Radio Spotlights

Sound & Spirit Purim Special
In the unique performance piece "Esther: The Feast of Masks," narrator Ellen Kushner weaves together music with the biblical story of Esther.

The story, which was also written by Kushner, is juxtaposed with the stories of four modern characters: Rita, a New York wife, who defies her husband; Ida, a quiet school teacher, who struggles with questions of "passing" in America; Natalie, an American diplomat struggling to make a difficult choice in Rwanda; and Nate, a high school student, who stands up to his homophobic friends.

The story is underscored by original arrangements of music, ranging from African anthems to blues, folk and 1950s pop songs, performed by three of Boston's finest musicians. Sunday, March 16 at 7 a.m.

SkyTour
Explore the "Fresh Spring Sky" on the next SkyTour. Join hosts Derrick Pitts and Dave Heller for live observation and discussion of the stars, planets and astronomical conditions associated with the vernal equinox. Listen on your radio (90.9 FM) and call in to ask your questions during this live broadcast. Visit www.whyy.org/skytour for the location of the show, directions and a free sky map. Tuesday, March 25 at 8 p.m.

Survival Kit
Each week, host Leonard Lopate asks his famous guests what they would bring with them if they were left alone in a remote location for an extended period of time. The answers are usually surprising and intriguing. Tune in to discover the fascinating sides of these well-known personalities and to learn more about them. Fridays at 10 p.m.

March 7 Actress Zoe Caldwell
March 14 Hip Hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons
March 21 Actress Rosie Perez
March 28 Actor Malcolm McDowell