Hello loyal WVKR listeners!

Tuesday, September 12th marks the start of our annual Pledge Drive, our major yearly fundraiser! Our Pledge Drive provides a major percentage of our annual budget and allows for both the continuation of our station as well as independent radio as a whole.

This year, Pledge Drive will take place from Tuesday, September 12th – Tuesday, September 18th, but we will also accept pledges outside of this timeframe! 

Here’s how to pledge:

1. Call into the station at (845) 437-7178 during a show you love and one of our phone tenders will take down your info. We’ll then mail you an invoice for your pledge.
2. Make a credit card donation online here (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/36458/donations/new) – NOTE: Due to internal processing, we cannot offer premiums through this method.

Additionally, here are visuals of the premiums we’re offering this year, as well as their respective donation tiers:

$1.00 and up: Sticker

$5.00 and up: Bottle opener and sticker

$25.00 and up: T-shirt (sizes S-XXL), bottle opener, and sticker

$50.00 and up: Tote bag, bottle opener, and sticker

$100.00 and up: Hoodie (sizes S-XXL), bottle opener, and sticker

$150.00 and up: All of the above!

Every pledge to the station is appreciated, no matter the value! It’s an honor for us that you want to help us keep running. Each donation comes with a premium, but if you elect to not receive a premium, 100% of your donation will go to WVKR alone.

If you choose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you do receive premiums then only the surplus of your pledge (total pledge amount minus the cost of merchandise) is tax-deductible. More detailed information will be mailed to you on your invoice.

As always, thank you so much for your support of our truly wonderful station! Each year, it is so incredibly heartwarming to see the sheer amount of contributions that come in. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me at generalmanager@wvkr.org!

All the best,

Casey McDonough

WVKR 2023-24 General Manager

D.B. Brown’s long-standing Hudson Valley Rag Shop, which has previously aired on Tuesdays from 6-8PM, will now be switching to a podcast-only format.

Starting this week, (June 6th, 2023) to hear the weekly podcast of the Rag Shop and its eclectic Americana tracks, send a request to D.B. at folk@wvkr.org!!

A big thanks and many congratulations to D.B. for his extensive tenure on the air here at WVKR and for this new formatting venture!

WVKR IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE GREAT WVKR SCAVENGER HUNT

Starting today, November 2, until the end of the month of November, the station will be hosting a scavenger hunt. With prizes. 

Here’s to play:

1. listen in to the station every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for the clue of the day

2. submit your answer to the clue to the google form [link in bio & website]

There’s no time limit on answer submissions, you can answer the clues in any order and you can play as a team! This is open to all our off-campus AND on-campus listeners so competition’s tough. The faster you answer the clue, the more points you get. There’ll be bonus prizes to be found and bonus points to earn. Prizes will be awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd but everyone’s a winner in our eyes *wink*

POINTS —

• 12pt for first person to answer

• 8pt for second person to answer

• 7pt for third person to answer

• 5pt for everyone else to answer

So…. are you playing?

*** sunday clues have two options. one for off-campus listeners and one open only to students on campus. this doesn’t affect their point scoring though! 

LINK FOR GOOGLE FORM –https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd22vHItiYJ2NQtEtNH-Ywr8Xl1cIRx6Vv49KzeoYuXnKuY6Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Hello WVKR listeners!

We are once again gearing up for our favorite part of the year: our annual Pledge Drive! Pledge Drive is your opportunity to give back to WVKR and help keep independent radio alive. Formally, Pledge Drive will take place from Tuesday Sept. 6th through Monday September 12th, however, we also welcome pledges outside of this week-long window!

This year, there are two ways to make a pledge:

1. Give us a call during your favorite show and we’ll take down your information and send you an invoice. 
2. Donate with your credit card via Vassar’s online donation form, available here. (Note: we cannot offer premiums if you donate via this method).

Here are the premiums we are offering this year:

$1.00 and up: Sticker

$5.00 and up: Lanyard and sticker

$25.00 and up: T-shirt (sizes S-XXL), lanyard, and sticker

$50.00 and up: Tote bag, lanyard, and sticker

$100.00 and up: Hoodie (sizes S-XXL), lanyard, and sticker

$150.00 and up: All of the above!

Please know we appreciate each and every one of our listeners, and that no pledge is too small. As always, we are happy to offer premiums, but know that if you elect not to receive a premium, 100% of your pledge will go to WVKR.

If you choose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you choose premiums then only the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible.

Thank you for your continued support of this very special station. We are so grateful to all of our listeners and look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at generalmanager@wvkr.org. Long live independent radio!

With love,

Ezra Venditti

WVKR General Manager 2022-23

Dear WVKR Community,

It is with a heavy heart that we deliver news of the passing of Bill Eberle, a dear member of our community and a DJ at our station for almost 30 years. He rebroadcast shows from the Golden Age of Radio as well as classic country music, and will be sorely missed.

Please read his obituary and details on upcoming services here: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/24904863/william-j-eberle 

Hello WVKR Community,

Recently, a wonderful article was written about our station featuring interviews from our General Manager, Chloe, and student/community DJs such as Pete Clark (The Orphanage of Rock n’ Roll) and DJ Alfred Prufrock (The Treehouse).  

Check it out here: https://ourculturemag.com/2022/05/06/wvkr-vassars-sound-garden/ 

Dearest WVKR Family,

After over 13 years of having the same website look, Exec decided it was time for a change–welcome to the new and improved WVKR.org! Everything is in the same place as it was before, just with updated graphics.

We really hope you enjoy this new theme! Reach out to Casey at techdirector@wvkr.org with any questions/concerns or if you need any help navigating the new site.

