WHFR News

Sunday, April 21, marks the birthdate of two now departed giants of the double bass: Peter Kowald and Harry Miller. Whether working as a leader or sideman of jazz and improvised music groups, these two creative geniuses always brought their music to the highest level.

From Germany, Peter Kowald, and from South Africa, Harry Miller, always went beyond the role of the "supportive" bass player and created their own individual sounds to their respective projects. Join me, Pat Frisco, as we explore the music of these two creative artists on the date of their birth, via WHFR PRESENTS, Sunday, April 21, from 4-7pm EDT.

WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer.

⮕ Today is the final day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅

As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we have been thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, got to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!

They've shared their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, by responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them.

Our final participant is: Bill Keith
Host of: Light From The Underground
Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm
Singer-Songwriter Various Genres

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? When I was 11 or 12, I would listen to the Detroit Top 40 Station (96.3?). My brother and I would record songs off the radio to get copies of our favorite songs. We used those cheap blue cassette tapes because you could get several of them for a dollar or two. We would listen to special weekend countdowns to get all the best songs. Several years later I remember listening to Live Aid on the radio and recording performances by my favorite bands.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? Two things come to mind. I manage a high school radio station and over the years it's been fun to see students with a dream of a special show bring it to fruition. One example was a Ska show called Open Up and Say Ska. I loved the title of the show but even more I enjoyed the fun vibe the hosts brought to it. They would have bands in the studio and the energy of the music they shared was infectious. When I was in high school, I was really into Christian Rock. My brother and I listened to a local radio station that did a Saturday night Christian Rock show from 11 p.m. to Midnight. We had to keep the volume low because our bedroom was right below our parents’ bedroom. I can remember my dad yelling to turn the radio off and go to bed. But our enthusiasm for the music wouldn't be denied.

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I host a three hour show on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. called Light from the Underground. It's an eclectic mix focused on songwriters spanning many musical genres. I also try to help out at special events the station hosts. I've been on the staff since 1997.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? I was managing the high school station and wanted to do a show where I could play any music that I wanted to play. I didn't feel like it would be right to do it on the high school station. I learned of WHFR through statewide groups we were part of and realized that WHFR provided the best opportunity to explore my musical passions.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? The independence at WHFR allows us to play music that is often unheard of on other stations, whether that is specific genres, independent labels and artists or local music. I think WHFR's impact can especially be seen in the support for local artists. The live blues CDs we created, the Mitten State comp, and the local vinyl release are all part of that. But the most important thing we do is play the music on the air, throughout our weekly schedule. Local shows are important but it's even more vital to let the local artists mingle with nationally released projects throughout shows. I know the artists especially appreciate it. Phil Maq has built a statewide reputation based on his support of local artists. I know that the opportunity to hear your music on the radio for the first time is magical for artists.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? My brother and I bought Toto IV on cassette. That summer Toto was all over the radio and so many of the songs became favorites.

7. Favorite song/artist right now? That's a hard question to answer because there are so many. Jon Batiste's album World Music Radio was my favorite in 2023 so I'll go with that right now. But that changes weekly.

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? I would love to play guitar. I was a very bad trombone and clarinet player in elementary, middle and high school. I probably drove the band director crazy because I didn't practice enough.

9. In the “jam session of life”, are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage, the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? Behind the scenes mastermind. I volunteer at Trinity House in Livonia and I appreciate the opportunity to shine the spotlight on artists and provide them with a stage. That support role is right up my alley and is probably what I love to do on WHFR.

Be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings throughout the day, the last day of Radiothon!

⮕ Today is the sixth day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅

As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we're thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, can get to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!

They'll be sharing their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them.

Today we feature: DJ KittyLuv;)
Host of: Highway 61
Fridays 2:00-4:00pm
Blues

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? My next-door neighbor, Red Fisher, was a radio and television celebrity in Canada when I used to Summer in Mitchell's Bay, Ontario. We would listen to his radio program, "The Red Fisher Show", when it came on the AM transistor radio. Red would chat with different Celebrities he too out on a boat. We'd see the astronauts, stars, hockey and baseball players, who'd be at the Bay to record voiceovers for his fishing program from the set at the "Scuttlebutt Lodge, the Tall Tale Capital of the World". Red would bring famous stars from all walks of life to the program to go on fishing trips over the world, and brag about the big catches and the ones that got away. Red Fisher once took the Hollywood actor who played the Captain of the "SS Minnow" on his first ever canoe white water fishing trip. He was a radio star from 1963 until '68, when the show became a television program which ran for 21 years. Many memories, on the Lake Saint Clair shore, listening to "The Red Fisher Show" radio show.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? Host Jo Ann Korczynska / "Highway 61". Jo Ann K. always did a great job of showcasing Detroit Blues Artists and new music and was passionate about "Keeping the Blues Alive". WHFR once did a live remote from "The Moby Dick Lounge", a Dearborn local Blues club, with D.J. Jo Ann K. as host, and I thought to myself, "Such special and wonderful Blues music "Highway 61" is bringing to the FM airwaves".

