Arts
The Arts

Jerry Seinfeld On Staying Home: ‘At My Dinner Table, You’re Supposed To Be Funny’
The comedian says he’s doing well under quarantine. He talked with NPR about comedy during a pandemic and his new Netflix standup special, 23 Hours to Kill. “Humor is an essential survival quantity.” Continue Reading Jerry Seinfeld On Staying Home: ‘At My Dinner Table, You’re Supposed To Be Funny’

‘If The Trees Can Keep Dancing, So Can I’: A Community Poem To Cope In Crisis
Kwame Alexander, NPR’s poet in residence, reads the latest crowdsourced poem, this one focused on how you’ve been affected by and coping during the global coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading ‘If The Trees Can Keep Dancing, So Can I’: A Community Poem To Cope In Crisis

Reporter’s Notebook: A Drive-In Movie Gives A Much-Needed Reminder That Life Indeed Goes On
We felt a stroke of luck two weeks ago, when our local theater chain in Tri-Cities handed out bags of popcorn over the weekend. But that night, as we chowed down and watched one of the many movies we’ve streamed recently, we realized we really missed seeing movies with our friends. Little did we know, the Milton-Freewater Drive-IN would fulfill our wish. And that of about 200 others. Continue Reading Reporter’s Notebook: A Drive-In Movie Gives A Much-Needed Reminder That Life Indeed Goes On
In New Film About Gospel Pioneers The Clark Sisters, The Music Comes First
Director Christine Swanson’s new film is about the celebrated Detroit gospel group, The Clark Sisters. She talks to host Rachel Martin about being adamant about casting women who could actually sing. Continue Reading In New Film About Gospel Pioneers The Clark Sisters, The Music Comes First

Learning Lessons From Inspiration, Despite Complexity, In ‘Why Fish Don’t Exist’
Former NPR journalist Lulu Miller was inspired by a scientist who started again when his life’s work was destroyed. Now, she writes about what she can take from his story, even when it’s not all good. Continue Reading Learning Lessons From Inspiration, Despite Complexity, In ‘Why Fish Don’t Exist’

Portland’s Iconic Powell’s Books Is One Of Many Independent Sellers Facing An Uncertain Future
The independent book business has been battered in recent decades, as locally owned sellers strained to compete with the online-giant Amazon. But the COVID-19 crisis has forced many to close their doors, depriving both readers and writers the spaces they thrive on. Continue Reading Portland’s Iconic Powell’s Books Is One Of Many Independent Sellers Facing An Uncertain Future

‘The Beekeeper Of Aleppo’ Wins 2020 Aspen Words Literary Prize
Christy Lefteri’s novel of the Syrian refugee crisis won the third annual award, which doles out $35,000 for fiction that illuminates a pressing social issue. Continue Reading ‘The Beekeeper Of Aleppo’ Wins 2020 Aspen Words Literary Prize

‘Wait Wait’: We Call To Check In On Tom Hanks (And Ask Him To Play Not My Job)
Hanks recently recovered from the coronavirus, so we called to check in on him. While he was on the line, we asked the man who played Mr. Rogers to answer three questions about very bad neighbors. Continue Reading ‘Wait Wait’: We Call To Check In On Tom Hanks (And Ask Him To Play Not My Job)

Curb Your Boredom With NWPB Passport’s April Lineup
APRIL LINEUP: Need new shows to watch while social distancing? Stream a variety of new or popular shows on NWPB Passport and learn what’s in the spotlight for April 2020.… Continue Reading Curb Your Boredom With NWPB Passport’s April Lineup

Stephen King Is Sorry You Feel Like You’re Stuck In A Stephen King Novel
The horror writer says he understands why fans have said the COVID-19 pandemic feels like living inside one of his novels. King says he doesn’t feel panic or terror, but rather, a “gnawing anxiety.” Continue Reading Stephen King Is Sorry You Feel Like You’re Stuck In A Stephen King Novel

‘Dear Stranger’: Connecting People 1 Letter At A Time
As the coronavirus forces people to keep their distance, a humanities program in Oregon brings residents together in an old-fashioned way. Continue Reading ‘Dear Stranger’: Connecting People 1 Letter At A Time

BOOK REVIEW: In ‘How Much Of These Hills Is Gold,’ This Land Is Not Your Land
C Pam Zhang’s debut novel follows a brother and sister, children of Chinese laborers, as the search the dusty hills of Gold Rush-era California for a place to bury their father’s body. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: In ‘How Much Of These Hills Is Gold,’ This Land Is Not Your Land