Tom Ball
Host and Marketing RepresentativeTom 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!
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The early 60’s were an important time for Bluegrass in folk music, and on this week’s Homespun we’ll hear some of that music performed by The Lilly Brothers, Keith & Rooney, and Don Stover! We’ll also get an early start on St. Patrick’s Day with The Green Fields of America, and John Doyle! -
As we finish out this first full month of 2025, Homespun takes us on a journey with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Reno & Smiley, and Claire Lynch! We also celebrate the life of Garth Hudson, the last remaining member of “The Band,” and say “Happy Birthday” to legendary folk singer Joan Baez. -
The temperatures are going down, so get close to the radio for some warmth and great music this week on Homespun! We’ll celebrate the life of Buck White, the mandolin and piano playing patriarch for the country/bluegrass family group The Whites. We’ll play tracks from his time with The Whites and also selections from his son-in-law Ricky Skaggs. -
We roll out 2025 this week on Homespun celebrating the life of folk singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow by spinning some tracks from his time with Peter, Paul, & Mary, and honor the 50 year mark of Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” with selections from it, and covers from Emma Swift, and Shawn Colvin. -
On this first Homespun of 2025, we’ll look back on 2024 and spin some of Tom Ball's favorite artist’s music from the last year! Alison Brown, Ruth Moody, Tony Trischka, John Leventhal, Sarah Jarosz, and David Olney-just to name a few! -
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.
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….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!
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….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
