Archive for December, 2005

Black Santa

Monday, December 19th, 2005

High Point writer Carol Boston Weatherford is dreaming of a black Christmas. (3:00)

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That Clapton Christmas

Monday, December 19th, 2005

As an adolescent boy, author Michael Parker found himself trapped with his family over Christmas Vacation. He shares his short story “That Clapton Christmas,” which details agonizing family car trips to visit uncool cousins at an age when his adolescent mind could think of only girlfriends and hip radio tunes. (12:00)

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Mamadou Diabate

Monday, December 19th, 2005

For seven centuries, members of the Mandinka West African jeli caste of musicians have been preserving its culture through music. Jeli member Mamadou Diabate’s second album, Behmanka, which features both traditional and original music played by Mamadou, is a 2005 grammy nominee for best traditional world album. The album features Mamadou Diabate playing his kora, a 21-stringed gourd instrument. Host Frank Stasio talks with Durham resident musician Mamadou Diabate. (40:00)

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Infant Mortality

Monday, December 19th, 2005

The nation’s infant mortality rate is on the rise. Here in North Carolina, the situation is even more distressing, as the rate of infant mortality and premature delivery has risen higher than the national average. Host Frank Stasio talks with North Carolina Public Radio reporter Rose Hoban about the rising rates, and what’s being done about it. (12:00)

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Bio Ritmo

Friday, December 16th, 2005

Bio Ritmo Salsa Machine has a sound all its own. The nine-piece band incorporates traditional salsa with new age sounds, and each CD brings new fusion sounds to their music. Host Melinda Penkava talks with lead singer Rei Alvarez about the acclaimed sounds of Bio Ritmo Salsa Machine and what to expect from their fifth CD. (17:30)