Dear listeners,

Thank you so much for supporting us this fall semester. Starting December 12, 2021 we will be moving into our winter schedule. Most students will also be on break during this time. Because of this, please be patient in regards to Pledge Drive Premium deliveries and responses to email messages at this time. Thank you for keeping independent radio alive!

Happy Holidays,

Chloe Richards

WVKR General Manager 2021-2022

Hello WVKR listeners!

We are once again gearing up for our favorite part of the year: our annual Pledge Drive! Pledge Drive is your opportunity to give back to WVKR and help keep independent radio alive. Formally, Pledge Drive will take place from Tuesday, September 7 to Monday, September 13. However, we welcome pledges outside of this week-long window as well!

This year, there are three ways to make a pledge:

1. Give us a call during your favorite show and we’ll take down your information and send you an invoice. 
2. Donate with your credit card via Vassar’s online donation form, available here. (Note: we cannot offer premiums if you donate via this method).
3. Download and print a PDF pledge form (linked on the side). Fill out the form, and mail it to the the following address with your check or credit card information enclosed: WVKR Gifts 161 College Avenue, Box 725 Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

Here are the premiums we are offering this year:

$1.00 and up: Sticker

$25.00 and up: T-shirt (sizes S-XXL)

$50.00 and up: Tote bag

$100.00 and up: Tote bag, t-shirt, sticker, bonus premium from years past

Please know we appreciate each and every one of our listeners, and that no pledge is too small. As always, we are happy to offer premiums, but know that if you elect not to receive a premium, 100% of your pledge will go to WVKR.

If you choose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you choose premiums then only the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible.

Thank you for your continued support of this very special station. We are so grateful to all of our listeners and look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at generalmanager@wvkr.org. Long live independent radio!

With love,

Chloe Richards

WVKR General Manager 2021-22

Dear WVKR listeners,

We want to take a moment to recognize the retirement of Bill Eberle, a cherished member of the WVKR community. For more than 30 years, Bill has entertained listeners with his two beloved programs, Radio Showtime (now hosted by Jeremiah Ventry-McGee on Sunday evenings), and Classic Country on Wednesday mornings. While we will miss Bill, we are so grateful for all he has contributed to WVKR, and wish him a very happy retirement. We look forward to coming together to celebrate Bill’s time at the station when it is safe to do so.

With love,
WVKR Exec

Hello WVKR listeners!

After a brief delay, we are once again gearing up for our favorite part of the year: our annual Pledge Drive! Pledge Drive is your opportunity to give back to WVKR and help keep independent radio alive. Formally, Pledge Drive will take place from Sunday, October 25th to Saturday, October 31st. However, we welcome pledges outside of this week-long window as well!

This is obviously not a normal year, so we are doing things a little bit differently. This year, there are three ways to make a pledge:

1. Download and print a PDF pledge form (available here). Fill out the form, and mail it to the the following address with your check or credit card information enclosed:

   WVKR Gifts
   161 College Avenue, Box 725
   Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 

2. Donate with your credit card via Vassar’s online donation form, available here. (Note: we cannot offer premiums if you donate via this method).

3. Give us a call during your favorite show (845-437-7178) and we’ll take down your information and send you an invoice. (Note: this option is the slowest way for pledges to be processed and is available mainly for our listeners who have limited computer access. If you’re able to use options 1 or 2, we strongly encourage you to do so).

Here are the premiums we are offering this year:

$1.00 and up: Sticker
$25.00 and up: T-shirt (black or white, sizes S-XXL)
$25.00 and up: Face mask
$50.00 and up: Tote bag

We know that this year has presented a lot of financial burdens. Please know we appreciate each and every one of our listeners, and that no pledge is too small. As always, we are happy to offer premiums, but know that if you elect not to receive a premium, 100% of your pledge will go to WVKR.

If you choose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you choose premiums then only the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible.

A note on premium shipment delays: we are aware that in the past couple of years, premiums were delivered way later than they should have been. Please don’t be angry with our DJs—they aren’t in charge of sending out premiums. Due to personnel changes, as well as unforeseen obstacles in both years (problems with T-shirt shipments in 2018-19, Covid-19 in 2019-2020), the executive staff struggled to process payments and send out premiums in a timely manner. We are deeply sorry for these unacceptable delays, and hope that they will not affect your decision to pledge in future years.

Unfortunately, we anticipate some delays this year as well due to circumstances outside of our control, including an overburdened postal service, and Vassar’s requirement that most students leave campus by Thanksgiving. We hope that our changes to the Pledge Drive process will help us circumvent these obstacles, but we cannot guarantee your premiums will arrive by Christmas. We apologize for this inconvenience, and hope that you’ll continue to be patient with us as we navigate unprecedented times.

Thank you for your continued support of this very special station. We are so grateful to all of our listeners and look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at generalmanager@wvkr.org. Long live independent radio!

With love,
Emma Bauchner
WVKR General Manager 2020-21

WVKR listeners,

Thank you so much for an incredible pledge drive. I am so inspired by the love you all have for this station! We depend on the pledge drive to keep our radio station up and running, Though we no longer will have volunteers answering phones, you can still make a pledge/donate.

To make a pledge:

Click the “donate” button in the upper right corner of this website (You will not receive premiums). To receive premiums, You can also print a donation form by clicking here, and mail it in with your donation to the WVKR Pledge Drive Office (address information posted below).

