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Vintage recording details an eyewitness account of Lexington, Concord battles
In the 1950 recording, preserved by GBH Archives, a Waltham doctor recalled his great-grandmother’s childhood account of the chaos on the first day of the Revolutionary War.
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December 26, 2024 - Matt Farley, Adam Gardner from Guster, and celebrating Charles Ives
Today on The Culture Show, the one-man media conglomerate: Matt Farley. For him quality IS quantity. The Danvers based singer-songwriter is prolific. He’s written, produced and recorded more than 25,000 songs. He also makes movies, hosts podcasts and writes books. Then, it’s music to environmentalists’ ears. We check in with Adam Gardner. The lead singer of Guster is also leading the way to make the music industry more sustainable. Finally, how many pianos does it take to Celebrate Charles Ives? The pioneer in avant-garde music was recently celebrated at New England Conservatory with a series of concerts marking his 150th birthday. NEC’s Stephen Drury joins us to talk about Ives’ genius and where we can hear his influence today -
December 25, 2024 - A Christmas Carol, Blue Heron Vocal Ensemble, and the Wurlitzer pipe organ
It’s a story for the past, present and future: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Though it was a reflection of Dickens’ times, the struggle between selfishness and selflessness endures. In Ebeneezer Scrooge, Dickens created both an antagonist and protagonist who went from being a covetous curmudgeon to a repentant man. Today we’re serving up two scoops of Scrooge with actors David Coffee and Karen MacDonald about what it takes to the iconic character.From there we hit the pause button on the Santaland soundtrack to make room for Blue Heron. The vocal ensemble takes us back to 15th century England with medieval music that will put you in the holiday spirit of yore.Finally, the gift that keeps on giving, the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ that’s been wowing audiences in Worcester for years. -
December 24, 2024-It's A Wonderful Life, The Hallmark Channel and the best versions of A Christmas Carol
Today on The Culture Show Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III and Callie Crossley are decking the airwaves this hour with a holiday spectacular.First up, the 1946 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s a film about second chances. It’s a film about gratitude. It’s also a great romance story. In Mr. Potter we have one of the best villains in cinematic history. And along the way we get a lesson in banking and New Deal values.From there it’s the film that people love, and actually love to hate: “Love Actually.” The rom com makes people laugh, makes people cry and makes some of you grinches out there cringe. We look at why it’s firmly in the cannon as the ultimate Christmas comfort watch. And Finally, the Christmas colossus known as The Hallmark Channel. It’s only November and Hallmark is already halfway through its “Countdown to Christmas,” broadcasting 40 new holiday films this season. We’ve made our holiday list and we’re checking it twice. -
December 23, 2024-Dwight & Nicole, Model Trains, Lisa Simmons' Holiday Film Guide
Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson make up the critically acclaimed, genre-defying band DWIGHT & NICOLE. They trace their musical roots through blues, R&B, and soul with a little roots rock, alternative, and Americana sprinkled in. On New Year’s Eve they'll take the stage at Regattabar to perform hits from their acclaimed album, “The Jaguar, The Raven, and The Snake.” Dwight & Nicole join The Culture Show ahead of their Regattabar show for a preview and in-studio performance. To learn more about their New Year’s Eve show, go here.From there we fast track it to Malden. Edgar B. Herwick III takes us to Charles Ro Supply Company. The nation’s largest model train store triples as a museum, a depot for train hobbyists, and a perfect place for holiday shoppers. FinallyCulture Show contributor Lisa Simmons joins us with her list of holiday films: “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” “This Christmas,” “Last Holiday,” “The Best Man Holiday,” “Meet Me Next Christmas,” “The Holiday,” and “ The Christmas Chronicles.” Lisa Simmons is the artistic and executive director of the Roxbury International Film Festival and program manager at Mass Cultural Council. -
December 20, 2024 - Week in Review: Boston City Hall, the National Film Registry, and commemorative popcorn buckets
Today Culture Show co-hosts Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B. Herwick III go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week-in-review.First up, Boston City Hall. Whether you think it’s a masterpiece or a monstrosity, the Boston Landmarks Commission has voted to recognize one of the city’s most iconic and controversial structures as an historic landmark. But that’s not set in concrete until Mayor Michelle Wu and the City Council weigh in on its artistic significance.From there, a googly eyed bandit is running around Bend, Oregon, outfitting public art with big, cartoonish eyes…and the prankster is still at large.Plus, if you like plunging your hand into a sandworm or the mouth of a wolverine, you’re not alone. We have officially reached peak popcorn bucket with movie theater chains making big bucks by filling novelty items, such as a “Lord of the Rings” hammer or a “Gladiator II” coliseum replica with popcorn.
