Dec 21, 2011 — Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, TAUNY, organized a couple of caroling parties again this month in Canton. Songs celebrating midwinter, the solstice and Christmas have been sung for centuries. Caroling, or groups of singers moving from house to house during the Holidays, probably began in England, France and Germany in the 15th century. But, what motivates people to bundle-up and sing outdoors in December today? Todd Moe talks with Traditional Arts in Upstate New York staff folklorist Hannah Harvester, who has studied the history and evolution of caroling.  Go to full article

Potsdam, , Dec 20, 2011 — Like most of America, the North Country is lit up with Christmas decorations at this time of year. While it brings joy to many people, it can make others feel like outsiders. Julie Grant reports about an effort by the synagogue in Potsdam to make the season more inclusive - by adding menorahs to holiday displays.  Go to full article

Dec 20, 2011 — Between Jupiter in the east and Venus rising in the west, there's lots to see at night. And as the Solstice approaches, there's plenty of nighttime hours at both ends of the day. Aileen O'Donoghue teaches astronomy at St. Lawrence University. She stopped in to give Martha Foley the highlights of the night sky in late December.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 19, 2011 — Whether you cut your own or buy from the local fire department, there are things to look for to find the perfect Christmas tree. And there are a couple of must-do's do keep it as fresh as possible. (Water soon, and often.) Cornell Cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy shares tips with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Dec 15, 2011 — Social Band, a mixed chorus of 22 singers based in Burlington, will celebrate all things winter -- from outer cold to inner warmth - with two concerts this weekend in Vermont.

Some of the music will come from the group's first winter album, which came out a couple of years ago. The music ranges from traditional and medieval carols to works by modern Vermont composers.

Social Band will perform Saturday, 7:30 pm at Burlington's First Baptist Church and Sunday 4:00 pm at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Todd Moe spoke with director Amity Baker about Deep Midwinter.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Dec 13, 2011 — This is the only time of year you can wet your whistle with Watertown's favorite seasonal cocktail--the Tom & Jerry at the Crystal Restaurant on historic Public Square.

David Sommerstein had his first Tom & Jerry a year ago at the Crystal, and turned the experience into this Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Dec 13, 2011 — A new northern Adirondack chamber choral group makes its debut this holiday season. Todd Moe talks with Angela Brown, a co-founder and singer in the group, Northern Adirondack Vocal Ensemble, or "NAVE."

The ensemble will perform "Festival of Lessons and Carols" on Saturday night at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh and on Sunday afternoon at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid.

Angela Brown told Todd Moe that the new choral group has brought her, and husband Kellum Smith, back to their vocal music roots.  Go to full article

Utica, NY, Dec 09, 2011 — The Polar Express train ride to see Santa Claus might have been even more memorable than usual - when it went off the rails on the way to the North Pole last night. More than 300 children and adults were on the train. The Utica Fire Department says there was one minor injury, but otherwise no one was hurt.

Molly Hartnett of Manlius was on board with her two grandchildren. She says they hadn't even had hot chocolate yet, when the incident occurred.

"We had pulled out of the station, probably riding about two minutes, very slowly. And bang, bang, bang, it felt like we were being hit or run over by things, and felt like we were in a dip or pothole or something."

Hartnett says the train quickly came to a stop, and it was announced that the train had gone off the tracks. Utica police say four cars derailed.

Hartnett says they waited for a long while, but everyone was in good spirits because Santa's elves were singing and telling jokes. And before they knew it, she says Santa himself was on board, taking his time to talk with each of the children.

"It was really exciting. I think the kids didn't understasnd what was going on, but they knew that something had happened to the train. And Santa told my grandson that Rudolph and the other reindeers had been playing reindeer games, and had gotten into a game of tag football and knocked the train off the tracks."

The passengers eventually boarded buses back to the Utica station. Utica police say an investigation is up the Railroad police. Adirondack Scenic Railroad officials say tonight's two scheduled Polar Express trips have been canceled, but they expect to have the tracks fixed in time for Saturday's 4:30 p.m. trip.  Go to full article

Glens Falls, NY, Dec 09, 2011 — NCPR is media sponsor for the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert on Sunday afternoon at the Glens Falls High School (4 pm). The concert features the symphony and children's chorus performing a variety of holiday favorites. Todd Moe talks with conductor Charles Peltz about how he programs a concert full of music for Christmas, Hanukkah and winter. Peltz says the concert theme is, "A Musical Gift for All".  Go to full article

Lake Placid, NY, Dec 02, 2011 — This is the season for music. Communities across the North Country are hosting Holiday jams, concerts and caroling this month. In Lake Placid, on Sunday, December 11th, the Community Church will host the annual Tri-Lakes Messiah Community Sing. For many it's a way to kick off the Christmas season with their voices. Todd Moe talks with the conductor, Drew Benware, about this locally produced, musical Holiday experience.  Go to full article