WVPE-HD2 88.1: NPR News

WVPE-HD2 88.1 is NPR's music channel, and it's a rare gem among public radio. The programming eschews genre segregation. You'll hear classical works from Yo-Yo Ma, jazz from Esperanza Spalding, folk from Rhiannon Giddens, and world music from Ali Farka Touré. All in one block. That's the beauty. The hosts are knowledgeable but not pedantic. They let the music breathe. Daytime slots lean toward smooth classical and gentle jazz, but stick around late when things get weird. Avant-garde compositions and deep cuts from global traditions take over. It's not background music. It demands attention. Bu…