WAUSAU — Across the country, viewers are taking in “Country Music,” an eight-part PBS documentary produced by Ken Burns that chronicles country music’s history and art. Burns’ stories resonate especially deeply in central and northern Wisconsin’s rural landscape, where country music in all its forms continues to inspire and delight local audiences.
At 10 a.m. today, Oct. 3, Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes musicians Art Stevenson and Jerry Schmitt along with WYTE radio morning show host Larry “Big Red” Wnorowski for an exploration of country music, from its earliest roots to its enduring popularity.
Playing together for the first time, Stevenson and Schmitt will feature some of their favorite songs from country’s early days, blending guitar, harmonica and vocals for a truly one-of-a kind performance. They’ll also discuss the artists and styles that influenced them the most, and the impact those songs have had on today’s country artists.
“Route 51” is heard Thursdays at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 101.3 & 91.9/Wausau, AM 930/Auburndale-Stevens Point, 99.1/Stevens Point, 100.9/Marshfield, 90.3/Park Falls, 89.1/Adams-Wisconsin Rapids, and 89.9/Rhinelander-Eagle River. It is re-broadcast Fridays at 7 p.m. on 90.9/Wausau. Program archives are available at wpr.org/route51.
