Dear Listener,

One of the joys of tuning into 90.7 (or its web-footed equivalent) is hearing a song you've never heard before, a song that makes you just stop in your tracks and surrender entirely to the moment. Our researchers have found that you will have this kind of moment no less than two times in any given 24-hour period of listening to 'OZ, and on average five times a day; we think that's more the rule than the exception.

Of course, it is frustrating when you're driving along and hear a song that you simply must know more about. But you're driving. You're distracted. You didn't hear the name of the tune or the artist even when it was back-announced.

Well, a lot of you call me, and I usually don't know what that song was either, even if I was listening to the same tune. It's especially fun when the conversation starts out: "You know, it was on the air yesterday, or maybe the day-before-yesterday sometime in the afternoon on the blues show and it was a great female vocalist accompanied by a really soulful guitar." Until last week, my response was helpful only to a point: "Oh, just go to our website. We now have complete playlists for all our shows posted on our recently played page."

But now! You will never be fuddled again! If you have an HD radio in your car or one of those regular radios with a digital readout, WWOZ is proud to announce that every song, every artist playing on the air is now displayed before your very eyes during the entire song. So no matter at what part your fancy is captured, you can simply glance down and put a name to your joy. This is really a great moment for all of us. For WWOZ, we hate it when the technology moves faster than we can. For you, no more fruitless quests to retrieve some precious information.

And for me, personally: as much as I enjoy talking to as many folks as I can, I'll enjoy fielding a few less questions to which I don't have the answer.

Yours in thunder storms and termite swarms,

David Freedman
General Manager

Breaking news: Now, when you tune your car radio to 90.7 fm, you'll be able to see the song data including musician and track title. So now you'll know whether that's Jeremy Davenport or Glenn Miller performing "That Old Black Magic." A big thanks to you for helping us fund this project!

» See what's on the radio

June 30th marks the end of 'OZ's fiscal year, and every bit helps. Your membership pledge helps fund projects big (like song info in your car) to small (the 'OZ photobooth at Jazz Fest) and keeps us in the black. Even if you've contributed recently, consider making an additional pledge to help us start the next fiscal year in good shape. And as always, your donation is tax-deductible.

» Make your pledge to WWOZ now

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is now accepting applications for Community Partnership Grants; focusing on educational programming, documenting/interpreting Louisiana's indigenous culture and presenting Louisiana artists by Louisiana nonprofit organizations. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 16.

» Learn more about the NOJHF Community Partnership Grants

Rebirth at Satchmo Summerfest 2010.
Photo by Hunter King

Summer Music Festivals

Check out some of the exciting music festivals happening in New Orleans and Louisiana this summer, including Essence and a ton of Zydeco!

» Read more

Leslie Smith jamming with David Torkanowsky at Tipitina's.

WWOZ Live Music Calendar

Over the airwaves or on your phone, the WWOZ Live Music Calendar is the best guide when you're looking to head out and enjoy some live, local music!

» Read more

Listen to New Orleans musicians like Lynn Drury, Paul Sanchez, Tom McDermott, and others in the local music community recount their favorite stories about the Crescent City and its music. From festivals and food to classic New Orleans adventures, these are tales worth telling, and Coventry Health Care helps us bring them to you.

» Hear stories from your favorite New Orleanians

Come on out this Friday to enjoy Tipitina's Foundation Free Fridays series! 18+ and no cover, where else could you want to be this summer? This week includes the Stooges Brass Band and The Local Skank, and is guaranteed to be a fun (and free!) time.

» See the rest of the Tipitina's Free Fridays Schedule

Check out this great recipe for Grilled Oysters with Garlic-Chile Butter, courtesy of Chef Donald Link, Chef and Owner of Herbsaint, Cochon, Cochon Butcher and Calcasieu. A blending of a New Orleans favorite (grilled oysters) with an exotic twist, featuring chile paste. It's featured in the New Orleans All The Way Live episode, "Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival 2012."

» See this month's recipe