New York City Public Radio (WNYC) is celebrating their 100th year on air with a months-long celebration and a centennial album to go with it. The celebration starts on July 8 and continues through the fall, including special broadcasts, concerts, and public participation.
Since WNYC’s founding in 1924, they’ve transformed and fostered New York City’s connection through delivering news, entertainment, and technological advances. This year, they celebrate 100 years of doing so, beginning in July.
On July 8, Happy Birthday WNYC! An on-air celebration, hosted by Brian Lehrer at 7 PM can be found on 93.9 FM. Followed by the Re-imagining of WNYC’s inaugural broadcast hosted live from The Greene Space. Then, in true New York fashion, the Empire State Building will light up red to kick off the festivities.
Other special offerings include “From the Archives” Audio Spots (July 8 – ongoing), where past and current staff will guide listeners through important radio moments from the WNYC archives. Artist Katie Merz will create an ongoing art exhibition called Public Art for Public Radio inspired by New York City and Listener stories. Next, “Your New York Stories” – an audio storytelling initiative (July 8 – ongoing) will allow listeners to broadcast their own stories. Lastly, 100 Years of 100 Things with Brian Lehrer (July 8 – ongoing) will cover significant NYC political histories and events.
The celebration extends down to the subways as well. Starting July 8, subway announcements will feature the voices of WNYC radio personalities, Brian Lehrer, Michael Hill, and Brooke Gladstone.
Additionally, All of It‘s “Public Song Project,” invited listeners to submit reimaginings of songs from the 1920s. A panel of esteemed judges selected the top entries for WNYC to play on air. The winners will also be featured on the Centennial album alongside, Rosanne Cash, The Lemon Twigs, Steve Earle, and They Might Be Giants, among others. Listeners will have a chance to perform their renditions on July 20 at 6 PM in The People’s Concert at Lincoln Center alongside award-winning musician, Jay Blount.
Later, on July 27, WNYC will present the Rhapsody for This Land: The American Odyssey in Music free concert. The show will take place in Brooklyn Bridge Park and feature pianist, Lara Downes. Other artists featured include Christian McBride, Rosanne Cash, Arturo O’Farrill, Time for Three, and the Orchestra Elena under Aram Demirjian.
Picking back up again in the fall on September 9, the celebration will include a live broadcast from Central Park SummerStage with Brian Lehrer. Furthermore, the show will include comedy, music, trivia, sets by Freestyle Love Supreme, mxmtoon, Donwill, and segments from WNYC hosts. Along with some currently unannounced guests, a few surprise ones will also be in attendance.
Lastly, the last festivity on November 19 will bring the Centennial celebration to a close. The New York Public Radio’s Centennial Gala, held at The Greenhouse will celebrate contributors and supporters. Attendees will get to enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, and an afterparty to celebrate WNYC’s century of accomplishments.
For a timeline of WNYC’s last 100 years visit www.wnyc.org/100. To find the complete schedule of events for the WNYC Centennial visit nypublicradio.org.
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