Posted by Mike p on March 10, 2010 at 02:49:45:
In Reply to: 87.7FM Adds Two Local Programs posted by Pat Kelley on March 09, 2010 at 19:21:30:
: WLFM -- 87.7 FM "Chicago's Smooth Jazz Station" -- is once again becoming even more locally focused. This afternoon, Pat Kelley, WLFM's Senior Vice President & General Manager proudly announced the addition of two more exclusive Chicago shows to the quickly growing contemporary jazz radio station.
: The first show debuted last Wednesday night. Each Wednesday from 8:00pm-9:00pm is now "Sittin' In With Steve Cole." Cole is a world renowned contemporary jazz sax player and composer, not to mention a Chicago native. For one hour on Wednesday nights, Steve Cole will host a show highlighting new music in Smooth Jazz. According to Kelley, "When we launched 87.7FM, one of our core missions was to cultivate new music. Steve's sharp ear and progressive vision of where this format is going made him the perfect choice to host this exciting and innovative new show." Rick O'Dell, 87.7FM's Program Director and Midday host added, "At 95.5 for years I wanted to tap into Steve Cole's natural energy and engaging personality as an on-air talent, when he's not with his musical instrument. Finally, at 87.7, I think we found the perfect vehicle: a show devoted to some exciting new music and musical trends. Between the experiences he's had working side-by-side with the biggest names in smooth jazz and his knack for telling great stories, it'll be a lively and interesting hour."
:
: The other exciting new addition began this past Saturday night and immediately caused a positive reaction. The new program is "Dinner Party with Bill Cochran." The show will now air each Saturday night from 6:00pm-10:00pm. Cochran is best known as the imaging voice of Smooth Jazz radio in Chicago for over 20 years. The show is a musical mix of vintage contemporary jazz classics by such artists as David Sanborn, Bob James, Earl Klugh and Stanley Turrentine. "Dinner Party with Bill Cochran" is designed to provide Chicago listeners with the right mood for entertaining on a Saturday night. Pat Kelley said, "This idea came right from our listeners. Over the years we have received many emails telling us how much listeners enjoy Smooth Jazz while entertaining family and friends. So Bill, Rick and I gathered and decided to create a show just for that." The new show is then followed by "Chill with Mindy Abair," which keeps the smoother flavor of music going through midnight.
: Pat Kelley also said this about his station today, "These two programs, along with other more recent additions we've made at 87.7FM, is an integral part of our plan. The Smooth Jazz format lends itself perfectly to airing different flavors of contemporary and more traditional jazz depending on the mood. It's classic destination programming and so far the response has been great! More to come, Chicago... This is your station... Stay tuned!"
: Since the start of 2010, WLFM has added Rick O'Dell as its Midday personality, Loni Taylor as their evening host, "Paul Wertico's Wild World of Jazz," and now these two new regular programs. The little independent TV/radio station that was laughed at when it started has now become "the little station that can." It continues to add more & more exclusive Chicago content & flavor. In doing so, it continues to gain larger audiences and become an impressive local radio home.
Are these guys streaming yet? Their format sounds exciting and those of us outside the immediate Chicagoland area would love sampling this.