WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

A Glorious Final Curtain for RFK Stadium

With the frigid weather we've been having it's pretty hard to think about spring. But around D.C.'s RFK stadium all thoughts are on April 14th, the day the old ball park must be ready for the Washington Nationals' home opener. Stadium experts say RFK has served as a sports and entertainment arena much longer than planners envisioned when it opened in 1961. Most think the park's upcoming three-year stint as home to the Nats will be the final seasons for the stadium. RFK isn't a "classic" ball park that might evoke sentimental comparisons to Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park in Boston. But as WAMU's James Jones reports, stadium historians are excited that RFK is getting a royal Major League Baseball send-off.

Ballou High School Band

The past couple of years have been brutal for Ballou High School in southeast D.C. A student shot and killed another inside the school. A dangerous prank involving mercury from an unlocked chemistry lab forced the school to temporarily close. Ballou's name became synonymous with trouble. But good things are starting to happen again at Ballou. Most visibly, the school's award-winning marching band performed yesterday in President George Bush's inaugural parade. And the band says it hopes the parade will help make Ballou's name become associated with something new - student pride. WAMU's Sarah Hughes reports.

Commentary by Fred Fiske - Inauguration 1953

We jump back in time a few years now to remember another inauguration. WAMU Senior Commentator Fred Fiske was on duty in 1953 covering the inauguration of President Eisenhower.

A Prescription for Cooking Classes

We've probably been watching the food channel for too many years, but when we imagine a cooking class we typically conjure up an image of a chef whipping up an exotic soufflé in a fancy kitchen with granite counter tops and all of the latest cooking gear. That image doesn't hold for the cooking classes offered by the Capital Area Food Bank. The agency provides programs around the region that are focused on how to buy and prepare healthy food on a tight budget. As part of our series on the working poor WAMU's Lisa Nurnberger attended a session at the Unity Healthcare Clinic in Columbia Heights, a session that had been prescribed by a doctor to about a dozen parents whose children are obese.

Live Music with Debi Smith

Singer and songwriter Debi Smith has always been concerned with matters of the heart but this time she's going all the way, naming her latest album "Cupid" and releasing it just in time for Valentine's Day.

The new CD features a song co-written with folk legend Tom Paxton and boasts guest-appearances from musical giants like Doc Watson and Mike Auldridge. But her impressive voice remains the focus of attention. She's appearing tonight at the Barns of Wolftrap and she joined us in the studio with guitar in hand. WAMU's Stephanie Kaye spoke with Debi Smith about the new CD.

Debi Smith is appearing tonight at the Barns of Wolftrap. You can call 703-218-6500 for ticket information.

Crummy but Good - Adam Express in Mount Pleasant

It's time once again for a visit with our Crummy but Good food editor Donovan Kelly. Crummy but Good restaurants are places that might look a little sketchy on the outside but offer great food on the inside. Today, a little slice of Korea has been delighting diners in D.C.'s Mount Pleasant neighborhood. And when I say little, I mean LITTLE. There's only seating for four in this tiny storefront on Mount Pleasant street. And while it might be tough to balance your food on the thin counter provided in the dining area, Donovan Kelly says as far as the food goes you'll be eating like royalty.

Theatre Review by Bari Biern - Das Barbecu

Composer Richard Wagner spent 24 years writing his famous four-opera "Ring" cycle. Traditionally opera companies have performed the work over a festival weekend in round-the-clock marathon style. Then, in 1991, the Seattle Opera Company commissioned two writers to create an audience-friendly introduction to The Ring. The result was "Das Barbecu."

Metro Connection's theatre critic Bari Biern reviews The Little Theatre of Alexandria's current production. The show runs through February 5th. For more information you can call 703-683-0496.