Dear Listener,

Let the parties begin! From now through New Year’s, Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest the season is on, kicked off officially by WWOZ’s Annual Birthday Bash celebrated during first week of December. This year’s French Quarter second line and party-concert at Tipitina’s was highly attended and egregiously enjoyed by hordes of station staff, on-air personalities and ‘OZ supporters, all of whom were extremely energized by the Stooges and Big Sam’s Funky Nation.

But perhaps the sweetest social event of the season came the following week at Café Istanbul—WWOZ’s Annual Volunteer Party, featuring Sugar Bear and a special stomp-down guest appearance of Miss Linda Wright. WWOZ’s Volunteer vortex has now grown to over 700 strong and the highlight of the party was an opportunity for all present to meet and greet this diverse, highly skilled and dedicated bunch, WWOZ’s volunteers, the heart of community radio and the secret to what makes ‘OZ so special. Congratulations to Maryse DeJean, Volunteer Coordinator, and her irrepressible krewe, for their outstanding contribution to people-powered radio.

Yours in wine cakes and belly aches,

David Freedman
General Manager

P.S. Did you hear about the Joy Theater grand reopening on December 29th with the ineffably perfect Irma Thomas? We are all very excited here at 'OZ and hope to see you out there!

Whether you're staying in town, or you're an out-of-towner in for the holidays, check out the WWOZ Livewire Music Calendar and our Community Events calendar for the best special shows and holiday related events. With home tours, caroling in Jackson Square, holiday markets and of course, lots of holiday music!

» Community Events Listings

» Livewire Music Calendar

Maximize Your Tax Benefits: the end of the year is a great time for giving. As you consider all the organizations worthy of your support at this time of year, be sure to remember WWOZ. Before you ring in the New Year, please consider making a year-end charitable gift to WWOZ. Your gift is tax-deductible and means a lot to us. From the bottom of our jazzy little hearts: Thank you.

» The Gift of the Groove keeps giving

It's up, we've got it, you want it! The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival lineup has just been announced! Check out who will be playing at the festival this year, and don't forget to reserve your WWOZ Brass Pass for in-and-out access for all seven days. The 2012 Jazz Fest runs April 27-May 6.

» Read more about the Jazz Fest 2012 line-up

» Reserve your Brass Pass now

We appreciate all the volunteers who’ve helped WWOZ keep guarding the Groove through its 31st year. Our Volunteer Holiday Party at Cafe Istanbul earlier this month was an absolute blast. We had tons of show hosts, volunteers, staff and friends — check out our online picture gallery, and then sign up to be a volunteer so you won’t miss out next year!

» See highlights from the WWOZ Volunteer Party

Born and raised in New Orleans, it isn't a surprise that WWOZ loves a good reason to party. Check out the photos from our birthday bash and second line on December 3rd, celebrating our 31 years on the planet, broadcasting New Orleans to the universe.

» Photo highlights from the event

Apple Barrel regular and bluesman about town, Coco Robicheaux, passed the Friday after Thanksgiving, on Frenchmen St., where he was a beloved regular musician and friend. Coco was a colorful musician, a Jazz Fest staple and was featured on HBO's Treme sacrificing a chicken in the WWOZ studios for a voodoo ritual. While this never occurred in real life, Mr. Robicheaux was known for his riffs and larger than life personality. He and his guitar will be sorely missed.

» Leave your comments and reminiscences of Coco

Imagine a recipe for a great volunteer:
1. Start with a smile that lasts 'til next Monday.
2. Add an attitude so positive it makes the building glow.
3. Stir in a New Orleanian who cares about her favorite radio station with the same passion she cares for her children.
4. Now add a pinch of sass.

That's Karen Paige, and she is our volunteer of the month for January!

» Read more about Karen

Short of eating it straight out of the crab, we can't think of a better way to eat lump crabmeat... unless it involves a pound of cheese, a 1/2 cup of butter and baked in a casserole dish. A great dish to bring to a potluck dinner or to eat straight from the oven and not share (so what if it's four servings?). If you like the recipe, then visit Louisiana Cookin' magazine. Subscribe with the promotion code wwoz2011, and they'll donate $5 to WWOZ.

» See this month's recipe