88.1-FM WYCE radio

Programmer Profile: Sherry C

E/O Saturday 10AM-12PM

Sherry moved from Detroit in the early 90's to pursue a career in commercial radio. She found WYCE while searching the radio dial. Soon  after she met Wendy Allen who talked her into taking the programming class. Sherry took the programming class back in 1994. She programmed until 2000 and then took a seven year break. She came back in 2007 and has been programming ever since.

As for her show, Sherry likes to play everything. Her tastes lean towards Contemporary Jazz, Folk, and Singer-Songwriters. She loves playing requests because it opens the doors to music for her. Sherry worked in commercial radio for 13 years for Clear Channel and currently works part-time for them. Working in commercial radio has made her really appreciate WYCE and the music they support.

Sherry truly loves the people at WYCE and how involved the station is with the community. She feels lucky and glad to have a chance to volunteer here at the station. In her spare time Sherry digs karaoke, hanging with friends, and playing Texas holdem.

Programmer Profile: Steve O

Fridays 9PM-Midnight

Steve O began programming at WYCE in 2007. He has been listening to WYCE since its inception back in 1987. He tried several times to get into the programing class and on his forth try he got in. Soon after finishing the class, he got the Friday night slot and has been doing it ever since.

As for setting up his show Steve O plans out his first set, then lets the show go from there. He implements all genres of music leaving room for lots of new music and requests. His musical taste leans toward the Blues and Rock genres. WYCE has opened the doors to lots of new music for him. He enjoys how WYCE promotes local artists and gives local musicians a chance. This is evident with the "Jammies" which showcase's the regions best talent. One of Steve O's most memorable moments was when his programming class got to do live radio.  Each person got to program 20 minutes and he remembers it as the "Train wreck Class".

By day, Steve O is the Parts and Service manager at a local RV Dealership. In the summertime he enjoys racing sailboats and in the winter you can find him on the slops of Cannonsburg patrolling and teaching skiing.

Show: New Standards with Troy and Tricia

Sundays 6-8pm

New Standards is dedicated to playing the newest music here at WYCE. Almost all the music that Troy and Tricia play has yet to hit the music shelf. A lot of the music comes from the internet and is new, only 6-8 weeks old at most. The music showcased is somewhat dance-y, has indie feel sometimes, and a pop flavor not normally found in the mainstream. The show hopes to introduce new, on the breaking edge music, to the WYCE listeners. Troy and Tricia have know each-other since college, worked together at the Grand Rapids Press, and are great friends to this day.

Programmer Profile: Troy

Troy began programming at WYCE in October of 2013. With WYCE's great ties with the local music scene and Troy being a local musician, it didn't take long for him to become aware of the station's presence.

Troy used to work for the Grand Rapids Press as a reviewer of musicians and bands. In his day job, Troy manages the music library for AMI Entertainment. The company develops cutting-edge entertainment solutions for bars and restaurants; this comes in the form of jukeboxes and Tap TV.  He also works one day a week at Vertigo Music with its website and stocking the inventory. 

One of Troy's favorite things about WYCE is turning people onto new music and loves getting their feedback. He also enjoys curating a show devoted to the newest music. He likes how influential WYCE is on the local music economy here in Michigan. In his spare time Troy likes making music, reading, acquiring vinyl, and playing Tennis.  

Programmer Profile: Tricia

Tricia also began programming at WYCE in October of 2013. She first found out about WYCE in 2002 while working at the Grand Rapids Press. She did a story about the "Jammies" and began listening soon there after.

Tricia works for the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, a non-profit organization here in town. The organization advocates for making Grand Rapids more bicycle-friendly and raising awareness for bicycle safety. As for music Tricia has a taste for rock music. Some of her favorites include Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, and Future Islands.

Programmer Profile: Jenna

E/O Sunday 3:00PM-6:00PM

Jenna first learned about WYCE at the annual WYCE Record Sale. She worked at the Fund Drive and soon took the programming class. She has been programming at WYCE for a little over a year now and loves it!

