Cavalcade for July 23

Sunday will never be the same! So it now is, for me, as the new expanded "Cavalcade" launches tonight at 8 and runs till 11! And so it must be for the dedicated fans of WFUV's long-running classic, "The Big Broadcast, " which recently closed up shop after many months of reruns to honor its late host, Rich Conaty. "The Big Broadcast" is as good an example of the "you couldn't build it today" principle as any, and it's host was as singular. That WFUV preserved this tiny oasis of extreme special-interest music for so long is a testament to the station's pride in it's own heritage, and commitment to listeners of both broad and specialized tastes. It is an honor and a privilege for me to now build something new in this space.

Just over two years ago, "Cavalcade" launched in the shadow of a giant, Vin Scelsa's much-revered "Idiot's Delight." It was Vin's choice to go out on top, on his own time and terms. It was the station's choice to carry the spirit of that show and its free-form-founder in its long-held Saturday time-slot. I came up with "Cavalcade," and your generous support and listenership has made it all worthwhile.

The opportunity to grow my show into an expanded Sunday edition comes in the wake of "The Big Broadcast." That move has in turn given rise to something new, as we cheer on a new family member who is also an artist we play often: the Dap Kings' own Binky Griptite, who fires up old-school Saturday night mojo with soul gold on "The Boogie Down." Long may it run!

Sunday night feels right for music discovery, of new and vintage, of pre-and post rock, of varying moods, and all as living souvenirs of my lifetime before the mic. The freshman and sophomore years of "Cavalcade" have brought me to this fantastic platform, and I embrace it with inspiration from the long heritage I've outlined here. The future's up to you and me. Together, we'll do Sunday night proud.

So what to expect? For this first show, lots of Sunday-themed songs from all musical corners. I'll play music by a local band that takes it's name from a Josh Ritter album — Animal Years — along with an advance spin of Josh's new release. Plus, a preview of the anticipated album by gypsy-punks Gogol Bordello, to be called Seekers And Finders. With the new Gogol, I couldn't have wished for a more fitting christening of the time slot that rolled with roaring-twenties jazz for decades, and now rocks into the 21st century, anchored by deep roots that tap into heritage and adventure. 

That's "Cavalcade, instant-archived under the Weekend Archives at wfuv.org.