Blogs

Each October, the Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum holds a marvelous Dia de los Muertos celebration. Can you think of a more fitting setting for our local adaptation of this beautiful celebration of life and death that originated in Mexico, and today is celebrated all over Central America and here in the U.S.? Despite COVID, the celebration is on, and we'll hear from Executive Director Jessica Smithers how it's been adapted for this year. We'll also learn about some of the other unique features of this suprising local resource.

Also joining us with news of a big COVID pivot is Bobby Weist, president of Davis Firefighters Local 3494. In addition to being heroes on the frontlines, our local firefighters are tireless in their efforts to help others, all year long, and many of us are familiar with their "Fill the Boot" effort prior to each Thanksgiving, where these men and women stand on street corners at busy intersections and collect cash donations in a fire boot, all of which go to fund their Turkey Basket program. This year's effort is virtual, and he'll share how and when and why to donate.

The more I keep digging, the more stories I find there are to be told.

Today we'll hear about families who may have reached such a tough place that they are in true crisis, and we'll hear about the many ways Yolo Crisis Nursery steps up to help. Executive Director Heather Sleuter joins us to chat about the Nursery's services, and the ways it's had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We'll also hear from Evie Wright, president of Soroptimist International of Davis, which works to empower women and girls through education, training, and financial support as stepping stones to economic empowerment. With its most consistent fundraiser out of the running due to COVID, how is the club adapting, and what's new in its offerings?

Live today at noon on KDRT 95.7FM, and available anytime at kdrt. org.

Celtic music continues to evolve and the Celtic Songline library continues to grow. This week we feature a few bands new to our playlist such as Iona, a progressive Celtic rock band from the United Kingdom, which was formed by lead vocalist Joanne Hogg and multi-instrumentalists David Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge. Another new addition is Ye Vagabonds,  brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn – who hail from the town of Carlow, south-west of Dublin. Also featured this week are the German band Faun and another addition is Pagan Folk, a collective of stellar musicians. Rounding out the program are the always amazing Old Blind Dogs, from San Francisco is the band The Fire, Irish piper Tommy Martin with Seamus Thompson, The Fureys, Capercaillie and Altan. 

Tune in Tuesday at 11:00 to Noon with a replay Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Stream at KDRT.org or subscribe to Celtic Songlines on iTunes.

I spoke with Michael Bisch, the executive director of Yolo Food Bank, earlier in the pandemic, and since then, the Woodland-based non profit has continued to up its game and live its mission of reducing food insecurity in our county, to the tune of 60,000 meals per month. Michael joins me again this Tuesday to talk about bringing food security to Davis during the pandemic, including partnerships with local college campuses and the Interfaith Rotating Winter Shelter.

My second guest is Natalie Nelson, executive director of Pence Gallery. When what you do is bring people into your facility to experience art, and you can't do that, how do you pivot? You'll hear about some of the creative changes the Pence has made, and also learn about the current exhibit featuring work by renowned local artist Sara Post.

Show airs live on Tuesdays at noon, repeats during the week, and is available anytime right here at kdrt.org.

Join host David Arthur Reynolds for an hour of traditional and contemporary Celtic tunes and songs. This week's featured artists include Pauline Scanlon,  Mairi Campbell, Tommy Martin, Malinky, Deanta, Danu, John Doyle, Battlefield Band, Andrei Krylov & Lana Ross, Archie Fisher, Donovan, Paul and Linda McCartney with Dennie Laine and local pipers, Karan Casey with John Doyle and from Brittany, the band Kornog.