As for music she enjoys the Rock and Folk sections of the library. She's learning a lot about the Jazz and Blues library. She loves playing requests because without the listener support there wouldn't be a WYCE. As for setting up her show, she plans out her first set to have a little structure. She enjoys playing from the new music section, utilizing the new shift editor program, and dusting off and playing CD's that haven't been played in a while.

As for her day job, Jenna works 6 days a week at St. Mary Magdalen Church located in Kentwood. Coming to WYCE and hearing music other that hymns is great for her. She enjoys hanging out with people her own age at WYCE and playing great music. Programming at WYCE is her hobby.

Programmer Profile: C. Alan

Monday 7:00AM-9:00AM

C. Alan has been programming at WYCE since 2004. He has been listening to WYCE for many years now. He first learned about becoming a volunteer programmer at a Hat Trick Series. A friend encouraged him to take the programming class and he's been programing ever since.

He started out doing an overnight show on Monday mornings from 3:00am until 5:30am, but soon moved to the 7:00am-9:00am shift where he's been for 8 years. As for setting his show up he likes to play half new music and half old music. Programming at WYCE keeps him up to date and fluent in music. C. Alan has always loved Rock music and is also a fan of Country, Folk, and the mid to late 70's Punk music movement. His first experience with radio came when he was a student programmer at Grand Valley's radio station WSRX now called WGVU.

"WYCE offers a source of alternative perspectives on music that you don't get in mass media today", according to C. Alan. He enjoys how the internet has opened a new world of music as well. He also loves the emphasis WYCE puts on local music. This is evident with how the "Jammies" have exploded since it began. By day he is a controller for a construction company called Midwest Geo Thermal. C. Alan enjoys playing Volley Ball by the Beach in the summertime as well as shooting Billiards.

Programmer Profile: Alan Davis aka "The Kindly Old Mr. Tilapia"

Tuesdays 7AM-9AM

Mr. Tilapia first took the programming class at WYCE back in 1999. His first showtime was on Saturdays from 12AM-3AM once a month in the year 2000. A few years later he began doing the Tuesday morning show from 7AM-9AM and has been doing it ever since.

Mr. Tilapia first began listening to WYCE back when it was Wyoming Community Radio. As for his show on Tuesday mornings, he loves playing Folk and Rock music, but once in the studio he'll play anything. He also enjoys playing soundtracks from his favorite films. Mr. Tilapia loves programming at WYCE and discovering new artists on the way. He enjoys how each programmer brings diversity to the station.

By day, he works with physicians and training them how to analyze their work (Research Support). Mr. Tilapia's hobbies include: programming, tennis, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Oh Yeah, you're probably wondering where the name "Mr. Tilapia" came from. He worked with that type of fish in graduate school and the name stuck.

Programmer Profile: John VanDeusen "Deuzer"

Subs on Fridays 6PM-9PM and E/O Sunday 10AM-Noon "In The Spirit"

John VanDeusen more commonly known around the station as "Duezer" has been a programmer at WYCE since 2006. A long time listener, he first volunteered answering phones at Fund Drive. 

Duezer first began listening to WYCE back in 1994, his friend Amy from Art Of the Table turned him onto it. Currently, Duezer substitutes for his friend Victoria on Friday nights. Fridays are his goof ball night where he can sit back and have fun.  He also does "In The Spirit" on Sunday mornings. This show has lots of responsibility and can be a very serious show at times. On many occasions he has callers call in with a crisis in their lives. At times he feels almost like a social worker, but wouldn't trade it for nothing. The show is a journey through the spiritual side of music.

WYCE has helped Duezer through rough times in his life. He feels that programming at WYCE is the one thing he does right. He loves the listener support and to him the listeners and volunteers at the station are his family. Earlier this year Duezer had a brush with death, He was so thankful for the community support that came to his side.

