WRIR kicks off its fund drive

WRIR’s Fall Fund Drive begins today, and there’s quite a bit in store. As Richmond’s only community-based volunteer-driven radio station, Richmond Independent Radio (“radio for the rest of us”) is truly one of a kind. It boasts the most eclectic programming that spans every genre imaginable as well as features great syndicated shows during the day. It’s completely operated by volunteers. And it depends on donations from its listeners to survive year after year. I’ve been a volunteer at WRIR for almost two years, assisting Mike “Mr. Jazz” Gourrier of WWOZ (New Orleans) fame and Bill Thomson on Sunday mornings and occasionally hosting their shows as a substitute. I’ve been a part of a small community that is loved by the bigger community surrounding it. I hear music I’ve never heard before in my life. When I visit other cities, I wonder what they have that’s like WRIR, and often times it’s nothing. I’ll be answering phones and greeting visitors at the studio (1621 W. Broad St.) this evening while Rattlemouth performs live on Global A Go-Go from 5-7. Sunday morning makes another great time to listen and pledge your support: Jason Jenkins Trio with guitarist Alan Parker and drummer Keith Willingham will be performing from 10am to noon. Please take a moment this week to support a great station, whether it’s by giving to it monetarily or checking it out for the first time. Visit wrir.org for more information on the fund drive

October 29, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Dean Christesen

I’ve been a volunteer at WRIR for almost two years, assisting Mike “Mr. Jazz” Gourrier of WWOZ (New Orleans) fame and Bill Thomson on Sunday mornings and occasionally hosting their shows as a substitute. I’ve been a part of a small community that is loved by the bigger community surrounding it. I hear music I’ve never heard before in my life. When I visit other cities, I wonder what they have that’s like WRIR, and often times it’s nothing.

I’ll be answering phones and greeting visitors at the studio (1621 W. Broad St.) this evening while Rattlemouth performs live on Global A Go-Go from 5-7. Sunday morning makes another great time to listen and pledge your support: Jason Jenkins Trio with guitarist Alan Parker and drummer Keith Willingham will be performing from 10am to noon.

Please take a moment this week to support a great station, whether it’s by giving to it monetarily or checking it out for the first time.

Visit wrir.org for more information on the station and the fund drive

UPDATE: At the $200 Community Level, you’ll be supporting a special local organization: “Continuing WRIR’s tradition of supporting a local non-profit, your donation will benefit the Richmond Jazz Society.” Good stuff.