Rockford’s community radio station, WTPB LP 99.3 FM, not only plays some of the best music in the city, but also introduces its audience to some very talented performers. It is the only area radio station that features big-band and easy-listening favorites. Its Everyday People program also airs interesting interviews with the many talented individuals behind the music.

Recent shows have included guest spots with Rockford musicians and coverage of local events. WTPB LP broadcast two programs from the Stockholm Inn that featured Rockford’s fine accordionist Mike Alongi, bass player Guy Fiorenza and Harold Smith on clarinet. The group is known as the Encore Trio. The station also presented coverage of the recent appearance of the Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band from Sinnissippi Park. New Chicago vocalist Denise Brigham also sang on a recent show.

In coming weeks, Bill Morris of the Windy City Harmonicats based in Elmhurst will demonstrate how harmonicas work. Several musical selections will also be featured by national harmonica players. The show will also present coverage of other park concerts and programs, including the music of the Steve Cooper Orchestra, Dick Gulbrandsen’s Limited Edition Big Band, Mark Biegel’s “Swing Dogs” from a recent Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz meeting, and a nostalgic interview with Chicago old-time radio show host Chuck Schaden. The program also plans coverage of the Association of Professional Orchestra Leaders annual dinner dance with Ted Hogarth and the Gerry Mulligan Mosaic Big Band.

Everyday People is hosted by John “Radio” Russell Ghrist. The show consists of his volunteer Midwest Ballroom interviews recorded at College of DuPage near Chicago. Everyday People airs Monday-Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. on WTPB LP 99.3 FM in Rockford as well as on Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays after the 6 p.m. news. The station is owned and operated by Third Presbyterian Church of Rockford. The show may be reached by calling the church at (815) 962-7889. The station also broadcasts worldwide on the Internet at wtpblp.com.

from the Aug 12-18, 2009 issue