Folk Music Radio in Boston

WUMB is a Folk Music radio station in Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston’s Folk Music Scene

Boston is a city steeped in tradition, and its folk music scene is no different. Local radio station WMBR has been broadcasting folk music since the 1970s, and today it is one of the most respected folk music radio stations in the country. If you’re looking for a taste of Boston’s folk music scene, tune in to WMBR.

The history of folk music in Boston

Folk music has been a part of the Boston music scene since the early 20th century, when a number of folk clubs and coffeehouses began to spring up in the city. Among the most famous of these were Club 47 (later known as Passim), which was founded in 1958 and became a home for many of the leading folk musicians of the day; and The Pepperpot, which was opened in 1963 by Folkways Records founder Moe Asch. Other notable venues included The Unicorn, The Golden Vanity, and The Dial House.

In recent years, Boston’s folk music scene has undergone something of a renaissance, with a new generation of performers carrying on the tradition of their predecessors. Clubs like Passim and The Unicorn are still going strong, and new venues like Club Passim and The Burren have opened up to provide even more opportunities for live music.

If you’re interested in checking out Boston’s vibrant folk music scene, there are plenty of ways to do so. In addition to attending live shows, you can also tune in to one of the many folk music radio shows that are broadcast throughout the city. Here are just a few of our favorites:

-The Folk Revival Hour: This show airs every Sunday night from 9:00pm-11:00pm on WUMB 91.9 FM and is hosted by veteran Boston folk DJ Brian O’Donovan. Each week, O’Donovan plays a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from both local and international artists.

-Folk Songs & Ballads: Tune in every Tuesday night from 8:00pm-10:00pm to hear host Phil Edmonds playing a mix of traditional and contemporary folk songs on WUMB 91.9 FM.

-The Village Greene: This show airs every Thursday night from 7:00pm-9:00pm on WERS 88.9 FM and features host Ken Mischner playing a mix of traditional and modern acoustic music from both local and national artists.

The current state of folk music in Boston

Boston has a long and storied history when it comes to folk music. The city was a major center for the folk scene in the 1950s and 60s, producing some of the most iconic performers and songs of the era. Boston folk music radio station WUMB-FM has been a staple of the local music scene since 1981, providing a platform for both up-and-coming and established acts.

In recent years, Boston’s folk music scene has undergone something of a renaissance, thanks in part to WUMB’s continued support. The city is home to a number of excellent venues that showcase both local and national talent, and there are several festivals devoted specifically to folk music. This resurgence has helped to create an vibrant and supportive community of musicians and fans alike.

If you’re interested in exploring Boston’s vibrant folk music scene, there are plenty of great options available. Check out WUMB’s website for a calendar of upcoming events, or visit one of the city’s many excellent live music venues. You’re sure to find something that interests you!

Folk Music Radio in Boston

Folk music radio in Boston is a great way to enjoy the local music scene. You can find a variety of stations that play folk music, and many of them are available online. This makes it easy to listen to your favorite stations from anywhere in the world. Folk music radio in Boston also offers a great way to discover new artists and learn about the history of the genre.

The history of folk music radio in Boston

The history of folk music radio in Boston can be traced back to the early days of commercial radio. In the 1930s, WNSH (now WKLB) became one of the first radio stations in the country to feature folk music on a regular basis. The show, called “Music and Folklore from New England,” was hosted by musicologist George Martin and featured a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music.

In the 1940s, several other Boston-area radio stations began to broadcasting folk music programs, including WJIB (now WGBH) and WMEX (now WRKO). These shows featured a mix of local and national talent, including such legends as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and Pete Seeger.

In the 1950s and 1960s, as the popularity of folk music continued to grow, several Boston-area radio stations began to specialize in the genre. These included WFMS (now WUMB), which became one of the first 24-hour folk music radio stations in the country; WBUR, which began broadcasting a weekly folk music show in 1961; and WERS, which started broadcasting a daily folk music show in 1967.

