With such unlikely themes as the success of comic book superheroes and babysitting children who don't exist, This American Life is still riveting audiences on its tenth year anniversary. Since the show's launch in 1995, it has won the coveted Peabody and duPont awards, and expanded from WBEZ Chicago to boast over one million listeners on more than 400 public radio stations nationwide.
Playing cuts from FBI surveillance tapes, presenting documentaries, hosting famous contemporary writers reading from their work, and sprinkling in musical interludes as varied as Ricky Martin and Chuck Berry, Ira Glass surprises his audience with innovation and humor. The award-winning radio host, co-founder, and producer of National Public Radio's This American Life will bring this quirky energy and quick wit to the Athenaeum in a special live experience, complete with soundboards and music.
His program's self-described mission is "to document everyday life in America" and to be "a public radio show for people who don't necessarily care for public radio." Signs point to success in these endeavors as the press describes it as "the cure for common radio," and Glass, coauthor of Radio-An Illustrated Guide (1999), as "the light at the end of the dial."
Before creating This American Life, Ira Glass worked at NPR producing and reporting for programs including All Things Considered and Talk of the Nation. Be sure to join us for punch lines and poignant insights as Ira Glass transforms the Athenaeum into his personal studio.
For eager audiences, you can tune in to This American Life Saturdays at Radio KCRW 89.9 FM at 10 a.m. or Radio KCLU 88.3 FM at 11 a.m., or listen to previous shows at www.thislife.org.
Dinner reservations are for CMC persons only. Overflow seating will be accommodated in McKenna Auditorium.