WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

DC Music Economy

Washington's music economy is growing. The District may never be a music industry city like Nashville, LA or New York, but a study by the Greater Washington Board of Trade says the area has more than 11-hundred employed musicians and singers and 3 thousand freelancers. The study adds that number should grow by another 13-hundred over the next seven years. And significant new performing spaces have opened in the city and the suburbs. But even with this growth, a musician's life can still be a hard one. Tony Sanders has more on Washington's expanding music marketplace.

Defying The Download Revolution

When it comes to record stores - especially stores selling new compact discs - the current story is one of businesses closing down faster than you can say "8-track." From mom & pop independents to large chains like Tower, the news for anybody selling discs as opposed to downloads has been bleak. But amidst the deafening roar of doom, a few CD and record stores have actually opened in the region over the past few years. And in DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood a mini-music district has actually appeared. Crooked Beat opened in 2004 with a selection of new and used CDs. Smash Records which had closed in Georgetown has just opened on 18th Street. And Red Onion Records has been open for five months. We speak with Red Onion owner, Joshua Harkavy.

Singing The Praises Of Mom

Born and raised in DC, Rory Kirsteen Zuckerman is an author of children's books, a singer, songwriter and former host of the children's TV show "Rory's Place." With Mother's Day coming up on Sunday, she's been thinking back on events from her childhood - and how her mother inspired her throughout her life.

Our piece was produced by Michael Spikes. Thanks to Lon Ephraim for the original music.

Fred Fiske On Fashion

Inspired by the Queen's visit, Fred considers the world of fashion.

Europe In DC

Many would agree that DC's Metro bus and rail services provide a convenient way to get around town, but on Saturday, a program with the tag line "Take Metro to Europe" might be testing the limits of the infrastructure. That Metro tunnel to France hasn't actually been completed yet... but from 10 am to 4 pm tomorrow Metro will be running free bus shuttles between the European embassies in the city. You'll be able to take in "Europe in DC," with behind the scenes tours of over twenty embassies. The EU Open House is being run by the German Embassy - we're joined by spokesman Ulrich Sante.

Cabin Fever

If you're accustomed to staying only in comfortable hotels when you travel, the thought of spending a week in a cabin in the woods might not sound tantalizing. But hold on. Travel writer Jim Yenckel says a stay in a cabin is one of the best ways to surround yourself with the most gorgeous scenery in the region - AND take advantage of the BEST travel bargain in the Mid-Atlantic. Jim Yenckel is a freelance travel writer based here in Washington.

Commentary By Debbie Duel

To wrap up the show, Writer Debbie Duel turns to the 'creature' comforts in our lives - and the very real responsibilities that are part of the deal when you own a pet.

Debbie Duel lives in Silver Spring with two kids, four cats and one very dependent dog.