On-Air Hosts: Bob Bumbera

Weekdays - News and Sports on XPN's Morning Show

Here's the Top Ten Things, and then some, that you might not know about Bob Bumbera.

Born and raised in

Born in Cumberland, MD, lived in Downingtown, PA till I was 7 yrs old. Moved to Folsom, NJ (just south of Hammonton) from 1972 until 1983 when I went to college.

First Record Purchased

It was either Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or Kiss' Destroyer. I do know both were 8-track cartridges!

First Concert

1979, Billy Joel Glass Houses tour in Philly at The Spectrum.

Bands you've played in

None officially, but I have made several "singing cameao/karaoke appearances" during my life, most recently with my good friend John Spencer's band "Nervous Rex" @ Yeats Pub in Ardmore, PA

Musician you were was most excited to meet

Michael Macdonald (Doobie Brothers) Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow

Favorite Local Bands

Several... The Hooters, Beru Revue, Tommy Conwell & Young Rumblers, Johnny O & The Classic Dogs of Love.

All Time Favorite Bands/Artists

U2, Patty Griffin, Rolling Stones, Smithereens, Otis Redding, Sly & the Family Stone.

Favorite Movie

Don't just have one... but several of the classics, of course: The Natural, The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, and recently, I loved In Bruges.

How You Got into Radio

I decided in college that it was a mistake to try and pursue a career in engineering & decided to go after a career that I thought would be enjoyable to wake up to every morning. Volunteered at WKDU radio @ Drexel University. and started writing and reading the news.

Weirdest Boss

I once had a boss who thought I should make "Bob Bomber" my radio name. I decided to keep my real name, Bob Bumbera (many people think it's Bob Umbera from the way I say it on-air).

Favorite People

In addition to my wife and three children... my extended family at XPN, of course!

Three things you don't know about me

1. Got my big break in Philadelphia radio from "Mr. Invincible" himself and former Philadelphia Eagles great Vince Papale, whom I'm still friends with.
2. Used to really enjoy (and was fairly decent at) playing saxophone.
3. I was an intern for John DeBella and the late Mark "The Shark" Drucker for WMMR's "The Morning Zoo" in the early/mid 80's in Phila.

Previous jobs

Have worked at several radio/tv stations including 950am WPEN, Sportsradio 610 WIP, 1580 WTYO, WMGM-TV 40 Atlantic City. I was a bartender & bouncer for several years in order to maintain my “radio habit.” I also labored in concrete construction & installed fiberglass installation over the summer (real blast) & worked at a farm, packing peaches & tomatoes.

College

Drexel University 1983-1988

What you do in your spare time?

Coach my kids in their respective activities: soccer, baseball, basketball. Really like dedicating some time to the gym every week and once in a while I play golf.

Bob's Best of 2009 List from XPN's 2009 Year In Review

On-Air Hosts: Tracey Tanenbaum

Top 10 Things You Might Not Know About Tracey Tanenbaum

First Record Purchased

Soundtrack to Fiddler on the Roof

First Concert

Aerosmith

Bands you've played in (if any)?

None, but I always got the lead in the musicals at Camp Taconic.

Musicians you were most excited to meet?

Patti Smith, T-Bone Burnett, and Nick Lowe

Favorite Local Bands

Bitter Bitter Weeks, The Dixie Hummingbirds

How did you get into radio?

I got an internship on "Voices in the Family" (formerly called "Family Matters") on WHYY-FM.

All-Time Favorite Bands/Artists

Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Prince, Lucinda Williams, Suzanne Vega, Joseph Arthur, Jim White, Nick Lowe.

Favorite Movies

Godfathers I & II, The Graduate, M, Hannah and Her Sisters, Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Do the Right Thing, Annie Hall

Favorite People

Watch your biases. As the memoirist Colette once said, "Time spent with a cat is never wasted".

Three random things about me

1. I modeled for JCPenney when I was fourteen.
2. I have a gorgeous backhand (in tennis).
3. I go to open houses regardless of whether I'm looking for a home.

Born and raised in?

New York City

College Info

Oberlin College, University of Pennsylvania (graduate school)

What you do in your spare time?

Chase a four-year-old, try to read novels and bathe.