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I am DJ~KittyLuv;). I have been a member of the WHFR Staff Radio Station, at 89.3fm, since successfully completing the course in 1999. I think my first radio broadcast was in February 2000, on "The Circle Within", which was aired until March 2013. I produced and hosted the late-night Tuesday, longtime running, Midnight until 2am, "The Circle Within" which brought local and heavy rockin’ Bluesrock from independent labels to WHFR FM radio. I came back to WHFR, in 2015, to help produce Jo Ann's, "Highway 61" (2pm until 6pm) Blues program which she presented each Friday, from 1995 through 2015. I, DJ~KittyLuv;), am now the volunteer Disk Jockey for "Highway 61" program, which airs each Friday from 2pm until 4pm, with newly released Blues music that is sent to WHFR, by Blues Promotion Companies and Artists, from all around the world. Each Week, I also present a Local Blues Calendar during the airing of the "Highway 61" program, so our Loyal Listeners know where they can find our local performing Blues friends. I am also the volunteer Blues Music Area Director for WHFR. I am responsible for cataloging and debuting all the new Blues Music which is sent to Henry Ford College radio. I track all the newly released Blues songs aired on WHFR, which are in our online playlist, and report the top ten most played each Month to "Living Blues Magazine" and "The Detroit Blues Society" newsletter. I have most recently been appointed the volunteer, Social Media administrator for the WHFR Media pages. I post photos, mentions and WHFR station news updates to Facebook's "89.3 WHFR.FM", "WHFR 89.3 Alumni" and "HWY61" pages.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? My friend Rusty used to praise the WHFR Radio station's musical selection attention to local music and talk about the station being noncommercial. Sometime back around then, I met WHFR DJ Jo Ann K. at Sully's Blues Bar in Dearborn. We became close friends. I watched her during a live remote Blues WHFR broadcast. I thought, "Maybe, I wanted to do that too."

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? WHFR's mission to provide independent Artists and labels new unique music, and local music, to our listening audience is magnificent! I am more than happy to be able to volunteer to review the music sent to WHFR and bring the musical works of these fresh and talented groups and individuals to our WHFR listening audience. A longtime running "WHFR Top Ten Blues" list has been being compiled and charted, from the WHFR Playlist by the WHFR Blues Music Director, for incorporation into the new Blues Artist Album entries for consideration for the Top 25 listing in Monthly, "Living Blues Magazine” issues. I have gotten "Thank You" emails from emerging artists saying how much they appreciate the WHFR airplay and how being on that "WHFR Top Ten Blues List" has boosted their careers!

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? I would probably need "Peabody and Sherman's Way Back Machine'' to look back to see what album I picked as my first purchase. And, it probably would have been an "8-track."

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Red Hot Chili Peppers. Too many favorite songs to mention. I love their music.

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? I do play many instruments at an expert level! Guitar, vocals, flute, piano, and percussion. I also excel at recording and producing music. (Fight club, don't ask, don't tell NDAs.)

9. In the “jam session of life,” are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage, the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? I have played with many musicians and have been a background vocalist. They also love me in the spotlight. I love creating and performing music. Being in the right place at the right time sort of thing.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to read about another WHFR DJ, and be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings all week long throughout Radiothon!

⮕ Today is the fifth day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅

As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we're thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, can get to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!

They'll be sharing their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them.

Today we feature: mike d...
Host of: Skrockin’ Yer Butow… (R.I.P.)

1. What’s your earliest memory of listening to the radio? I remember sitting in the back seat of the car with a clunky red tape recorder, recording songs off the radio while my mom was driving us around one time when we got home, I insisted everyone stay in the car until the song ended so I could record the whole thing.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? My favorite was CBC Radio 2's Brave New Waves, hosted by Patti Schmidt. What made it special was that it had the independent/underground-radio aesthetic, but was broadcast nationwide (late-night and throughout Canada, of course, but still).
Also, CJAM (91.5FM back then, 99.1FM today), broadcasting from the University of Windsor, because in the early 90s they totally let swear words play during late night shows… even the hosts would swear on the air!

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I started at WHFR as a volunteer DJ in 1991, hosted a show for thirty years, retired it in 2021 (R.I.P., S.Y.B.), and am currently WHFR’s Multimedia Manager, Newsletter Editor, and Record Show Coordinator.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? Top Quality Rock & Roll!!!

