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.
A Sea of Change
To get ready for Earth Day, consider the waters that surround us. We also celebrate Easter and remember the late David Mallett, writer of “The Garden Song,” who would have turned 74 this month.
Lyrics About Words
For the last week of National Poetry Month, songs about words, about poets, and the reasons for rhyme.
Happy Birthday, Pete!
Pete Seeger was born on May 3, 1919. To remember his spirit and honor his many contributions, we celebrate with his songs and stories, as well as the musicians who carry on his legacy today.