90.5 WICN

Coming up on The Blend, host Gary Bohan speaks with Seba Molnar about the Charles River Jazz Festival, the importance of community, and WICN’s Summer in the City Fund Drive.

The 2026 Charles River Jazz Festival takes place Saturday, August 8, from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. This free, day-long celebration of jazz, culture, and community features local, national, and international artists performing throughout the day.

Founded by Seba Molnar and produced by the Boston Jazz Foundation, the festival brings together music, art, and community along the banks of the Charles River.

Tune in to hear more about this year's festival and its impact on the Greater Boston jazz community.

"My Favorite Things" is the signature tune of one of Tom Nutile's favorite jazz artists, John Coltrane. Originally penned by legendary songwriter Richard Rodgers, it's the perfect centerpiece as we celebrate Rodgers' birthday a few days early on Standard Time.

For this special quarterly fund drive edition, we'll also share some of your favorite things—beloved standards from jazz and the Great American Songbook that continue to inspire listeners generation after generation.

Join Tom Tuesday from 3–6 PM for an afternoon of timeless melodies, jazz classics, and listener favorites on WICN.

WICN's June 2026 Emerging Artist, the Trottier Big Band, is proud to recognize their band director, Jamison Clark.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Clark has inspired young musicians, bringing together generations of students through his passion for music, education, and jazz. His dedication has made him a local legend and a transformative force in music education.

Under his leadership, the band has earned a Gold Medal at the UNH Clark Terry Jazz Festival for 10 consecutive years—an extraordinary achievement that reflects both his commitment to excellence and the talent of his students.

Congratulations to Jamison Clark on three decades of inspiring young artists and helping to shape the future of jazz.

Today on Morning Vibe Time!

Join Michelle Willson from 6 to 9 AM as she welcomes Eddie Scheer, bandleader of The Love Dogs, to WICN.

Michelle and Eddie will discuss Jazz+ Live, the annual summer concert presented in partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District. They'll also talk about the importance of community and Together Tuesday, a day dedicated to supporting the nonprofits that strengthen our communities.

Plus, today marks the kickoff of WICN's Summer in the City Fund Drive!

Tune in for a conversation about music, community, and coming together to support the programs you love.

This Week on The Soul Serenade, Shotgun!: Jr. Walker & The All Stars

No Motown artist sounded quite like Jr. Walker & The All Stars.

Born Autry DeWalt Jr., Walker brought a gritty, saxophone-driven sound to Motown, blending jazz, blues, and soul into a style all his own. While "Shotgun" became the band's signature smash, hits like "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and "(I'm a) Road Runner" kept audiences dancing and the records spinning.

Join Tom Shaker this week as he spotlights one of Motown's most distinctive acts. Get ready for soulful vocals, blazing saxophone, and irresistible grooves.

It all starts at 7 PM on The Soul Serenade!

Join host Michelle Willson's Morning Vibe Time, 6 to 9 am, on Tuesday, June 23, when she welcomes Eddie Scheer, bandleader of The Love Dogs, to WICN.

Michelle and Eddie will discuss Jazz+ Live, the annual Summer Concert presented in partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, as well as the importance of community and the spirit of Together Tuesday. An extension of Giving Tuesday, Together Tuesday focuses on supporting the communities and causes that nonprofit organizations serve throughout the year.

The conversation also marks the first day of WICN's Summer in the City Fund Drive, a week-long celebration of the music, programming, and community connections made possible through listener support.

Learn more and support WICN at WICN.org.

Happy First Day of Summer! ☀️🎶

The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and the soundtrack just got a little more laid-back.

It’s the season of open windows, evening breezes, and tunes that stretch out like a great solo under the sun. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the backyard, or just cruising with the dial turned up, let the music ride easy.

So, kick back, soak it in, and let it swing all summer long. 🌴🎷

🎷 Jazz+ Live is back!

Join WICN, The Hanover Theatre, and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District on August 21 at 6 PM for the 9th Annual Jazz+ Live featuring The Love Dogs!

Known for their blazing horns, boogie-woogie piano, soulful vocals, and high-energy rhythm & blues, The Love Dogs have been entertaining audiences around the world for more than 20 years.

Bring your lawn chair, picnic, and friends for an unforgettable summer evening of live music, food trucks, and outdoor fun. Gates open at 5 PM.

🎟️ Today is the final day to get presale pricing. Don't wait!

2026 Jazz+ Live is sponsored by

Happy Father’s Day! 🎷👔

Today we’re celebrating the dads who keep everything in rhythm, lay down the steady backbeat, offer a little improvisation when life calls for it, and always know how to bring it home.

From spinning their favorite records to sharing timeless advice, dads have a way of turning everyday moments into something worth listening to.

So, cue up a classic, turn it up just right, and let it swing.

To all the fathers and father figures — thanks for keeping the groove going.
Happy Father’s Day!