The Midday Distraction #89: Beth Quist

Courtesy of Magnatune, today's artist mixes Balkan and Indian sounds with new age moods and electronic instrumentation.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Beth Quist: "Survival"
• Beth Quist: "Ferte Preza Na Prezzaro Sur"
• Beth Quist: "Conversations"

(Total play time: 15:51)

Today is National Doctors' Day in the United States and Land Day for the Palestinian people.

Spanish painter Francisco Goya was born this day in 1746. English celebrity and dandy Beau Brummell died this day in 1840. Dr. Crawford Long made the first use of anesthesia during surgery this day in 1842. Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh was born this day in 1853. Hymen Lipman patented a pencil with attached eraser this day in 1858. American singer Frankie Laine was born this day in 1913. American blues singer Sonny Boy Williamson (I) was born this day in 1914. Actor Warren Beatty was born this day in 1937. British guitarist and singer Eric Clapton was born this day in 1945. Scottish actor and comic Robbie Coltrane was born this day in 1950. Iranian journalist and feminist Shahla Sherkat was born this day in 1956. American singer and guitarist Tracy Chapman was born this day in 1964. Musician and celebrity crush Norah Jones was born this day in 1979. John Hinckley Jr. shot president Ronald Reagan in Washington, D.C., this day in 1981. Actor Jason Dohring (most notably of Veronica Mars fame) was born this day in 1982. Actor James Cagney died this day in 1986. And English-born journalist Alistair Cooke died this day in 2004.