There was no way I was going to let the next Blue Moon slip by without dedicating a playlist to it. I mean, after all, these things only happen once in a blue moon, right? And from what I understand the next one isn’t coming around again until 2015, and that’s just way too long to wait.
I’m not planning on going on and on ad nauseum about blue moons. I figure Doni’s got some physics genius far more scientifically minded than me already lined up to discuss blue moons and the different definitions of what makes a blue moon (because there’s actually more than one kind, from my brief, 3 minute internet based research project). But I am going to promise you one of the absolutely best soundtracks of all time to stream through your speakers as you sit in your backyard and gaze in wonder at this month’s upcoming blue moon.
Why do I think there’s a pretty great chance you’ll be watching the moon on August 31st? I mean other than the fact that it’s pretty hard to miss a giant, round orb in the sky? Because this time you might find yourself looking at an actual bonafide blue (as in the color blue) moon. While a blue moon only comes along once in a blue moon (I’m gonna keep using that all day!!!), a blue moon that actually appears to be blue in color is really, really, super-duper rarer than a blue moon rare.
What makes that happen? A lot of dust particles or smoke. Some major forest fires in Sweden and Canada in the early 50’s caused it. The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa caused bluish blue moons for several years. And on August 31st, I’m wondering if the incredible number of devastating wildfires we’ve been experiencing in the region will create just the right conditions to turn the moon blue. Or maybe a brilliant red like we’ve never experienced. Kind of hard to say.
Whatever color it turns out to be, I predict that it’s going to be incredible. A moonrise you won’t wanna miss. If you can see it at all, of course.
Enjoy this week’s playlist. I think it’s worthy of a howl or two!
- Blue Moon – Chris Isaak
- Moon Song – Bob Schneider
- Paper Moon – Ella Fitzgerald
- Moonlight Serenadek – Glenn Miller
- Harvest Moon – Neil Young
- Moonlight Kiss – Bap Kennedy
- Blue Moon – The Mavericks
- Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You – Toby Keith
- Paper Moon – Shout Out Louds
- Blue Moon – Sha Na Na
- Blue Moon – The Kills
- Moonlight In Vermont – Willie Nelson
- Moonlight In Vermont – Tommy Dorsey
- Old Devil Moon – Lena Horne
- Blue Moon – The Ventures
- Havana Moon – De-Phazz
- Moon Over Bourbon Street – Sting
- Shoot The Moon – Norah Jones
- Moondance – Van Morrison
- Kiko & The Lavender Moon – Los Lobos
- Dutch Moon – The Stranglers
- Man On The Moon – R.E.M.
- Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Moonshine – Jack Johnson
- Moon Rocks – Talking Heads
- Moon Safari – Air
- Meet You At The Moon – Imelda May
- Good Night Moon – Shivaree
Valerie Ing-Miller has been the Northern California Program Coordinator for Jefferson Public Radio in Redding for nine years and can often be found serving as Mistress of Ceremonies at the Cascade Theatre. For her, ultimate satisfaction comes from a perfect segue. She’s the mother of a teenage daughter and a 7-year-old West Highland Terrier, and can’t imagine life without them or music. Valerie wakes up with a song in her head, she sings in the shower and at the top of her lungs in the car.