Donation amount: Premium

$1.00 – $24.99: Sticker and Keychain

$25.00 – $49.99: Keychain, Sticker and 2019 T-shirt

$50.00 – $74.99: Keychain, Sticker and 2019 Insulated Grocery Bag or 2019 T-shirt

$50.00 or more: Polka Beat Show CD

$75.00 – $99.99: Keychain, Sticker, 2019 T-shirt and 2019 Insulated Grocery Bag

$100.00 or more: Keychain, Sticker, 2019 T-shirt, 2019 insulated Grocery Bag, Vintage Merch Grab Bag

If you chose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you choose premiums then only the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible.

Please take advantage of your employer’s matching grant programs!

For mail-in donations, please send the above form and donation to the following address:

WVKR Gifts
161 College Avenue, Box 725 (note box number must be on the same line and not a separate line)
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

Again, thank you so much to all of the listeners that made pledges and to all the volunteers and DJ’s that make our community such a vibrant and unique place.

Plus, if you elect to take no premiums, your entire pledge is tax-deductible! If you do receive premiums, the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible. And don’t forget to take advantage of your employer’s matching grant program!!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay tuned in on updates!

long live independent radio,

2019 wvkr exec

Laura Zapien

General Manager

HELLO LISTENERS OF WVKR,

First and foremost our station would like to recognize the end of one of our longest running shows, ‘Radio Showtime’. For 30 years Bill Eberle has been providing our listeners with old time radio shows from the 40s, 50s and 60s every Sunday evening. For the time being, Bill will continue his Wednesday morning show, ‘Classic Country’.

This summer we have been a bit quiet on the social media but, as per usual, LOUD on the airwaves. Our summer programming has been full of the voices of our beloved community DJs, a few dedicated student DJs, and some new voices contributing to the eclectic mix of radio that you love. In the coming weeks our station will transition from summer programming to the fall program. This means that many DJs will return, packing our program with shows from early in the morning to late at night, and the annual WVKR PLEDGE DRIVE will commence.

From September 3rd to September 9th we’re asking our listeners to show their support and help us keep our station running. Without our annual Pledge Drive we wouldn’t be able to bring you commercial-free independent radio, so please consider pledging online or by phone during this wild week of radio. We will be offering premiums of all shapes and colors to thank our faithful listeners for your donations. Stay tuned to find out more about the type and design of these exciting gifts.

The incoming 2019-2020 executive board is excited to get to work to contribute to a fantastic year of independent radio!

Dear Pledgers near and far,

We understand the holidays may have left you wondering if your radio goodies got lost in the post. Fear not! In changing distributors and payment of such, we encountered few obstacles with communication with services on our premiums this year. Our apologies regarding the lateness of premiums mailing, and know that we are awaiting the last of the shipments to arrive so our team can promptly mail them out.

We understand this timeline looks different than the past years, so we wanted to post this announcement to ensure you all will be able to rock your own VKR fashion very soon! Making sure our listeners receive their merch is a priority to us, and expect to send out the bulk of premiums no later than 3 – 4 weeks time.

We appreciate your patience and dedicated listenership, and are forever grateful for your contributions to keep independent radio radiating!

Thank you all for your support,

wvkr exec

D E A R  WVKR  listeners:

Our air studio has been facing hardware issues since last summer’s storms. We’ve been repairing as more hits have been happening and malfunctions arise with our newly installed equipmeny. The recent interruptions in program are a result of this issue. ☔️?⚡️

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WVKR listeners,

After a summer of storms, your fav indie radio’s 2018 PLEDGE DRIVE WILL RUN TODAY, SEPT 18 to MONDAY NIGHT, SEPT 24!!! We rely on the pledge drive to make a large portion of our yearly budget–to help pay for annual bills and repairs, and to keep independent radio alive!

To make a pledge:

Dial 845-437-7178 during pledge drive week to make a pledge over the phone, or click the “donate” button in the upper right corner of this website. You can also print a donation form by clicking here, and mail it in with your donation to the WVKR Pledge Drive Office (address information posted below).

Donation amount: Premium

$1.00 – $24.99: Sticker and Keychain

$25.00 – $49.99: Keychain, Sticker and 2018 T-shirt

$50.00 – $74.99: Kaychain, Sticker and 2018 tote or 2018 T-shirt

$50.00 or more: Geetmala Show CD

$50.00 or more: Polka Beat Show CD

$75.00 – $99.99: Keychain, Sticker, 2018 T-shirt and 2018 tote

$100.00 or more: Keychain, Sticker, 2018 T-shirt, 2018 tote, Vintage Merch Grab Bag

If you chose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you choose premiums then only the surplus of your pledge is tax deductible.

Please take advantage of your employer’s matching grant programs!

For mail in donations, please send the above form and donation to the following address:

WVKR Gifts
161 College Avenue, Box 725 (note box number must be on the same line and not a separate line)
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

A big thank you to all of our listeners who make the station possible and also for stepping up each year to make sure we can stay on air, we really couldn’t do it without you.

Plus, if you elect to take no premiums, your entire pledge is tax deductible! If you do receive premiums, the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible!!! Can you believe it????? And don’t forget to take advantage of your employer’s matching grant program!!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay tuned in on updates!

xoxo obsesionadx,

2018 wvkr exec

Jonathan Rodriguez, your General Manager this year <3

Hello WVKR family —

WVKR was recently greatly affected by the storms of 08/03 and 08/17. During both of those storms significant portions of Vassar College lost power, thus putting the station off the air overnight. In addition to power outages, there have been other difficulties behind the scenes, further complicating the station’s broadcasting. Specifically, we are dealing with broken blades for the console in the Air Studio, as well as shifts in contact for our technician support. Thankfully, with the guidance of Frank and Nick, both of whom are absolutely integral to the station, we were back broadcasting on air shortly after the power outages, and as of today, are back streaming online as well. Summer staff (all two of us) are currently working to ensure that DJs can be back in the Air Studio soon, and definitely before our upcoming pledge drive.

