Jazz in church, paintings after prison, an electronic soundscape in an old synagogue... we've got all kinds of art happening in all kinds of places. Plus, how to change a man who's committed crimes against humanity — by giving him books. And once again, we hand over the controls for an episode of "You're on the Air with Jonathan Katz."
(Picture right, Portrait of the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca by Breyten Breytenbach)
Wanted: Henchman
These are tough times for those venturing into the job market. But a few rarefied skills might just give you that extra edge — like, say, the ability to torture the weak and helpless. Role-play by masters of improv Mark O'Donnell and David Rakoff. Produced by Curtis Fox.
Remedial Theory
It is often said that through reading literature we learn to empathize with the experiences of others. So how do you explain the fact that a man now on trial for crimes against humanity is an avid fiction reader? Could it be that he's simply reading the wrong books? During a recent trip to The Hague, producer Benjamen Walker decided to take on Slobodan Milosevic — with a reading list. Produced with TNBT's Michael Kavanagh and Larry Massett of HearingVoices. Walker produced an hour-long version of this piece for his radio show, "Your Radio Nightlight".
Atomic Age
This Saturday marks the anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, which served to spur our entry into World War II, and the Atomic Age. Today, debate about nuclear weapons is as pertinent as ever. So we go back to the beginning of the duck-and-cover era, to listen to some of the period's political speeches, popular songs, and public debate on weapons of mass destruction. Produced by Barrett Golding for HearingVoices.
Making Color from Gray
In 1975, Breyten Breytenbach was thrown in prison for "acts of terrorism" against the apartheid state of South Africa. Released seven and a half years later, he has since become a revered poet. He's a painter as well, and his work is currently showing at New York University. Dean Olsher talks to him about art, prison, and the impact of both on one's sense of self. Produced by Curtis Fox.
You're on the Air with Jonathan Katz
Jonathan Katz wants his own radio show, but until he gets one, he'll keep finagling his way onto ours. This week, Katz presses callers to tackle the toughest of dilemmas: "If you had to give up one of your senses, which would it be?" With special guests Andy Kindler, David Cross, Tom Leopold, David Mamet, and Lisa Mende. Thanks to the Open Studio Project and Transom.org. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
Jazz Church
St. Peter's Lutheran Church in New York City has been a place of worship for jazz musicians and fans for nearly 40 years. In fact, jazz vespers and jazz funerals are a regular part of the church repertoire. Given the church's unorthodox approach to religious observance, is it any surprise that its pastor, Dr. Dale Lind, earned his way through seminary as a bartender? Pastor Lind shares Jazz Ministry lore with Dean Olsher on the grounds of this unusual place of worship. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
The Singing Building
After years of neglect, a 115-year old synagogue on the Lower East Side has suddenly started to get noisy again. Echoing in its main sanctuary are voices, but also groans and ear-piercing shrieks. Next Big Thing producer Julie Subrin takes us on a tour of this a site-specific audio installation, created by sound artist Matthew Ostrowski for the Eldridge Street Project. If you'd like to hear more of Ostrowski's piece, click here.
Surround Sound
Composer/singer/choreographer and dancer Meredith Monk is performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Art this week. Dean Olsher eavesdrops on a rehearsal of her latest work, "Mercy," created in collaboration with Ann Hamilton.
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