Mar 9th, 2010 · Barber's beautiful concerto came about at the request of a soap magnate named Samuel Fels. Although the business end of the commission was sullied, the concerto came out sparkling. Hear violinist James Ehnes play the piece in concert.
Dec 31st, 2009 · 'Tis the season for bubbly, but the recession has left champagne sales flat. Some high-end champagnes may be heavily discounted this holiday season. In the rough economy, many are looking at sparkling wines as an alternative.
Aug 12th, 2009 · Narrated by a precocious young woman born to be an Olympic swimmer, Nicola Keegan's sparkling first novel captures the arc of a great athlete's career.
Aug 10th, 2009 · Conductor Nicholas McGegan bids farewell to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in a concert that sparkles with Handel's Royal Fireworks and weaves an array of magic spells. Also featured are works by Edward Elgar and 20th-century English composer Peter Maxwell Davies.
Jul 31st, 2009 · Legendary pianist Hank Jones was one of Marian McPartland's first guests when she began hosting Piano Jazz 30 years ago. To celebrate the show's milestone, McPartland asked another of her favorite pianists, Bill Charlap, to take a turn on the host's bench to catch up with Jones. The two sparkle on duets such as "Oh Look at Me Now" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom."
May 26th, 2009 · Are there bands and albums that you know you should love, but for whatever reason just don't? For host Bob Boilen, Green Day is one of those acts. Also on this week's program: the sparkling textures of Sunset Rubdown; a mysterious and dark collaboration from Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and David Lynch; Allen Toussaint playing jazz and blues; and two samples from our Exclusive First Listen series. Hear songs from West African guitar hero Vieux Farka Toure and an album of demos from the legendary supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash.
May 12th, 2009 · When Michael Benjamin Lerner stopped by the KEXP studios with Telekinesis, his songs sparkled with buoyant melodies and catchy hooks that shone like little pop gems. He pounded away on the drums in a frenzy of intensity and joy while singing along without effort.
Apr 23rd, 2009 · Washed-up rock stars and sparkling starlets populate the decadent, intertwined tales of The Informers — a new film based on the book by Bret Easton Ellis.