Ella Fitzgerald at the Downbeat Club, NYC, 1949. Picture credit: Smithsonian

Perhaps you remember my first blog awhile back telling you about my other gig – besides my library gig that is.  That other gig is the host of a local radio show playing music.  In this follow-up blog I’d like to go into a little more detail about my show.  But fair warning!  I have an ulterior motive in doing this.  My purpose is to make you want to become a listener. I love attracting new listeners, and you are no exception!  Now that you know that, please proceed to learn more about Jack the DJ and his show Swing’s the Thing . . .

Let’s make this a Who, What, Where, When, Why piece.  I think the subject lends itself nicely to this format.

Who – Jack McAvoy on radio station WRDV

What — A radio show, actually two shows, the first called Swing’s the Thing and the second Rock & Roll’s the Thing

Where – Our broadcast studio is located in Hatboro, PA at the intersection of York & Byberry Roads.  Where we’re located on the radio dial is 89.3 FM. This is the best frequency for the area where UDPL is located.   We also have different dial locations for Philadelphia and Lower Bucks Co.  And we are located on the Internet at wrdv.org for a live stream of all programming with good, strong reception.

When – The station goes 24/7 day and night.  My show is aired every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:30. The first three hours are devoted to the Big Band and Swing music of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s primarily.   Count on hearing the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, The Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and so many more artists.  Then from 6:00-6:30 we shift gears for a half hour of Golden Oldies – the music of the late 50s and the early 60s– always based on a particular theme.  So I get to enjoy the best of both genres – and you can too!

Why – The philosophy of WRDV is we keep this great music alive with our programming.  Why I continue to do a weekly show is because it’s a challenge, and it’s fun!

Now let me tell you a little more about Swing’s the Thing.  Each week I include three special features during the show in addition to playing lots of great old songs.  The first comes along just before 4:00 and is dubbed “The 1920s Twice” when I play two straight songs from that long-ago decade.  Then at 4:30 you get an in-depth back-story of an artist or group plus at least 3 of their songs in a feature called “Performer Spotlight.”  Finally, when 5:00 rolls around, it’s time to take a sentimental look back to the music of World War 2, with a different theme each week, during a feature I call “World War 2 Soundtrack.”  Trust me when I tell you that my library skills come in handy because research plays a big, big part in my show!

I hope you’ll give the station and, of course, my show a try!  And if you do, let me know when you see me in the library.  Thank you, and best wishes for the Holidays.