WAER is proud to present Common Threads, airing Sundays from 2-5 PM. Common Threads plays acoustic music from a broad range of genres, with a focus on folk, Americana, roots, and bluegrass music.
Hear iconic oldies, rarities, songs from the Great American Songbook, as well as new favorites and future classics, from local singer-songwriters to music from across America, Canada, and beyond.
Hosted by Pete Thomas, Common Threads has been a staple of Sunday Afternoons in Central New York since its founding by Larry Hoyt in 1997.
Local Music
Common Threads supports the vibrant local music scene, regularly playing songs from artists from Syracuse, Central New York, and across the Upstate region.
If you are a local musician who plays acoustic music, send us your songs! Do you have an album? Send a promotional CD to the studio or fill out our feedback form below. Do you have a big show coming up? Submit the event to WAER’s Community Calendar.
Requests? Fond memories? Share your thoughts!
About the Host
Pete Thomas is a music fan, occasional performer, and graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Communications (2003). When he's not mumbling on air, Pete lives in Central New York with his wife and two children.
Discover some of Pete's favorites from last year, featured in our 2025 Common Threads Wrapped playlist.
Common Threads, born from discussions by the Central New York Friends of Folk, was proposed to WAER in 1997 by Larry Hoyt, a SAMMY-winning singer-songwriter. With Larry’s guidance, the show drew a dedicated following of music fans and many local musicians who appreciated the format and exposure.
Larry Hoyt was a fixture on WAER for 26 years, hosting and curating Common Threads before stepping away for health reasons. He passed away in March 2024.
Contact Us
Reach out to the show, send feedback or promotional materials to:
COMMON THREADS
WAER
795 Ostrom Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244
Recently played on Common Threads
Common Threads is available to listen to live on 88.3 FM, streaming on WAER.org or on mobile apps and smart speakers.
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