Respectfully yours,
WVKR Summer Staff

Dang, where has the time gone? Summer is nearly half way over,  :-(

Still, we have a bit more than a month left with our summer DJs – plenty of time to to tune in. Attached is the 2k18 summer schedule so y’all know what you’re listening to!

One love,

WVKR Summer Staff

UPDATED WVKR Schedule Summer 2018 – Sheet1

WELCOME TO PINK NOISES

Pink Noises celebrates femme/nonbinary electronic artists in the music industry.
This two-part event begins with a series of workshops led by 4 incredible visiting artists.
Later that evening these very same artists will showcase their skills, blessing us with set after live set

WORKSHOPS take place in Rocky starting at 5PM. You can preview which one you’d like to attend by checking out the descriptions below [listed soon]. They will conclude with a panel/conversation in Rocky – a chance for students and artists to connect.

Featuring Nkisi, BEARCAT, Ariel Zetina, and S0ln0va

MUSIC will begin at 10PM in the Shiva, and go until 1AM.
This showcase is Open To The Public.

wvkr spring schedule

It might not feel like spring and we might have not announced the winter schedule, but that doesn’t mean that the winter schedule hasn’t come and gone and the spring schedule isn’t now here! Tune in today to hear your favorite WVKR shows, some of which were also on air last week, but some weren’t!

Are you interested in filling one of those gaps in the schedule? You’re in luck! WVKR is holding interviews for new shows this Sunday from 12-5pm at WVKR. For information on applying including what you need to bring to the interview and reach out to p r o g r a m d i r e c t o r @wvkr.org. We’re interested in shows that fit with our mission of being Poughkeepsie’s independent radio station. That means we’re interested in shows that feature independent artists and content that wouldn’t fit at a commercial station.

As a reminder this is intended to be a time for Vassar students to apply for shows as non-Vassar students are welcome to reach out at any time with show proposals.

Tune in to Rita Ryan’s LocalMotion on 91.3 WVKR Wednesdays 4-6pm.

LocalMotion plays music of the Hudson Valley area inclluding musicians that live here, those coming to perform in our area venues and those coming to our world class area recording studios. LocalMotion almost always has an interview with a guest in studio or on the phone. Rita has interviewed world class musicians and is fully booked with interviews through the end of this year!

Tune in to Steve Shavkin’s “Mostly Folk” show from 5:30 to 6:30am on Monday and Saturday mornings. He plays mostly folk music with some soft rock and country in the mix. Steve grew up with the music that he play and says that having an opportunity to share it with listeners is “awesome.”

Be sure to check it out!

Listen to Sunday Mornings With Nate

7-9am Sundays. A mix of music on only vinyl and a few tapes, with Nate.

Thank you so much to all of our listeners for supporting us in another successful pledge drive!

We are incredibly grateful for your generosity, and are really pleased that WVKR has funding for another year!

Independent radio forever, love WVKR

Hi everyone,

We’re happy to announce that this year’s pledge drive will be September 12-18! Pledge drive helps us make up about half of our yearly operating budget and we depend on it to keep the station running. Donations of any amount are appreciated!

To make a pledge:

Dial 845-437-7178 during pledge drive week to make a pledge over the phone, or click the “donate” button in the upper right corner of this website. You can also print a donation form by clicking here, and mail it in with your donation to the WVKR Pledge Drive Office (address information posted below).

Donation amount: Premium

$1.00 – $24.99: Sticker and Keychain

$25.00 – $49.99: Sticker and 2017 T-shirt

$50.00 – $74.99: Sticker and 2017 tote or 2017 T-shirt

$50.00 or more: Geetmala Show CD

$50.00 or more: Polka Beat Show CD

$75.00 – $99.99: Sticker, 2017 T-shirt and 2017 tote

$100.00 or more: Sticker, 2017 T-shirt, 2017 tote, Vintage Merch Grab Bag

If you chose to donate without receiving premiums, then your entire donation is tax-deductible. If you choose premiums then only the surplus of your pledge is tax deductible.

Please take advantage of your employer’s matching grant programs!

A big thank you to all of our listeners who make the station possible and also for stepping up each year to make sure we can stay on air, we really couldn’t do it without you.

xxx

wvkr exec

The online stream is officially up and running. Sorry again to our friends who couldn’t tune in, but we’re back at it!

all the best,

wvkr summer staff

Heads up that the online steam is down. It will hopefully be up and running in no time. That said, for our close friends, it might be time to whip out the stereo and tune in to 91.3fm ! Distant friends, we really apologize but definitely #stay #tuned for updates.

with love,
wvkr summer staff

The rumor is that the WVKR RECORD FAIR IS TOMORROW–Saturday April 8th from 10am to 3pm in the Vassar College Main Building!! The rumor is also that we have 9 vendors AND New Confectioner selling vegan ice cream!! The rumors are true!!!

JUST THREE DAYS BEFORE THE RECORD FAIR!–Come on down to QUINN’s (330 Main st. in Beacon!) on WEDNESDAY APRIL 5th to see some of your FAVORITE WVKR DJs **LIVE** and in person!! The magic will happen between 8pm and midnite–MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

A VAN will leave from Vassar’s main circle at 8:30pm to take any VASSAR STUDENTS who want to come out and support!! There are 11 seats–so act fast!!!!

Come out and support the station at the annual WVKR RECORD FAIR on April 8th!! This year we have more vendors than ever–8 selling records/etc and 1 selling vegan frozen desserts!!!!

