Fishko Files from WNYC

One solution to the overwhelmingly big issues that now preoccupy us all is a brief escape into something very small. Just for a few minutes. With that in mind, here is this Fishko Files on a tiny piece of music written, in 1900 or so, about an even tinier flying creature. (Produced in 2014)

The one-of-a-kind jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks died this past November at 96. We were fortunate to have had a brief encounter with him: This Fishko Files, with Sara Fishko and Hendricks in the studio together, originally produced in 2011.

A couple of events in New York have WNYC's Sara Fishko considering the fervent work of an art curator and a rock critic - in this edition of Fishko Files. Pursuing the Unpredictable: The New Museum 1977-2017 continues through Sunday, January 7. New Museum 235 Bowery New York, NY 10002 How to Be a Rock Critic opens at the Public Theater on Friday, January 5. Public Theater 425 Lafayette St. New York, NY 10003 Marcia Tucker's A Short Life of Trouble: Forty Years in the New York Art World is available on Amazon, as are Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung and Main Lines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste by Lester Bangs. The Marcia Tucker interview was done by Lynn Hershman-Leeson for the film !Women Art Revolution.

A film based on a true story about secrets, lies, and Washington, D.C. is just about to open in select theatres. It has WNYC's Sara Fishko considering some other films, facts, and fantasies that have been building up for years - in this edition of Fishko Files. The Post opens in select theatres tomorrow, December 22.

This year, Saturday Night Live has boosted its late-night ratings with political satire. But in this Fishko Files, stories of bold prime time politics from Tom Smothers and Larry Gelbart - who managed, at least for a while, to combine war, comedy and family TV. (Produced in 2003)

As we approach winter and 2018, WNYC's Sara Fishko looks back to the winter of 1838, when Chopin and Georges Sand lived through a damp and dismal moment abroad - and lived to write about it. The richly repetitive "Raindrop Prelude," in this Fishko Files. (Produced in 2010)

Starting tomorrow, 25 classic movies by director William Wyler will be screened in New York. In this edition of Fishko Files, WNYC's Sara Fishko picks a couple of favorites. The film series "More Than Meets the Eye: William Wyler" starts tomorrow, December 1, at the Quad Cinema in the Village.

Lalo Schifrin is 85 this year, and his career as a jazz pianist and composer of film and TV scores ("Mission Impossible") has been stellar. WNYC's Sara Fishko talked to Schifrin - who was born in Argentina - about his gift for capturing the American sound. (Produced in 2008) A new CD of Schifrin classical piano works has just been released by fellow Argentinian pianist Mirian Conti on the Grand Piano label. Schifrin: Piano Works is available on Amazon.

It's just 70 years since the House Committee on Un-American Activities began its investigation into "Communist infiltration" in Hollywood. Turner Classic Movies is marking the anniversary this month with films and talks on the subject, including an appearance by Lee Grant - who was Sara Fishko's guest in 2014. Grant talks about her "Blacklist" memoir in this archival episode of Fishko Files. (Produced in 2014) "Spotlight TCM: The Hollywood Blacklist" airs every Monday & Tuesday in November, featuring Lee Grant in conversation on November 27 & 28. Lee Grant's book, I Said Yes to Everything: A Memoir, is available on Amazon.

As this week's election results show gains for Democrats, minorities and women, WNYC's Sara Fishko recalls Representative Bella Abzug, the powerhouse progressive voice who paved the way. (Produced in 2008)

A sketch for a new piece by 20th century jazz violinist Stuff Smith has surfaced. As WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us in this Fishko Files, it may be a small work, but it's a reminder of Smith's big influence on music. The Stuff Smith concerto can be heard at Le Poisson Rouge this Sunday, November 5. For details on this Composers Concordance concert, visit lpr.com.  Jazz violinist Regina Carter performs at NJPAC as part of Ella & Dizzy: The Centennial Celebration on Sunday, November 12. For tickets, visit NJPAC.org. Limited edition and rare Stuff Smith recordings, including his unfinished concerto, are available through Anthony Barnett's AB Fable Archive. The Savory Collection Volumes 1-3 are available exclusively on Apple Music and iTunes. Special thanks to Loren Schoenberg and Dave Soldier

100 years ago this week, violinist Jascha Heifetz made his American debut. Heifetz set a new standard for mastery of the instrument, but these days even his admirers don’t completely embrace his musical personality and style. In this archival Fishko Files, violinists from Sarah Chang to Itzhak Perlman discuss the impact of this towering performer. (Produced in 2001)

In honor of American composer Ned Rorem's upcoming 94th birthday on October 23, spend seven minutes with the very opinionated Mr. R. This piece was originally made for Studio 360 as part of a Fishko Files-curated series on living composers' connections to music history. (Produced in 2006) To explore further, listen to "An Hour with Ned Rorem" featuring Rorem and Fishko in conversation in 2002.

This week marks the centenary of the birth of Thelonious Monk. In this archival episode from the Jazz Loft Radio Series, WNYC’s Sara Fishko explores the chemistry between Monk and Hall Overton leading up to their legendary 1959 performance at New York’s Town Hall. (Produced in 2009) To hear more episodes from the Jazz Loft Radio Series, visit wnyc.org.

This fall marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of West Side Story on Broadway. The show, as Sara Fishko tells us, emerged from the unease of the 1950s, which extended to the cast and creators of this historic hit. (Produced in 2001) Google Arts and Culture has launched a digital collection exploring the legacy and history of West Side Story, featuring archival content, photographs and videos, interviews, and more.