CANTON -- North Country Public Radio has announced that they will change the format of their popular music program, The Three O’Clock Special, hosted by Doyle Dean, when it launches its second season this Saturday, June 15, at 3pm. The new season will run for 26 weeks and feature a different guest DJ in each episode.

For the first time, host Doyle Dean will invite community members to “climb aboard” The Three O’Clock Special to co-host select episodes. Originally airing in the summer of 2023, the show was conceived as a way for the audience to “take a ride” with NCPR staff members who don’t host regular music shows and learn about their musical tastes. Specials included highlights of the punk underground, early rock music, unique cover songs, and more. While NCPR staff will still be in the mix, the program’s second outing this summer will expand its reach by bringing in voices from beyond the walls of the station to include music-loving friends and neighbors from the North Country. Listeners will still hear familiar styles and genres like pop, rock, and indie music, but this season will add variety and color by drawing additional attention to queer and marginalized music, international and non-English songs, and other stylings not often featured in the radio sphere. In addition, every episode will include a “Three O’Clock Special Extra Special” feature. Doyle will challenge his guest to bring a specific song that’s either a guilty pleasure, a dedication, cover song, or a sound recorded from home.

The result is a show that aims to leave its listeners feeling like they’ve been on a short musical journey, riding the rails with Doyle and his “traveling companion.”

"I love music and I love learning about people,” said Dean. “Music provides an intimate conversation entry point. It's been so much fun to get to know my colleagues and the musicians and music lovers of the North Country a little better. I can't wait to do more." Dean explains that The Three O’Clock Special is presented in an effort to remove the digital algorithm from the process of music curation. “If you’re tired of a computer deciding what you listen to, so am I! Every week the show brings you an hour of one human being’s favorite music… and the reasons why they love it.”

The Three O’Clock Special is the latest in a robust lineup of music programs available via the station’s broadcast and digital offerings. Every weekday afternoon from 3 to 5, listeners hear music from a broad range of styles, including classic rock, indie, folk, pop, Americana, and world dance music. Music extends into the evenings and weekends, as well, with over 80 hours a week of music programming available. Dean is the host of The Dean’s Listfrom 3 to 5, Monday afternoons on NCPR. The program features the latest in indie rock and art pop, as well as classics from the underground vault. Dean is a musician, videographer, and podcast host who has collaborated with many North Country artists over the last decade.

Listeners who are not able to tune in during the scheduled 3 to 4pm timeslot Saturday afternoons can find the program through the station’s website immediately after it airs. Playlists of each program will remain posted indefinitely. For a full list of specials and guests, visit NCPR.org/ThreeOClockSpecial.