WXPN’s World Cafe invites listeners to explore Boston’s vibrant and diverse music scene with its latest “Sense of Place” series. From January 21 through January 31, host Raina Douris and the World Cafe team spotlight the city’s deep musical history, innovative voices, and community spirit that have shaped its sound.
“Perhaps fitting for a city famous for its universities and colleges, a common thread that runs through our stories from Boston is that of teaching and sharing,” says Douris. “From a young pianist from Afghanistan bravely raising awareness for his home country, to a long-running family-owned jazz club with a mission to educate the next generation of jazz musicians, the stories in our ‘Sense of Place: Boston’ series are a reminder that there is always more to learn and that sharing music is an essential part of connecting as human beings.”
The week-long series will feature exclusive interviews, musical performances, and deep dives into Boston’s iconic venues, groundbreaking artists, and inspiring community initiatives:
- Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Club Passim: Explore the legendary folk venue in Cambridge’s Harvard Square that has hosted icons like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, and learn how it continues to expand the boundaries of folk music.

Host Raina Douris visits Club Passim as part of the World Cafe “Sense of Place: Boston” series | Photo by George Murphy