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? I think radio, especially late-night radio, should be WEIRD. You can’t get that on commercial radio, which is why independent/underground-radio is so crucial.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? The first cassette I remember owning was one of several Christmas gifts (along with that clunky red tape recorder) when I was in about 6th grade: Def Leppard’s Pyromania.

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Much like any self-respecting music aficionado, my favorite singer is Patty Duke (duh!).

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? The didgeridoo, for sure, because I’ve had one for about 25 years and have never mastered the art of cyclic breathing.

9. In the jam session of life, are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage, the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the-Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? Behind the board = behind the scenes, yo...

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to read about another WHFR DJ, and be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings all week long throughout Radiothon!

⮕ Today is the fourth day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅

As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we're thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, can get to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!

They'll be sharing their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them.

Today we feature: Robbwith2bees
Host of: The Jump Button
Thursdays 8:00-11:00pm
Soundtrack/Gaming/Animation

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? I don't remember what age or grade I was in, but I vividly remember stumbling upon classical music at WDTR when we built a crystal radio for a crafts project in cub scouts. I connected mine to our den mother's radiator and was the first of the scouts to get a clear (and almost decent sounding) radio signal. I tuned the stereo in my bedroom to that same station that very night, and soon became fascinated by radio and broadcasting.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? There are a TON to choose from! I've got so many favorite memories of listening to Dick Purtan, Casey Kasem, and Ernie Harwell. They're some of the voices of my childhood, especially since Casey Kasem was also a voice actor! I've got core memories of discovering new songs/bands when I finally stumbled across college and community radio stations in jr. high and high school. But I developed a real love for the interactivity of topics-driven, daily, local talk shows with Detroit sports talk stations. There was a time listening to WDFN, and some other stations that have since come and gone, where the personalities of the hosts (and more importantly, the regular on-air callers) became the soundtrack to my daily commutes. Stoney and Wojo, among others, felt like work buddies. I would sometimes stay in the car in the middle of a snowstorm just to hear the end of a topic or take. It felt like an in-joke. Like I was part of a small, but loyal and passionate fanbase of Detroiters and sports fans who just needed an outlet. A forum. Obviously, those shows and on-air personalities are all HUGE, having driven some of the highest radio ratings in this area for a very long time. But that doesn't stop me from feeling nostalgic for those early days of sports talk in this city. So I'd say, besides all of my own very personal and FANTASTIC memories of my time here at WHFR, that's the most special for me.
I will say, since this year for Radiothon we've decided to look inward and shine a spotlight on our volunteer staff... some of the folks here during my time at WHFR have been the most passionate, informed, professional, and entertaining DJs I've ever come across. People who know their music genres inside and out, and who's passion to share that knowledge with our listeners is unsurpassed. One of the ways I determine my favorite on-air personalities (and hip-hop artists, if we're honest) at any given time is to evaluate their knowledge of the subject matter, their individual skillset, and their voice. A unique voice sticks with you. And when that voice is informed and entertaining, it becomes unforgettable. I'm fortunate enough to have encountered several of those in my time at WHFR. Hosts like JoAnn Korczynska and now DJ Kitty Luv with the blues on "Highway 61"; Dick Alfonsi and Joe Sullivan for big band; Larry Hoffman, Mrs. Robinson, mike d..., Melissa Muto, and more handling indie and Avant rock; Jon Noble doing goth electro; former hip-hop music director Face on "Back Alley Beats"; memorable metal DJs like "Meatlocker" Matt, "Jugular" Joe, and "Brutal" Brian; our old-time radio historian Bob Burnham; punk kids like "CornNuts" Gary; the dulcet speaking tones of Jay Korinek, or Sascha Raiyn, or Earl Jones, or Lynn Grunst; surf rock and psychobilly with The Gothabillie Man on "The Wrekking Hours"; the acoustic or twangy selections by John Bommarito, Bill Keith, or Greenberg; and some of my all-time favorite jazz connoisseurs Terence Tyson and Pat Frisco. If you're a fan of any of their shows, past or present, you for sure understand what I mean about them possessing the voice to go along with the passion and talent.

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I started at the station back in 1999, when I was a dual-enrolled high school student. I'm honored to have held every volunteer officer position that you can have at WHFR. Head Music Director was a personal favorite because of all the exciting new music I got to experience. I continue in some capacity as the Soundtrack Area Music Director, and it's always so much fun to find something new and exciting to share with our loyal listeners! I am also the Operations Manager for the station now; and after some time away from the station, to come back and stepping into that role has been so amazing! This is a station, and a staff of volunteers, and a sound so unique on the airwaves. It really is a thrill to be a part of!

