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We are generations removed from a time when we'd gather around a console radio and listen - as a group - to stories, songs, jokes and news on the radio.  Television took over that role - at least for the next several decades - as radio became a one-on-one experience.  We use radio as a companion, or maybe a distraction, as we do chores or sit in traffic.  Radio folks are taught to imagine that your'e talking to "just one person" and not a group...because it's likely there's only one person hearing your voice at any one place.  

Now, even the days of gathering 'round the TV are ending - with mobile video and audio streaming into every possible type of device.  The family summer outing of 2009?  Likely three passengers (and hopefully not the driver) all tucked neatly into their own little worlds of texting or entertainment.  

That's all my preface to an invitation to an event that brings us back together, to do a bit of deep listening to fascinating stories.  Catie Talarski, the amazing Senior Producer of Where We Live is presenting her first Radio Adventure Theater at the Studio @ Billings Forge in Hartford's Frog Hollow neighborhood - Tuesday, July 28 at 8pm.  

The premise is pretty simple: We gather 'round and listen to radio documentary pieces from around the world...all meant to take you far away during this recession-induced "staycation" summer.  She's curated audio postcards and This American Life-style personal stories from friends, colleagues and other producers in the world of public radio.  The source for this material is a resource for producers and listeners alike, the indespensible Public Radio Exchange...or PRX.

Catie herself graduated from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine - which has produced some of public radio's very brightest minds and voices.  She's done stories about lawnmower racing for NPR, a championship squash team for the BBC, and about her own Polish heritage for Singapore Airlines and Where We Live.  

Interspersed with the selected stories are the sounds of a cappella group, Red No. 5 - who craft clever and soulful arrangements for their quartet of voices.  

It will be an interesting evening, and a chance to meet some other public radio fans - who like listening to radio stories as much as you.  Some WNPR folks will be gathered next door at Firebox, the jewel of farm-to-table cuisine at 7pm before the "adventure" begins.    

If you're interested in finding out more, email Catie at ctalarski@wnpr.org.  Here's a map to get there. Hope to see you! 

Note: Catie Talarski's Radio Adventure Theater bears no relation to "General Mills Radio Adventure Theater" - a CBS radio drama series from the 1970s.  Tom Bosley of Happy Days and Murder, She Wrote fame was the host of that show.  He's cool...but not quite as cool as Catie.