WIDR is always looking for new DJs, CD reviewers, Office Assistants, Street Team members, and more! To apply, come on down to our office at 1501 Faunce Student Services in the basement of the Birdcage on the Western Michigan University Campus.
Music
Interested in joining our web list? Send us a message with your name and email address and you will receive a monthly email from 89.1 fm with information about all things WIDR.
Movies
Books
MEET OUR FRIEND The Captain!
WIDR FM would like to introduce you to our friend and esteemed DJ, the Captain. The Captain is the host of the Nonchalant Café every Friday from noon to 1p.m. Captain describes his show as the “center of the optional entertainment universe”. The Captain and his team of correspondents dig deep to bring Kalamazoo “the latest from the undercurrent of society”. During the Nonchalant Café you are likely to hear interviews with artists, activists, bands, scholars, actors, directors and a variety of other interesting people. The Captain says he doesn’t have much free time, but when he does you might find him reading something by John Kennedy Toole, listening to the new Gomez disc or plotting to become the next Oprah! He says he’s been doing the afternoon show so long, he can’t remember why he started, but he knows the reason he keeps coming back. He says, “…what better shrink’s couch is there than a microphone?” You can find out more about the Captain and the Nonchalant Café at myspace.com/nonchalantcafe or at widr.org.
Heroes
Wanna be a hero? Donate to WIDR-FM!
Send a check or money order to:
WIDR FM 1501 Faunce Student Services Building Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 49008
or online at www.wmich.edu/wmuf/gift.html and select WIDR-FM in the gift designation section.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a show can call Sam at [269] 387-2251
About me:
WIDR FM is the student-run non-commerical radio station of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We serve the campus and community of Kalamazoo by airing a WIDeR variety of music that is unlike any other radio station. WIDR serves as an escape from all evil that exists in mainstream media. We provide our listeners with every genre, along with up to the minute news, sorts, and community and campus information.
The majority of our staff is comprised of WMU students, with the rest being students and volunteers from other area colleges and WMU alumni. WIDR staff members are non-paid, with the exception of our 6 paid director positions. However, all WIDR staff enjoy various benefits to being affiliated with Michigans most eclectic college radio station. These inlude complimentary mechandise, valuable radio experience, and a chance to explore some of the worlds newest and rarest music. If you are interested in joining WIDR please contact our Program Director at (269) 387-6305. WIDR began in a trailer in 1952. Then it was Western Inter-Dormitory Radio, an AM station available only to WMU residents. It broadcasts through the pipes of WMU; campus residents could listen by placing their radio antenna on metal fixtures in their dorm rooms. It was a humble beginning.
In the ’60s, WIDR went on the air for real, on the AM dial. In 1969 Campus Media, Inc. described WIDR as “one of the finest campus stations in the country.” Our staff is aware of the accolades that the radio station has received and strive continually to maintain that level of quality programming.
In 1975 WIDR-FM went on the air, as what was then known as a “progressive” or “underground” station. With a mix of Frank Zappa and John Coltrane, Led Zeppelin and Muddy Waters (and much more), WIDR-FM became the #1 station in Kalamazoo. This was a time when there were few FM stations in the area, but still, this was an important feat. This was also the era of WIDR’s massive music festival known as Kite Flight, the precursor for the Barking Tuna.
Throughout the 1980s WIDR continued to evolve. Its power was boosted to 100 watts, covering most of Kalamazoo County. It was “alternative” long before that label became a buzzword used by the music industry. WIDR was, and still is, an alternative to commercial radio. The station was the first in the area to play rap, punk, grunge, etc., beating out all area commercial stations and MTV. When the rest of the world was ignoring new bands like U2, Nirvana, and REM, WIDR gave them many a spin. WIDR has historically put an emphasis on variety with an eclectic mix of rock, rap, R& B, experimental, folk, blues, jazz, world music and genres not yet named.
WIDR continues its Radio Evolution and is still the only true alternative listening source in Kalamazoo. Its listeners recognize the educational and entertainment value of the station by sending their donations during the annual WIDR Week every February, as well as by attending WIDR Events.
We of WIDR thank our listeners who have supported the station throughout the decades–if it weren’t for you, we’d just be sitting in the studio playing tunes and talking to ourselves.
Remember, it’s not the size that counts, it’s the frequency: 89.1 WIDR-FM Kalamazoo, Michigan - the source for radio evolution.
Who I'd like to meet: .
We'd like to meet each and every one of you out there. We'd like to establish a relationship with new listeners, record promoters, labels, venues and pretty much anybody who wants to leave a message to our network of Kalamazoo denizens.
To any and all artists who wish to send us music please address it to....
WIDR FM Attn: Music Director 1501 Faunce Student Services Bldg. Kalamazoo, MI 49008
It's been a minute and since you last heard from Pacific Soul Records in Oct we've dished out several new "Uncle Ray's Psychedelic Soul" podcast radio shows...if you haven't checked them out, put yourself on and enjoy this phat radio show. Especially listen in on shows #8 & #9 "Vinyl" Part 1&2 with special guests. You are going to dig these shows, the music selection is not to be missed ya' heard!! here is the link to all of them, ENJOY! http://xraydusa.podbean.com/
MIKEWHITEPRESENTS: "Timbuktu (Night of the Hunter Remix)" Here's our latest mix for you to enjoy. Download from the widget, or take a look at the video we made to accompany the tune. Radio with pictures..now there's a nice idea! Many thanks for your ongoing support. Best wishes from all of us in London.
I just scanned the Ticket real quick this week. Saw the Fruit Bats in there. Mention of the Barking Tuna Fest besides that? Go on with your badselves this weekend.
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