        HEADS UP guys and dolls!! You can see the ever-urbane, ever-exceptional JONNY the BOY (of the famous Bachelor Pad @ Colony Three) DJing ***LIVE*** at Quinn‘s (330 Main st. in Beacon) on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10th!!! The show starts at 9pm and runs till 1am!! Mark your calendars now!! 

****************

Weather too bad–quinn’s nite cancelled tonight–will be rescheduled next month! Stay tuned!!

Come to QUINN’S (330 Main st. in Beacon) on TUESDAY, JANUARY 24th to see some of your favorite VKR DJs performing ****LIVE!!***** Between 8pm and midnight DJs including DAWN from dawn at dawn, FRED and ELI from Activist Radio, and JEREMIAH from Voyage into Vinyl will be spinning records, reciting poetry, and/or playing live music!!! Come check it out and SUPPORT WVKR!!!!

Happy new year from THE GREATEST RADIO STATION IN THE WORLD: 91.3fm WVKR! We’re sure this is going to be our best year ever–and yours too! Looking for a new year’s resolution? Here’s the best one ever: tell 5 new friends about WVKR!!!!! Spread the word and help support independent media!!! 

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Here are a few pages from our second !ZINE! (vkr’s tiger beat) to get you revved up about our amazing station and even more amazing community DJs!!!! FUN FACTS and DARK SECRETS REVEALED BELOW!!!!! THE DJ’s TELL ALL!!! (Click on the pics to enlarge)

THIS FRIDAY (Dec 2nd) Jonny the boy will be DJing a **LIVE** version of his BACHELOR PAD at COLONY THREE from 9pm-1am at QUINNS (330 Main st. Beacon)!!! Come out to support VKR’s most inscrutably roguish DJ and hear some groovy space-age lounge music!!!

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This TUESDAY (Nov 22) come see your favorite WVKR DJs playing **LIVE** sets at QUINN’s (330 Main st. in Beacon)

FEATURING:
PRIMITIVE GEORGE of The Primitive Show: 8pm-10pm
JAY SPICA of the Thin Air Show: 10pm-11pm
FOUND OBJECT: 11pm-11:30pm
and more surprises all the way till midnight!!!!

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Visit the TIRELESS WVKR ROAD CREW at the BEACON FARMER’s MARKET on Sunday October 30th between 10am and 3pm!!!! We will have on-air talent available to sign autographs ;) and DISCOUNTED MERCH!! Don’t miss out on this spookily cool opportunity to support the mighty 91.3 (thanks George)!! If you already got your 2016 pledge drive shirt in the mail, wear it to show that you play for team WVKR–we’ll take a picture of you and put it on the homepage!!

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♣Just to give you an idea of the brain trust ;-)  we’ve got here behind the scenes at WVKR—-BILL EBERLE built a RADIO TRANSMITTER into AN OLD REFRIGERATOR!!!!!! WHEN HE WAS 15!!!!! Bill KNOWS radio!!! If you want to hear him in action, tune in to one or BOTH of his two great programs on 91.3fm:  Classic Country on every Wednesday from 9:00AM to noon, and Radio Showtime on every Sunday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm!!♣

In BILL’s own words:

“I got my FCC novice radio amateur radio license at the age of 15, and later upgraded to a General Class.

I built my first transmitter, a low-power Morse code transmitter, and later bought a low-power code and audio transmitter. Then I decided to build a more powerful transmitter, 400 watts, for Morse code, as described in the AARL (American Radio Relay League) magazine.

I wasn’t sure what to build it in, and I don’t remember where the idea come from, but I decided to build it in an old unused refrigerator.  My dad drove me to an appliance store where I was given an old refrigerator (no charge). When I got home, the first thing I did was add four wheels so I could move it easily.  Then I sprayed the whole cabinet with a flat black paint.

I removed the compressor from the bottom, and the controls and cooling element from the top. I also removed the door.

I put the low voltage supply on the bottom where the food would go, and I put transmitter controls in the front of the cabinet.

In order to add modulation to the transmitter, I built an external Modulator in the back of the transmitter, which I would plug into the transmitter.

The last time I used the transmitter was probably in the early 80’s when band conditions were much better, making it easier to talk to other hams in distant parts of the country.”

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT in this year’s pledge drive! 

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Invoices have been mailed–so you should get yours soon! Send it back, and we’ll send your MERCH out ASAP!

Can you believe it?!!?! The annual WVKR PLEDGE DRIVE starts this TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6th, and runs till next MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12th!!!! Spread the word and help us keep INDEPENDENT RADIO alive and well! We rely on your support to make necessary repairs/renovations and we appreciate every pledge, no matter how small!!!

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There are TWO different ways to give:

1. Call our studio line at 845-437-7178 and make a pledge over the phone!

2. Print out this form (click here) and mail it back to us at: Vassar College 124 Raymond Avenue, Box 726 Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0726!!!

To thank you for your support, we will be sending out the following THANK-YOU gifts!

$1.00 – $24.99: Sticker and bottle opener keychain

$25.00 – $49.99: Sticker, bottle opener keychain, and 2016 T-shirt

 $50.00 – $74.99: Sticker, bottle opener keychain, and 2016 tote

$50.00 – $74.99: Sticker, bottle opener keychain, and 2016 T-shirt

$50.00 or more: Geetmala Show CD

$50.00 or more: Polka Beat Show CD

$75.00 – $99.99: Sticker, bottle opener keychain, 2016 T-shirt, 2016 tote

$100.00 or more: Sticker, keychain, 2016 T-shirt, 2016 tote, Vintage Merch Grab Bag

CHECK OUT THE PICTURES BELOW!!! How COOL are these THANK-YOU GIFTS?!?!?!? 

