Performing Arts

Wolf Trap's New President

Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 12:06 p.m.

Arvind Manocha spent more than a decade growing the audiences for the L.A. Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl, two of the West Coast's most iconic music venues. He's now leading Wolf Trap, the country's only national park for the performing arts.

Time For Three

Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 12:32 p.m.

We hear from Time for Three, a trio of classically trained musicians who bend genres, incorporating jazz, pop and bluegrass into their music.

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen: On The Edge

Thursday, Apr 11, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

Local bluegrass band Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen is celebrating three "Wammie" awards and a new label. The band joins us to play some tunes from their latest album, "On the Edge."

On Stage In Our Region

Wednesday, Feb 13, 2013 at 12:06 p.m.

From swordplay to political dramas to musical theater, we look at what’s hitting stages this season.

What Makes It Great: Classical Music And Beyond With Rob Kapilow (Rebroadcast)

Thursday, Dec 27, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.

Rob Kapilow's exuberant commentary could prove you've never listened--really listened--to even the most familiar tunes. Classical music's ambassador takes on all genres--jazz, rap, country--and even the Kojo theme song.

What Makes It Great: Classical Music And Beyond With Rob Kapilow

Monday, Dec 10, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.

Rob Kapilow's exuberant commentary could prove you've never listened--really listened--to even the most familiar tunes. Classical music's ambassador takes on all genres--jazz, rap, country--and even the Kojo theme song.

Wyclef Jean

Thursday, Sep 20, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.

Musician Wyclef Jean is living what many consider the American dream, but his native Haiti is never far from his thoughts. Kojo talks with Wyclef about his music, charitable work, political ambitions and what's next.

"Bad Brains: A Band in DC"

Thursday, Jun 21, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.

Kojo chats with a member of the legendary D.C. hardcore band Bad Brains and the directors of a new documentary about the group.

"The Taming of the Shrew" Meets The Spaghetti Western

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.

This new production of Shakespeare's comedic battle of the sexes is a Wild West love story, including a "Blind Balladeer," whose original songs play off the show's themes.

Pushing the Barre: Septime Webre & The Washington Ballet

Wednesday, Apr 4, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.

Over the past decade, Septime Webre's transformed a once-traditional ballet company into one of America's most innovative and diverse dance troops. Prepare to see Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, and the Cheshire Cat as you've never seen them before.

Remembering Bluegrass Pioneer Earl Scruggs

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 1:42 p.m.

He helped define the bluegrass sound and redefine the banjo. Earl Scruggs died Wednesday at age 88...

Your Turn: The Blurry Lines Dividing Theater & Journalism

Monday, Mar 19, 2012 at 1:37 p.m.

In the wake of a recent controversy at the public radio show "This American Life," we explore the blurry lines between performance art and journalism.

Songs of Love, Lust, and Longing

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.

Truly great songs of love, affection and attraction from the transcend time and continue to pull on heart strings decades after they were written....

Robert Battle of Alvin Ailey

Tuesday, Feb 7, 2012 at 1:32 p.m.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has a new director for just the third time in its history. We learn about the hurdles Robert Battle had to overcome to earn the position and his vision for its future.

Fortune's Bones

Wednesday, Jan 11, 2012 at 12:27 p.m.

A human skeleton displayed in a Connecticut museum piqued curiosity and sparked speculation for years. In 1996 historians began to unlock the mysteries held in the bones, finding they belonged to a slave named Fortune, and were to use as a...

The Kojo Nnamdi Show is produced by member-supported WAMU 88.5 in Washington DC.