ASCAP — the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers — has taken action against bars and restaurants in 13 states. As NPR’s David Gura reports, ASCAP accuses them of playing copyrighted music illegally.

Saxophonist and teacher Fred Anderson has died. NPR’s David Gura says he was a cornerstone of the jazz scene in Chicago.

Eighteen Americans will receive lifetime honors from the National Endowment for the Arts. NPR’s David Gura says they are recognized for their contributions to jazz, opera, and traditional arts.

The National Endowment for the Arts will bestow lifetime honors on 18 American artists. As NPR’s David Gura reports, the group includes composers, drummers and a family of jazz musicians.

Jose Saramago, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, has died. As NPR’s David Gura reports, he will be remembered for his imaginative fiction and his outspokenness.

Richie Stearns and I play “Sally Ann” — also known as “The Surry County Anthem” — in Vineyard Haven, Mass.  (Recording courtesy of Gregg Harcourt.)

“Poet Lucille Clifton: Everything Is Connected,”
Weekend Edition, from NPR

Lucille Clifton, a pioneering American poet, passed away on February 13th, of complications from cancer. We wanted to mark her passing and the works she leaves behind, so NPR’s David Gura wrote this appreciation.

“Bess Lomax Hawes, Musical Folklorist, Dies,”
All Things Considered, from NPR

Bess Lomax Hawes, a folklorist, musician and teacher, has died. In the 1970s, as the head of the folk arts program at the National Endowment for the Arts, she increased federal funding for traditional music and folk arts across the United States. NPR’s David Gura has this remembrance.

“Chef Chang’s Momofuku: A Romance With Ramen,”
Weekend Edition, from NPR

A hip New York chef makes food inspired by his love for fresh, simple ingredients and classic Asian dishes. David Chang has four restaurants in his Momofuku empire and has just published a cookbook.  NPR’s David Gura has this profile.

“Schools Go For Gold At Solar Decathlon,”
All Things Considered, from NPR

How energy efficient is your home? Maybe you’ve weather-stripped your doors or sealed a drafty window, but can you move your walls depending on where the sun is, or monitor your electricity usage with your phone? Those are just some of the features on display here in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. Twenty teams are competing in this year’s solar decathlon. The goal is to design, build and operate the most attractive, effective and energy-efficient solar-powered house. And as NPR’s David Gura reports, there’s efficient and then there’s efficient.

“Vineyard Resorts To Trading On Obama’s Name,”
Morning Edition, from NPR

President Obama and the first family will travel to Martha’s Vineyard on Sunday for a weeklong vacation. And business owners on the resort island off the coast of Massachusetts are primed and ready for his visit — and the extra money they hope it will bring.  NPR’s David Gura reports.