WHFR-FM Radiothon 2019 ends 13
WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) – HFC’s non-commercial, independent radio and Internet broadcast station – is holding its annual pledge drive, “Radiothon 2019,” from Sunday, April 7, through Saturday, April 13, with a variety of live concerts and special on-air events scheduled throughout the entire 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 in order 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 radio station. Since WHFR receives no government funding, the majority of the station’s operating budget comes from donor support.
“Our radio station needs your support during this all-important annual pledge drive. 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. “Here in 2019, WHFR reaffirms its commitment to the spirit of college radio and continues to be your source for local music, live studio performances, and independent programming. We need your help to continue doing what we do best.”
Radiothon 2019 schedule
WHFR Radiothon Party and Benefit Concert: Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the New Place Lounge, located at 22723 Michigan Ave. in West Dearborn. The Radiothon pre-party features local Detroit blues artists. Food and beverages available for purchase with a $5 donation at the door. To attend, you must be age 21 and older.
Special Live from Studio J all week long! Live performances every day of the week (Sunday, April 7, to Saturday, April 13) from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. as heard on Live from Studio J Thursday afternoons. Performances include:
• Sunday, April 7, on Songwriter's Symposium: Jo Serrapere
• Monday, April 8, on Big Dawg Blues: King Size Blues Band
• Tuesday, April 9, on Rollin & Tumblin: Bridge to Yesterday (Originals and Robin Trower Tribute Band)
• Wednesday, April 10, on Jazz Montage: T-Bone Paxton Trio
• Thursday, April 11, on Live from Studio J: Camille Price & the RJ Spangler Sextet (jazz)
• Friday, April 12, on Go With the Flow: Zoom and the Big Boss Blues Band
• Saturday, April 13, on Old School Daze w/ Marjon: Old Man Xero (hip-hop/neo-soul)
“Prime Time Theme Attic”: Monday, April 8, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Local artists live in-studio include:
• Folk singer/songwriter Judy Banker
• Rockers Ron McPherson of The Detroit Dives
• Rocker Dan Miller of Dirty Mind Detroit
• Musician David Mastick
“Theme Attic”: Wednesday, April 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Local artists live in-studio include:
• Dirk Kroll and Marci Feldman of The Dirk Kroll Band
• Country artist Jesse Xavier
• Folk rockers Billy Brandt and J.C. Whitelaw
• Blues rocker George S. Kelly
WHFR Vinyl/CD and Garage Sale: Thursday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the pavilion of the Student & Culinary Arts Center (Building M). Browse through an eclectic collection of vinyl and CD bins and other treasures (electronic equipment, DVDs, memorabilia, etc.) to purchase for a small donation. Up to 10 CDs/albums for a $1 donation each. Open to the public. Enter at the center HFC entrance (nearest the bus stop) on Evergreen Road.
“The New WHFR Journal Special Edition”: Friday, April 12, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr. will comment on current city issues.
WHFR Radiothon Wrap-up Party and Benefit Concert: Friday, April 12, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at PJ’s Lager House, located 1254 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Featuring local artists Lu Fuki and Divine Providence, Booty Jackson, and Slight Return. Music begins at 9:00 p.m. Food and beverages for purchase with a $5 donation at the door. To attend, you must be age 21 and older.
Numerous incentives to donate
According to McGraw, there are numerous incentives to donate with various prizes, including this year’s WHFR “We’ve Got Spirit” pennant magnet or a new portable Bluetooth speaker with the WHFR logo.
The radio station is also offering a Special $125 Spirit Promotion. Pledge $125 or more and you’re entered to win a one-of-a-kind signed copy of WHFR’s new blue vinyl album release and Detroit Music Awards-nominated Motor City Gems autographed by members of each band on the compilation album.
Another incentive is the Village Ford Vehicle Lease Weekend promotion, returning again this 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 be age 21 or older, have a valid driver’s license, and valid insurance.
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 34 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 2019 a success!”
Phone lines will be open to take pledges of financial support at 313-845-9842. You may also give online at www.whfr.fm. Pledge forms are available here.
For more information about Radiothon 2019 events or WHFR-FM, contact McGraw at 313-845-9842 or scmcgraw@hfcc.edu. Visit www.whfr.fm.