Swamp Dogg's 'Blackgrass' is one of the best country albums of the year Swamp Dogg, aka Jerry Williams Jr., began his career in the 1960s. Now 81, he demonstrates that, in his long career in R&B, soul and funk, country is another road he’s traveled. Ken Tucker
Poet Maggie Smith's search for self, understanding, and human connection Poet Maggie Smith will read from and talk about her work on June 8 at Hugo House. Paige Browning
Northwest Asian Weekly newspaper turns the page to a new generation Ng told readers it was time for her to retire, and that saying goodbye now is critical for the news organization’s success. Libby Denkmann
MSNBC host Ali Velshi chronicles his ancestors’ migrations across three continents In his memoir, Small Acts of Courage, Velshi traces his family’s journey, from India to South Africa — where his grandfather crossed paths with Mahatma Gandhi — to Kenya, Canada and the U.S. Dave Davies
A mild-mannered professor assumes the persona of a 'Hit Man' in this twisted tale Loosely based on a true story, Richard Linklater's film about a professor working with the police features strong performances, shrewd writing and a light and funny tone. David Bianculli
In 1981, this Sondheim musical flopped. Now 'Merrily We Roll Along' is a hit The Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical about three friends received seven Tony nominations. We talk with director Maria Friedman, who was a friend of Sondheim's, and actor Jonathan Groff. Terry Gross
The Red Chador and 'the fabulousness of being a Muslim woman' ‘She is sparkling, she is shiny, she is not somebody to fear. Let her have her moment. Let her have her dance.’ - Anida Yoeu Ali Kim Malcolm
Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum closed after staff say exhibit 'frames Palestinian liberation' as antisemitism Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum remains closed after more than half its staff walked out last week to protest an exhibit that addresses historic and current antisemitism in the region. Stephen Howie