July 31, 2004
WHYS RADIO STATION CONSTRUCTION FUNDRAISER
Local music, food, art and family fun part of July 31 event

A fundraiser for the construction of Eau Claire’s new community radio station – WHYS-FM 96.3 – is set for Saturday, July 31 at the Eau Claire Bit and Spur Saddle Club. The event, called RadioActive, will feature local live music, a silent auction, a mini-poetry slam, and other festive activities for all ages. Food, sweets, coffee, beer and other treats will be available on the club grounds. RadioActive will start at noon and run late into Saturday night.

Ten bands are scheduled to play during the festival, including Chris O'Brien and Cohorts, Dave Whitman Trio, East Hill Bluegrass Band, Hickabilly Blooze Band, Quinn Elizabeth, Six by 9, Susan Enstrom and others.

The silent auction will feature goods and services donated by community businesses, fine art, and autographed Books, CDs and DVDs from nationally known personalities.

WHYS Radio is aiming to hit the airwaves by the end of 2004. The Federal Communications Commission accepted applications for non-profit and community run low-power FM stations in January of 2001, but was slow to issue construction permits. WHYS Radio, which is a project of the local environmental group Northern Thunder, received its construction permit last November.

“We intend to create a true community radio station, one that will involve the community in its programming and operation, and provide a refreshing change to the corporate dominated local radio scene,” said Will Fantle, one of the station’s organizers. Fantle added that, “WHYS radio will showcase area musical talent, highlight regional news and culture, and provide a mix of talk and entertainment that will be both appealing and different from standard radio fare.” He indicated that the station will likely resemble WORT in Madison and WOJB in Hayward.

WHYS organizers estimate that construction costs for a transmitting tower, broadcast equipment and a studio will exceed $20,000. “We hope that the RadioActive fundraiser will raise a considerable portion of our construction capital,” said Dan Drumm another organizer. “In addition, we want to activate local radio enthusiasts and encourage them to join with our group of growing volunteers in shaping and creating community radio in Eau Claire.”

The Bit and Spur Saddle Club is located six miles west of Eau Claire on Cameron St. Admission to the RadioActive fundraiser is $6 for individuals and $10 for a family. Tickets can be purchased in advance, for a discount, at Crossroad Books on Barstow St. and Union Records on Water St. and Mother Nature Foods on London Rd.

Sponsored in part by these local businesses:

Panera
Speed of Sound
A1 Express Rental
Volume One Magazine
Bob Smith Window Cleaning
Act One, Mondovi Community Theatre
Racy Delany's Very Coffee Lounge
The American Ice Company
The French Confection
Crossroad Books
Viking Brewery
DigiCopy