I just found this wonderful tribute to
WGTB, the Georgetown University station that introduced me to so much of the music I love today. Sadly, the station was closed down by the University for its radical politics, and in particular its pro-gay programming. The program "Friends" was one of the first places I ever heard about gay life other than on the bathroom walls at the public library, and it was a lifesaver. Its theme song was Bette Midler singing, "Ya gotta have....friends." It seems corny now, but when I heard that song it was like getting inside a warm sleeping bag of safety and acceptance. This article brings back so many memories of the 1970s in DC and Georgetown in particular- Orpheus Records, Yes! Bookstore with the cafe and meditation hut in the back, the Cellar Door, the
Exorcist Steps, and the Watergate just several blocks away. I was just a kid and getting turned on to folk music at the time. I would listen to and record
Mary Cliff's show on Saturday nights on WETA and tune in to WGTB on Sundays to listen to Myron Bretholz doing his Summer Solstice program - all British Isles and Irish folk! I couldn't get enough of the
Bothy Band,
Nic Jones, Robin Williamson,
Clannad, and local stars like the Irish Tradition and the Hags. This article brings back the drama and hopefulness of that period. It makes me want to go back there in spirit, or bring it back here.
posted by Lisa Moscatiello #
6:20 PM |
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