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Ethel Merman from the film "Stage Door Canteen"Getting a Kick Out of Ethel
Before Ethel Merman became a Broadway legend, she was just another stenographer from Astoria, Queens. Then, she met a couple of guys named George and Ira Gershwin. Today on Soundcheck: the story of Ethel Merman. And later: the Now Ensemble makes its case for chamber music in the 21st century. Plus: Blender magazine names artists to watch in 2008.
The Life of Ethel Merman
Born 100 years ago next week, Broadway belter Ethel Merman is now the subject of two new biographies. Music writer Brian Kellow paints a colorful, temperamental portrait of the singer and actress in his book Ethel Merman: A Life. He joins us to tell her story, from her early triumph in "Girl Crazy" to a show-stopping cameo in the movie "Airplane!".
The Now Ensemble
The Now Ensemble is a smart young chamber group that straddles a line between contemporary classical music and indie rock. The ensemble has just released their debut album, which features some of today’s rising young composers.
Artists To Watch in 2008
It's time to dump all those "best-of-the-year" lists in the recycle bin. Blender magazine editor at large Lizzy Goodman joins us to preview artists to watch in 2008.
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Watch Soundcheck Live!
Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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