Saturdays at 9:00 pm
Unique weekly series featuring songs, silliness, and show tunes
Original and offbeat, this three-hour Saturday night romp presents fresh new singer-songwriters alongside well-known artists who have played at Chicago area clubs, concert venues, festivals, and on the comedy scene. Inclusive, high-energy, and always entertaining, The Midnight Special offers listeners a lively potpourri of folk songs, ballads and blues, showtunes, spoken word, and hilarious novelty routines. Escape into the stories, experience the emotions, and let loose with a good guffaw whenever you tune in. Get onboard here, on wfmt.com, or use the WFMT app. The Midnight Special first aired in 1953 with Mike Nichols as host. View The Midnight Special archived playlists.
You might also be interested in WFMT's weekly series Folkstage featuring a one-hour folk concert.
The Midnight Special is available for free streaming in two different ways – live during the broadcast and on demand via the rights-compliant 5-hour, non-interactive player below within two weeks of the broadcast.
We Cook With Honey
The late Jesse Winchester, iconic Scots folksinger Dick Gaughan, and bluesman Taj Mahal share May 17th birthdays. Taj is touring with Keb’ Mo’ and Anne Harris. We’ll sample their music and sweeten the pot with songs about bees and honey and other sweets.
Memorial Day Songs
Take a moment to remember those who gave their all for the greater good. Poignant songs from new albums by the Henhouse Prowlers and Alison Krauss & Union Station, plus a classic written by the late Greg Trooper reflect the meaning of Memorial Days past and present.
Smile and Sing Out for June!
We take pride in celebrating Pride Month. Also, songs about pictures and photographs.
A Banner Day for Dads
We give fathers a fanfare with folk songs and fun. And yes, it’s also Flag Day!
Sing of Summer Solstice
On the longest day of the year, stretch out, stay out late, hear summer songs, and remember those bygone vacations.
Turning the Wheel
Music will keep you rolling as summer flies by with songs about wheels and other things that spin and turn. Plus, commemorating The Stonewall Uprising on the last Saturday of Pride Month