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? I was looking for courses to take while dual enrolled at HFCC and still finishing high school. When I saw the course description for the WHFR staff training course, I was INSTANTLY in! It's like it was calling to me after years of listening to and really enjoying the behind-the-scenes goings on of radio shows and all the fascinating personalities involved.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? I know from experience that WHFR has such a singular voice in this community. Those who find it usually stumble upon it. Not particularly on purpose. But for a select few, it literally changes their lives. Some of my absolute BEST friends and some of my most meaningful relationships in this world have been by complete random happenstance when a total stranger found my show "The Jump Button" and felt compelled, for whatever reason, to give it a shot and keep listening. Eventually their chance run-ins with a song I was playing or a conversation I was having with my audience, led to lifelong friendships and some of my most cherished relationships.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? I honestly can't remember this one. I know I was the weirdo with the walkman who would flip so frequently between cassettes that they would get worn out 2 and 3 at a time. I think the first record I ever paid for out of pocket with chores or side job money was The Soundtrack From The Film "The Song Remains The Same" by Led Zeppelin. Or it may have been the "Ice Ice Baby/Rollin' In My 5.0" cassingle. Who knows?

7. Favorite song/artist right now? We did a female composers spotlight on "The Jump Button" for women's history month. I got pretty obsessed with composer Laura Shigihara and her video game soundtracks for "Plants vs. Zombies" and "Dunk Lords".

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? Drums. I was a drummer all through school. Eventually I became the auxiliary percussion section leader for my high school's concert and marching bands.

9. In the “jam session of life,” are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage, the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? I'm the guy absolutely CRUSHING the tambourine and cowbell solos!

10. BONUS QUESTION: Besides your own, what's your favorite show here at WHFR? As a current member of station management, I make it a point to listen to almost all of them at one point or another during the week, so it's hard to choose. In addition to some of the all-timers I mentioned earlier, I will say some of my newer favorite shows/DJs are June on "Culture Collections", The White Rabbit on "Hotwax Radio", and The Local Ladybird with "Detroit Flock City". As for other all-time classics, I love me some "Go With The Flow, Mike Holloway Show", "Theme Attic", and "Cruisin' & Bluesin' with The Jumper"!

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to read about another WHFR DJ, and be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings all week long throughout Radiothon!

⮕ Today is the third day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅

As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we're thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, can get to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!

They'll be sharing their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them. Today you get “Two for Tuesday!!!” with two participants!

First up: Tom Wilson
Host of: Space Is The Place
Fridays 6:00-8:00pm
Avant Garde / Experimental

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? Paul is dead.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? None in particular; the public radio stations since about age 20 but the very earliest were CKLW, WKNR and WDRQ. 20 years coming up in May!

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I have great fun while trying to educate the listening audience in the history of Avant Garde music and its many sub genres.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? The WHFR newsletter and listening to Pat Frisco.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? One of too few needed outlets for independent artists who make up about a third or more of the market share. I like independent artists.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? Joe Walsh "The Smoker You Drink The Player You Get"

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Sun Ra

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? The Trautonium, so I could perform the works of Oskar Sala.

9. In the “jam session of life,” are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage,
the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? Resident Sound Technician.

Our second participant for “Two for Tuesday” is: Dan Karpinski
Guest co-host of: The Jump Button
Thursdays 8:00-11:00pm
Soundtrack/Gaming/Animation

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? Probably listening to Oldies 104.3 with Dick Purtan.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? I always liked Dick Putan, with the oldies he played and Alan Almond for his amazing vocals.

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I have been on and off with WHFR for almost 20 years. I used to host Nice N' Easy, a big band and swing show, I also used to host a short lived Roots Project that was early Rock n' Roll show. Plus, I hosted The Jump Button for a spell.
You can currently find me making a few cameos in the peanut gallery on The Jump Button Thursday nights from 8pm-11pm with Robb with 2 Bees.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? When I started going to school at Henry Ford Community College (as it was known at that time), I was in the Student Center and noticed a radio station. I thought it looked pretty cool. Decided to join.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? I think WHFR has had a positive impact on the community. Whenever I get to attend a WHFR event, I always hear how much people enjoy our station.
Local and independent Radio is important to me because our DJs get to hand pick the music they play on their shows, making each show unique and more personal to listen to.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? The first album that I picked up was Danny Elfman's Batman score on cassette.
The first CD I remember buying was probably Weird Al Yankovic's Bad Hair Day Album.

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Kung Fu Panda 4 soundtrack that features Tenacious D's cover of Baby One More Time.

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Definitely my Acoustic guitar.

9. In the “jam session of life,” are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage,
the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? In the “jam session of life,” I’m behind the scenes type of player for sure.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to read about another WHFR DJ, and be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings all week long throughout Radiothon!