Celebrating the Power of Public Radio: Uniting Communities Through Music

Public Radio Music Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the vital role public radio plays in bringing communities together through the universal language of music. This year's theme, "Bringing People Together: From Coast to Coast," highlights how public media is bridging the gap and delivering music to rural areas, fostering a sense of unity and connection across the nation.

Amplifying the Voices of Folk Musicians in Rural Wisconsin

Elevating the Folk Music Scene

Sile Shigley, the host of WPR's "Simply Folk" program, emphasizes the responsibility of public radio to amplify the voices of folk musicians, particularly those in rural parts of Wisconsin. She believes that radio is a powerful tool in ensuring that these artists are heard, no matter where they are located. "Radio really helps, because no matter where you are, hopefully you can pull in that signal," Shigley explains. "We are developing more and more performing spaces. It used to be that you signed a record label and you'd go play in big concert halls. Now, you can go to coffee shops. You can go to farm fields that have been set aside for concerts. There are a lot of places to hear music. It is definitely not limited to the cities."

Expanding the Reach of "Simply Folk"

In September, "Simply Folk" expanded its programming to four hours on Sunday evenings, allowing Shigley and her team to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of folk music. "Folk is such a huge tent. Even in three hours, we weren't able to really cover all the things we would sometimes like to cover," Shigley explains. "So it allows us to just play more music, first and foremost. But we can also do a few more special things, like play some interviews with artists that we've done over the years. We've live-recorded concerts. WPR engineers have live-recorded many famous people across the decades."

Connecting with Listeners

The expanded programming has also provided an opportunity for Shigley to connect more closely with the show's listeners. "I always learn something," she says. "You think after this many years of doing it, that you can't be surprised. And of course, fortunately, that's not the case. I'm always surprised. I'm always surprised how much I love it and how, even though we get a lot of requests for some old favorites that are recurring, we get lots of new stuff. We're hearing from a wider age group than we used to. We're hearing some young requests along with some old standards. It has just been a delight."

Exploring the Diverse Tapestry of Folk Music

Shigley's passion for folk music is evident in the diverse selection of artists she features on "Simply Folk." From the metaphorical and socially conscious songs of Cuban artist Silvio Rodríguez to the timeless ballad "Lord Douglas" interpreted by Jim Moray and Angeline Morrison, the show celebrates the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions that define the folk genre. Shigley's deep understanding and appreciation for these artists and their music shines through, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the captivating world of folk music.

Fostering a Sense of Community

Public Radio Music Day serves as a testament to the power of public radio in bringing communities together through the shared experience of music. By elevating the voices of folk musicians in rural areas and providing a platform for diverse musical expressions, WPR and "Simply Folk" are playing a vital role in fostering a sense of unity and connection across Wisconsin and beyond. As Shigley eloquently states, "We need those happy songs. Especially in four hours, you've got to make sure to include both happy songs and sad songs." It is this holistic approach to programming that allows public radio to truly resonate with listeners and create a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.