WICN-FM (Worcester, MA)

WICN (90.5 FM) is a member of National Public Radio located in Worcester, Massachusetts. This station provides round-the-clock, commercial-free broadcasts to an audience exceeding 40,000 listeners. The majority of their programming focuses on jazz, but they also feature evening shows that explore soul, bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues, and world music, along with public affairs content on Sunday nights. WICN is recognized for its captivating live shows and strong commitment to preserving the art of jazz music. Their mission statement is as follows:

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English

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Global

#2461385

United States

#619917

Arts and Entertainment/Music

#9350

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Articles

WICN Artist of the Month, April 2025: Hugh Masekela

3 weeks ago | wicn.org | Doug Hall

Within the civil rights struggle against South Africa’s apartheid (1948-1994), the voice of protest had to take many forms.
90.5 WICN Public Radio

1 month ago | wicn.org | David Ginsburg

You can stream this year’s Women’s History Month concert in full at your convenience!The show featured wonderful tributes to Anita Baker and Nina Simone, with a dynamite band backing vocalists Sympli Whitney and Valerie Stephens. Colors of Jazz host Bonnie Johnson put together this incredible lineup and emcees the concert.
Spring into WICN Fund Drive

1 month ago | wicn.org | Emily Morrow

Jazz is an art form that is perpetually renewing and reinventing itself, drawing inspiration from the past while composing its vision of the future. WICN Public Radio plays a wealth of music filled with inspiration, open to the possibilities of the moment. Jazz thrives and helps this community flourish because it’s open and generous, always ready to take, as Coltrane’s album suggests, giant steps. WICN’s annual Spring into WICN Fund Drive kicks off on March 17th and continues through March 23rd.
WICN Artist of the Month, March 2025: Roy Haynes

1 month ago | wicn.org | Doug Hall

Each jazz instrument has its history of legendary players. Think Miles on the trumpet; Coltrane on the sax; Monk at the piano. There are many such superb musicians who are universally revered for their craftsmanship and innovation. When it comes to jazz drummers, as well as a bandleader, Roy Haynes had an oversized reach of influence stylistically while maintaining his prominence in a career that extending over seven decades.
WICN Artist of the Month, February 2025: David “Fathead” Newman

2 months ago | wicn.org | Doug Hall

Close friendships between jazz musicians don’t always translate to a combination that creates a chemistry and bond, professionally and personally. Yet in the case of David “Fathead” Newman and R&B giant and bandleader Ray Charles, their friendship connected them to a decade-long musical relationship from which the most seminal work of Charles’s career was recorded.
No Regrets: The Music and Spirit of Billie Holiday

2 months ago | wicn.org | Emily Morrow

WICN Public Radio is excited to bring you this fascinating 13-part documentary series examining the life of this American icon, including her early years, the evolution of her singing style, how her rendition of Strange Fruit played a key role in the beginning of the Civil Rights movement and more insights into her astonishing career. No Regrets: The Music & Spirit of Billie Holiday will air each Friday at 2pm starting January 31st and continuing through April 25th.
Highlights From The 2025 Jazz Congress

Jan 22, 2025 | wicn.org | David Ginsburg

by Tom Lucci, Host, Standard Time, Mondays 3-6pm and WICN Board MemberNearly 500 enthusiastic jazz fans gathered at Jazz Congress 2025 on January 8 and 9 at the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex overlooking New York’s Central Park. Among them were yours truly, WICN Standard Time host Tom Lucci and Image Archivist Kofi Poku, longtime WICN event photographer.
90.5 WICN Public Radio

Jan 10, 2025 | wicn.org | David Ginsburg

Reports Public File Quarterly ReportsEEO Reports Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of WICN-FM’s FCC public inspection file should contact David Ginsburg at 508-752-0700, or [email protected]. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC’s online public file should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or [email protected].
Learn More About the Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Jan 3, 2025 | wicn.org | Emily Morrow

The Great American Songbook and Jazz Standards, as performed by a diverse mix of artists from the world of jazz and beyond! You'll hear everything from Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Ella to Madelaine Peyroux, Willie Nelson and David Sanborn. Featuring: Tom Lucci, Monday Tom Nutile, Tuesday Al Dean, Wednesday Howard Caplan, Thursday Ed Gardella, Friday (from 2 PM) Info and episodes
WICN Artist of the Month, January 2025: Melba Liston

Jan 2, 2025 | wicn.org | Doug Hall

Melba Liston, a self-taught trombonist, arranger, and composer, represented one of the first mainstream gender breakthroughs in the 1940s after she stepped onstage with legendary bandleaders like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie. Liston, as a female jazz musician, would face the inherent challenges of a male-dominated stage and recording industry in the genre.