Common Threads Playlist

WAER's Program Guide

WAER is proud to bring you the weekly program, Common Threads, which airs Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.  The program, hosted by Syracuse New Times contributing editor Larry Hoyt, debuted July 6, 1997 and features an entertaining mix of traditional folk music and selections from the growing field of acoustically-based singer/songwriters.

Together, traditional folk and contemporary acoustic music intertwine as profoundly influential common threads in the fabric of American musical culture.  The Common Threads playlist includes the songs of such legendary artists as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan, as well as a wide selection of material from newer acts, such as David Massengill, Alison Krauss, Rod MacDonald, Cosy Sheridan, Chris Smither, Susan Werner, and Louise Taylor.

Many acts from Upstate New York, such as Shrinking Violets, Karen Savoca, the Burns Sisters, Dana Cooke, John Rossback, Gary Frenay, Jeff Bradbury, and others, will also be 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.  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 Tom Townsley’s Sunday Night Blues show on WAER and Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble on WCNY-FM.  The Central New York Friends of Folk wish to thank the management at WAER for this new opportunity to bring both traditional and contemporary acoustic folk music to the music fans of this area."

Hoyt added that the programming on Common Threads will reflect input from the membership of the Central New York Friends of Folk, as well as suggestions and requests from the general listening audience.  "Folk and acoustic music is enjoying a resurgence of popularity throughout the country."  Hoyt noted.  "We believe that Common Threads will find a receptive and supportive audience here in Central New York.  Listener input and community support are two important factors that we hope will make Common Threads a successful long-term programming asset in the WAER-FM programming schedule."

You can email Common Threads here.

Common Threads

Sundays from Noon to 3 p.m.

WAER 88.3 FM

Here's a link to Central New York Friends of Folk