WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Glory Days

In "Glory Days," a musical receiving its world premiere at Signature Theatre in Arlington, a group of friends look back on their high school experience one year after graduation. It was written by a pair of young playwrights who aren't far removed from high school themselves. Lyricist/composer Nick Blamiere and writer James Gardiner are both 23, and say they're using the new musical to examine their generation, sometimes called the Millennials. Members of this loosely defined group were born between 1977 and 2000, and came of age in the era of the Internet. But, regardless of generational focus, "Glory Days" is proving popular with audiences of all ages. Stephanie Kaye heads to Signature Theatre to chat with the duo.

"Glory Days," runs at Signature Theater through February 17th.

Washington Gardener Seed Exchange

Every few weeks Kathy Jentz joins us to talk about gardening and she often points out a few special events going on in the region. This weekend she's involved in a special event of her own. The 3rd annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange is happening this Saturday at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. Kathy Jentz is the Editor and Publisher of Washington Gardener magazine.

Fred Fiske - Teachers

Senior Commentator Fred Fiske considers new ways to evaluate the performance of public school teachers.

Buddy Holly Dance Party

Buddy Holly had less than two years in the limelight - less than two years to record a body of work that has been loved by multiple generations and still sounds fresh today. He died in a plane crash on February 3rd, 1959, but his death has done little to lessen the impact of his music. A group of area performers hold a dance party in his honor this weekend, called A Celebration of the Life and Music of Buddy Holly. The evening will be hosted by local purveyors of pure rockabilly and honky tonk, J.P. McDermott and Western Bop. J.P. McDermott joins us in the studio with his acoustic guitar.

International Nightlife

Friday, January 25th is Burns Night. It might not be a national holiday on par with the 4th of July in this country, but all over the world people will be celebrating the works of Scottish poet Robert Burns with readings, music and, of course, Haggis. Locally, the Royal Mile Scottish Pub in Wheaton will be getting in on the action. Fritz Hahn joins us with a whole sampler platter of international nightlife options in the region. Fritz writes about nightlife for the Washington Post.