April Peavey
Japan’s Gasoline Rationing Experience
Gasoline is being rationed in parts of New Jersey and New York as the area still copes with the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy and this week’s Nor’easter. Japan had to resort to similar measures in the aftermath of last year’s earthquake and tsunami.
Soosan Firooz: Afghanistan’s First Female Rapper
Soosan Firooz is a female rapper in Afghanistan whose life has been threatened by extremists. Despite these threats she has the support of her family and says she will keep on singing. Anchor Aaron Schachter tells us more.
Election Sentiment in Europe
For a view on the US elections in Europe we spoke to Amy Bracken in Paris and Gerry Hadden in Barcelona.
Nelly Furtado’s ‘The Spirit Indestructible’ Draws Inspiration from Africa, the Arab Spring and More
Canadian singer Nelly Furtado has a new album out called “The Spirit Indestructible.” Furtado tells anchor Lisa Mullins that the songs on the album were inspired by a trip to Africa, the Arab Spring and more.
Irish Woman Surfs in Iran Wearing Hijab Wetsuit
Easkey Britton is a 26-year-old Irish surfer and recently became the first woman to catch a wave in Iran. She wore a hijab wetsuit as local villagers stood on the beach.
Rush-Girl on Canadian Rock Band Rush
The Canadian rock band Rush may soon be enshrined into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The trio has been nominated and Rush fans are thrilled. Host Aaron Schachter speaks to die-hard Rush fan Beverly Wintjes also known as RushGirl. She’s on her way to a Rush Convention being held in Toronto this weekend.
Iranian Singer Sussan Deyhim Contributes to the Argo Soundtrack
Iranian singer Sussan Deyhim contributed music to the new film “Argo.” The film is set in Tehran during the US Embassy hostage crisis that followed the Iranian revolution. This is a time period that resonates with Sussan Deyhim even though she had left Iran a couple years prior.
Jarabe De Palo: Spanish Latin Rock Recycled
Jarabe De Palo is one of the most popular and enduring bands in Spain. On their latest album, “Orquesta Reciclando” or Recycling Orchestra, they’ve reworked some of their biggest Spanish hits.
The AfroBeatles: John, Paul, George, Ringo and Fela
Friday marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ releasing their first single, “Love Me Do.” So Thursday, we introduce you to the music of The AfroBeatles. It’s a mash-up of Beatles tunes with Fela Kuti’s afrobeat music.
Music and Stories of the Late-Brazilian Funk Master Tim Maia
Tim Maia was a Brazilian musician whose music was intertwined with personal stories of excess and controversy. He died in 1998 at the age of 55. Musician Roger Bruno performed with Tim Maia at a time when both were trying to establish their careers.
UK Singer-Songwriter Ben Howard Gets Intimate
British songsmith Ben Howard talks about and sings a tune from his debut CD “Every Kingdom”.
Chinese Comedian Joe Wong Jokes about Immigration & “Cultural Confusion”
Joe Wong originally left China to study biochemistry in the US, but is now a full-time, stand-up comedian. He speaks with anchor Aaron Schachter about his career change and his material.
Benefits to Help Refugees from Northern Mali
We highlight two musical efforts to help refugees fleeing violence in northern Mali. First, a concert in New York this weekend, dubbed “Musicians for Mali.” Then, a new CD called “Songs For Desert Refugees.”
A Niece’s Song Tribute to Her Aunt, the Late Eva Garza
Leticia Rodriguez’s aunt was Eva Garza, a star singer in Mexico and one of the first Latina crossover artists back in the 1940s and 50s. Rodriguez wants to keep her aunt’s legacy alive and her new album includes many of the songs first made famous by Eva Garza.
Nairobi Singer Makadem’s Get Out the Vote Effort in Kenya
Kenyan singer Makadem gained international fame with his song “Obama Be Thy Name,” in support of Barack Obama’s presidential run in 2008. Four years later, the singer is focused on getting out the youth vote for Kenya’s own presidential elections next year.
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