WFMT Celebrates Mother Earth with Music

Midnight Special host Marilyn Rea Beyer honors the planet with songs about nature and lullabies.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:00am

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An abstract composition of overlapping geometric shapes in shades of green, brown, and blue, creating a conceptual representation of the natural world without any literal imagery.The Midnight Special celebrates the beauty of Mother Earth through an eclectic mix of folk, roots, and Americana music.Boston Today

WFMT's popular radio program The Midnight Special is dedicating an upcoming episode to celebrating Mother Earth through music. Host Marilyn Rea Beyer, a veteran radio personality inducted into the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ Hall of Fame in 2023, will feature a mix of songs about the natural world as well as a few lighthearted tunes about the superhero Superman.

Why it matters

The Midnight Special has long been a beloved institution for Chicago-area listeners, known for its eclectic mix of folk, roots, and Americana music. By honoring the environment through song, the show aims to inspire listeners to appreciate and protect the planet.

The details

The special Mother Earth-themed episode will include a variety of musical styles, from lullabies to upbeat anthems. Beyer, who has hosted the show since 2020 after a long career in Boston radio, will guide listeners through the curated playlist and share insights about the artists and songs.

  • The Mother Earth-themed episode of The Midnight Special will air on WFMT on April 19, 2026.

The players

Marilyn Rea Beyer

The host of The Midnight Special on WFMT, Beyer is a veteran radio personality who was inducted into the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ Hall of Fame in 2023.

WFMT

A classical and folk music radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan area, WFMT has been a beloved institution for decades.

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What they’re saying

“Judicious risk-taking, nurturing artists, falling in love with new music, and engaging with the lively Folkstage audience make the job fun.”

— Marilyn Rea Beyer, Host, The Midnight Special

The takeaway

By celebrating the natural world through music, The Midnight Special is encouraging listeners to appreciate and protect the environment, aligning with the show's longstanding mission of showcasing diverse and meaningful artistic expression.