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Celebrating 50 years on FM 91.5
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In 2024 WXXI-FM 91.5 celebrates its 50th anniversary, 12/23/1974. Each month we will share reflections and memories of events, celebrations, honors and personalities that have made WXXI Public Media what it is today.

FM 91.5 memories for August reflect the craziness of the early days of public radio

Looking through the archives of WXXI FM 91.5 we find treasured memories of the crazy things that were done in the early days of public radio, when we were all a bit younger and had more hair. Those early days also attracted some big name visitors to the station.

Sepia toned photo of Jazz host Tom Hampson speaking with Jazz pianist Earl Hines
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Jazz host Tom Hampson speaking with Jazz pianist Earl Hines

As we’ve mentioned in previous reflections, WXXI-FM 91.5 began as an eclectic mix of music programming and news in the early days, including Jazz from the Cellar and Mostly Jazz, hosted by the late Tom Hampson for more than 30 years. Hampson loved jazz from the time he was a teenager, and he kept that passion even after he chose a career in law, specializing in corporate law at Harris Beach. But it was that passion for, and long time advocacy for the Rochester jazz community that endeared him to jazz lovers throughout the community and beyond. In August 1978 Tom hosted “A Conversation with Earl Hines,” an American jazz pianist and bandleader, and one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz piano.

B&W photo host Simon Pontin at audio mixer on a table at an outdoor Renaissance faire event
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August 1978 also marked FM 91.5’s host Simon Pontin emceeing musicians at the Sterling Renaissance Festival in Sterling, NY. From mud pits, magicians and jousts, to axe throwing and strolling troubadours, Simon introduced many of the musicians and events for visitors to this vintage faire.

B&W photo, five people dressed in Revolutionary war garb, WXXI host receiving scrolled honor
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Simon was always finding opportunities to be involved in the community in unusual ways. Here we see Simon being inducted into the Continental Regiment of the Revolutionary War Brigade in August 1987. Unfortunately, I don’t have more information on this “honor,” but perhaps someone might lend more to the story.

The summer fun continued on August 22, 2017 when WXXI Classical 91.5 hosted its first Flower City Beer Choir Event. This unique event, which took place at Three Heads Brewing brought together beer lovers, singers, and the Flower City Beer Choir Band to celebrate music, singing traditional drinking songs and Bach chorales with new, event-inspired lyrics.

Flower City Beer Choir - Sing Responsibly

Through the years, FM 91.5 welcomed a number of staff in August. Here’s a short list of some names you may remember:

Dave Dial, Program Director, 1974-1981; John Ballard, afternoon and RPO host 1980s; Dave Glerum, midday host and Music Director 1986-1990; John Andres, Sunday and fill-in host 1995 to present; Chris Van Hof, afternoon host, 2008-2011 after beginning as an ESM ALP intern in 2007.