Support Jazz Radio in Tampa: WMNF Pledge Drive, and WUSF
Jimmy Lyons and the crew at the Charles Vann Memorial Jazz Party, which airs Saturdays from 6 to 9 on WMNF, 88.5 FM, have consistently been supportive of good jazz and local jazz musicians.
Listeners interested in keeping that show, and other jazz programs, alive on WMNF can help the cause by making pledges of financial support tonight.
Here’s Jimmy’s note on the pledge drive:
I know it is a tough time financially for our country & many of our jazz listeners. If you can afford any amount from $10 to $1,000 we would really appreciate it. WMNF measures call volume and total dollars pledged when determining support for a show. I am confident we can show our new station manager, Jim Bennett, that jazz fans can stick together even in tough times. Please call during the show at 813-238-8001 or 813-239-9663. Please forward this email to anyone you know that wants to keep jazz & the jazz parking lot parties alive on the radio. If you will not be able to hear the show call me at 813-728-7084 and I will make sure your pledge gets counted for jazz. Thank you for your jazz support.
The lineup of jazz on WMNF:
- FRI night 3-6am. . . Jizz Mo’ Than Just Jazz
- SAT 4-6pm. . . Latin Jazz & Salsa
- SAT 6-9 pm. . . Charles Vann Jazz Party
- SUN 7-9 pm. . . Sunday Jazz Clinic
Meanwhile, jazz is going strong — 50 hours a week — over at WUSF, 89.7 FM. Several years ago I logged time there as an overnight DJ and occasional fill-in for Bob Seymour, that station’s longtime jazz programmer and announcer. Bob’s also a huge supporter of local musicians and local jazz events.
Jazz is heard on WUSF on Sunday through Thursday nights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Want to donate to support jazz on WUSF? Click here.
I owe a debt of gratitude to both stations, and to Jimmy and Bob personally, for the airplay and other support they’ve given to my own musical projects and recordings over the years, including Monk in the Sun and the Greenwich Blue CD When Our Time Comes.
Bob and Jimmy, too, have gone out of their way to bring great national artists to the area, through their work with the Tampa Jazz Club. The latest event: Legendary saxophone/trumpeter Ira Sullivan, this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Springs Theatre. Here’s more info that show.
YES WE NEED TO SUPPORT… OBAMA WILL BE GOOD FOR JAZZ!
the jazz cat
January 17, 2009 at 3:11 am
Jazz has definitely been good for Obama.
If Obama gives his official support to jazz at the White House, to arts groups that provide funding for jazz, and to multiple jazz and jazz-education initiatives, then yes … Obama will be good for jazz!
But talk is cheap. Let’s reserve judgment on that until we see some action.
philipb1961
January 17, 2009 at 4:10 am