Backstage Access with Mike Horyczun

Deidre Murtha Interview - CT Sea Music Festival - 2026

If it’s the first Tuesday of the month, that means I’m on WPKN today. Which I am, noon-3 p.m. (EST) today, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. My special guest in the 1 p.m. hour will be Deidre Murtha, spokesperson for the CT Sea Music Festival, happening next weekend in Essex, CT. Deidre is an expert in the field of sea chanties, as you will hear. She also performs with the Johnson Girls and with her husband Sean Murtha. We will have lots to talk about.

Sally Rogers interview - May 5, 2026

Mike Horyczun's in-studio guest on his monthly WPKN radio show in May was folk legend Sally Rogers. The interview aired on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. The interview included cuts off Sally's ealy albums, including the Folk Album of the Year, "In the Circle of the Sun," and classics like "Thanksgiving Eve" and "The Touch of the Master's Hand". Sally also plays live in the studio.  Sally Rogers began her career as a full-time touring musician in 1979 after encouragement from Stan Rogers, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter. That was followed by an invitation from Garrison Keillor to appear on A Prairie Home Companion. She appeared more than a dozen times on that show, in the wake of 14 recordings. Her travels have taken her to Europe, China, Hungary and Poland, and across the United States.   Much of Rogers’ time is spent teaching music in the public schools as an artist-in-residence. Her gorgeous singing voice, boundless energy and good humor are welcomed from coast to coast. (Sally Rogers photo credit John Williams). Mike's radio show is heard the first Tuesday of the month, 12 noon-3 p.m. WPKN (89.5) FM wpkn.org

Mike's 2026 St. Patrick's Day Special - Hour 3

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, today, March 17, 2026! I’m celebrating the day the best way I know how, with music from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on WPKN, (89.5) FM. Traditional legends, rock legends, and new Irish legends to be. This hour, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. we'll be rocking out a bit and playing favorite artists like U-2, Paul Brady, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Snow Patrol, and Whirlygig.

Mike's 2026 St. Patrick's Day Special - Hour 2

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, today, March 17, 2026! I’m celebrating the day the best way I know how, with music from noon to 3 p.m. on WPKN, (89.5) FM. Traditional legends, rock legends, and new Irish legends to be. This hour, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. my playlist features up-and-coming Irish artists like Dani Larkin, Ye Vagabonds, and Lankum, plus new music from Christy Moore and tunes from Kevin Burke with John Brennan,   House of Hamill, Luka Bloom, and Sean Nua.

Mike's 2026 St. Patrick's Day Special - Hour 1

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, today, Tuesday March 17, 2026. I’m celebrating the day the best way I know how, with music from noon to 3 p.m. on WPKN, (89.5) FM. Traditional legends, rock legends, and new Irish legends to be. This hour, Noon-1 p.m., my playlist features, in no particular order: Clannad, Moving Hearts, The House Band, Altan, Whirligig, Solas, Wolfstone, and Duck Baker.