The other day in the paper, I read a headline that stated (as if it were a fact) - "Winter weather continues to plague the country."  "Plague?!"  No.  Winter is a season.  It comes once a year.  Just around this time.  I wouldn't call it a "plague" - and it certainly isn't really news, is it?  Unless your idea of "news" is to state the obvious.  Sure, we're in a deep freeze as I prepare this show, but it IS January, and I'd expect nothing less.  Which is why today on Routes & Branches & Beyond we dress up warm and go out on some January rambles.  Proper thing, luh?!

We'll hear rags (not the kind you wipe up spilled milk with), giants (the friendly kind), chickens (the fried kind), jars (the kind containing whiskey), strangers (the alluring kind), life (the everlasting kind), hotels (the kind you can check out of but can never leave), and love (the kind that conquers hate).  From musicians like Steve Kaufman, Darren McMullen, Lickin’ Good Fried, The High Kings, Medley Folk Band, Susan Aglukark, The Rucksack Willies, North Country Gentlemen, Trio Garufa, Andrew Collins, Ian Bruce & Victor Besch,  and Mary Anderson-Buchanan.  Put on a scarf and join me.

Routes & Branches & Beyond show # 309 2024 01 18

Ivan Emke