Soundcheck

End of an Era?

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

The very last prima ballerina in the tradition of George Balanchine is retiring from the New York City Ballet this month. Today, find out what this means for the future of ballet. Also: Rock quintet The National perform songs from their subtle new album, “Boxer.”

Listen to the whole show

Final Bows and New Beginnings

The ballet world is in flux: Audiences are dwindling, companies are scrambling for new ideas, and two major ballerinas are retiring. We talk with two longtime dance critics, Apollinaire Scherr and Claudia LaRocco, about what should be saved as ballet moves forward.

The National

With critical raves for their last album still echoing through the rock world, The National return with their fourth album, "Boxer." This latest collection of melancholy songs and new-wave-tinged guitar work grows more rewarding with repeat listens. As these Brooklyn-based Cincinnati natives kick off their U.S. tour, the group stops by Soundcheck to perform live in our studio.

The National web site

America's Top 40

Paste magazine has compiled a list of the country's 40 best music venues. Find out how New York City's music destinations stacked up against the rest of the U.S. when Kate Kiefer, assistant editor of Paste, joins us.

Paste magazine's Web site