Summer Marathons celebrate 30

[johnbasalla]

WBWC 88.3 FM has just started this years Summer Marathon Series. Now in its 30th year, every Thursday a different artist or group will be featured throughout the broadcast day. The first Marathon featured the hot music of The Cars who have a new CD out... their first in about 20 years. Most marathon broadcasts begin at 7:00am although the May 12th show featuring Blink 182 will start at 9:00am. In most years, there are one or two 18 hour marathons that feature an artist/group that has not been aired before. This year a notable example is a GORDON LIGHTFOOT marathon. All of these shows are hosted by people who are passionate about their artists music, and that leads to good radio shows. Additionally, since the artists don't get this kind of exposure elsewhere, the station often gets exclusive interviews and cool giveaways. The best thing for the music fan is that you really get a good feel for what the artists are about, because you get to hear their entire, or close to their enitre, recorded output. I've found myself listening awhile to artists I don't have a big interest in, and gaining a different perspective on them. Afterall, if I didn't particularly like their oft-repeated hits, I wouldn't have purchased their music for my record/CD library or on an Ipod, so this is a good way to give them a second look.

 

[skiwest]

I listened to the Cars for several hours last Thursday. It was excellent. I will definitely be tuned in for the Beach Boys next month.