Hello Porchers, I hope you will join me this Saturday and Sunday morning from ten to noon as we once again explore the eclectic mix of music that strikes your fancy. Recently a person came up to me and asked how I would describe the show – and I had to think about it.
I usually just say something like “anything goes” or “it’s the spaghetti of music shows – I just throw something at the wall to see what sticks.” But for some reason, I thought I had to call it something else to satisfy this prospective listener.
Thinking back to the special St. Patrick’s Day episode, lightning struck and I called the show a “funky cèilidh.” A blank stare greeted me and I went on to explain that a cèilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) is a gathering in Ireland or Scotland where everyone is invited to the party, brings their instruments, their voices, their dancing shows, and their stories.
There’s plenty of music and where there’s music, people are happy.
And there’s always plenty of music on John’s Porch and my philosophy has always been that everyone is welcome, you can sing along to the songs you know. That is if you can sing, sing loud – and if you can’t sing, sing louder!
Usually this is the point where I would spout out who I was going to play, but honestly, as I write this, there’s not that many things set in stone. Oh, there will be an hour or so of new releases on Saturday, but I’m not sure which ones just yet. The rest of Saturday will be taken up with some classic releases and a few surprises.
You won’t want to miss it, but fear not, if you do miss it, you can catch it starting on Monday, just by going to vpm.org/music-archive. You can also check out other local shows on that same page. Haven’t checked out The Undertow with Annie Parnell? Take a chance now. Same with The Chill Factor with DJ B-Rice or Time For The Blues with me and the legendary Henry Cook.
Some come to the Funky Cèilidh and grab a seat near the bandstand. Or your radio or computer – anyway you can get here, you are welcome. Invite your friends and make your own party. The more the merrier.
So, climb up on the biggest metaphorical porch in the world, kick back, and sing along. I’ve got a lot of things I think you will enjoy. You can find us in the Richmond area at 93.1 and 107.3. Everywhere else in the world should stream us at vpm.org. I’m always glad for your company.