It Might As Well Be Spring : Q&A with Mike Stevenson
WRIU.org | February 25, 2026
“Punxsutawney Phil” saw his shadow on February 2nd (aka Groundhog Day) marking the prediction of six more weeks of winter.
The famous prognosticator emerged from his den at 7:25 a.m. into a clear, cold morning at Gobbler’s Knob to announce his 2026 forecast, contradicting hopes for an early spring.
“I’m as restless as a willow in a windstorm
I’m as jumpy as a puppet on a string
I’d say that I had spring fever
But I know it isn’t Spring”
Continuing in this series of WRIU staff Q & A’s is with Mike Stevenson, host of The Kingston Coffee House (Tuesdays at 6 – 9 pm).
Unknown Pleasures
MIKE STEVENSON
Q: What are your “Words to Live By”?
“There are two kinds of people in this world. Avoid both of them.”
– Arthur Shopenhauer (b.1788 – d.1860)
Q: What are your favorite music venues (both indoor & outdoor)?
– We are fortunate to have so many great venues within a short drive. Club Passim in Cambridge, MA is my #1 place to hear live music. Discounted parking nearby, excellent burgers and ‘Gansett in a can! Favorite outdoor venue is probably The Payomet in Truro, MA , when the Outer Cape mosquitoes are being kind. Very excited that The Blue Room recently opened in Pawtuxet Village and just a short walk from my home!
“The Blue Room”, historic Pawtuxet Village. Tasty jazz and perfect pitch calamari!
Q: When did you start listening to WRIU?
-I think it was 1992. I loved Laura Travis on her Celtic Realm show. Then I discovered The Boudin Barndance while listening on the car radio. Dan was playing songs from a new release, The Jayhawks “Hollywood Town Hall” and I’m thinking, “Damn, this guy plays MY music!”. I think it was the same show he played Tibby Edwards hillbilly version of “Flip, Flop and Fly” and I nearly drove off the road in ecstatic delight!
Q: What are your 12 “Desert Island” albums?
Thinking I will need some variety on the island (as well as my favorites) something like this, I guess: Jimmy Cliff “The Harder They Come” soundtrack; Willie Nelson & Family Live; West Side Story soundtrack; Van Morrison & The Chieftains “Irish Heartbeat”; The Clash “London Calling”; Smokey Robinson & the Miracles LIVE; Atlantic Records” Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974” (box) Francis Cabrel “Double Tour” ; The Zombies “Odyssey and Oracle”; “Ella Sings Gershwin”; John Prine “The Missing Years”; Lefty Frizzell’s Greatest Hits
Q: What is your favorite team?
– The Celtics, now and forever.
Q: What is your favorite movie scene?
– My ‘better angels’ would normally choose the beautiful ‘Eating Cake in the Parlor’ scene from Meet Me in St. Louis (Vincent Minnelli, 1949) However, I watched the morning news and instead chose this from On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, 1954). Amazing performances from Brando, Lee J. Cobb with the musical score by Leonard Bernstein.
“I Was There When it Happened …”
What are your 5 most memorable concerts?
Elvis Presley (1972, Providence Civic Center) The King’s band and backup singers were awesome. Elvis, not-so-much.
Bruce Springsteen (1980, Providence Civic Center) Just 2 days after John Lennon was killed. Bruce plays “Twist & Shout” in tribute
Astrud Gilberto (1990? Cambridge MA Regattabar) Tall and tan, young and lovely. (In truth, not so tall). Love her still.
Roy Orbison (1988, The Channel, Boston). Roy encores with a majestic “Running Scared,” leaves the stage, returns, and does the same song again – somehow even better! Mind officially blown. (Roy died of a heart attack 3 days later)
The Everly Brothers (1983 Reunion Tour. Cape Cod Melody Tent) The recently-reunited brothers were tense in their stage banter, but the magic of their harmony singing was unforgettable.
Astrud Gilberto
Q: What is your favorite ephemera in the WRIU studio?
– The “official” DJ sign-in notebook
Mike Stevenson hosts The Kingston Coffee House Tuesday 6 – 9 pm. Mike also hosts The French Connection on Sunday evenings over the summer months. | More in this series