Well, XM has decided they don't want to use their precious bandwith on the folk music channel (channel 62), so unless you listen to music on the internet, you can't hear the channel any more on your home radio or in your car. This means we'll hear a lot less Arlo music, not to mention all the other great folk singers on our pricey radios and ever increasing, expensive service. I figure some of you listen to this channel, too, and while it may not do much good, a little bit of protest never hurt. You can do so at the Sirius/XM page or on Facebook. I'm told that you can call this number and get a human being to complain to: 212-584-5100. I'm calling tomorrow.

-Jim

Thanks Jim. I got in my truck as usual early yesterday morning to drive to work, and my radio (which pretty much is always tuned to "The Village," Folk channel 62) did not come on - instead was on some unfamiliar channel playing stuff I neither recognized or cared for. I tried in vain to re-tune it, only to find no channel between 61 and 63........what, is Folk music now like the "13th" floor of buildings where the elevator doesn't stop? I spend a lot of time in my truck driving a 6-county area seeing clients, often times in county jails and state correctional facilities. These are depressing places, and my work as a clinical therapist/counselor can be emotionally draining. I really enjoyed and was able to emotionally recharge while listening to my favorite folk & blues artists as I drove the beautiful country back-roads between stops. I am pissed, and you can count on me giving them an ear-full in just a little while. Thanks for the number. Until then, it'll have to be channel 70......"Bluesville".........

Here's the response I just received from Mary Sue Twohy, a DJ and program director for Sirius XM Radio:

Mary Sue Twohy 13 January 08:38

Thanks Kevin for taking the time to write in and support The Village. I hope you understand the need for a form response - please pardon.

It is true; The Village will become an online-only channel on SiriusXM on Thursday, January 12.
This is a decision that SiriusXM deliberated on carefully. We will keep the same level of quality on The Village in 2012 for our audience’s listening pleasure.

As a community, I urge listeners to listen to The Village online and enjoy folk music. If you do not already have an online account, here is a link to a 7 Day Free Sirius XM Online Trial -- http://www.facebook.com/l/BAQHePqwpAQEA ... /freetrial.

There is some good news wrapped in this bundle of changes. The Village Folk Show with Mary Sue Twohy will be broadcasting on The Bridge, SiriusXM channel 32, on Sunday mornings on both XM and Sirius radios, the first time a show dedicated to folk music has been on both platforms – a tremendous opportunity for the folk community to reach a wider audience. I am excited about this!

In addition to listening to The Village on your smartphone, we also encourage you to consider the SiriusXM Tabletop Internet Radio as a way to enjoy The Village and all of Sirius XM from your home or office. Here is a link that includes details on the radio: http://www.facebook.com/l/RAQGypGZFAQHB ... m.com/ttr1.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Listener Care: http://www.facebook.com/l/5AQEXnGFgAQHP ... Fapp%2Fask

Thanks again for writing, your continued support of The Village is the key.

Best,
Mary Sue Twohy, The Village


So I guess I have to either get a high-speed internet connection in my truck, or start packing my music collection with me........

They want you to pay $2.99 a month to hear it on their internet service. Like subscribers don't pay enough already, and XM just raised their prices on their radio listeners. Guess the 1%'s haven't heard times are tough.

They claimed they only have so much bandwith, though the channel that essentially replaced The Village is for Korean news and cultural affairs. One would think a company that does what Sirius XM does could afford to keep the music channel most in tune with the common man. Guess I was wrong.

-Jim

PS The Sirius XM The Village Facebook page is loaded with cancellations and complaints the last two days.

[quote="JimInks"]PS The Sirius XM The Village Facebook page is loaded with cancellations and complaints the last two days.[/quote]


Mine will be there very soon.

Kevin and other interested parties:
Here's an on-line petition you can sign if you wish.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/res ... ogram.html

-Jim

Signed. Thanks!!!

I was just thinking: this channel was one of the main reasons I got back into listening to Arlo's music. I hadn't subscribed to the service long (this was 2005), and was listening one day when they started playing "Gypsy Davy," which I hadn't heard or thought of in years. It prompted me to seek out more of Arlo's and Woody's, and a few other artists' work as well. In fact, I ended up buying all of Arlo's (and Woody's) CDs at his website, which might not have made him rich, but I'm sure he would have appreciated the interest if he knew.

In fact, Arlo and Nora have supported this station quite a bit. The last three (maybe more) Thanksgivings, The Village has had "Arlo Takes Over The Village Week," airing lots of family music (meaning Woody and Sarah Lee as well as ol' folkslinger), telling lots of stories, introducing new releases, etc. There's no telling how many people were educated about the Guthrie family by this channel, not to mention all the other artists who get played there. What a shame in this bad economy, those of us who can't afford the internet subscription or even want to hear music on the internet, are deprived of such a resource.

I hope more than just Kevin will care enough to protest.

-Jim

I don't have Sirius or XM but this is bad news. It was a good channel from what I've heard of it. I love their 60's on 6 channel. When my folks had Sirius free for awhile after getting their car. I got hooked on that one and loved the folk one too. I doubt the Korean news channels will get much interest here in the US.

They could at least put some Korean folk music on it

it was a great festival. i like it very much. when this festival will be organized again.?

indian music festival