KPR puts the chill on hot weather with 'Christmas in July' programming


LAWRENCE — The thermometer might say summer, but the classical music will be frosty when Kansas Public Radio chills the airwaves with “Christmas in July.”

On Thursday, July 25, all of KPR’s classical music hosts will be playing Christmas music or music with a wintry feel. It won't be as much about Christmas as it is about creating a cold, wintry mix that will make the heat outside just a little more bearable, at least for a day.

During 2012’s oppressive summer heatwave, KPR first broadcast a Christmas in July program, and it quickly became a fan favorite.

“We heard from many listeners who enjoyed our Christmas In July special last year,” said Mark Edwards, classical music director. “This summer, the heat has decided to make a return, and we thought it might be fun to do a Christmas in July encore!”

All classical music hosts will be getting in on the fun — Edwards broadcasts from 9 a.m. to noon; Jeff Watson from noon to 3 p.m.; and Cordelia Brown from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We’ll be cooling off to the sounds of LeRoy Anderson’s 'Sleigh Ride,' 'Winter Wonderland,' 'The Skater’s Waltz' and other pieces you’d expect to hear in another season, like Tchaikovsky’s 'Winter Daydreams' symphony,” Edwards said. “We think it will be a good mental respite from the summer heat, and an enjoyable day for all.”

KPR, a 14-time Kansas Association of Broadcasters Station of the Year, licensed to the University of Kansas, broadcasts on 91.5 FM in Lawrence, 89.7 FM in Emporia, 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City, 89.9 FM in Atchison, 90.3 FM in Chanute, and 99.5 FM and 97.9 FM in Manhattan. KPR can be heard online. KPR also operates KPR2, a news-talk programming stream, which can be heard on an HD receiver or on KPR’s website.

Tue, 07/23/2013

author

Phil Wilke

Media Contacts

Phil Wilke

Kansas Public Radio

785-864-5016