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Louis Armstrong was an American trumpeter and vocalist, and one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. His remarkable career spanned five decades and crossed multiple genres, producing hit songs that remain staples in films, television, and radio to this day. Armstrong was born in New Orleans in 1901 and grew up […]
The WICN Brian Barlow Concert Series, presented by Westboro Toyota, welcomes Shawnn Monteiro and her Trio on Friday, March 27, at 7:30 pm. at The Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center, Founders Hall, Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury. Doors: 6:30 pm Performance: 7:30 pm Cash bar (wine, beer, hard seltzer) available “Exciting, captivating, and completely distinctive” […]
On Monday, January 19, 2026, we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring his role in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in law and society. In his opening address at the 1964 Berlin Jazz festival, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke: It is no wonder that so much of […]
From the hosts of The Blend, weekdays from noon-3:00 on WICN… Here are the Tops of 2025! Steve Miller’s Top 10 Albums of ’25 1. Rin Seo Collective, City Suite 2. Branford Marsalis, Belonging 3. Joe Farnsworth, The Big Room 4. Caelan Cardello, Chapter One 5. Sean Mason, A Breath of Fresh Air 6. Sarah Hanahan, Among Giants 7. Nanami Haruta, The Vibe 8. Charles Lloyd, Figure in Blue 9. Sullivan […]
From the hosts of The Blend, weekdays from noon-3:00 on WICN… Here are the Top of 2025! Rick McCarthy – Top 10 Songs of ‘25 1. Caelan Cardello – “Steppin’ Up” from Chapter One 2. Brian Charette – “You Don’t Know Jack!” from You Don’t Know Jack! 3. Wild Iris Brass Band – “9-5” from Way Up 4. Kenny Barron – “Marie […]
Bobby McFerrin is an acclaimed composer, arranger, bandleader, conductor, singer, and songwriter whose unique vocalizing runs the gamut from simple melodic lines to scat singing, to percussive sounds to multiphonics that can mimic several vocalists singing at the same time. Born Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. on March 11, 1950, in New York City, Bobby grew […]
Mildred Bailey, often called the “Queen of Swing,” was a Native American jazz singer during the 1930s. Known for her light soprano voice, clear articulation, and jazz phrasing, Bailey was one of the first nonblack performers to become a skilled jazz singer. Bailey was born in 1907 on a farm in rural Washington but grew […]
Yoron Israel is an American jazz drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, educator, author, composer, and music director from Chicago. There’s very little he can’t do! As a child, he learned to play the organ and trumpet before switching to drums. His amateur career began in high school when he played in an R&B group led by his […]
As WICN celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, and recognizes Brazilian Independence Day on September 7th, we honor Flora Purim. Often called “The Queen of Brazilian Jazz,” Purim is a complete singer who comfortably performs many types of American and Latin music. Coming of age in Rio de Janeiro, […]
Nicole Zuraitis is a two-time Grammy-winning and four-time Grammy-nominated jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer. Known for her fluid, soulful sound, sophisticated harmony, and effervescent stage presence, Nicole has become a standout voice in contemporary jazz. A native of Connecticut, Nicole attended Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. Recognizing Nicole’s immense talent, her […]