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Holidays Sound Good on WKMS! See The Schedule

Designed by Jim Bryant, Professor of Graphic Design at Murray State University

WKMS is celebrating the spirit of the season with over 70 hours of special holiday programming from Thanksgiving through New Years! See the complete schedule here, which is subject to change. And, as you put the final touches on your charitable giving for the tax year, consider makinga holiday gift to WKMS. Thanks!

Giving Thanks 

Thursday, November 26 11 am – Noon

Host John Birge celebrates fall, food and gratitude with Chef Christopher Kimball, world famous concert pianist Stephen Hough and the one and only Sir Patrick Stewart.

The Science of Gratitude

Thursday, November 26 Noon – 1 pm

Narrated by actress Susan Sarandon, The Science of Gratitude explores how feeling grateful may be the true key to health and happiness.

Marketplace Takes Care of Holiday Business

Friday, November 27 11 am – Noon

We all need help financially navigating the holiday season! Join Lizzie O’Leary and her team as they explore the intersection of money and “the holidays.”

Preserving Our Voices 2015

  • Friday, November 27 Noon – 1 pm
  • Sunday, November 29 9 – 10 am
  • Tuesday, December 29 Noon – 1 pm

This year’s WKMS listening project offers amazing lifesaving and life-altering stories as told by people from our region.
See more about this year's special

Hanukkah Lights 2015

Monday, December 7 Noon – 1 pm

Hear new Hanukkah stories and memoirs written specifically for this special program, read by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

Christmas With Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs

Tuesday, December 8 Noon – 1 pm

NPR’s Korva Coleman hosts the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in a classic presentation of spirituals and carols.

Holidays At MSU 2015

Wednesday, December 9 Noon – 1 pm

The Murray State Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Jazz Orchestra and faculty soloists are featured in this annual special produced for KET and carried by public television stations nationwide.

Tinsel Tales

Thursday, December 10 Noon – 1 pm

Out of the archives, it’s the original Tinsel Tales with David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk and other NPR voices, telling stories of the season.

The Dinner Party Download Holiday Special

Friday, December 11 Noon – 1 pm

You’re invited to enjoy The Dinner Party Download with a Yuletide playlist from chart-toppers Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, crazy relatives, holiday party etiquette tips and conversations with special guests both naughty and nice.

Festivo Alt Latino New York

Monday, December 14 Noon – 1 pm

Hosted by Felix Contreras and Jasmine Garsd, Festivo Alt Latino features Latin Soul and Mariachi like you’ve never heard before, plus some of the best Latin alternative singer-songwriters in the business.

Jazz Piano Christmas XXXI

Tuesday, December 15 Noon – 1 pm

Hear a variety of virtuoso pianists play unique renditions of holiday favorites from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Hollywood Holiday

Wednesday, December 16 Noon – 1 pm

Join Lynne Warfel for an hour of holiday movie music that ranges from the sentimental to the completely cranky, with “White Christmas,” Grinches and Scrooges, and everything in between!

Tinsel Tales 2

Thursday, December 17 Noon – 1 pm

This new collection of holiday stories includes tales of joy, hope and childhood holiday memories.

Afro Blue Christmas

Friday, December 18 Noon – 1 pm

Michele Norris hosts a celebration with Howard University’s premiere vocal ensemble, Afro Blue, and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut.

Music From the Front Porch Holiday Special

Saturday, December 19 10 am – 1 pm

Get nostalgic with Mike Gowen listening to this special holiday version of your favorite bluegrass/ Americana program.

Rick’s Kitchen Sink Holiday Show 

Saturday, December 19 1 – 3 pm

Rick has promised spirited sets of music and mistletoe for his two-hour holiday show.

Beyond the Edge Holiday Special

Saturday, December 19 8 – 10 pm

Hear Tracy play alternative favorites for the season.

Weekend Energy Big House Christmas Mix

Saturday, December 19 11 pm – 1 am

Tune in and celebrate the best electronic music from around the world.

Classical Encore Christmas

Sunday, December 20 5 – 7 am

Heavenly sounds abound with classical music on Classical Encore.

The Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s A Christmas Celebration

  • Sunday, December 20 11 am – 1 pm
  • Sunday, December 20 9 – 11 pm

Enjoy the very popular Paducah Symphony concert featuring its choruses and the Murray State Concert Choir, recorded December 12, 2015.
Jazzman Christmas Show

Sunday, December 20 1 – 3 pm

Hear your favorite Christmas tunes with jazz stylings — certain to put a twinkle in your eye.

Tinsel Tales 3

Monday, December 21 Noon – 1 pm

In keeping with the well-loved NPR holiday tradition, hear the third collection of extraordinary Christmas stories with nostalgia that may transport you to unexpected places.

Café Jazz Christmas with George Eldred

Monday, December 21 9 – 11 pm

George keeps you in good spirits with a merry jazz concert tonight!

Joy To The World — A Holiday in Pink

Tuesday, December 22 Noon – 1 pm

The internationally acclaimed little orchestra Pink Martini bedecks the airwaves with festive holiday songs. All Things Considered’s Ari Shapiro gets in on the fun as host.

Paul Winter’s 35th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

Tuesday, December 22 7 – 9 pm

Celebrate the longest night of the year with an exuberant feast of sound captured live from the gothic Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC.

Café Jazz Christmas with Todd Hill

Tuesday, December 22 9 – 11 pm

You’ll hear a ton of vintage jazz favorites from Dr. “Santa” Hill.

All Songs For The Holidays

Wednesday, December 23 Noon – 1 pm

It’s a fun and weird holiday tradition from NPR Music with host Bob Boilen and friends bringing you holiday music you’ll never hear at the mall or your mother’s house.

Café Jazz Christmas with Brian Clardy

Wednesday, December 23 9 – 11 pm

Timeless jazz selections to fill your stockings tonight.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Thursday, December 24 9 – 11 am

The 30-voice King’s College Choir performs the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of readings and music live from Cambridge, England.

Caroling With The Singers

Thursday, December 24 11 am – Noon

Participate in the live Christmas Carol sing-along led by The Singers, a professional 40 member choir. You can join in wherever you may be — at home, at work, in your car or at a party. It should be fun!

A Chanticleer Christmas

Thursday, December 24 Noon – 1 pm

You know the holidays are here when you listen to these 12 men singing in beautifully blended harmony. Hear Chanticleer perform beloved Christmas songs from Gregorian chant to Gospel.

The Jive House Funky Christmas

Thursday, December 24 9 – 10 pm

Get Up Offa That Christmas Thing with Brad and John on a funky version of Jive House tonight.

The Off Beat Holiday Mix

Thursday, December 24 10 – 11 pm

Austin Carter soothes your holiday nerves with great reggae tunes old and new.

The Retro Cocktail Hour Christmas Party

Thursday, December 24 11 pm – 1 am

Retro host Darrell Brogdon brings you two hours of holiday music that’s shaken, not stirred.

St. Olaf Christmas Festival

Friday, December 25 11 am – 1 pm

Enjoy a service in song and word from Minnesota’s St. Olaf College with hymns, carols and orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity.

Left of the Dial Holiday Mix

Friday, December 25 9 – 11 pm

Celebrate the day and get your 80s holiday tunes fix here on Left of the Dial.

The Last Splash Christmas

Friday, December 25 11 pm – 1 am

Enjoy music and conversation with Austin Carter, Tim Peyton, Corbet Hall and Matthew Rowan.

Beyond The Edge Year-End Show

Saturday, December 26 8 – 11 pm

Tracy Ross ranks the best music of 2015.

Weekend Energy Best of the Year Mix

Saturday, December 26 11 pm – 1 am

Matt plans to break it down for you — all the best electronic music he’s played on Weekend Energy in 2015.

Toast of The Nation

Thursday, December 31 8 pm – 4 am

An NPR tradition every New Year’s Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation takes you live to jazz parties across the country through the wee hours of the morning. You’ll hear the musical stylings of WyntonMarsalis, Snarky Puppy, Wycliffe Gordon and more.

New Year’s Day From Vienna 2016

Friday, January 1, 2016 10 am – Noon

The Vienna Philharmonic offers its annual New Year’s Day concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. You’ll hear your favorite waltzes, polkas and more. Happy New Year!

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