As winter fades into memory in the northern hemisphere, many breathe sighs of relief, looking forward to longer days and the warmth of the sun inviting time spent outside. But some are not so excited, hanging on to the wisps of winter with its long cold nights. Balaclava Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent…
Author: Vanessa Lowe
Merlin Tuttle
This episode is about the only mammal that can fly, one that’s reviled, but actually pretty darned gentle, unlike in the vampire stories that sprung up around it. But it’s also about the dogged man who’s been working on saving them for the last 65 years. Merlin Tuttle Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent…
Nocturnalia
There’s a lot to be sad, stressed and upset about in the world right now. It’s important to give those things our focus and attention and action, but we also need to take the time to appreciate the world around us – the precious, beautiful, strange planet we call home. There are gifts to be discovered in the darkness. Nocturnalia…
Season of Night
It’s the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere – the longest night of the year. Come along as we gather with a group of strangers and walk through the glowing streets of the Mission District in San Francisco, carrying boomboxes and speakers, creating something unique and beautiful together. Season of Night Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne…
East of Nowhere
What leads a 21-year-old to leave the college of her dreams and travel clear across the country to live off grid, in the middle of a vast barren desert, surrounded by art made from trash? The answer is East Jesus. East of Nowhere Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Jeffrey foster…
The Light That Gives
In 2013, Ben Davis had the crazy idea to light up the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge for it’s 75th birthday, and turn it into a nightly art installation. Ten years later, the Bay Lights went dark, but Davis’ mission is brighter than ever. The Light that Gives Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling…
On the North Face
The U.S. Forest Service defines wilderness as having, “outstanding opportunities for solitude”. When Adam Danielson summited Mount Shasta, he got more solitude than he would ever want. On the North Face Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Kent Sparling // Jeffrey foster // Kid Otter Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support…
The Nyctalops
Many sighted people envision being blind as inhabiting an endless night, but the realities of blindness are often much richer and more varied. Andrew Leland offers glimpses from the Country of the Blind. The Nyctalops Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Kent Sparling // Jeffrey foster // Kid Otter Episode art…
Angel Shot
Whether it’s to hear live music, to hang out, or to hook up, bars and clubs are a big part of nightlife for a lot of people. But going out to a bar is not without risk, particularly for women, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people. Angel Shot Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional…
Nightways
Until fairly recently, there was no distinct focus on the archeology of the night. Lacking a specific nighttime lens through which to view relics from the past, archeologists had been missing an opportunity to capture a whole complete portrait of ancient people’s lives. It was kind of like painting a picture and filling in only half the canvas. Nightways Credits…
Bump in the Night
An unexplained sound at night is like an actor on a stage, or a mystical beast drawing power from the moon. Without all the other noise competing for attention, sound at night stands out, it travels farther, it bends and shimmers in unexpected ways. It can tantalize, mesmerize, terrify or downright destroy you in irritation. At the very least it…
In Shadow Places
Cristina Gil began her career as an architect in Colombia. As she worked and traveled, she started thinking about how lighting could be part of the solution to making cities safer and more inviting, specifically for women at night. An idea began to take form for a project, an initiative really – called The Night-Time Traveller. The mission of the Night-Time…
Hot for Teacher
In most major urban and suburban areas in the U.S., it’s easy to take for granted that the streets are for cars – that’s just the way it is almost all the time. That’s what we expect to see and experience, day and night. So, when you come across a road taken over by joyful people on bicycles, with cars stuck on the sidelines,…
Meals 4 Heels
In a world where the nutritional needs of sex workers is not given much consideration, Nikeisah Newton feeds strippers the most scrumptious, healthy things she can think of. And she delivers. Meals 4 Heels Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Find out more about Meals 4 Heels . Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Jeffrey Foster //…
Tree Time
From tree surfing to sleeping in trees, Peter Jenkins has done it all. And he’s spent more than half his life teaching others how to do it, too. Tree Time Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Find out more about Tree Climbers International Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Kent Sparling // Jeffrey Foster // Kid Otter…
Fresh Out the Grease
There are some experiences that, while wonderful at any time, are amplified in their wonderfulness when they happen at night. This is one of them. Colonial Donuts has a great Instagram feed @colonialdonuts. It has MUCH better pictures than the shots below 😉 Fresh Out the Grease Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent…
Dream Doctor
Dreams are often thought of as windows into the unconscious mind. Charles Mcphee made a career of interpreting people’s dreams on the radio as “The Dream Doctor”. When Rachel discovered the show as a kid, it became a different kind of window – offering strange and surprising insight into the world of adults. Dream Doctor Credits Nocturne is produced by…
Manhunt on Bohemian Highway
Monte Rio is a tiny peaceful Northern California town, nestled in a hilly forest of redwoods, beside a river. Who’s starting all the fires?
Dream Walk: The Gate
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it would feel like to take a long walk through a dark, dark night, without fear. So, I decided to take myself on a walk like that, with you. This night feels strange and different. The darkness and the glittering bits of light are not as they usually appear, how they usually feel.
Light Enough
You won’t find the word “Tenebrisology” in the dictionary – yet. It means, “the study of natural darkness”, and it was created by Jane Slade. Working in the lighting industry woke her up to the darkness we’re all missing, and her mission to bring it back.