to 'FUV and get Son Volt tickets in thanks (and (8) a preview of a new song, for 'FUV Members), (9) a thanks to those who contributed during June's Members Day, (10) an invitation from Rich Conaty to see a movie, (11) a list of our favorite NY-area summer concerts, and (12) a pat on the back for our staffers who've brought home some nice statues. Whew! Ready set go!

CPB Federal Funding Update

First let us offer our appreciation to those of you who contacted your Congressional representatives about the CPB funding crisis. Last week, the House approved a bipartisan amendment that restored the proposed cuts to federal funding for public broadcasting. Apparently, lawmakers were "flooded with letters and phone calls." As the Senate takes up the issue, keep track of the situation here and see how to contact your Senators. Keep track of the situation here.

You Won't Want To Miss

We're starting off the month of July with two national holidays: July 1 is Canada Day, so you'll hear City Folk® music from our favorites from north of the border, including k.d. lang, Cowboy Junkies, Neil Young, Ron Sexsmith and more. And on Monday, July 4th, we're going All-American with nothing but the American greats, like Willie, Frank, Billie, Emmylou, and Bob. On July 7th, not-just-a-drummer Ringo Starr turns 65, and we're also putting two younger artists in the spotlight later in July: Shelby Lynne on July 15 and Ryan Adams on July 20.

And since we're hosting the biggest-ever WFUV Summer Dance Party on July 22, to get in proper booty-shaking mode we'll be playing great dance music throughout the day. And on July 28, get in touch with those laid-back summery vibes as we spin reggae all day long.

We Love You, Ringo

Speaking of Ringo, even though he's eligible for Social Security, he's as active as ever, with a new album, a book, a recent New York exhibition of his computer art - and he'll be made into an animated superhero next year! Darren DeVivo offers an appreciation of the musical accomplishments of the "funny Beatle."

So What're You Reading?

Summer, in theory, is the time we all catch up on our reading - by the pool, at the beach, on the deck - even if it doesn't always work out that way. Here are some books WFUV's staff is looking forward to cracking open this summer.

Your Own Personal Bonnaroo

There isn't just one Bonnaroo festival. It's just too big to see and hear everything, so we suggest that everyone has their own personal Bonnaroo: pick your path and travel it, and don't look back. Here are pieces of the paths of Rita Houston, Chris Pergolizzi, and Laura Fedele, back from three days of music and mud in Tennessee.

Be Our Guest at Newport This Year

Speaking of festivals, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, The Pixies, Richard Thompson, Arlo Guthrie, Nanci Griffith, and many more of our favorite artists will be at this year's Dunkin' Donuts' Newport Folk Festival. You could be there, too, courtesy of WFUV. Enter here to be in our drawing for a pair of tickets to the festival and hotel accommodations for that first weekend in August.

See Son Volt's Sold Out Show

WFUV can get you into Son Volt's sold out show at the Bowery Ballroom on July 12th. Son Volt has saved a block of tickets just for WFUV members. Contribute one hundred fifty dollars to WFUV and we'll say thanks with a pair of tickets. And everyone can hear the band's old and new songs in the spotlight during City Folk hours that day to celebrate their NY visit.

Members Only

Want an advance taste of Son Volt's new CD? WFUV members can sign in here to hear an advance track, "Afterglow 61."

Members Come Through

Thanks to everyone who helped make WFUV's recent all-request Member Day a success. After 18 action-packed hours we made our goal of $75,000 with the help of tireless staff and volunteers, and of course the 655 members who joined, renewed, rejoined or made an additional gift. Our members' dedication to WFUV's goal of independent, non-commercial broadcasts of music, news and entertainment makes it all possible. Most of our funding comes directly from listeners like you. If you haven't yet made a contribution to WFUV's annual operating fund, please contribute now. Our fiscal year ends June 30, and our financial health depends on your support.

Big Broadcasts Onscreen and On The Radio

On Thursday, July 7, at 7:25 PM, Rich Conaty will be introducing The Big Broadcast, International House, and a short film starring Jack Benny, at NYC's Film Forum as part of their summertime series, "Paramount Before the Code." This Sunday, July 2, he'll be devoting part of his Big Broadcast show (8 pm to 12 midnight) to the songs and stars of these classic movies. Here he recalls what's cool about the movie and the music that inspired him.

Guide To Summer Music, Continued

Looking for outdoor music? Here's what's still ahead this summer.

Kudos

For a music-formatted station, WFUV has racked up an awesome number of industry accolades for its news and public affairs programming - more then twenty awards in just the first six months of 2005! In addition to the five Gracie® Awards WFUV recently won from American Women in Radio and Televison, Claudia Marshall, Dennis Elsas, Julianne Welby, and George Bodarky have each contributed several awards to our crowded wall of fame. High-fives all around! Get the whole story here.

Look for our table at one of the many fine concerts New York has to offer this month - drop by and say hello.

- Your friends at 'FUV