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Common Threads
Sundays at 2 PM - 6 PM

WAER is proud to present the weekly program, Common Threads, which airs Sundays from 2 to 6 PM.  Hosted by former Syracuse New Times contributing editor Larry Hoyt, the program, which debuted July 6th, 1997, features an entertaining mix of folk, acoustic, roots, and Americana music.

Together, these music genres intertwine as profoundly influential common threads in the fabric of American musical culture.  The Common Threads playlist includes songs from such legendary artists as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan, as well as wide selection of material from more contemporary artists, such as Alison Krauss, Chuck Brodsky, Slaid Cleaves, and Truckstop Honeymoon.

Many acts from Upstate New York, such as Loren Barrigar, Karen Savoca, the Cadleys, the Burns Sisters, the Ruddy Well Band, Dana "Short Order" Cooke, and others are also featured, not just because they are local, but because their high quality music deserves equal recognition.

Common Threads, born from discussion by the Central New York Friends of Folk, was proposed to WAER in May of 1997.  Joe Lee, general manager of the station, responded that, "WAER is pleased that the Central New York Friends of Folk have considered us as an appropriate station for the development of the folk music program Common Threads.  We look forward to offering the Central New York community a viable outlet for folk and acoustic music on the FM dial."

Hoyt, chairman of the Friends of Folk Radio Committee, praised WAER’s cooperative efforts.  "For many years," said Hoyt, "listener-supported public radio in Central New York has included important specialty music programming, such as the Sunday Night Blues show on WAER and Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble on WCNY-FM.  

Hoyt added that programming on Common Threads reflects input from the listening audience. "Folk and acoustic musics are enjoying a resurgence of popularity throughout the country," Hoyt noted. 

Over the past twenty-one years, Common Threads has found a receptive and supportive audience here in Central New York.  

Listener input and community support are two important factors that have made Common Threads a successful long-term asset in the WAER programming schedule.