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Thursday, February 2, 2017

In Context: RadioLoveFest






For the fourth year running, BAM partners with WNYC to present a one-of-a-kind celebration of innovative radio, live on stage. Context is everything, so get closer to the production through our series of curated links, videos, and articles. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #RadioLoveFest.

Program Notes


Read

Article
NPR’s Great Black Hope (The Atlantic)
Snap Judgement host Glynn Washington has become what The Atlantic calls NPR’s “great black hope.”

Watch & Listen
A sneak peek at the “rain curtains, sparklers, batons” and wry humor of Ira Glass's unlikely radio/dance mashup performance.

Video
An excerpt from the comedian’s 2012 on Comedy Central about how absurd it is that America hasn’t had a female president.

Podcast
Pod Save America (Crooked Media)
Listen to the new podcast from the guys behind Keeping it 1600.

Podcast
Comedian Phoebe Robinson—who will be featured on Bullseye Comedy Night—hosts the weekly WNYC podcast Sooo Many White Guys, in which she talks to rad artists, none of whom are white dudes. 

Now your turn...

Which show(s) did you see? How did you enjoy yourself? Was the live experience of your favorite show surprising? What'd you love? What didn't you love? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #RadioLoveFest.

21 comments:

  1. Loved the Ira Glass show. More than worth the trip in from Conn. He is a national treasure and the dancers were wonderful. Thanks for putting this on.

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  2. Loved having the opportunity to watch Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me live! It was so much fun to experience the unedited version, and to see Peter Sagal and the team in person. I can't wait to go again next year.

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  3. Wait Wait Don't Tell Me was fantastic! Had never seen it live before tonight. It definitely lived up to the hype!

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  4. This is my 4th time seeing Wait, Wait live. It was the best! The snowstorm meant some key people couldn't make it and the substitutes made it sheer perfection. Make sure you hear the podcast! #RadioLoveFest

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  5. The Moth was a mixed bag. Definitely not the strongest lineup I've seen or heard, and usually there's a better mix of humor and serious. Still some really touching stories, though.

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  6. With the snow the trip in from Ct. wasn't easy but well worth it to see Wait, Wait. So much fun ...Steven Colbert was a great surprise ... can't wait to see how the show is edited for Saturday morning. Come back soon Wait, Wait ...

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  7. Haven't laughed this hard in years. To bad the sitting at BAM made it unbearable. If you'd like to experience how a sardine feels BAM is the venue for you.

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    1. My husband would agree. While the show was spectacular, it was difficult for him to enjoy it as much what with the seats too short for his legs. It wasn't like he was asking for a lounge chair, he was actually in pain due the lack of space for his knees. So sorry to say this because the atomosphere is quite lovely otherwise. And the show? Better than I could ever imagined.

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  8. Haven't laughed this hard in years. To bad the sitting at BAM made it unbearable. If you'd like to experience how a sardine feels BAM is the venue for you.

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  9. For a show in the lineup of the radio lovefest, snap judgement went super, super dark. Dear Glynn, I'm a fan of the show, but could you please lighten up?? I think you knew the show did NOT meet expectations as you seemed apologetic at the end, but we've got enough darnk in our daily lives. Four stories about physical, mental and sexual abuse out of six? Check please. Next time, I'll make sure to check the BAM tickets earlier and get tickets for Wait Wait. What a bummer of a night out.

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    1. I completely disagree. This was a lineup of very interesting and talented people and the lives they've lived. Their presentations were nothing less than professional. What I love most about storytelling of this kind, is that it is not Disney. It's real. I'm, frankly, tired of whitewashing or sugar-coating good art with "happy" and safe. I'll hear about what others are thinking any day of the week–even if it rocks me a little. More, the balancing of this program with humor was awesome. You go, Glynn. I'll continue to be a huge fan.

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  10. I must agree with the comment above about the poor story choice. I'm a huge fan of Snap Judgment, never miss an episode, but if I had heard this performance as a broadcast or podcast, I might have tuned out.

