Folk Odyssey is a weekly aural voyage through the musical cultures of the world, sometimes concentrating on folk styles, at others listening to contemporary currents. Through this music we are connected to the traditions that underlie local customs in every part of the world. We are also connected to the ever-evolving contemporary music around the world. Today a cross-fertilization of styles and a renewed respect for ancient forms are coming together in collaborations among musicians, and the results are astonishing and delightful!
The world music highlighted on Folk Odyssey may not be familiar to all of us, but it is not "foreign" in the sense that it speaks to our hearts. Music is a universal language.
Dana grew up with a musician mother and a father who appreciated music and was a doctor for the United Mine Workers. As a child in Southeastern Kentucky, music was always important to Dana.
After graduating from college, Dana moved to Boston. He took some classes at UMass Boston and discovered the new campus station, WUMB Radio. Dana became one of the station's first on-air hosts, doing a mid-day folk show.
When Dana is not doing his on-air gig at WUMB, he books musical acts for Johnny D's in Davis Square. He is also a freelance sound engineer, working many concerts throughout Massachusetts, including some sponsored by the Boston Bluegrass Union. Dana plays piano and guitar and has a small recording studio.