Duezer enjoys all music but is particularly fond of Blues and Rock. He loves the local side of WYCE and the concerts they promote. He also enjoys searching for music and finding something else in addition. His hobbies include: Horticulture, spending time with his children, kayaking, hiking, and listening to music.

Programmer: Cassie Leigh

Shift: Friday @ Midnight

Cassie Leigh was part of one of the best intern staffs ever at WYCE, participating in our recent promotion of "The 881," this programmer profile project, and producing our weekly Concert Calendar. I caught her at the end of recording her first midnight shift, which will air this Friday, May 19.

MJ: How'd your first midnight show go?

CL: It was good!

MJ: 3 hours.

CL: Whew!

MJ: That's like a whole half hour more than that 3am show.

CL: Yeah. Get to fill it in with more of my favorite tunes.

MJ: Like what?

CL: (referencing the song currently playing) Well, Alabama Shakes, of course. I really like the new Thickest Thieves.

MJ: That's a local band. Have you heard em before.

CL: No, I hadn't! Not until they entered our library and now I really, really like it. I like their sound a lot.

MJ: Alright, I'll check that out. I see you've got Future Islands there, did you go see that show?

CL: I did go see their show. Very inspiring.

MJ: Did you play any Fitz & The Tantrums today?

CL: Not today! But their show last night was awesome.

MJ: So you've been an intern here for a while. What brought you over to YCE?

CL: The music and sense of community and the ability to share music with the community.

MJ: You've done some broadcast stuff before.

CL: Yeah, I did some news broadcasting in high school, so I'm comfortable speaking about things but I've never really incorporated the music with it.

MJ: That's a good opportunity. Doing a little writing..

CL: Yeah!

MJ: Didn't you study some of this stuff at university?

CL: I am. I'm looking at different schools in the area that offer broadcasting.

MJ: Could it be any better than YCE, though? Could you learn any more?

CL: um...maybe..but I doubt it.

MJ: So you're gonna stick and stay even though your internship commitment is pretty much fulfilled? Stay on as a volunteer?

CL: Well, yeah! I can't leave now. It's way too much fun.

MJ: So in real life what's going on?

CL: In real life, I'm a waitress at a bar just down the street from the station and a student.

MJ: What's been the most memorable thing about being at YCE so far?

CL: Live in-studio performances, being able to be present in a small, intimate setting with different artists that come in here. I guess my highlight was when I got to interview an artist, The Carboys.

MJ: What do you remember about that?

CL: Most of it I don't really remember because I was so nervous and excited at the same time but I remember being able to make them laugh.

MJ: You did make them laugh?

CL: I did.

MJ: Well then you won the interview. I haven't won this interview yet because I haven't made you laugh.

CL: hahah

Programmer Profile: Mike Scot

British Infusion Sundays 8PM-10PM

While driving down 28th Street one night, Mike was listening to a station that was playing the Sex Pistols. That station was 88.1 WYCE. He began as a programmer in 1998 and did drive time radio on Tuesdays from 3PM-6PM.

About five years ago Mike had an idea for a show that had been brewing in his head for years. A lover of British Music and hailing from across the sea, Mike brought his idea to the table. In his own words Mike describes The British Infusion, “We take a serious look at the best of and roots of british blue’s and rock going back to the likes of John Mayall, Alexis Korner,and play some rare tracks that you will not hear anywhere else.” The show is sponsored by the Corner Record Shop in Grandville and is the longest sponsored show ever on WYCE. 

Mike is a fan of Rock n Roll, Blues, and Jazz music. It turns out he is allergic to commercial Country Music. By day, he is a High Speed Packaging Engineer. His enjoys plucking around on the guitar. His favorite thing about WYCE is how the station gets people to open their minds to new music that isn’t the mainstream. Mike is extremely knowledgeable on music and his stories on Rock N Roll are 2nd to none.

