https://www.wbgo.org/podcast/bright-moments-podcast
In Season 1, we highlight NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and her role in the beginnings of WBGO, Newark Public Radio. Learn about her commitment to jazz musicians as a curator and community organizer.

Though WBGO now stands as a global jazz powerhouse, its origins were far humbler, and it was Dorthaan Kirk's indispensable role in those formative years that laid the groundwork for the station's enduring success, spanning several decades.

Visit WBGO.org for more Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO

Hosts: Dorthaan Kirk & Jamara Wakefield
Produced by: Billy Robinson and Jamara Wakefield
Special Thanks: Corey Goldberg]]>enHistory2024https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7fb02672ebf21a06249c47c400256ff2.jpghttps://www.wbgo.org/podcast/bright-moments-podcastTue, 16 Sep 2025 13:05:44 +0000WBGO StudiosWBGO Studioscontent@wbgo.orgBright Moments Podcast is a storytelling project exploring the experiences and impact of people who have changed WBGO, Newark Public Radio, and the world of jazz. In Season 1, we highlight NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and her role in the beginnings...
In Season 1, we highlight NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and her role in the beginnings of WBGO, Newark Public Radio. Learn about her commitment to jazz musicians as a curator and community organizer.

Though WBGO now stands as a global jazz powerhouse, its origins were far humbler, and it was Dorthaan Kirk's indispensable role in those formative years that laid the groundwork for the station's enduring success, spanning several decades.

Visit WBGO.org for more Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO

Hosts: Dorthaan Kirk & Jamara Wakefield
Produced by: Billy Robinson and Jamara Wakefield
Special Thanks: Corey Goldberg]]>false0b24ed09-dae0-5f41-be97-5f1bf3e1164bepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-night-to-remember-lou-rawls-marlena-shaw-and-the-1992-new-year-s-eve-celebration--61042401
WBGO Studios produces the Bright Moments podcast.

Host & Storyteller Dorthaan Kirk
Host & Producer Jamara Wakefield
Editor Billy Robinson
Mixer Corey Goldberg

with special thanks and support from Doug Doyle. 

Visit WBGO dot org for more Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61042401Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:34:31 +0000WBGO StudiosDorthaan Kirk returns to a magical New Year's Eve in 1992 at the Waldorf Astoria. Discover the unforgettable performances by Lou Rawls and Marlena Shaw, and hear stories from Gary Walker about what brought together legends, celebrated in style, and in...
WBGO Studios produces the Bright Moments podcast.

Host & Storyteller Dorthaan Kirk
Host & Producer Jamara Wakefield
Editor Billy Robinson
Mixer Corey Goldberg

with special thanks and support from Doug Doyle. 

Visit WBGO dot org for more Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO]]>1318chakakahn,garywalker,history,jazz,lourawls,marlenashaw,neajazzmaster,newark,nye,podcast,studios,waldorfastoriahotel,wbgofalse14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dorthaan-kirk-on-the-legacy-of-wbgo-s-record-fair--60730723
Discover how this fair became a pivotal performance incubator for rising artists, including the late Roy Hargrove. We also honor the contributions of Rita Keith, WBGO's Membership Services Coordinator, and the late Bob Porter, who, along with Kirk, transformed the fair into a cornerstone of Newark Public Radio’s fundraising efforts.

Tune in for an inspiring look at the people and passion behind this iconic event.

Visit WBGO dot org Dorthaan Kirk on the Legacy of WBGO’s Record Fair | WBGO
Photo credit: Bill May

Producers: Billy Robinson, Jamara Wakefield, and Dorthaan Kirk
With special thanks to Corey Goldberg, Doug Doyle, and Becca Pulliam.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60730723Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:30:53 +0000WBGO StudiosIn this episode, we dive into the rich history of The Record Fair, a special concert series that began as a gathering for record collectors and evolved into a major event celebrating vinyl, jazz, and community. Discover how this fair became a pivotal...
Discover how this fair became a pivotal performance incubator for rising artists, including the late Roy Hargrove. We also honor the contributions of Rita Keith, WBGO's Membership Services Coordinator, and the late Bob Porter, who, along with Kirk, transformed the fair into a cornerstone of Newark Public Radio’s fundraising efforts.

Tune in for an inspiring look at the people and passion behind this iconic event.