The WVKR pledge drive will be held from SEPTEMBER 6TH-12TH!!!!!!!!! Mark it on your calendars, shout it from the rooftops, write it on your forehead and then walk down a busy street!!!!!! Tell everyone you know and then start meeting new people just so you can tell them!!!!

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We rely on the pledge drive to make a large portion of our yearly budget–to help pay for annual bills, repairs and renovations. Any pledge call is appreciated–just dial 845-437-7178 to make a pledge over the phone, or click the “donate” button in the upper right corner of this website!!

WE LOVE OUR LOYAL LISTENERS!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Plus, if you elect to take no premiums, your entire pledge is tax deductible! If you do receive premiums, the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible!!! Can you believe it????? And don’t forget to take advantage of your employer’s matching grant program!!

This year we will be offering ALL NEW stickers, keychains, shirts, and totes as a thank-you to our pledgers–stay tuned for more details on premiums!!

In the meantime–it’s my pleasure to unveil this year’s t-shirt design (drumroll please!!)–we will send you one as a thank you for your 25$ pledge!

The tireless WVKR ROAD CREW will be out at the Beacon Farmer’s Market THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 28th from 10:00am to 3:00pm!!! We’ll have discounted merch (including shirts, tanks, and totes!) and FREE STICKERS! The market is located at: Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508–right by the river!! Who knows, you might even see some of your favorite DJs! Tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell the guy at the gas station to come out and support THE GREATEST RADIO STATION THAT HAS EVER EXISTED OR WILL EVER EXIST!!!

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WVKR will be hanging out and tabling at the DARKSIDE BAZAAR this Sunday, August 14th, from 11am-6pm!

The event will take place at Darkside Records, on 611 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603–

Stop by and pick up some WVKR MERCH!!

Tune in to Scott Raymond’s Secret Music show this coming Sunday (August 7th) to hear a performance and interview with guitarist Markus Reuter! Markus has composed and performed music in many different genres, from ambient to classical to progressive rock–both solo and with the band Stick Men. Markus plays a touch guitar of his own invention, and uses a variety of different effects. He has collaborated with many important musicians over the years, including Ian Boddy, Robert Rich, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra!

Markus is expected to arrive at the studio around 11AM–on Sunday, August 7th!

And don’t forget to listen to Scott Raymond’s Secret Music show every Sunday morning from 9am-12 on WVKR! Three full hours of expertly curated ambient and new age music!

For more information on Markus visit:
http://www.markusreuter.com/

For more information on Stick Men:
http://www.iapetus-media.com/stick-men/

WVKR 91.3 FM

Tune in  to WVKR tomorrow,  (July 27th) from 5-6 pm, to hear Rita Ryan interview guest Cindy Cashdollar. Cindy  is a renowned non pedal steel guitar and Dobro artist. She has received five Grammy Awards with her band Asleep at the Wheel, and has played with Bob Dylan, Leon Redbone, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Ryan Adam as a member of his band The Cardinals.

♣ Listen to THE PRIMITIVE SHOW–“garage rock from the 60s to the new millennium”–every FRIDAY from 12-3 on WVKR, 91.3fm and wvkr.org!! ♣

Tune in to WVKR this Wednesday (June 22) at 5 to hear Rita Ryan interview The Big Takeover on this week’s edition of LocalMotion. The Big Takeover is a New York based reggae band with over 500 shows under its belt! This high-energery sextet mixes reggae and ska influences to create a unique sound. The band, lead by Jamaican born NeeNee Rushie, has played with The Wailers, The Slackers, Yellowman, and more!

Don’t forget! Listen to 91.3 fm Wednesday from 5-6 to hear Rita Ryan interview The Big Takeover on LocalMotion!

15 WVKR seniors.

15,000,000 tears to shed at graduation.

1 week.

35+ HOURS OF FAREWELL SHOWS, MARATHONS, CO-DJ SPECIALS, ET CETERA!!!!

You heard that right – to celebrate our eldest student DJs, we’re dedicating all student airtime this week to senior programming! Tune in while you still can and catch:

Spring tha Trap: Go hard with all the trap, juke, footwork, crunk, and 808s you can handle, and let DJ Sound Collage be your guide.

TRIPTONYTE: future sounds mixed live by DJ Jam Brosino

A Hundred Years of Houserockin’: Post punk, blues and country “Houserockers” with DJ Murray Superior

Revolting Vox: Industrial, Goth, Weird Wave + Noises w/Spillard Innard aka Splint Dancin’

Cocktail Hour: beat-based electronic music w/ live mixing w/ DJ Thunderbunny

We Reminisce Over You: DJ Takki Shades hosts a 90s hip-hop show called “We Reminisce Over You,” featuring underappreciated cuts people may have forgotten or maybe have never heard

Bossa More and So Much Nova: Bossa Nova and So Much More con DJ JohnTapscott y DJ MadCow

Life is Good: yiddish folk music with DJ Boots Lobell

Don’t Paint Your Teeth: Out as Possible with DJ Boots Lobell

NineteenNinety Twee: 90s + contemporary twee pop w/ DJ Blight Eyes & DJ Pop Vultur

Ladies Nite: electronic music by women & queer producers with DJ Utopian Fallopian

Infinite Space: classic prog rock with DJ Knitted Socks

The Wavelength: 90s trance + other dreamy house music with DJ Decalcify + DJ Afterglow

Peep the Program Guide for showtimes and get ready to be amazed. These are some talented DJs, sensitive music curators, and wonderful people. We’ve been so lucky to have their shows over the past years and we’ll be so sad to see them go.

