A “World Cafe specialty show” refers to a special episode of the NPR radio program “World Cafe” that focuses on a particular genre or theme of music, often featuring in-depth interviews and performances from artists within that specific style, sometimes presented as a mini-series or a one-off episode depending on the topic. Sunday 4 pm- 6pm.
Key points about World Cafe specialty shows:
· Focus on specific genres:
These shows might highlight artists from a particular genre like indie rock, Americana, blues, or world music, giving listeners a deeper dive into that musical space.
· Curated artist selection:
The show producers carefully choose artists that represent the chosen genre, often including both established and emerging acts.
· In-depth interviews:
Besides live performances, the specialty shows often feature extended interviews with artists, exploring their creative process and influences within the specific genre.
· Potential for recurring themes:
Some specialty shows might become recurring segments, like a monthly “New Music Spotlight” or a seasonal “Holiday Music” feature.
Example of a World Cafe specialty show:
- “Indie Rock Hit Parade”: A special episode focusing on popular indie rock bands with multiple live performances and interviews
Playlist for 4/20/25
- Old Crow Medicine Show “Miles Away” Jubilee
- Noeline Hofmann “August” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
- Noeline Hofmann “The Way You Bring Me To Tears” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
- Noeline Hofmann “The Bullfighter” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
- Noeline Hofmann “Purple Gas (feat. Zach Bryan)” Purple Gas
- Noeline Hofmann “Purple Gas” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
- Margo Price “Weekender” WC Recording
- Lake Street Dive “You Go Down Smooth” Bad Self Portraits
- Thee Sacred Souls “Live For You” Got A Story To Tell
- Valerie June “Joy, Joy!” Owls, Omens, and Oracles
- John Mayer “Queen Of California” Born And Raised
- Haim “Relationships” (single)
- Sam Smith “Money On My Mind” In The Lonely Hour
- Billie Eilish “Birds of a Feather” Hit Me Hard and Soft
- Radiohead “I Might Be Wrong” Amnesiac
- Craig Finn “Luke and Leanna” Always Been
- Kathleen Edwards “Back To Me” Back To Me
- Warren Zevon “Tenderness On The Block” Excitable Boy
- Waxahatchee “Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)” Tigers Blood
- Waxahatchee “Never Been Wrong” WC Recording
- Calexico “Two Silver Trees” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
- Ray LaMontagne “Three More Days” Recorded Live for the World Cafe
- Momma “I Want You (Fever)” Welcome to My Blue Sky
- Smashing Pumpkins “Thirty Three” Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
- Randy Newman “It’s A Jungle Out There” Dark Matter
- Laufey “Silver Lining” (single)
- Tom Petty “You Don’t Know How It Feels” Wildflowers
- The Lumineers “Same Old Song” Automatic
- Alabama Shakes “Hang Loose” Boys & Girls
- Devon Gilfillian “Unchained” Black Hole Rainbow