Visit WBGO dot org Dorthaan Kirk on the Legacy of WBGO’s Record Fair | WBGO
Photo credit: Bill May

Producers: Billy Robinson, Jamara Wakefield, and Dorthaan Kirk
With special thanks to Corey Goldberg, Doug Doyle, and Becca Pulliam.]]>1091bobporter,dorthaankirk,jazz,nea,records,vinyl,wbgofalse13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/1987-classical-jazz-at-lincoln-center--60411160
Discover how a small group of dedicated visionaries, including Alina Bloomgarden, Wynton Marsalis, and Dorthaan Kirk herself, laid the foundation for a cultural cornerstone that would transform the jazz scene in New York City. 

Tune in to celebrate the passion, dedication, and transformative power of music that shaped the early days of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and how it continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.  Visit WBGO for more 1987 Classical Jazz at Lincoln Center | WBGO

Host: Dorthaan Kirk
Hosted and Produced by Jamara Wakefield
Produced by Billy Robinson
Edited by Corey Goldberg

Special thanks to Becca Pulliam and Doug Doyle]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60411160Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:30:04 +0000WBGO StudiosIn this episode of the Bright Moments podcast, we embark on a nostalgic journey back to the summer of 1987 with the legendary Dorthaan Kirk. Broadcasting from the WBGO studios at 54 Wayne Shorter Way, Dorthaan shares her memories and insights as we...
Discover how a small group of dedicated visionaries, including Alina Bloomgarden, Wynton Marsalis, and Dorthaan Kirk herself, laid the foundation for a cultural cornerstone that would transform the jazz scene in New York City. 

Tune in to celebrate the passion, dedication, and transformative power of music that shaped the early days of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and how it continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.  Visit WBGO for more 1987 Classical Jazz at Lincoln Center | WBGO

Host: Dorthaan Kirk
Hosted and Produced by Jamara Wakefield
Produced by Billy Robinson
Edited by Corey Goldberg

Special thanks to Becca Pulliam and Doug Doyle]]>1540abbeylincoln,carmenmcrae,dorthaankirk,jazz,lincolncenter,maxroach,wbgofalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/1984-jazz-sanctuaries-the-baraka-s-peppermint-lounge-wbgo--59622401

Episode photo: Dorthaan Kirk attends a reception at the Baraka's House before Abbey Lincoln's performance that evening at the Peppermint Lounge.

Left to Right: Amiri Baraka, Amina Baraka, Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln and Dorthaan Kirk




Photo credit: Bill May




Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO

Check out the rest of our lineup at WBGO Studios.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59622401Thu, 16 May 2024 15:56:03 +0000WBGO StudiosThis episode transports us back to 1984, a pivotal year in the world of jazz and African American culture. Dorthaan Kirk, a renowned figure in jazz circles, takes us on a journey to a significant moment captured in a photograph at the home of Amiri...

Episode photo: Dorthaan Kirk attends a reception at the Baraka's House before Abbey Lincoln's performance that evening at the Peppermint Lounge.

Left to Right: Amiri Baraka, Amina Baraka, Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln and Dorthaan Kirk




Photo credit: Bill May




Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO

Check out the rest of our lineup at WBGO Studios.]]>1673abbeylincoln,amiribaraka,history,jazz,neajazzmaster,newark,ninasimone,wbgofalse11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trailer--59620217
In this limited series, we highlight NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and her role in the beginnings of WBGO, Newark Public Radio. Learn about her commitment to jazz musicians as a curator and community organizer.

Though WBGO now stands as a global jazz powerhouse, its origins were far humbler, and it was Dorthaan Kirk's indispensable role in those formative years that laid the groundwork for the station's enduring success, spanning several decades.

Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO

WBGO Studios | WBGO]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59620217Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:19:37 +0000WBGO StudiosBright Moments Podcast is a storytelling project exploring the experiences and impact of people who have changed WBGO, Newark Public Radio, and the world of jazz. In this limited series, we highlight NEA Jazz...
In this limited series, we highlight NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and her role in the beginnings of WBGO, Newark Public Radio. Learn about her commitment to jazz musicians as a curator and community organizer.

Though WBGO now stands as a global jazz powerhouse, its origins were far humbler, and it was Dorthaan Kirk's indispensable role in those formative years that laid the groundwork for the station's enduring success, spanning several decades.

Bright Moments Podcast | WBGO

WBGO Studios | WBGO]]>144dorthaankirk,history,jazz,musichistory,nea,newark,ninasimone,rahsaanrolandkirk,wbgofalsetrailer