Do any of the above images resonate with you? Can you see yourself in them? Imagine broadcasting the sounds of your heart (and vocal cords) at 3400 watts to 5 states, and also anywhere in the world over the web. Imagine you’re having fun and feeling really proud because that’s what it feels like to be a DJ (trust me I’d know). Ready to make this dream a reality? Well, you’re in luck:

WVKR will be holding interviews for new shows!

Saturday, May 21 – Friday, May 27

Interested in applying? Here’s what you have to do:

1. Come up with an idea for a 1-hour weekly show. It’ll be a freeform music or talk show, with a few stipulations. Music shows have to be based around a genre (e.g. 70s feminist acapella), NOT a theme (e.g. my least favorite songs); the more specific the genre the better. If you’re planning a talk show, think about the topics you want to address, how you’ll structure your episodes, whether you’d like to hold interviews, if so with whom, etc.
2. Make a “pilot episode” – for music, an hour-long playlist of your genre, and for talk, a sample episode. Keep “Top 40” hit songs and artists from the past 20 years off your playlists (and off your show) – if it sounds like the Billboard charts or a Hot 100 commercial radio station, it won’t vibe with our commitment to independent and underrepresented music.
3. Email programdirector@wvkr.org and schedule a 15-minute interview some time between Saturday, May 21- and Friday, May 27. You can also bring a “piece of you” show-and-tell kinda item if you wanna get personal. Interviews are held in the station lounge, on the 3rd floor of the College Center in Main Building at Vassar College. Feel free to ask in your email if you need more specific directions.

I can’t wait to hear your cool ideas :’)

-Asprey, Program Director ’16-’17

Hello loyal listeners! Whew, it’s been a while…

…Time really flies, as they say, especially these few fleeting years we call “The College Years.” As the trees bloom, and then get snowed on, and then (hopefully) bloom again, we’re reminded of our own endings and new beginnings here at WVKR. With that in mind, it’s my pleasure to bring you…

THE SOUND OF AN ERA

(a new reboot of an old series)

Our new/old blog series celebrates our most special student DJs: the seniors in their last year at Vassar, and the babies in their first year at WVKR. Each week, we’ll bring you a few words from one of our oldest or our youngest in the hopes that you’ll give ’em a listen before they fly the nest :’) 

So without wasting any time, I’d like to present to you with our first feature:

International Rap Battle joined us Fall 2015 with one mission in mind: to find the world’s best in hip hop and bring it to our lil station in Poughkeepsie. On DJ Pan Am‘s stage, nations compete to claim the title of the home of the greatest rappers. It would truly be a better world if all foreign policy was conducted in this format, under the impartial judgement of the United Nations Hip Hop Association, every Saturday from 2am-3am.

We sat down with DJ Pan Am to hear the latest from his travels.

WVKR: Your show’s taken you all around the world, musically speaking. What areas of the world do you find yourself returning to, and what hip hop scenes have yet to be explored?
DJ Pan Am: I consistently find myself coming back to French and Francophone hip-hop. The French were definitely early adopters of American hip-hop music as well as culture and yet they manage to totally have their own feel for the music. On the other hand, there are countries like Turkey that don’t have a super large hip-hop scene, but definitely have a language that lends itself to rapping. As for things to explore in the future, I’d like to spend more time listening to South American, Middle Eastern, and North African hip-hop: I know for a fact that there is excellent hip-hop that comes from almost every culture in the world, sometimes it’s just harder to find than others.

WVKR: What can you learn about a country from listening to hip hop from there?
DJ Pan Am: Hip-hop serves as the voice of disenfranchised peoples everywhere, so if you want to learn about and understand parts of a culture that wouldn’t by just looking a the normal pop culture, look to the hip-hop.

WVKR: If Bulgaria and Vietnam went head to head in an international rap competition, who would win?
DJ Pan Am: I’m not that familiar with the hip-hop from Vietnam, but my money would be on Bulgaria – they have some super dope rappers, like Upsurt and Santra (check ’em out below). Don’t be surprised if you see this as match-up on the next season of IRB.

WVKR: What’s the best thing you’ve eaten in Poughkeepsie?
DJ Pan Am: Hmmmm… I gotta go with the Banh Mi at Saigon Café, but that might be because I just really like Vietnamese sandwiches.

WVKR: What’s it like being in the studio late at night/early in the morning?
DJ Pan Am: I love it. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’d prefer to broadcast at time when more people were listening, but there’s nothing like feeling like you’re the only one awake on campus and jamming out wacky world hip-hop at full volume :) .

Don’t forget to check out International Rap Battle with DJ Pan Am every Saturday at 2am!

On Friday, April 22nd, 2016, in an effort to amplify voices and identities typically underrepresented in electronic and hip-hop, WVKR presents a series of workshops, a panel, and performances by four talented musicians. We aim to teach, empower, and inspire the Vassar music scene to work towards a more inclusive future. Please note, workshops will be capped at 20 students, and priority is given to those who identify as female, queer, non-cis or non-binary.  Sign up here: http://goo.gl/forms/Rcs934X2ml. The panel and the performances are open to all.

4:00-5:30pm: Workshops (descriptions below); sign up here: http://goo.gl/forms/Rcs934X2ml

6:00-7:00pm: Panel with Artists and on-campus DJs/musicians

10:00pm-1:00am: Performance in the Mug 

The Workshops: http://goo.gl/forms/Rcs934X2ml

Ivy Sole will hold a workshop on writing songs and the idea of “memory” and how it informs and inspires the lyrics.

Stud1nt will lead a workshop on strategies for approaching electronic production in Ableton, focusing on methods of beginning and ending a track. This will be done in a collaborative style. Basic familiarity with any DAW (digital audio workstation) is suggested (Ableton, Garageband, Logic, Reason, etc). 

