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Tom Ball

Host and Marketing Representative

Tom Ball is the host of 'Homespun' on WCMU, and is also a marketing representative for the station. He is responsible for securing program sponsorships for both WCMU Public Radio and WCMU Public Television. 

Tom has been married for nearly 20 years to his lovely and talented wife Diana. They have one cat, and a yard full of beautiful flowers (no thanks to him!). Tom has been associated with WCMU for over 35 years, doing everything from fundraising, to filling in for vacationing staff members, to even taking out the trash! 

  • This week’s Homespun continues spinning some winners of the 35th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association’s Award show with music from Danny Paisley, Jaelee Roberts, The Del McCoury Band, and Alan Munde! We’ll also celebrate the life of Songwriter Hall of Famer J. D. Souther with music from J.D. plus Linda Ronstadt.
  • ….Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of workers, and it’s a day of rest, reflection and appreciation for all in the workforce. This week’s Homespun does it song with the music of The Staple Singers, Red Clay Ramblers , Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and more! Tune in Saturday evening at 6PM!
  • ….2023 is coming to end, and on the next Homespun we look back on some of the best releases of the year! Music from Michael Cleveland, Sami Braman, Lori McKenna, The Kody Norris Show, and so much more! Help us ring in the New Year on WCMU!
  • …The Holiday season is upon us, and on the next Homespun, we visit the traditional sounds of the season with David Grisman, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Burns Sisters, Tim & Mollie O’Brien, Joni Mitchell and much more! Tune in Saturday evening for good holiday cheer on WCMU!
  • …”When the Golden Leaves Begin to Fall”-Bill Monroe’s words ring true as we hear them on this week’s Homespun-sung by Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys! We’ll also hear the blues of Charlie Musselwhite, and Dave Van Ronk, plus we’ll sample new music from Lori McKenna, and Buddy & Julie Miller! Tune in Saturday evenings at 6PM
  • …This week on Homespun we dip back into the late 60’s for a classic J.D. Crowe track featuring the vocalist Red Allen, and come back to modern times with music from the Goodwin Brothers and Carson Peters. Mike Craver makes us smile, and we hear a classic from the Possum himself, George Jones! Tune in Saturday Evenings at 6pm for all this and more!
  • …This Thanksgiving weekend on Homespun we give thanks to all the great songs and songwriters I get to share with you this week-folks like Del McCoury, Alison Krauss, The Lost World String Band, David Wilcox, Jimmy Webb, Full Cord and so many others ! Tune in Saturday Evenings at 6PM on WCMU!
  • …We’ll hear a “musical memorial” to Miss Nanci Griffith this week on Homespun as a new tribute album has been released-Sarah Jarosz, and Shawn Colvin cover a couple of her songs , and we’ll hear from Nanci herself. We’ll also celebrate Guy Clarks birthday by spinning “Old Friends”, and much more! Tune in Saturday evenings at 6!
  • …Homespun this week shares new releases from Jim Lauderdale with the PO’ Ramblin’ Boys, and singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou! We’ll also hear from IBMA Mandolin Player of the year Sierra Hull, and celebrate the life of 78 music collector, Label Head, and Reissue producer Lawrence Cohn who passed away recently at age 91. Tune in Saturday evenings at 6PM!