Soundcheck

(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rudiheim/92163396/" target="_blank">Rudi Heim</a>/flickr)

Cuba La Habana (Rudi Heim/flickr)

Buena Vista Rapper Club

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

"East of Havana" is a new documentary about the struggle of hip-hop artists in Cuba. Today, the film's creators explain how they focus on the lives and friendship of three young rappers who are compelled to address their generation's future from the confines of Cuba's capital. Also: Michael Christie, the 32-year-old music director of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, joins us to talk about his plans to bring in new audiences to the orchestra, and about the season's first program, which includes a piece for didgeridoo alongside Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring." Finally: The most awesomely demented music fans – from Parrotheads to Phisheads.

Listen to the whole show

East of Havana

The filmmakers of "East of Havana," a documentary about the struggle and challenges of hip hop artists in Cuba, join us in studio.

East of Havana Web site

A New Face at the Brooklyn Philharmonic

Michael Christie, the music director of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, talks about his second season with the orchestra.

Brooklyn Phil's Web site

I'm Your Number One Fan!

The editors of Blender magazine have compiled their list of The Most Awesomely Demented Fans in Music. Blender editor Mike Errico joins us to talk about the antics of Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffet fans), Lambs (Mariah Carey Fans), and Bjorkies, among others. You'll long for the simpler days of Beatlemania.

Blender's list of The Most Awesomely Demented Fans in Music