WTJU will have 71 candles burning for its 2011 Folk Marathon, to be aired May 9 through 15 ¬– 70 of them for Bob Dylan's birthday bash, and one in memory of longtime folk DJ Emmett Boaz, who died Nov. 11.

WTJU (91.1FM) is the University of Virginia's community radio station.

For Dylan, DJs will play a wide range of covers and original material, and explore interesting tidbits about the grouchy bard. Programming will delve deeply into Dylan's inspirations – old-time country, British folk, rhythm and blues, early rock 'n' roll and gospel.

Such folk and roots music has long been a staple of WTJU's programming, and it's exactly the kind of roots music that used to be featured weekly on Boaz's show, "Leftover Biscuits." Boaz, who died while hosting his long-time Saturday morning show, will be honored during the marathon.

"His extensive musical knowledge and unique personality will be so missed during our exploration of folk and roots music," Rebecca Foster, WTJU folk co-director, said. "And his great cooking will be missed at the party afterward."

The 2011 Folk Marathon is one of WTJU's core fundraising activities, and the station hopes to raise $40,000 with a mix of bluegrass, world, old-timey and contemporary folk, to name a few varieties.
 
The marathon will feature live music performances during the week, including The Buzzard Hollow Boys, on May 10 from noon to 2 p.m., and Alligator, on May 14 from noon to 2 p.m.

In addition to live programming, the folk marathon will keep going all night long with more than a dozen late-night folk and world music documentaries from the Pacifica Radio Archives program, "From the Vault." The roster of documentaries includes "The Ballad of Pete Seeger," "Phil Ochs and Friends," "The Ten Greatest Protest Songs," and memorials to Miriam Makeba and Odetta.

"I'm really excited about this upcoming folk marathon," said Nathan Moore, who joined WTJU as its general manager in April. "So many other non-commercial stations become incredibly dull during fundraiser weeks. But WTJU treats it like a party, and rolls out all sorts of tremendous programming during these marathons."
 
For information or to make a pledge, call 434-924-3959 or visit here.