Brian Lehrer Will Host Star-Filled Fest for WNYC’s 100th Year: September 9, Central Park, Free

By Claire Davenport

On Monday, September 9, WNYC is going on-air live from Central Park’s SummerStage in celebration of the radio station’s 100th anniversary. 

The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.), and is free and open to the public.

Brian Lehrer, of the popular eponymous call-in talk show, will emcee the event, which will feature some of New York’s biggest radio stars, including Alison Stewart, host of popular culture show “All of It with Alison Stewart,” and John Schaefer, host of well-known series on world music, including “Soundcheck” and “New Sounds.”

Other notable guests include Ira Glass from “This American Life,” Sean Carlson, host of “All Things Considered,” and “On the Media” hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger.

Musical performances will include hip-hop improv by comedy group Freestyle Love Supreme, a DJ set by Donwill, and music by the rock band Nada Surf and mxmtoon. Secret special guests have also been promised, so you’ll have to attend to find out if there will be a David Remnick or Jad Abumrad appearance.

WYNC first broadcast in 1924 and has since covered important moments throughout history, from Admiral Byrd’s flight over the North Pole to food prices plummeting during the Great Depression. It was the first U.S. radio station to announce the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the first to interview Bob Dylan live. It also hosted radio’s longest-running program of recorded classical music. Since being sold by the city to the WNYC Foundation in 1997, WNYC has become the most-listened-to public radio station in the United States. 

The event will also be broadcast live on WNYC 93.9 FM and AM 820, and will include a lineup of talks, trivia, storytelling from The Moth, as well as the musical performances.

SummerStage is located in Central Park at Rumsey Playfield (near East 71st St and East Drive). The closest subway station on the UWS is off the C or B train at 72nd St and Central Park West (from here, it’s about a 10-minute walk). More information on getting to SummerStage can be found here.

Bathrooms are located on-site.

SummerStage is a free concert-and-benefit-show series run by the City Parks Foundation. You can check their calendar for upcoming fêtes and other free events. 

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