Saddle up for a musical romp across mountains and valleys, deserts and and plains as we “cross the deserts fair, and breathe the mountain air.” We’ll visit with cowboy and Indian poets, meet the inhabitants of a movie set ghost town, and hear music from Sonny Rollins, Judy Collins, Aaron Copland and Patsy Montana.

Walking in a winter wonderland and coming in from the cold with nouveau oldtime singer/songwriter Gillian Welch and her musical partner David Rawlings. Also music to warm the frigid air from Bob Marley, Simon & Garfunkel, and monster blues guitarist Albert Collins. And learn to call Maine moose with the best of them!

The spirit of the late Civil Rights leader informs this bittersweet, but uplifting, look back and ahead with music from Sam Cooke, Herbie Hancock, and Johnny Cash. Plus gospel singer Mavis Staples recalls her family’s involvement with Dr. King.

Now that the Y2K dust has settled we’ll take a relaxed look back at our favorite American Routes music from the 20th century—and try to imagine what the 21st century will bring. Of course you’ll hear Armstrong, Gershwin, Ellington, Dylan, and Hendrix along with Aretha, Patsy Cline, Jerry Lee Lewis and Tito Puente. How about Dewey Balfa, Clifton Chenier, Professor Longhair, and Flaco Jimenez. By the way January 8 is Elvis’ birthday!