*CHECK OUT THE BRITISH INFUSION* Sundays 8PM-10PM

Programmer Profile: Chet aka Chet Dog X aka ChetterBug aka Chetterlicious

Sub

Chet began programming on WYCE in the early 2000’s. A friend of his was a programmer at the station and turned him onto the station. Eventually he became interested in radio and took a community education class in radio.

Chet has been in and around radio for many years now. He first was a volunteer at WNMC in Traverse City and later worked at 88.5 WGVU here in Grand Rapids. He hosted the weekend blues show from 96-99 and also did a late night Jazz show as well. He first began programming at WYCE in 2001 and did a morning show from 9AM-Noon until 2004. He took a few years off and came back in 2007 for a Thursday Noon-3PM show until 2011. As of right now he is a substitute programmer.

As for music Chet enjoys all genres, but is particularly fond of Roots music in Blues, Rockabilly, and Jazz. As for creating his show, he sets up the first set and fills in the rest from that point on. Chet loves playing songs that haven’t been played in years.

Some of his favorite things about WYCE include the sharing of knowledge on music and culture; bringing up topics you would never hear on big platform media; and musical freedom WYCE offers. Chet is a Computer Support Technician. He enjoys playing sports such as Basketball, Softball, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Programmer Profile: Roy Z

Every Other Sunday 12AM-3AM

Roy Z has been a part of WYCE since 2003, but a listener since 1988. He discovered WYCE driving a truck back and forth across the state of Michigan. “I would pass down through west Michigan and click through stations and 88.1 would have me saying ‘Hey, I like this song… Oh I like this one too! I was hooked.” Roy became a regular listener when he moved to Grand Rapids in 1996. “I always questioned ‘How come they never play so-and-so or this guy?’ I got my answer when I was able to see the vast library we have. I know a lot about music and this place makes me want to learn even more.” Roy says he used to be much more experimental with his playlist pulls but over the years has “gotten a bit lazier” focusing on the plethora of new music added to WYCE’s library weekly. He tends to lean toward electronic rhythmic instrumentals and singer-songwriter music. He is a fan of our sister radio stations KEXP Seattle and WFPK Louisville. Nowadays Roy buys produce for Gerber and enjoys gardening, plants, travel, music, and his children.

Programmer Profile: Capt'n Kurt

Wednesday 9pm-Midnight

Capt'n Kurt has been programming at WYCE for 21 years and enjoys every show he's done. "I've always been a left-of-the-dial listener," he says, "and WYCE gives me a chance to be creative."

When asked about some of his all-time favorites or new favorite artists that have come through the station, Kurt shook his said and acknowledges how tough of a question that is. With all the music out there, Kurt archives music by putting it on his iPod, which gives him the opportunity to hear things as they come up by putting it on shuffle. As I sat in, a set included a diverse stretch of music from artists like Rented Mule, Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, and Quaye Finley. Kurt says while other programmers may use their program or the time slot it's in to dictate what music to play or come up with themes, he usually just tries to stick with playing music he likes and tunes that listeners may have not been introduced to before.

His favorite part about WYCE is getting feedback from listeners, either calling in or online, and the opportunity to get music out there that wouldn't get played otherwise. In his spare time, Kurt is a big reader (he is currently reading Night Film, and always appreciates Stephen King "on the trashy side" of things), a self-proclaimed computer nerd, and craft beer connoisseur.

Programmer Profile: Lila

Wednesday 9PM-12AM

Lila began her programming career at WYCE in 2002. At the time she was looking for a hobby and thought of trying it out. Fast forward 12 years and she still programs and loves it.

As for her show, Lila gets to the studio 10-15 minutes before her show. She begins the show with lots of new music from the library. As the show progresses she fills it out with old favorites. Lila is partial to the Folk and Rock genres. One of her favorites from the folk genre is the local sensation The Crane Wives. She also enjoys venturing into world beat for she has a passion for African music. She also likes the local music aspect of WYCE. She has gotten to know lots of local musicians and digs the interaction.

