KFAI's MinneCulture Presents

It's a Wonderful Life by Frank Capra This December marks the 70th anniversary of the making of this classic film . Lux Radio Theatre broadcast their own radio adaptation just months after the film's opening, with James Stewart, Donna Reed , and Victor Moore as "Clarence" reprising their roles. Originally aired March 10th, 1947. We'll hear the story of George Bailey , a despairingly frustrated husband, father, and citizen of Bedford Falls. George wanted more than anything under the sun to see the world. The wonderful, exciting world that lay somewhere beyond the limits of his hometown. But George has spent his entire life giving all of himself to the people of Bedford Falls, overwhelmed by family obligations and a sense of civic responsibility. Now, he's come to feel tied down to a job he never had interest in, a life he never wanted to live, and a wish to have never been born. Through the help of an angel , this man, tired of life on Earth, finds out what...

Christmas Curiosities from Various Artists This week we'll air a wide weird selection of dusty old, oddball 45s from Christmases of yore. Who could forget " Jingle-o the Brownie " -- oh really, everyone?  Well, we'll also be hearing Spike Jones murdering the classics, a song about a reindeer with measles , several selections from Dick "Two-Ton" Baker , a holiday-drama Dragnet-spoof that reached 13 on the singles charts , and an odd instructional record aimed at babies on what to expect when you're expecting Christmas.

The Story of the Empire Strikes Back from Bantha Music It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Although the Death Star has been destroyed, Imperial troops have driven the Rebel forces from their hidden base and pursued them across the galaxy. Evading the dreaded Imperial Starfleet, a group of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker has established a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. The evil lord Darth Vader, obsessed with finding young Skywalker, has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space.... Veteran television star Malachi Throne narrates a masterfully adapted , edited, and condensed version of this chapter of the Star Wars saga with  dialogue, sound effects, and John Williams' score from the theatrical release. Narration written by Cheryl Gard-Wornson and E. Jack Kaplan. Produced by Pat Glasser , engineered by Rudolph A. Hill, mastered by Brian Gardner, and released in 1980 on RSO Records.

Charlie Parr from Minneculture Although Charlie Parr calls Duluth home, the legendary Minnesota folk singer rarely lays his head there. He's more often touring, sleeping in his car, and singing at bars, county fairs, and in this " Live from Minnesota " performance, at the historic  Paramount Theatre in Austin, Minnesota. Along the way, we’ll hear Mr. Parr speak about his songwriting process, his technique and instruments of choice, and of life on the road. Concert recorded by Tom Garneau  and p roduced by  Dan Zamzow .