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Soundcheck

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
  • Leonard Bernstein
    The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

    The Real Leonard Bernstein

    It's the first day of "Our Lenny," WNYC's Leonard Bernstein festival. Today, we start the conversation with a look at the late musician's influence as a conductor, composer, and media superstar. Also: the Tucson-based band Calexico writes songs in a genre that could be called "Southwest noir." The group talks about their latest album, "Carried to Dust," and performs live.

Leonard Bernstein

Bernstein: The Best and Beyond

Kicking off WNYC's Bernstein festival, "Our Lenny," a trio of experts talk about where the musician's influence was greatest - and where he fell short. Joining us is the conductor and former Bernstein student JoAnn Faletta, Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic Tim Page, and New York Times music critic Allan Kozinn.

WNYC's "Our Lenny" Festival


Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Leonard Bernstein
Tell us: Do you have any Bernstein memories? What do you think he means to today’s musicians?
Calexico

Calexico

Hailing from Tuscan, Ariz., the band Calexico blends the sounds of Tex-Mex, Sergio Leone and straight-up indie rock. They share their latest album, "Carried to Dust."

Calexico plays tonight at Webster Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Calexico site

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.