Fred Kasten

One of the exciting new programs coming to the WWNO schedule in July is the locally-produced Music Inside Out — which is being developed and put together by a talented, experienced radio team, including former Times-Picayune and NPR reporter and editor Gwen Thompkins.

Thompkins is a New Orleans native who grew up in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood with a deep love of music.

Today on The Sound of Books with Fred Kasten, the new book from New Orleans native and University of North Carolina English and American Studies professor Ruth Salvaggio, Hearing Sappho in New Orleans: The Call of Poetry from Congo Square to the Ninth Ward.

Today on The Sound of Books with Fred Kasten, the widely praised new novel from New York Times best-selling author Joshilyn Jackson A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty.

Today on The Sound of Books with Fred Kasten, the widely-praised new book from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Steve Coll: Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power.

Top-notch New Orleans pianist Jesse McBride is a long-time friend and protege of outstanding composer, arranger, producer, educator and saxophonist Harold Battiste – and leads an all-star big band living tribute to Battiste, with special guests Germaine Bazzle and Ellis Marsalis, at Jazz Fest Sunday, May 6.

For right at a decade now Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have been one of the most soulful and dynamic bands going. They play Jazz Fest Sunday, May 6.

Wycliffe Gordon is one of the world's finest trombonists - a talented trumpeter - and gifted vocalist.  Wycliffe Gordon brings his acclaimed "Hello Pops" tribute to Louis Armstrong to Jazz Fest Friday, May 4th...

Jazz Fest headliner Herbie Hancock has done it all in music: he's had hit records - won multiple Grammys - played in and led legendary bands - composed for television and film. At 72 - Herbie Hancock continues to travel the world making great music - and - since last summer - serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO. WWNO's Fred Kasten has more...

Herbie Hancock is one of the world's finest pianists – and a great composer.  He plays Jazz Fest with his quartet Saturday, May 5.

For over 20 years now Rod Hodges, Joe Cabral and the Iguanas have lured listeners onto the dance floor with their intoxicating blend of blues and Latin grooves.  Catch them playing music from their new CD Sin to Sin at Jazz Fest Thursday, May 3.