Aurora Halal will teach a hands-on workshop for live mixing with CDJ’s.

Doss: Electronic music; more details shortly.

The Artists:

Ivy Sole is a multidisciplinary artist from Charlotte, NC & based in Philadelphia. Her primary medium is music, specifically hip hop. Using a production style reminiscent of boom bap’s hey day with a twist, she combines her love of storytelling, indie rock, and soul to create a familiar, yet distinct style all her own. In addition to her solo work, she also makes music in a collective called Indigold, whose Home EP is the first of the group’s releases. Her debut project Eden is available for download on 4/12. https://soundcloud.com/ivy-sole 

Stud1nt is a producer and DJ from Queens. Her mixing is known to be uncompromisingly hard-hitting and dynamic, combining discordance with danceability. She is part of the New York-based queer music collective, KUNQ. https://soundcloud.com/stud1nt

Aurora Halal is a New York-based musician, event producer and visual artist. She is the creator of NYC’s underground party series Mutual Dreaming, and co-creator of Sustain-Release, a 700-person music and arts festival in Upstate NY. Since 2011 she has been touring the US and Europe, performing live music and visuals at festivals, universities and respected clubs. All her projects use immersive, experimental and non-commercial approaches to powerful effect. https://soundcloud.com/itsallhalal

DOSS is a New York-based DJ and producer whose dreamy and ethereal self-titled EP (2014) crystallized the emergence of “alt-trance.” Describing her sound as “emotional dance music,” DOSS’ dynamic live sets seamlessly combine her own material with house classics, thumping techno, and fresh sounds reminiscent of PC Music, to create a truly euphoric dance floor experience. http://www.dossworld.net/ https://soundcloud.com/doss

According to James, Music Director

1. Pinegrove – Cardinal [Run for Cover]
   Must listen / Perfect songwriting / That is all I will say

2. Lust For Youth ­– Compassion [Sacred Bones]
   New Order-influenced europop that will make you feel cool perhaps

3. Essaie Pas ­– Demain est une autre nuit [DFA]
   Francophile minimal goth techno YOU’RE WELCOME

4. Jesu/Sun Kil Moon – Jesu/Sun Kil Moon [Calo Verde/Rough Trade]
   Pseudo(?)-sensitive 49 y/o man reads from diary while 46 y/o dad plays industrial guitar and/or ambient music beneath said musings.

5. Puce Mary – The Spiral [Posh Isolation]
   HELP

6. Cellars ­– Phases [Manifesto]
   80’s jams produced by Ariel Pink: dark disco for days//cash for chill

7. Sound of Ceres – Nostalgia for Infinity [Joyful Noise]
   Spa music

8. Wild Nothing ­– Life of Pause [Captured Tracks/Bella Union]
   Worth the wait, WN delivers us a diverse record full of beautiful gems

9. Explosions in the Sky – The Wilderness [Temporary Residence Limited/Bella Union]
   Pretty songs that each rise from ash within the span of about 5:00 min

10. Teen – Love Yes [Carpark]
    Like a dancy Cocteau Twins, but with intelligible lyrics

Saturday, April 23, from 10AM to 3PM, we are hosting our annual Record Fair in Main building on Vassar’s campus! This fair is open to the public and should be a lot of fun. See http://www.wvkr.org/recordfair/ for more information.

http://wvkr.radioactivity.fm/

When the numbers on the clock changed to 12:00 and our calendars switched from Monday the 14th to Tuesday the 15th, WVKR’s 2015 Pledge Drive officially came to a close. The students and faculty that make up WVKR’s executive staff just wanted to issue to our listeners an enormous thank you, for all the loyalty you’ve shown this station, through your financial contributions, through your patronage. Your support for WVKR, Poughkeepsie’s commercial-free and fiercely independent radio station, helps fuel us through these bitter Hudson Valley winters and your pledges are the reason we can remain free from the grips of commercial radio. Thank you. We can’t thank you enough.

yours,

Luke Dowker (promotions director) and the rest of WVKR executive staff

Hello Listeners,

The most important week of the year is almost here! Pledge Drive 2015 is from Tuesday, September 8th until Monday, September 14th. To make a donation, you may call us at (845) 437-7178, or print out a mail-in form (click here!).

Donating to WVKR helps us continue our mission to provide the community with quality, independent programming. As a non-commercial station, we depend on our listeners to keep us running. Your pledge allows us to make necessary repairs and upgrades to station equipment, as well as pay for various licenses and fees required to broadcast. Additionally, if you elect to take no premiums, your entire pledge is tax deductible! If you do receive premiums, the surplus of your pledge is tax-deductible. It is also a great opportunity to take advantage of your employing company’s matching grant program.

Below is the premium grid for this year’s Pledge Drive. Your contribution to the station is greatly appreciated, and as a token of thanks, we send back merchandise with every pledge.

For $1.00 – $24.99, you will receive a vintage sticker (designs will vary).

For $25.00 – $49.99, you will receive a vintage sticker and 2015 bookbag.

For $50.00 – $74.99, you will receive a vintage sticker and 2015 t-shirt.

For $75.00 – $99.99, you will receive a vintage sticker, 2015 t-shirt, and 2015 bookbag.

For $100.00 – $149.99, you will receive all of the above AND a grab bag of vintage promotional items.

For $150.00+, you will receive all of the above AND an EXTENDED grab bag of vintage promotional items.

See our 2015 design, t-shirts, and book bags below (click the images to view them larger):

Best regards,

Kathryn Marshall

General Manager ’15-’16