WHFR-FM Radiothon is this week!
WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) – Henry Ford College’s non-commercial, independent radio, and Internet broadcast station – is holding its annual pledge drive, “Radiothon 2018,” from Sunday, April 8, through Saturday, April 14, with a variety of live concerts and special on-air events scheduled throughout the week.
As a non-commercial, volunteer-staffed radio station, WHFR is not licensed to sell commercials and must rely on support from HFC and private donations to operate. This annual event is the station’s largest fund-raising event and provides the biggest opportunity to collect much-needed independent funding to run the eclectically programmed station. Since WHFR receives no government funding, the majority of the station’s operating budget comes from donor support.
Phone lines will be open to take pledges of financial support: 313-845-9842. You may also give online at whfr.fm.
Your support is essential
“Our radio station needs your support during this all-important annual pledge drive. Since we do not receive government funding, approximately 60 percent of our operating budget comes from donors like YOU!” said Susan McGraw, HFC Telecommunication Professor/Faculty Chair, Department of Communication and Media, and WHFR General Manager. “In these difficult times, WHFR has been your constant source for local music, live studio performances, and independent programming. We need your help to continue doing what we do best.”
Here is the schedule of special events for Radiothon 2018, which includes special concerts and live on-air event listings:
Live performances all week long
There will be live performances daily throughout the Radiothon from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on various WHFR shows. Performances include:
Scott Fab on the Singer/Songwriter Symposium Sunday, April 8.
Early pre-war Delta Blues of The Blues Preacher on The Dawg House Monday, April 9.
Classic Jam rock of Chosen by Fate, Tuesday, April 10, on the Rollin’ ‘N’ Tumblin’ Show.
The wonderful jazz sounds of Planet D Nonet on Jazz Montage Wednesday, April 11.
Indie rock from the band Kimball on Live from Studio J Thursday, April 12.
Rockin’ Blues from Bull Halsey on the Go with the Flow show Friday, April 13.
The musical guests for Saturday, April 14, on Dinner with Chelsea is to be determined. Go to whfr.fm for details.
Monday, April 9
8:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Prime Time Theme Attic: Chipper Saam and Greg Addington of the Dearborn-based band called the Hangabouts will be live in studio with local labels Futureman Records and All-Star Tribute Albums.
Tuesday, April 10
noon to 5:00 p.m. – WHFR Vinyl and Merchandise Sales Table: This sale will take place in the Student and Culinary Arts Center (Bldg. M on the main campus). Browse through an eclectic collection of albums and 45s in our vinyl bins for some special treasures. There are literally thousands of albums to check out for your collection, or to start a new one. All albums are a $1 donation. This event is open to the public.
Wednesday, April 11
10:00 a.m. to noon – Theme Attic: Local singer/songwriter Judy Banker will be live in studio. There will also be phone interviews with Baltimore’s Leland Sloan of the band I Don't Trust Robots, and Kansas’ Jane Christison, alias the children’s musician Janie Next Door, offering bonus CDs, T-shirts, and posters.
Friday, April 13
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. – The New WHFR Journal Special Edition: Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. will be the guest. He will discuss current affairs involving the city of Dearborn.
Friday, April 13
8:00 p.m. to midnight – Detroit Jazz Presents its First Radiothon Studio Jam Session: This event will features live interviews and in-studio performances, sponsored by Bert’s Marketplace Jazz Club.
Saturday, April 14
8:00 p.m. to midnight – WHFR Radiothon Party and Benefit Concert: This benefit concert will take place at the New Place Lounge, located at 22723 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. Featured guests include local Detroit blues artists Maggie McCabe and Howard Glazer, Jason Bone and the All-Stars, and Big B and the Actual Proof. A $5 donation will be requested at the door. Food and beverages are available for purchase. You must be age 21 or older to attend the benefit concert.
Incentives and prizes
According to McGraw, there are numerous incentives to donate with various prizes, including this year’s exclusive WHFR full-zip hoodie, which is being offered for the first time. Another incentive in the Village Ford Vehicle Lease Weekend promotion, returning for its second year. If you pledge $30 or more, you can register for the chance to drive a new Ford vehicle for an entire weekend. You must 21 or older, have a valid driver’s license, and must be insured.
Starting off as a student radio club with a closet-sized room for public address operation in 1985, WHFR has evolved into an award-winning live 24/7 broadcast and Internet facility. On-air formats include blues, world, classical, avant jazz, indie rock, techno, big band, rockabilly, Americana, local news and views, classic radio drama, and more.
“As we celebrate 33 years of broadcasting, please know that you play a critically important role in the continued success of WHFR and what we stand for,” said McGraw. “Any size donation really does make a difference, so thank you in advance for your help in making Radiothon 2018 a success!”
For more information about Radiothon events or WHFR-FM, contact McGraw at 313-845-9842 or scmcgraw@hfcc.edu.