It was June of 1976 when “this fine British gentleman” Simon Pontin joined the staff of WXXI after serving in the mid-60s playing the "real classic hits" at classical WBFB-FM. Simon was known to always have some gimmick or plan up his sleeve. Like the April Fool’s Day broadcast “LIVE from Cobbs Hill Reservoir.” However, when WXXI President Bill Pearce went up to the hill, no one was there. The entire thing was a creation of Simon’s, done live from the studio, complete with sound effects of water and runners. Then there was “Garbage Day in the Wedge.” Simon lived in the South wedge and on Thursdays he would announce to listeners that it was “Garbage Day in the Wedge.” So, it only seemed appropriate that on Thursday, June 26, 1986 Simon would broadcast live from the back of a garbage truck parked in the Wedge.
In June 2009, WXXI Classical launched the first season of Hochstein at High Falls Summer Concert Series, where listeners joined together at the Pont de Rennes bridge for live music. And in June 2021 Michael Lasser broadcast his last Fascinatin’ Rhythm program, How Do You Keep the Music Playing?
Through the 50 years, FM 91.5 had many musical luminaries visit the station; from conductors and composers to actors, politicians and even a famous chef. Here we see overnight host Alan Bunin in the 91.5 control room with composer Philip Glass, June 1987.
In June 2013, WXXI Classical afternoon host Mordecai Lipshutz, known in the community as the booming voice from the balcony of the Eastman Theater, shouting “Bravo” at the end of each RPO Concert, and who traditionally closed the late night jam sessions during the Rochester International Jazz Festival with "We'll Be Together Again," closed for his final time. Listen to his final closing night. Lipshutz would pass away just nine months later, in March 2014.