October 30, 2024: Tricky Cider Drums

We’re looking at the legacies of people and of the land itself. For people, it’s in the styles beats and compositions of Max Roach, who in addition to developing a well respected and still followed practice on the drums taught at UMass Amherst for a little over 2 decades, and helped to initiate the institution's Jazz program.The wealth of his compositions will be honored with a celebration for his 100th birthday this year. And we’ll talk with some of the folx involved: Damany Gordon of Genuine Culture, LLC and drummer Colin Jalbert who'll take the stage during the event, about the importance of his style and what you’ll be in store for when three drummers take the stage at the Iron Horse this Friday in tribute.  And for the land, we’re highlighting a crop that has always been a nationally celebrated part of Western Mass: The Apple. Or rather Cider to be specific. Franklin County Cider Days is this weekend, lauding the many varieties, producers, and enthusiasts of the best fall beverage and the fruit that makes it possible.  We head to West County Cider, who themselves are celebrating 40 years of cidermaking, and speak with brewers Field Maloney & Judith Maloney of West County Cider, orchardist/educator/shepherd Matt Kaminsky, of "Gnarly Pippins",  volunteer coordinator for Cider Days Sue McFarland, and CISA's Claire Morenon to hear how has built and encouraged community over the years, the special things apples can do,  and what activities you can participate in this weekend. Plus Word Nerd Emily Brewster, senior editor at Merriam-Webster, explains the origins of your children threatening your neighbors for the sweet stuff. Which is to say we look at the history of the phrase “Trick or Treat” which you’ll probably hear a lot tomorrow, kids and candy or no, and how long the tradition of demanding candy from strangers has been happening in the US.