Saturdays at 9:00 pm
![instruments](https://www.wfmt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1392280338-tms.jpg)
Unique weekly series featuring songs, silliness, and show tunes
Original and offbeat, this three-hour Saturday night romp presents fresh new singer-songwriters alongside well-known artists who have played at Chicago area clubs, concert venues, festivals, and on the comedy scene. Inclusive, high-energy, and always entertaining, The Midnight Special offers listeners a lively potpourri of folk songs, ballads and blues, showtunes, spoken word, and hilarious novelty routines. Escape into the stories, experience the emotions, and let loose with a good guffaw whenever you tune in. Get onboard here, on wfmt.com, or use the WFMT app. The Midnight Special first aired in 1953 with Mike Nichols as host. View The Midnight Special archived playlists.
You might also be interested in WFMT's weekly series Folkstage featuring a one-hour folk concert.
The Midnight Special is available for free streaming in two different ways – live during the broadcast and on demand via the rights-compliant 5-hour, non-interactive player below within two weeks of the broadcast.
That Toddlin’ Town
Chicagoans are proud of their city’s gorgeous lakefront, art, music and tall buildings filled with fascinating characters. This week, it’s songs about the Windy City and the people who live here.
“May the Fourth Be With You!”
Songs that point to strength, courage, and unseen forces. A new song from Kate MacLeod. And perhaps a wink and a nod to Star Wars, released in May 1977?
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream…
Lyrics and melodies that appear in dreams – daydreams, sweet dreams, and nightmares alike – often make it into folk songs. Close your eyes and see what dreams may come. Songs for Mother’s Day, too.
Hats Off to the Graduates!
Chicago Public High School seniors will soon don their mortar boards. We salute them with a show about achieving goals, moving on, and looking to new adventures.
Songs of Remembrance for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a somber holiday, particularly for those who have seen battle. We honor the fallen with voices from the past such as Edith Piaf. We’ll also usher in summer, and say “Happy Birthday, Bob Dylan!”