Saturdays at 9:00 pm
Unique weekly series featuring songs, silliness, and show tunes
Original and offbeat, this three-hour Saturday night romp presents fresh new singer-songwriters alongside well-known artists who have played at Chicago area clubs, concert venues, festivals, and on the comedy scene. Inclusive, high-energy, and always entertaining, The Midnight Special offers listeners a lively potpourri of folk songs, ballads and blues, showtunes, spoken word, and hilarious novelty routines. Escape into the stories, experience the emotions, and let loose with a good guffaw whenever you tune in. Get onboard here, on wfmt.com, or use the WFMT app. The Midnight Special first aired in 1953 with Mike Nichols as host. View The Midnight Special archived playlists.
You might also be interested in WFMT's weekly series Folkstage featuring a one-hour folk concert.
The Midnight Special is available for free streaming in two different ways – live during the broadcast and on demand via the rights-compliant 5-hour, non-interactive player below within two weeks of the broadcast.
Hats Off to the Graduates!
Chicago Public High School seniors will soon don their mortar boards. We salute them with a show about achieving goals, moving on, and looking to new adventures.
Songs of Remembrance for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a somber holiday, particularly for those who have seen battle. We honor the fallen with voices from the past such as Edith Piaf. We’ll also usher in summer, and say “Happy Birthday, Bob Dylan!”
June Blooms with Love
As Pride Month commences, let’s focus on what really counts: LOVE.
Signs Point to Humor
Back by popular demand! The funny songs show, plus song titles that suggest “Magic 8 Ball” answers.
Hey, Dad, Let’s Play!
Songs about musical instruments, singing, and playing for Father’s Day.
Sing a Song of Summertime
A sun-dappled playlist to usher in the summer solstice and recall memories of balmy nights.
A Basket Full of Folk Songs
A summer pot-luck picnic and a look back at the life of “The Mayor of MacDougal Street,” the late Dave Van Ronk born 88 years ago this weekend.
