Coming from the studios of WXPN in Philadelphia, World Cafe has for more than 30 years been the place where public radio audiences get their first “before they were famous” look at emerging musicians and connect deeply with legendary performers.

A celebrated music tastemaker, World Cafe spans an array of genres including singer-songwriter, classic rock, indie rock, Americana, alt-country, blues, world music, R&B and soul. Along with a carefully curated music mix, the central element of each daily show is a conversation with an artist focusing on his or her craft, songwriting, and inspirations, and combined with an exclusive musical performance.

Monday, September 28th, 2026 – Swamp Dogg

Swamp Dogg turned 84 years old this year. Which is more than six decades older than he thought he’d ever be. On the next World Cafe, Swamp Dogg shares an early childhood experience that made him fear death, and we talk about his new album where he ponders it: Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife. He also shares stories from his long, eccentric career, which included working with John Prine.

Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 – Encore: Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr has a lot of accolades, from co-founding The Smiths, to his successful solo career. On his 2018 album, Call the Comet, Marr envisioned a different type of ‘end of days’, content to imagine a new utopia, bringing us along for the ride. We’re listening back to our conversation with Johnny Marr in anticipation of his new album, The Age of Everything. He shares stories about meeting Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock, recording The Smiths’ classic “How Soon is Now”, and why Duane Eddy’s “Have Guitar, Will Travel” would make a good mantra for him. Plus, he performs live, on the next World Cafe.

Wednesday, September 30th, 2026– Friko Mini Concert

After releasing their debut album in 2024, Chicago band Friko really took off. Literally. They toured a ton, opened for bands like Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse, and played festivals like Lollapalooza and Newport Folk. The places they went and the people they met shaped the songs on their sophomore album that came out earlier this year called Something Worth Waiting For. Friko perform songs from that album in an exclusive live mini concert, on the next World Cafe.

Thursday, October 1st, 2026– Michaela Anne

Michaela Anne had been going through it; a string of life changing events including the birth of her daughter and caring for her mom after a stroke, all while soldiering through a pandemic without the ability to tour. It would take her two years to find the right words that would ultimately find a home on her album, These Are the Days. Coming up, Michaela Anne pops by to reflect on rebuilding her creativity, and she performs in studio. That’s on the next World Cafe.

Friday, October 2nd, 2026– The Wiggles

For 35 years, The Wiggles have been entertaining kids and their parents all around the world. During that time, they’ve become stars, all the while enduring and embracing some big changes. We sit down to talk to a founding member as well as one of the newest Wiggles, plus they perform maybe the happiest set ever, on the next World Cafe.

Monday, October 5th, 2026 – Encore: Feist Backtracking

Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 – John R. Miller

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 – The Womack Sisters

Thursday, October 8th, 2026 – Brian Jackson

Friday, October 9th, 2026 – Alabama Shakes

World Cafe is hosted by Raina Douris along with contributing host Stephen Kallao and can be heard Weeknights at 10.