This Week: Sing a Song of Gladness and Cheer

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		Sing a Song of Gladness and Cheer … December 19, 2009 This week on A Prairie Home Companion, Christmas is a coming and last-minute shopping we'll try to swing. The displays in store windows are a constant reminder so let's forget it all and sing. We're ending our residency at The Town Hall in New York on a high note with two complementary chanteuses who will soothe your December blues: the lovely Norah Jones and inimitable Madeleine Peyroux. As if they aren't enough to infuse you with the spirit, The Russian Chamber Chorus of New York will hark back to Christmas in the old country with some traditional sacred music. The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band promises to be jolly as well, but just in case you're still feeling the slump, we've invited special guest Martin Sheen to join the Royal Academy of Radio Actors and sound effects man Mr. Fred Newman. We have good faith you'll be singing along in no time at all. We believe that the more we give at Christmastime the more you get, and that's how we like it. Stay tuned! Listening Information» Western Caribbean Cruise The Prairie Home cruise has become legendary on two of the Seven Seas and now is setting sail on a third, a weeklong spring break cruise of the western Caribbean along the Mexican coast, and it leaves March 14 from Tampa. More Information» Last Week's Show December 12, 2009 Start Spreading the News We're keeping you warm with Yo-Yo Ma, the Assad Brothers, Connie Evingson and Inga Swearingen in New York City. More from last week's show» Show Photos» Zita Yo-Yo Ma, Assad Brothers and Gary Raynor I Can't Take You Nowhere Connie Evingson and Shoe Band Powdermilk Biscuit Break/Hanukkah in Santa Monica GK/Shoes There's A Bright Side Somewhere Pat Donohue, Inga Swearingen, Connie Evingson, GK and Shoe band Ode To Joy Inga Swearingen and Audience My Favorite Things GK/Shoe Band Summit Avenue Rag Richard Dworsky, Shoe Band, Yo-Yo Ma - with GK's Intro The News from Lake Wobegon Download Listen to the full broadcast Inga Swearingen: First Rain Our sporadic interview series continues with the talented jazz singer Inga Swearingen. She talks about "Swedish Farm Jazz," singing with the birds, and the recording process for her new album, First Rain. Read the interview» A Prairie Home Companion in the Big Apple Are you going to be in the New York City area this December? A Prairie Home Companion is coming to The Town Hall for seven performances. Guests include Yo-Yo Ma and Norah Jones. Tickets are still available for many performances. Visit www.prairiehome.org/tickets for more details More Information» Pretty Good Jokes the latest and greatest from the joke machine The famous philosopher Rene Descartes was trying to get his horse out of the barn. But no matter how hard he pulled, he couldn't get the horse to budge. "You know your problem," said a friend who was watching. "You've got Descartes before de horse." This joke was sent in by Bob S., of Lake Hiawatha, NJ. Thanks Bob! There's more where that came from (Dec. 15, 2009) Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. I spent the evening baking up a storm — carrying on old traditions and getting going new ones and what a humdinger of a good time it was. The kids... Read more >> Truth of Christmas Being Put to the Test (Dec. 15, 2009) In Phoenix, the bougainvillea is blooming red against a landscape of buttes and rocks outside my hotel window and interesting cacti that look like cell phone base stations or Modigliani sculptures. Midwesterners who came here long ago slapped grass down... Read more >> Making Smithereens (Oct. 12, 2009) Breakin' rocks in the .. huh ..Bam! — Hot sun I fought the law and the .. huh ..Bam! — Law won I fought the law and the .. huh ..Bam! — Law won I needed money 'cause I ..... Read more >>			Find a station in your area >> Listen live online >> Subscribe to the News from Lake Wobegon Podcast >> Listen to an old show in the archive >> Now Available: A Christmas Blizzard GK's New Holiday Story A comic novella about a Hawaii-bound holiday traveler who ends up stranded in his North Dakota hometown. Read or Listen to the first chapter» Audio edition also available» Support Prairie Home Companion Online We're glad you enjoy A Prairie Home Companion and its online services. Those services are not necessarily free, however. Please help us foot the bill by making a contribution in any amount... and thanks. Contribute Now >> Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance Stories of a Wobegon romance far from home, all delivered with Garrison Keillor's trademark humor. Read the first chapter» Signed Copies Available» Buena Vista by Robin and Linda Williams Robin & Linda Williams are among the most popular guest performers of A Prairie Home Companion (they also appeared in the movie, have performed as part of the The Hopeful Gospel Quartet, and made appearances as Marvin & Mavis Smiley). This CD features some of the duo's best harmonies from the show. Among the 12 tracks are familiar fan favorites, including "For Better or Worse", "Visions of Mother and Dad", "Tied Down, Home Free" and the title track. A collection that is muy bueno! Order now! >> Jearlyn Steele Sings Prairie Home Favorites Jearlyn Steele has captivated fans of A Prairie Home Companion with her uncanny ability to sing any son g— pop, rock, R&B, jazz or folk. Now her unique versatility is showcased in this collection of 12 songs — 10 of which have been performed live on A Prairie Home Companion. Favorites include the gospels "Peace on Earth" and "Saved", pop standards "Something's Gotta Hold on Me" and "Natural Woman," and even the country classic "Crazy." There's something for everyone! Order now! >> Life Among the Lutherans The latest collection of Lake Wobegon short stories gathered from live broadcasts include Confirmation Sunday, the church directory photos, Pastor Ingqvist's leather bound sermons along with song lyrics and the "95 Theses," among others. Companion audio also available. Order now!»

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media.