Monthly Archives: March, 2026


Check It Out: Christie Casciano Author of the “Puck Hog” Trilogy

Published - March 14, 2026

We take to the ice in this week’s episode of Check It Out. Tom and Maggie invite a special guest to the studio: Christie Casciano from Newschannel 9. Besides being an anchor and a mom, Christie is the author of a trilogy of books called the Puck Hog Series. Her latest one is out now and we learn all about the “Trophy Thief Mystery”.

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S10 Ep28: Stage and Screen, Part 7

Published - March 14, 2026

“I always said when I was younger, I wanted to write film music, and I think that’s what my ultimate dream is.” – Laura Mvula   Women composers are still a relative rarity in the film and theater worlds.  This episode showcases some of their music for stage and screen you may have missed.  And we’ll hear music from the first woman to work as a full-time film composer. Stage and Screen, Part 7 Mary Rodgers:  Once Upon a Mattress (Overture) Original Cast Orchestra “Once Upon a Mattress: Original Cast Album” Verve 1007682 Carol Hall:  The Sidestep & Hard Candy Christmas (The

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You’re Invited to Attend ‘Mission: Honor Our Heroes’

Published - March 13, 2026

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 5 p.m. at Madison County Distillery as we honor local veterans and raise funds to support WCNY’s continued production and distribution of Syracuse Honor Flight. Enjoy light bites, refreshments, and an evening of community as we celebrate the service and stories of our veterans. A cash bar will be available for alcoholic beverages. During the evening, we will recognize several local veterans as our VIP guests, honoring their service and the sacrifices they made for our country. Tickets: General Admission: $75 The General Admission Ticket covers admission to the event, food, and an evening

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Classic FM Fundraiser March 17-19

Published - March 11, 2026

WCNY’s Classic FM Fundraiser returns March 17-19 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this three-day event, listeners can enjoy special programming, unique thank-you gifts, and appearances from some of the voices who usually work behind the scenes at WCNY. This annual fundraiser is critically important to WCNY’s ability to offer new programs and crystal-clear classics on our FM station and livestream. Supporters can make a gift now through March 19 by visiting wcny.org/supportclassical or calling 800-451-9269. Every contribution helps WCNY continue bringing exceptional classical music and programming to listeners throughout our region. Thank you for supporting Classic FM.  

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March 11, 2026: Braving the Elements with Syr. Vocal Ensemble

Published - March 11, 2026

  The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is “Braving the Elements” in two performances this weekend.  Artistic Director Julie Pretzat stopped into the studios to talk about the program, the music, and share some memorable moments with the ensemble.   More about the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is available here.

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Talk CNY – A Network of Solutions for Business Owners

Published - March 11, 2026

  This episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, examines the launch of the new CenterState CEO Network and what it means for business owners. CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Member and Business Experience Jess Abbott and Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth Honora Spillane explain how the network connects businesses of all sizes and stages to resources, networking and support from CenterState’s team of experts to help them grow faster, innovate smarter and navigate change with confidence. Learn how the new network provides guidance that is responsive, practical and tailored to where you are and where you

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Making The City Smaller Ep. 1 – The Culture Architect | Sean Kelsey

Published - March 10, 2026

In our premiere episode from the WCNY Community FM studios in Syracuse, Peter Ward and Mike Durkin sit down with Sean Kelsey, the non-lawyer CEO of Nave Law. Sean is a master of business “social software.” While he leads one of the region’s premier legal teams, his brilliance lies in his ability to architect a culture of radical trust and resilience. We explore how Sean converts life’s negatives into high-leverage positives, his strategic approach to the “People over Profits” philosophy, and how his roles as a husband and father serve as the ultimate foundation for elite leadership.

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WCNY’s Travel Auction Continues Online!

Published - March 10, 2026

WCNY’s TravelAuc Continues Online with Biweekly Auctions Beginning March 24! Choose from hundreds of exciting travel packages, including destinations across the United States, the Caribbean, France, Canada, and beyond—available to bid on or buy now! To preview the full list of trips before the auction starts, visit wcny.org/travelauction. TravelAuc Online Highlights: – New trips added biweekly through July! – WCNY membership is not required to bid. – Browse and bid online–it’s easy! – Each online auction opens Tuesday at 9 p.m. and closes Sunday at 9 p.m. Bid vs. Buy it Now Once a bid is placed, the buy it now option disappears. So, if you really want the

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S10 Ep27: Patchwork Quilt, Part XLXII

Published - March 7, 2026

“I went to a high school that had a very good band, and we had a couple of choruses and an orchestra [where] we would play a Mozart symphony. The bizarre thing for the time, which I didn’t realize then, was that we had behind-the-screen auditions.” – Ellen Taaffe Zwilich   Time for another Patchwork Quilt episode.  Here are some very new releases from talented women.   “Patchwork Quilt, Part XLXII” Ellen Taaffe Zwilich:  Upbeat Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Gil Rose, director “Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Symphony No. 5” BMOP Sound Gabriela Lena Frank:  Operetta Jonathan Miller, cello; Lucia Lin, violin “Songs

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Our New Neighbors, Episode 32 – Nina Polukhina

Published - March 6, 2026

On this edition of Our New Neighbors, host Maryna Bagovska is joined by Nina Polukhina a Russian immigrant who moved to America after marrying her childhood friend. Several years later Nina is now a mother of three children with a passion for photography. In this discussion Nina discusses the challenges she faced as an immigrant as well as offering advice for those in similar circumstances.

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Repeating History, Episode 18 – Dr. Angela Murphy, Professor of History at Texas State University

Published - March 6, 2026

On the latest episode of Repeating History, we welcome Dr. Angela Murphy, Professor of History at Texas State University. Our topic today is the extraordinary life of Syracuse’s own “defiant fugitive” Rev. Jermain W. Loguen, the Underground Railroad King and tireless freedom fighter. Bob and Professor Murphy talk about the research that went into her new biography of Loguen and how this nationally significant activist, speaker, organizer, politician, bishop, teacher, father, and husband devoted his entire life to fighting slavery and for the full citizenship of his fellow African Americans. Immortalized in statutory form in Syracuse for his role in the Jerry Rescue in

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CNY Heroes, Episode 41 – Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli Discusses the Annual CNY Veterans Parade

Published - March 6, 2026

On this edition of CNY Heroes, Dan’s guest is Syracuse State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli.  In 2008, he was the driving force behind re-establishing the annual CNY Veterans Parade and Expo at the NYS Fairgrounds. The early November event features dozens of veteran and military groups and draws thousands of spectators. Magnarelli, first elected to the Assembly in 1998, talks about what it took to get the event off the ground and why it’s so important to honor all of our veterans, not just at an annual parade, but year ‘round.    

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Science Today with Dr. Rich Kopecky – Episode 45

Published - March 6, 2026

Do animals experience joy? Most people think they do, but proving it is a different story. Learn about scientific efforts to measure animal happiness. Also this month on Science Today, find out about “pre-rehab” which may improve surgical outcomes, and how a plant can survive exposure to outer space.    

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