December 19, 2024: Music be the bread

Today we're squeezing a LOT of music in, to match our energy for the season. We bring Slant of Light in to the studios to perform just before you can catch them at The Drake in Amherst. Band members Kris Banks, Trevor Healy, Jay Labbe, Kelly L'Heureux, and Josh Owsley gives us a small glimpse into their origin story (and that of two of the guitars built by one of their guitarists) along with tight interwoven riffs and intricate melodies and rhythms that will delight all who get to see them on December 20th. (And oh yeah, one of Kaliis' bands, Ex-Temper, is also playing that same show, double wins for full disclosure) Then it's back to Northampton to continue our immersion into the bands playing First Night. The Mitchells have been a staple of the valley scene for just over 3 decades. What started as a beloved joke from MST3K has evolved into catchy, heartfelt songs that have resonated over 4 albums, and we bring 2/3rds of the band to the studio where Caleb Wetmore and Jon Herbert talk about their tenure and evolution in sound and the joys of playing First Night after a COVID-forced hiatus.And Congressman Jim McGovern speaks with us for the last time in 2024, amid growing concerns over a shutdown, and who might truly be in charge after the new administration comes to power in 4 weeks.