Spring Begathon 2023
We invite our listeners to once again donate to WMPG. The dates for our spring Begathon this year are March 22-28!
Your financial support of WMPG helps us assure that we’ll be here and making live, local, real radio for you.
WMPG's Spring Fundraiser - March 2022
What's New at WMPG?
somewhere/elsewhere
WMPG Media Sponsor for Portland Ovations "somewhere/elsewhere"
We are excited to be a media sponsor for somewhere/elsewhere
- Commissioned Maine Artist by Portland Ovations
- Thursday, March 23, 2023, 7 PM
- Westbrook Performing Arts Center
somewhere/elsewhere is a one-night-only concert reading of a new pop-rock musical that immerses us in the migration, losses, and triumphs of a contemporary Turkish immigrant to the U.S. Weaving together Turkish poetry and legend with the original sounds of major label rock band Thanks to Gravity, somewhere/elsewhere is a story of discovering love, joy and belonging in the midst of turbulence, discrimination, and racism; of separation, loss and triumph over the cultural hurdles of ignorance and hate.
This performance includes mature language and will be ASL interpreted.
Bluegrass Spectacular
18th Bluegrass Spectacular Returns
After a three year hiatus, the WMPG fundraiser – Bluegrass Spectacular is back!
April 13th, 2022
This year’s line up include:
Pejepscot Station, Breakin’ Strings, and The World Famous Grassholes.
Pejepscot Station
Pejepscot Station is a Maine band based in the Village of Pejepscot in Topsham, Maine. They have been playing music and performing as a band since 2011. Their love of bluegrass, Americana, folk and country songs reflects the range of interests of the five members of the band. Pejepscot Station’s sound encompasses a diverse mix of broad harmonies, lively Bluegrass instrumentals, and compelling tunes. Currently working in the studio to record their second album, their relaxed stage presence inspires the audience to share the obvious fun they are having on stage. As comfortable feeling as a favorite pair of old shoes, Pejepscot Station will get your toes tapping, get you laughing, and plant a song or two in your head for the trip home. So, pull up a chair, relax and have a good time.Breakin’ Strings
After a 10 year hiatus … Breakin’ Strings returned in 2022 and didn’t waste any time! As soon as they rejoined they started writing new material and headed south to Nashville from Maine to record at the legendary Blackbird Studio. The result, “Hangovers & Heartaches,” is a collection of 12 tunes sure to recall the greats of the high and lonesome and recently reviewed in Bluegrass Unlimited.
Jackie
USM President shares her playlist on WMPG's USM, Music & ME
University of Southern Maine (USM) President Dr Jacqueline Edmondson dropped in to WMPG to be a guest on USM, Music & ME on Wednesday.
Dr Edmondson is a music fan who has authored many books, including two on musicians Gerry Garcia and John Lennon. We were unsure what musical choices to expect. Here is what she shared with us:
This Saturday WMPG's Jazz at the Movies team presents "Girls In the Band"
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is perfect timing for a free screening of the film Girls in the Band
WMPG’s Jazz At The Movies, in partnership with Portland Conservatory of Music, is proud to present a free screening of the film “The Girls in the Band” on March, 18th 2023
Meet USM student Leola-Christine
Leola-Christina is a freshman who just began her studies here at USM this January! Wait til you hear more about her interests and goals, please listen to our audio interview with her.
WMPG Free Since '73 - WMPG celebrates 50 years on the air! Born August 31st, 1973
WMPG turns 50!
WMPG Free Since ’73! On August 31, 1973 WMPG was born! Well kinda, there’s more to the story than that but that’s when we officially began broadcasting as a FCC licensed radio station.
Meet Dr. Idella Glenn
We had a chance to speak with Dr. Glenn who is USM’s Vice President of Equality, Inclusion and Community Impact
Meet USM student Shannon Craig
WMPG will introduce you to students, faculty and staff that are making a difference here at USM. We present an audio interview with USM student who is a Media Studies major and does work-study at WMPG. Listen in and learn more about Shannon Craig.
Meet USM student Yasmin Idow
WMPG will introduce you to students, faculty and staff that are making a difference here at USM. We present an audio interview with Yasmin Idow, please enjoy and meet this wonderful young person.
Mardi Gras Party Fat Tuesday
WMPG's annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Cajun Cookin' Contest winner - Sodexo!
WMPG’s annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras and the Cajun Cookin’ Contest.
On Tuesday February 21st in the USM Abromson building on the Portland campus, WMPG presented our 27th annual Mardi Gras Cajun Cookin’ Contest!
Valentine's Day dedications
USM students Emma and Jordan went around campus and recorded some Valentine’s dedications!
Delfeayo_Marsalis_photo
Dave Wade interviews Delfeayo Marsalis
If anybody knows about Mardi Gras, it’s trombonist and bandleader Delfeayo Marsalis, who will be Dave’s special guest on Juke Jive N’ Jazz this afternoon, (Feb.15th)
New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is alive and happening, and Delfeayo will be here to tell you about it and his brand new album, “Uptown on Mardi Gras Day”
Leroy Jones Story
Leroy Jones- A Man and His Trumpet - free screening
Our Jazz at the Movies team are back with another free screening.
“Leroy Jones- A Man and His Trumpet” celebrating New Orleans shining heritage as the Birthplace of Jazz.
The screening is at the Portland Conservatory of Music, on Saturday, February 18th, 7 PM.
Black History Month - daily audio features
One way we are celebrating Black History month is by picking out many different people from the Black community and highlighting their stories. From musicians, to writers and actors, you’ll enjoying hearing a bit more about these famous and interesting people.
Black History Month at WMPG with daily audio features
Our University of Southern Maine (USM) students and DJ’s are honoring Black History Month at WMPG. This year’s theme is Black Resistance.
You will hear specially curated playlists from DJ’s. Our students are producing audio which will highlight achievements and contributions, including pre-colonial history plus profiles of contemporary figures recognizing people from politics, education, pop culture, sports and other areas.
WMPG proud to sponsor Wabanaki Stories
WMPG is proud to be a media sponsor for Portland Ovations’ Wabanaki Stories.
The land and waters known as Maine have been home to Wabanaki People for over 12,000 years. This vibrant production of Wabanaki stories and music spotlights five Wabanaki artists coming from several different nations and traditions. Musician Tania Morey (Tobique) sings of the Wolastoq; Jennifer Pictou (Mi’kmaq) regales with spirit stories told in the company of a large puppet; Dwayne Tomah (Passamaquoddy) shares stories that showcase his native language, Passamaquoddy; and Jason Brown aka Firefly (Penobscot) electrifies with cutting-edge technology blended with ancient frequencies. Director, artist and author Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy) intersperses each with music and narration.
WMPG Schedule refresh
WMPG schedule refresh
Beginning Tuesday January 17th, you will hear new shows alongside your favorites – some have moved into different times and days.
Why are we mixing things up?
WMPG is turning 50 this year, and we wanted to return to our roots, offering radio that is surprising, eclectic, and truly local. We are radio made by community and University of Southern Maine members. Thanks for being the world’s best listeners! Take a peek at our new schedule.
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