This broadcast is dedicated to a beloved friend, Gerald “Gerry Drums” Achee, on the occasion of his 68th birthday on Nov. 15. Recognized as a cultural icon of Afro-Caribbean drumming in his native Trinidad and internationally, Gerry is the founder and leader of the Village Drums of Freedom, the free improvisation percussion band that has been continuously active and growing since 1969. Featuring exclusive excerpts of performances and interviews from archival recordings, plus tracks from Gerry’s rare album with the Village Drums of Freedom, and an even more rare recording of a spontaneous jam session with the late free-jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson. (Enormous thanks to documentarians Jasmine Kyoko and Martina Lanfranchi for the archival material.) Friends and colleagues have been invited to call in with their birthday wishes during the second hour. Music for the Masses invites you on an excursion of sound and rhythm. Discover the music of established and emerging artists, both signed and unsigned, on the international music scene. For the avid globe-hopper and armchair traveler alike. You might want to pack a map and a sandwich. Broadcast live from Catskill.