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Singer-Songwriter Suzanne Vega '81 Hosts Public Radio Series on Music Innovators
 "People think that rock is always pushing the envelope," says singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega '81. "But there were cool, edgey people in the late 1700's, too."
Vega is speaking about the musicians who figure in the 13-part Minnesota Public Radio series, "American Mavericks," which she hosts and is being broadcast nationwide. Originally released in April of last year and currently being broadcast in New York on Sundays at 4 p.m. on 93.9 FM and 8 p.m. on AM 820, the series features the iconoclastic, tradition-breaking composers who shaped the development of American classical music-from Charles Ives, Henry Brant, Harry Partch, Laurie Anderson, Steve Reich and more.
"I really enjoyed hearing the anecdotes about all the composers throughout history," Vega says. And, for her, the personalities add to the show's being "not only historical, but really contemporary... I like the idea of the 'American Maverick,' the sort of loner person in their house thinking weird thoughts and being able to express it through music."
In addition to profiles on these important figures in American music history, the series includes Vega's interviews with composers and performers and discussion with San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas. In tandem with the radio series, the program's Web site contains extensive streaming audio and extended interviews. Click here to visit the American Maverick web site.
Vega was asked to host the show in part because she is a maverick in her own pop-folk genre, and also because she has a strong background and understanding of classical music. As a modern dance major in high school, Vega was exposed to many different kinds of classical music, from Chopin to Phillip Glass.
She studied literature and theater at Barnard, and speaks of the time fondly. "I enjoyed the time and there were a few teachers that really impacted me." She mentions specifically Shirley Kaplan, who was a professor in the theater division at the time. "She taught a class called musical theater and I went into it skeptically. I hate musicals. But she taught me how to put on a show. She was really inspirational and she gave me the idea that I could go ahead and be a professional."
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