    Not only were the stories mostly downers, but they also didn't take us anyplace exotic or interesting. The broadcast has had so many unusual tales, yet at the live event I spent the most of the time hearing about events in the narrators' American homes. The parachuting story was funny and well-told, but you can tell the line-up is weak when a story involving pooping while parachuting is the best by a wide margin.

    Also, while I appreciate the effort that went into all the different sparkly jackets, Glynn Washington may have been trying too hard. On the radio we're impressed by his force of personality. A simple t-shirt or jacket would have seemed less contrived. If we wanted performers to look and act like rock stars, we'd go to rock concerts.

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  11. I absolutely loved the show! I have been a long time listener of Snap Judgment and just couldn't wait to see it live. Yes, the stories were a bit dark, but these are the stories that make you realize you're not alone. I truly enjoyed myself...and Glen...I thought your jackets were FABULOUS!

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  13. Thank you to Glynn, Bells Atlas, and all of the storytellers at Snap Judgement Live. It was a truly moving show.

    Jamie DeWolf - Thank you, THANK you, thank YOU! THAT is the kind of story and storyTELLING that has impact. It tells us that we're not alone, it offers experience, strength, and hope.

    Jen Coleman - Thank you for the laughs, sister. What a ball!

    Critical Feedback: there was so much to be felt and I believe that timing didn't let us feel the full extent of our emotions. For example, Glynn came out to walk Jen off the stage just when she was trying to give a bow to the band. I'm sure the audience would have LOVED to cheer for the band. Jen was really good at leaving space within her phrasing to let us laugh and cheer and gasp. It's feeling the full range of those emotions that inspire people to give a standing ovation.

    Glynn - your Vegas story was deep, we could see that you were moved to tears. LET US FEEL THAT!! We come to you to feel. Empathy. Let us. Don't cut us off short for "performance sake".

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  14. I have been listening to Glynn's show for years as a podcast and was very happy to see the show live. I brought my darling who was exited to see the show even never hearing the show. WNYC certainly doesn't play it at prime listening times. I sold the show as a somewhat funkier version of This American Life.

    I'm sorry to say we were both a little taken back by the darkness. The theme was supposed to be "Twisted", which I assume would cover multiple child-abuse stories. Lightening it up with a (well-told) story of pooping yourself didn't fit the theme either. For a show that has been given numerous times before this showing, I would have expected a "snappier" show.

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    1. Well said. I don't mind a little darkness, but on the radio, the show is much "snappier." This was a strange mix. I'm surprised it was the selection of stories they took on the road.

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    2. Must agree. Saw the Snap Judgement show at BAM the last time around and there was something more magical about that lineup/experience. I loved James and Jen. They are superstars. The others were meh. Very heavy and could have been edited better. The first storyteller went on way too long. Also didn't think Glynn needed to do two stories. One good story would have been enough. And he should only tell first, not right before the closer. Just my opinion.

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  16. Let's try again with editing.

    I took my cousins to Pod Save America. I am happy to say they are now Friends of the Pod.

    My one cousin was very impressed with Tommy Vietor saying, and I quote, "He gave the best answer I have ever heard on the issue of Israel."

    Special guests Mayor Bill DeBlasio and reporter Alex Wagner were simply perfect. Each was honest, educational, and entertaining.

    Jon Favreau was an exceptional moderator and Jon Lovett provided much needed humor and levity in these dark political times.

    While my cousins thought we were going to see the other Jon Favreau, who is a distant professional colleague of my cousin, they found the talk to be entertaining and a great time.

    Thank you for coming to the East Coast to share your Podcast live with us coastal elites next to the Atlantic.

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  17. I was expecting a top-notch laugh fest at the Bullseye Comedy Night at BAM last night but was totally disappointed. Starting with the unfunny host Guy Branun, the proceeding line-up
    did not impress. Phoebe caused a few chuckles, Solomon, none, but he did humor himself,
    Hari Kondabolu, the headliner was mildly humorous giving a B performance at best. Maeve Higgins was the star of the show. Her monologue was endearing and hilarious. I would definitely make a point to see her again.

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