By day, Lila is a Social Worker, she teaches at Ferris State University up in Big Rapids, and runs a refugee support program. Her hobbies include Yoga, Gardening, and Baking. She also is a avid drummer. She plays the Djembe (a drum of West African origin) and the Conga (a drum of Afro-Caribbean origin). Lila's favorite things about WYCE are the variety of the music and the mystery of what song is next.

Oh yeah, she is also married to everyone's favorite Program Director at WYCE: Matt Jarrells!!!

Programmer Profile: Shawn

Thursdays 12AM-3AM

Shawn began programming at WYCE in May of 2009. He has been a devoted listener to the station for a long time. Back in 1999, Shawn moved to El Paso, TX and prior to moving he made a point of listening to "El Mundo Musical". Following moving back to the Michigan region he heard WYCE was looking for programers. He called up and got into the programming class.

As for his show, Shawn completes 1/3 of his show from home using the WYCE library, the next third comes from the WYCE library while he's in studio, and the last third is new music to the station. On an average week Shawn puts about 9 hours into his 3 hour show. Before coming to the station, Shawn thought he had a handle on the Blues, Rock, and Jazz genres. It didn't take long for him to realize how wide the genre's spanned. He enjoys the variety the station brings to the airwaves.

Some of Shawn's favorite things about WYCE include the great people, the music and the passion they share for the two. He also enjoys how WYCE drives the local music scene as well as how WYCE gives local bands the opportunity to get their music out there. Shawn works at a Tool & Die Shop. He enjoys traveling, cars, programming at WYCE, and going to concerts.

Programmer Profile: Riley

Mondays 9pm-12am

Riley has been a programmer at WYCE since March of 2011. She got invited to do programming by Matt Jarrells after working a Fund Drive. She has been listening to WYCE for a long time because its a great alternative from traditional Top 40 radio.

Riley began doing overnights on Thursday mornings from 3-5:30am, but now trades off every other Monday with Ruby. She enjoys discovering new songs/artists in the vast WYCE library. She uses the stick method for setting her show up, which she credits Deuzer for the idea; the method involves using sticks to keep count on genres to keep it equal. Riley is partial to Jazz and Folk music. She also likes how involved WYCE is with local music here in the community.

By day, Riley is a Graphic Artist and she's been doing it for 30 years. In her spare time Riley plays Viola and is a part of the St. Cecilia Grand String Orchestra. She also loves knitting, sailing, and hanging out with her companion Lady.

Programmer Profile: Matthew

Every other Saturday 9pm-12am

Matthew began programming for WYCE in 2002 while searching for an outlet for his love of music. He enjoys the ability to learn about new music and to share this new music with the listeners of West Michigan. "Hearing it first is a cool privilege that we have. From Grammy award winners to critically acclaimed music, some of that starts right here." The sense of community we have at WYCE is also one of his favorite parts about being a programmer, "We're all very passionate about the same thing- music. You can tell that our listeners are too, just from the phone calls that we get and the immense support during fund drives." In real life, Matthew is an Operations Manager, Husband, and Father.

Programmer Profile: Mark "Smitty" Smith

Thursdays 7AM-9AM

Being the President of The West Michigan Blues Society brought Mark Smith many joys, including WYCE. He began programming in 2000, starting at the Monday 3-6pm slot. Through the "Hat Trick" Concert Series Mark was able to meet & Interview artists that would go on to play at the One Trick Pony that night while being filmed by GRTV. "Paul Thorne was a great interview. He was the son of a Pentecostal minister and a boxer before writing music."

Mark reviews blues albums for the station and aims towards playing new music during his shows. "After 14 years you look for way to expand your sound... Only thing i know to begin is a particular artist or song. I don't hear most of my show because I'm Hunting for the next track as I go along."