A Global Family of Green

 

St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of a global family made green by Irish emigration. While most communities celebrate on the traditional March 17th, the city of Worcester has decided to move its 26th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade to Sunday, March 9th, at 12 noon. The two mile route will follow Park Avenue from Webster Square to Elm Park and feature 140 marching bands, including the Greater Worcester Police Emerald Society, whose 200 police officers will be led by its bagpipers.

 

But on the Nichols College campus, the legendary buoyancy of Celtic music is showcased every Wednesday evening from 9-10 p.m. in "Celtic Roots" on WNRC 97.5 radio. The program is hosted by Sturbridge resident Jim Douglas, whose passion for Celtic music goes back to his early years as a musician playing Irish pubs throughout New England, first as a soloist and then with a group called Kincora. The public is invited to call in during the show for lively discussion or to request a song: 508-943-8320.

 

Douglas features super groups from the 1970's and 80's (e.g. Bothy Band, Steeleye Span, Planxty, Altan, Battlefield Band, Capercallie) to newer artists (e.g., Loreena McKinnett, Cherish the Ladies, Mary Black, Cara Dillon, Solas, Old Blind Dogs, Tannahill Weavers, Dougie MacLean, Lunasa, Karen Casey, Kate Rusby, Deanta, Dervish, Grada).

 

In addition, on Tuesday, March 11th, the public is welcome to listen to the Robbie O'Connell Duo, winner of the Boston Music Award as "Outstanding Celtic Act," as they perform in Nichols Daniels Auditorium at 7 p.m. Robbie O'Connell has appeared at almost every major venue in the USA from New York's famed Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. He was born in Waterford, Ireland, grew up in County Tipperary, and began to play guitar and sing at age thirteen.

 

WNRC 97.5
The 100 watt WNRC 97.5 is located in Alumni Hall on Nichols campus and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It services local communities in southern Worcester County, particularly the towns of Dudley, Charlton and Webster.

 

It supports a variety of live musical formats, from polka to rock, and has an eclectic automated mix. Community hosted programs include: Polka Festival, Writers Night, Oldies 50's and 60's, Groover's Paradise, Polka-a-go-go, Celtic Roots, and Hard Core Honky Tonk.

 

To listen to WNRC's broadcast using the Internet, insert this address into your web browser: http://www.live365.com/stations/wnrc?site=pro