Joe Donahue

From his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead to his unforgettable interpretations of classic and new repertoire, pianist, Christopher O'Riley, has redefined the possibilities of classical music. O’Riley has dazzled the world over on stage, on the radio and on his records. His memorable interpretations of traditional and popular repertoire make him a bridge between musical tastes, genres and audiences worldwide. He is also the host of NPR's classical music program, From the Top.

This Sunday, August 12, JAZZSTOCK will present a 70th Birthday Tribute to legendary drummer, composer, bandleader, and 2012 NEA Jazz Master recipient, Jack DeJohnette, at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. 2012 Grammy Award winning drummer, composer, producer and clinician Terri Lyne Carrington will perform along many other talented musicians. Teri Roiger and John Menegon join us to tell us more.

David Rakoff, author humorous essay collections Fraud, Don’t Get Too Comfortable, and Half Empty - and frequent contributor to Public Radio International’s This American Life has died.

In 2005, Bazaar Productions launched the first season of The Berkshire Fringe, a 21-day festival of theater, dance, music and multi-media works by emerging voices from across the United States.

The Lake George Dinner Theatre is celebrating its 45th season the professional theater company presents Norm Foster’s The Love List through Oct. 20 at Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George.

The comedy tells the story of two friends who make a list of the traits they consider important in an ideal female companion and the trouble that ensues when they actually meet a woman who fits the bill.

The WordXWord Festival is an 8-day festival taking place at a variety of venues in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Venues range from store fronts to stages, studios to street corners, and rooftops to restaurants. Word X Word was founded in 2009 by Jim Benson, and he joins us with a preview this morning along with Leigh Strimbeck who will tell us about her new WAM Theatre piece about the impact of social media on women's lives.

The Hubbard Hall Opera Theater was launched in 2008. The company’s latest production is Mozart’s beloved “The Magic Flute,” running for five more performances through August 19th. The singing is in German (with supertitles), the spoken dialogue in English. Kelly Crandell conducts the 19-piece orchestra and Paul Houghtaling, who joins us this morning, directs the production. We are also joined by the Company’s Artistic Director – Alix Jones.

We welcome Dean Koontz back to the program and talk about his latest book, Odd Apocalypse: An Odd Thomas Novel.

Mary Fairchild, Director of Publicity for Maverick Concerts, and Mark Chmiel from the Actors & Writers theatre troupe join us to talk about their presentation of Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays this Saturday, August 11th at 6:30pm.

Kristen Suzanne is a raw vegan chef and former competitive bodybuilder who has studied nutrition for 15 years. We speak with her about Raw Awakening: Your Ultimate Guide to the Raw Food Diet.