WXPN | Penn Today

WXPN’s World Cafe earns two honors at New York Festivals Radio Awards

A Bronze Radio Award in the News Report/Features category was awarded for “Abdullah Ibrahim Hears the World in Many ‘Different Colors,’” a feature produced and presented by World Cafe contributing host, Stephen Kallao. And World Cafe host Raina Douris was awarded a Finalist Diploma in the Craft/Interview category for her thoughtful and emotionally rich interview with Nick Cave, timed with the release of his album “Wild God.”

Person working at laptop with headphones on.

What’s the best music to study to? Aim for predictability, says Penn professor

Maria Geffen, a professor of otorhinolaryngology, neuroscience, and neurology, researches how the brain responds to music and what is conducive to studying.

A band seated on stools performs to a small audience in WXPN’s studio.

WXPN’s Black Opry Residency reclaims Americana as the inclusive genre it can be

In collaboration with Black Opry, WXPN invited six Black Americana musicians to participate in a week-long residency in Philadelphia.

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw and Kathy O'Connell speaking into microphones in the WXPN radio studio.

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw brings art history to ‘Kids Corner’ on WXPN

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw speaks about artists and art history during a monthly segment on WXPN’s “Kids Corner,” marking 35 years on the air with host Kathy O’Connell and producer Robert Drake.

Musician in Western hat holding a guitar

WXPN seeks Black Americana artists for Black Opry Residency

WXPN is looking for five Black Americana artists for a week-long residency this winter. The brand-new artist development program is funded by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Kristen Kurtis and Liz Magill talking in recording studio

President Magill talks music interests on WXPN

Penn President Liz Magill stopped by WXPN’s ‘Friday Morning Mixtape’ with Kristen Kurtis to share a 13-song playlist, what about music grabs her, and more.

Musicians from the Black Opry Revue performing on a porch

ICA, WXPN awarded Pew Center for Arts & Heritage project grants

The Institute of Contemporary Art and WXPN have been awarded 2022 project grants from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Stuart Weitzman School of Design alumni James Maurelle, now on the faculty, and James Allister Sprang are among 12 Pew Fellows in the Arts named this year.

Street dancers in colorful costumes being cheered on by bystanders

‘Kanaval’ documentary celebrates musical link between Haiti and New Orleans

WXPN debuts its latest radio documentary, exploring the historical and cultural connections between Haiti and New Orleans.

Student standing with arms crossed in front of foliage.

Radio magic: A summer internship at WXPN’s ‘World Cafe’

As a summer intern for WXPN’s ‘World Cafe,’ sophomore Leanna Tilitei worked remotely as a member of the programming team helping to produce the ‘nation’s most listened-to-public radio music program.’

david falcone playing guitar with balloons in the background

The healing power of music

WXPN celebrates 15 years of its Musicians On Call volunteer program, which has brought music to more than 100,000 patients in Philadelphia hospitals.

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