Dear Listener,

I'm writing this from San Francisco, where WWOZ just racked up another live broadcast, this one from Zellerbach Hall on the University of California Campus in Berkeley, featuring the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra with Irvin Mayfield, Bill Summers and Ed “Sweetbread” Peterson, among other worthies. Just three weeks ago, our magic carpet whisked ‘OZ listeners to the Apollo Theater for a "Great Night in Harlem" showcasing Chaka Kahn, Herbie Hancock and bunches more great musicians. Who knew Bruce Willis could sing the blues and play such a mean mouth harp? The latter concert was a fundraiser for the Jazz Foundation of America, a wonderful organization based in New York which raises millions annually to assist musicians in need. (Feel free to support them!)

The purpose of our out-of-town and offshore broadcasts is to spread the word about 'OZ. There are now more than 25,000 'OZ listeners in the Bay Area, and more than 57,000 in New York City. And these folk are really passionate about the station. While in New York, we invited our local 'OZilians to a night of live music at a club in Brooklyn. The turnout was impressive, but even more impressive was the depth of knowledge and caring these folks demonstrated about all things Crescent City. We did the same thing in San Francisco at the Boom Boom Room in the Fillmore. After having visited with our out-of-town fan bases on both coasts, I have come to realize that when these "tourists" come to town, as they surely will over and over, they bring with them a lot more than they take—the difference between a long-term relationship and a one-night stand.

While in the Bay Area, I and my staff were guests on four different radio stations telling our story. And in New York, we actually raised more than $10,000 at our events. All of this—the live broadcasts, the meet-ups, the trips—are paid for by sponsors who underwrite these opportunities instead of being charged against our operating budget, which mostly comes from our listeners, including eight-year-olds emptying their piggy banks to keep the air waves full of good vibes (true story).

We love being ambassadors for the city and we love bringing you special moments from faraway places. Stay tuned. There are many more to come.

Yours in yams and jams,

David Freedman
General Manager

This Thanksgiving, we want to recognize each and every person who made our recent Fall Membership Drive a huge success. Let's start with the greatest listeners in the universe: we need your support in order to keep on Guarding the Groove! And thanks to all the volunteers, musicians, show hosts, food donors, photographers, and everyone else who made this fall's pledge party one long funky groove. Check out our recap of all the fine entertainment, including staff, volunteers, food and studio performances.

» Fall Membership Drive Thank-Yous

» Fall Membership Drive Photo Highlights

On Friday, December 19, we'll celebrate our 34th birthday right where it all started back in 1980: Tipitina's. "Behind the Curtain: 34 Years of WWOZ 90.7" will be a night of music, food, spirits and art celebrating WWOZ and chronicling the musical culture and heritage of New Orleans. Music will include Davell Crawford’s tribute to piano legend James Booker, Ivan Neville’s very special tribute to the legendary Neville Brothers, and DJ Soul Sister's Soul Shack Dance Party.

» Join us and celebrate WWOZ

During the past several years, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation has been renovating a historic building next door to their headquarters on Rampart Street. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Center will feature seven classrooms designed for music education and a 200-seat performance hall for local and touring acts. It will be a space dedicated to preserving and promoting the vibrant cultures of our surrounding communities, a 12,500 square foot home for the arts that make New Orleans unique. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Center opens on December 12.

» Jazz & Heritage Center Opening Events

The Swamp Shop is ready for the Holidays with new 'OZ merchandise like bandanas, long-sleeved tees, our cookbook (That Sounds Good!), and the popular new Gumbo Mug. It's all available online, and at our retail store inside the Louisiana Music Factory on Frenchmen Street. We ship everywhere!

» Give the Gift of 'OZ

WWOZ is partnering with the Southern Rep Theater to help collect stories from New Orleans music lovers answering the question: "How has New Orleans music saved your soul?" and we want to hear your story! We will be collecting responses via audio, video and written narrative. All stories will live on BoudinMusicProject.com, some will be featured on WWOZ 90.7 FM, and some will be taken as the base of a script for a 90 minute performance piece that will go up for five weeks around Jazz Fest 2015.

 » Blues & BOUDIN: The New Orleans Music Project

As you may know, WWOZ has begun producing original video content. We've live streamed from our recent membership drive, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, and the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival. We've also produced a number of edited videos in HD with broadcast-quality audio, which we've collected below, including artists like Doreen Ketchens, Bobby Rush, and Ruthie Foster.

 » Recent Videos from WWOZ

Now that cold weather has arrived even as far south as New Orleans, this warm and comforting Shrimp Pho really hits the spot. This Southern rendition of the Vietnamese classic soup features fresh herbs and just the right amount of spiciness to warm up your cold days. Recipe courtesy of Louisiana Cookin' magazine.

» Recipe: Shrimp Pho