Thank You For Your Support!

RadiothonAll of us here at WHFR thanks each and every one of our loyal WHFR supporters during Radiothon 2025!

If you missed Radiothon, please be aware that it is never too late to pledge your tax-deductible support to your favorite independent, non-commercial station!:

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

Thanks again!

Special Radiothon Guests on "Light from the Underground"

RadiothonLight from the Underground (Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) will feature two special guests on Saturday, April 12.

Host Bill Keith will be joined by Chris Herin from the bands Herin and Tiles from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Herin's album Hiding in Plain Sight has been receiving significant airplay on Light from the Underground since its release this past fall. The vinyl version of the album is being released on Saturday, April 12, for Record Store Day. Chris will talk about the album and the impact of non-commercial radio for his bands.Radiothon

Former WHFR 89.3 FM host John Bommarito will join the show from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. John knows the value of non-commercial stations like WHFR from his time at the station and his current work for WEMU at Eastern Michigan University. Bill appreciates the opportunity to welcome John back to continue the tradition of celebrating WHFR during Radiothon.

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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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32 Out of 40

RadiothonAs WHFR Radio approaches 40 years of on-air broadcasting, I look back at my beginnings here. It was March of 1993, 32 years ago. Man, I've been here 80% of the total time that WHFR has been on the air. As I was preparing for my second show ever, the legendary artist SUN RA passed away. I thought to myself, "Well, I have a large collection of his music, perhaps I can do a four-hour retrospective of his career."

I was given the green light by management and off I went, never to look back.

Four-hour shows became commonplace and over the past 32 years, birthday tributes to important jazz artists, memorials after their passing, in-depth looks into careers and label spotlights have made this ride an extremely worthwhile adventure. WHFR continues to provide a much-needed outlet for creative radio, spotlighting little-heard and local artists on a daily basis. Here's to another 40 years on air!!

–Pat Frisco, WHFR Program Director
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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"Highway 61" (1995~2025) "Keeping the Blues Alive" on WHFR-FM 89.3

RadiothonBlues has been heard on the Highway 61 program Friday broadcast since its first airing in 1995, with host Jo Ann Korczynska in the 2pm until 6pm time-slot, on WHFR-FM. DJ~KittyLuv is the current host spinning Blues from local Artists' independent labels, along with the best in new releases, on the 89.3FM broadcast "Making~Waves".

Jo Ann K. did an award-winning presentation showcasing Detroit Blues Artists and new music, as the original host of the weekly Friday Blues program, from 1995 until 2015. She was very passionate about "Keeping the Blues Alive" and she played a big part in helping "...lesser known musicians to get their music on the air..." and "... produced three Uncut Detroit compilation Blues CDs, and was awarded a Detroit Blues Society lifetime achievement award."

DJ ~KittyLuv now hosts the Highway 61 program each week and continues to spin the best in new Blues releases and local music on one of the longest running programs airing on 89.3 WHFR-FM. She became a member of the WHFR Staff in 1999 and began producing the The Circle Within, which aired Midnight until 2am (2000~2013), bringing many independent labels and local Artists with a heavy rockin' Bluesrock rotation to the late-night Tuesday radio station airwaves and internet broadcast.

She presently holds the voluntary WHFR-FM position of Blues Music Director by reviewing new music, charting monthly reports of "Top Ten Blues" to"Living Blues Magazine" and "The Detroit Blues Society" newsletter. She also maintains the WHFR-FM Facebook Social Media accounts.

You can hear the Highway 61 broadcast airing each Friday, at 2pm until 6pm, with the best in new releases and local Blues music "Making~Waves" on WHFR-FM 89.3, along with a weekly list of Blues Artists events and performances, "Keeping the Blues Alive" in Michigan.

As always, Thank You for listening and for your support!
https://www.facebook.com/whfrradio
~DJ~KittyLuv;)
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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WHFR’s Physical Plant Overview

RadiothonIn 2018, Bob Burnham, WHFR’s Production Manager and Chief Engineer brought Radio Vault to WHFR. He also saw a lot of things behind the scenes that needed technical improvement. He began assisting Allen Mazurek, our former teacher and Technical Advisor at the time, before Bob officially became part of the management staff. Since that time, WHFR has made drastic improvements in all areas of our facility.

Those improvements include a new FM antenna, transmitter, audio processor and related equipment. A completely new rack was built for this equipment. This equipment added as much as 10 miles to our FM listening range in all directions and a sound that is comparable to and in some cases exceeds any Detroit area station. Those messages we send you now on your car radio are also but a tiny part of those renovations. We also upgraded our Streaming equipment and just about every piece of equipment the audio travels through from our studios to your ear. Major upgrades to studio computer equipment were also completed as well as new microphones, and studio re-wiring, all of which is on-going.

The costs to accomplish these things have been and continue to be enormous and we’re not done yet! These renovations so far would not have been possible at all without you, our Loyal Listener, and we thank you for your past support. There are, however, even more improvements on the horizon! Your support will help us to continue to grow, Making Even Bigger Waves while enhancing our programming and providing our DJs with the best tools to do so.
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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Judy Banker, Roger Ponder, and Gary Browe Visit “Theme Attic” for Radiothon!!!

RadiothonRadiothon is always special on Theme Attic, a quirky weekly Wednesday show hosted by DJ Phil Maq! This week it will start earlier and run 11AM-4PM EDT!!! The show features music based on subjects as well as countdowns and interviews.