Today, there are several folk music radio stations in Boston, including WUMB, WERS, WBUR, and RadioBoston.org. These stations continue to broadcast a mix of local and national talent, keeping the rich tradition of folk music alive in Boston.

The current state of folk music radio in Boston

Folk music radio in Boston is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with a number of new stations popping up in recent years. This resurgence is due in part to the increasing popularity of folk music itself, as well as to the growing number of people who are interested in local and independent music.

Boston has always had a strong folk music scene, and there are a number of iconic venues that have hosted folk musicians over the years. Club Passim, for instance, is one of the most famous folk clubs in the country, and has been host to everyone from Bob Dylan to Joan Baez. The Walnut Hill Folk Club is another well-known venue, and has been showcasing local and regional talent since the 1960s.

There are also a number of annual folk festivals held in Boston, including the Cambridge Folk Festival, which is one of the largest and most well-known festivals in the country. The Newport Folk Festival is another well-established event, and has been featuring folk musicians since 1959. In recent years, there has also been an increasing number of smaller festivals popping up around Boston, such as the Somerville Porchfest and the Jamaica Plain Music Festival.

With all of this activity, it’s no surprise that folk music radio stations are starting to make a comeback in Boston. WUMB-FM 91.9 was one of the first stations to jump on this trend, relaunching its folk programming in 2010 after a several-year hiatus. Since then, a number of other stations have followed suit, including WFMO-FM 94.3 ( which offers an online stream), WBPR-FM 90.9 (which offers an online stream), and WXRV-FM 92.5 (which offers an online stream).

So if you’re a fan of folk music, or just curious about what’s happening on the local music scene, be sure to tune into one of these great radio stations!

The Future of Folk Music Radio in Boston

Folk music radio in Boston is at a crossroads. The pandemic has forced many stations to go off the air, and those that remain are struggling to stay afloat. The question is, what is the future of folk music radio in Boston?

The potential for growth in the folk music radio scene in Boston

The folk music radio scene in Boston is small but mighty, with a dedicated group of fans and several long-running shows. But what does the future hold for folk music radio in Boston?

There are a few key factors that could lead to growth in the folk music radio scene in Boston. First, there is a growing interest in roots music and Americana among young people. This is evident in the success of festivals like the Newport Folk Festival and the growing popularity of roots-influenced bands like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers.

In addition, there are a number of digital platforms that are making it easier than ever for people to discover and listen to new music. These platforms also provide an easy way for folk radio shows to reach a wider audience. For example, many folk radio shows are now available as podcasts, which can be downloaded and listened to at any time.

Finally, the Boston area has a rich musical history, and there is a growing appreciation for local music. This appreciation could lead to more support for folk music radio shows that focus on local artists.

All of these factors suggest that there is potential for growth in the folk music radio scene in Boston. With continued support from fans and listeners, Folk Music Radio in Boston could become an even more vital part of the city’s musical landscape.

The challenges faced by folk music radio in Boston

Folk music radio in Boston is currently facing a number of challenges. First and foremost among these is the fact that the city’s population is becoming increasingly diverse. This diversity is reflected in the music that people are listening to, and as a result, folk music radio stations are finding it harder to attract listeners.

Another challenge that folk music radio stations in Boston are facing is the growing popularity of streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora. These services allow people to listen to any type of music they want, and they are not limited to the genres that are typically played on traditional radio stations. This means that folk music radio stations have to work harder to attract listeners who may not be specifically looking for their type of music.

Finally, folk music radio stations in Boston are also facing competition from public radio stations that have started to include more folk music in their programming. This is particularly true of WGBH, which is one of the most popular public radio stations in the city.

Despite these challenges, there are still a number of folk music radio stations in Boston that are doing well. WBUR, for example, has a large and loyal listenership, and its morning show, Folkestone!, is one of the most popular shows on the station. WUMB also has a strong following, and its Saturday Night Old-Time Radio Hour is one of the most popular shows on the station.

These two stations demonstrate that there is still a place for folk music radio in Boston. However, it is clear that folk musicradio stations need to work harder than ever before to attract and retain listeners in the city.