Songwriter/Singers are often on display, and this year for Radiothon is no exception! Last year, local musicians Judy Banker and Roger Ponder played songs and discussed their music careers with Phil. In an effort to one up himself, Singer/Songwriter, Gary Browe, has been added to Theme Attic along with Judy and Roger! That's a true three-fer! Or something like that!

Join all four on Wednesday, April 9th, from 11AM-4PM as they all prove their support to the station and humbly ask for listener support in return!
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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WHFR PRESENTS: The Music Of John Coltrane

WHFR PRESENTSIn a special RADIOTHON edition of WHFR PRESENTS, a midweek feature on the greatest saxophonist to ever grace our planet, JOHN COLTRANE. He revolutionized the tenor and soprano saxophone and brought a spirit to the music that has never been matched.

Tune in to this special program as WHFR RADIO continues its annual fundraiser on TUESDAY, APRIL 8, from 1:00-4:00 pm EDT on 89.3fm locally (Dearborn) and whfr.fm streaming worldwide.
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WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning (usually) 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. Tune in at 89.3 on the FM dial in Dearborn/Detroit and surrounding communities, or listen anywhere via our online streamer.
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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Celebrate 40 Years of WHFR with Limited Edition Posters & T-Shirts

WHFR Radiothon Pledge Drive April 6th–12thWHFR is turning 40 - and we’re celebrating in style. To honor four decades of independent broadcasting, we’re releasing special edition WHFR 40th birthday posters and t-shirts unlike anything we’ve done before.

We dug deep into our archives to find every t-shirt design we’ve ever made - yes, every single one! These designs will come together in a bold, creative collage that captures the spirit and evolution of WHFR through the years.

From our early days of “Saving Detroit’s Airwaves” to today’s continued mission of “Making Waves,” this is a must-have collector’s item for every fan and supporter.

Both the t-shirts and the frameable posters will be limited edition pledge incentives available during our Radiothon pledge drive. They’ll officially debut later this year - but you can secure yours early by pledging this week!
Support the station you love and own a piece of WHFR history.

Make your pledge now - and help us keep making waves for 40 more years!

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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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WHFR PRESENTS Radiothon Special: Celebrating Our 40th Year

WHFR PRESENTSAs WHFR Radio continues into its 40th year of broadcasting, we take a moment to reflect upon the many moments of creative programming, the changes and additions in format and the numerous technological advancements that have kept the station relevant in today's world. It's been a long and fulfilling journey from the beginnings in 1985 to the present day.

The WHFR Radiothon, an annual fundraiser for the station, begins on Sunday, April 6, at 10:00 am with Terence Tyson's always eclectic jazz show, Play it By Ear. Later in the day, at 4:00pm, the weekly feature WHFR PRESENTS will follow with a mix of some of the recorded moments in our history with the voices of deejays from our past 40 years coupled with an array of great jazz recordings from the year 1985. From the sounds of bebop to the futuristic sounds of the avant-garde, 1985 was a great year for jazz music.

WHFR PRESENTS is a weekly feature program hosted by a rotating cast of deejays presenting a unique theme to the airwaves each week from 4:00-7:00pm. Please join us this Sunday and consider making a donation to our annual Radiothon pledge drive.
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WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning (usually) 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. Tune in at 89.3 on the FM dial in Dearborn/Detroit and surrounding communities, or listen anywhere via our online streamer.
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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Celebrate 40 Years of WHFR with a Radiothon 2025 Pledge!

Support the station you love – and score some exclusive thank-you gifts.

As we celebrate 40 incredible years of independent broadcasting, Radiothon 2025 is your chance to power the next chapter of WHFR and get something special in return! We've put together a set of birthday-themed pledge incentives to thank you for keeping us on the air.
Whether you're a longtime listener or a brand-new fan, there's a perfect level for you:

$365 - A Year of WHFR
Keep WHFR strong for another full year!
Receive an Engraved Brass Leaf on the WHFR Family Tree, plus pre-orders of both our Limited Edition 40th Anniversary T-Shirt and Poster.

$258 - Countdown to 40WHFR Radiothon Pledge Drive April 6th–12th
There are 258 days from Radiothon to our birthday on December 20!
Receive an Engraved Brass Leaf on our WHFR Family Tree.

$125 - The Collectors Combo
Celebrate in style.
Get both the 40th Anniversary Poster and T-Shirt.

$85 - Born in 1985
Weve been on the air since 85 - rep it proudly!
Receive our Limited Edition 40th Anniversary T-Shirt.

$40 - 40 Years Strong
One dollar for each year of WHFR!
Pre-order our beautiful 40th Anniversary Poster.

New pledgers will also receive a surprise WHFR logo item just our way of saying welcome!

Radiothon 2025 runs April 612

Call (313) 845-9676 to donate during any live show
Or skip the form and give securely online anytime right here.

Every pledge no matter the amount makes a real impact. Your support ensures WHFR remains commercial-free, student-driven, and community-focused for the next 40 years and beyond.

Thank you for being part of our WHFR family.
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Three Easy Ways to Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation to WHFR Radiothon

  1. Online: You can donate securely online right here.
  2. Phone: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2025 is April 6-12 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request that a self-addressed envelope (SASE) be sent to you.
  3. Mail: Download, fill out, and mail in the pledge form from the WHFR-FM website with your contribution at any time.

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