Favorite TV Shows

"Dexter", "Six Feet Under", "Celebrity Chef", "Big Love", "30 Rock", "The Flintstones"

Favorite Books

We Have to Talk about Kevin and Post Birthday World by Lionel Shriver; Memoirs of a Geisha, Interpreter of Maladies (Jhumpa Lahari)... way too many to list!

On Air Hosts: Keith Brand

Sunday Morning Host of Sleepy Hollow

Some Things You Might Not Know About Keith Brand

Keith joined Sleepy Hollow in 1998 says Sleepy Hollow "is the sound of people who intensively love music." "From Bach to Beck and back" is the phrase Samantha Sullivan (host 1998-2009) came up with to describe the show. A hallmark of the show is the programming themes which allow the hosts to program and weave together a wide variety of artists and songs. Keith does a weekly Soundtrack feature at 9am.

Rowan University
Keith is an Associate Professor of Radio/TV/Film at Rowan University. Professor Brand teaches Radio Broadcasting I and Television Production I.

He received his Masters in Education from Temple University, and his B.F.A. from West Virginia University.

His interests include community media, low power FM, and regulation of the media. Keith was the artistic director of the Seven Stars Music Festival, and is a member of a local band called "The HIX." Here's a description of the band:

"The primary element that holds The Hix together is the deep affection they all share for the traditional music of the rural American South, called Old-Time Music. Prior to the formation of The Hix, each band member discovered, on his own, the beautiful scratchy sound, the festivals, and the wonderful community of people, both young and old, that play this music. From either word of mouth, instruction book, recordings, radio, or television, each band member responded instinctively to the expressive nature of the old-time sound. By the time The Hix formed, each member had roughly 20 years of traditional playing experience under their belts. Given this rich background, The Hix arrive on the music scene with roots planted firmly in the ground."
(Courtesy of Seven Music Festival website)

The Hix play private parties and local festivals, with Keith on vocals banjo, banjo-uke.

When asked how he feels about doing the show, Sleepy Hollow:
Each Sleepy Hollow host used the term "labor of love" to describe their experience. And that devotion is clear. "I couldn't see myself rising at 4am every Sunday morning," Sullivan says, "if the show didn't speak to my heart." Brand concurs. "It's the best job in radio," he says. And Elliott adds another sentiment, "When it's working, nothing feels better. It is a joy!"

On Air Hosts: Dan Reed

Things You Might Not Know About Dan Reed, Host of Afternoons on XPN

In addition to hosting, Dan is Operations Manager and Music Director for WXPN. From our interview with Dan, here's the inside scoop on Dan Reed.

Let's Start with music and the first record you purchased.

I'm not 100% sure about this one, was probably a Monkees album with my Christmas money one year... I do recall buying Lou Reed's Sally Can't Dance album at a Rink's department store in my hometown of Hamilton, Ohio when I was in 7th grade – I had saved my grass cutting money.

Who did you see at your First Concert?

I saw The Banana Splits live at Coney Island in Cincinnati when I was 7 or 8, but my first "real" concert experience was Gary Wright, Manfred Mann's Earth Band & Robert Palmer at Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, circa 1976.

What bands have you played in?

I've been the singer in a few you've never heard of...

Musician you were was most excited to meet?

I'd have to say the aforementioned Lou Reed... I got to meet him just a year ago or so after one of his Berlin concerts in Brooklyn. He was rather surly and uncommunicative, just as I had hoped he would be.

Favorite Local Bands

I really like Man Man... they're always very interesting. Dr. Dog have got it goin' on. Ben Arnold is a great songwriter.

How You Got into Radio

My high school had a vocational radio program, and it was all downhill from there. I always wanted to be a disc jockey, so I feel very fortunate that I've been able to end up doing what I wanted to do as a little kid. Except for a five year hiatus in the late 80's when I was in the concert business, I've managed to make a living in radio ever since I graduated from college.

Philadelphia Phantoms Fan

Dan likes to take his son, Max, to both Phantoms and Flyers games. Here's Dan making a stop for a cheese steak before a game at Chubby Steaks in Roxborough talking about the one and only Philly Cheese Steak.

Weirdest Boss

I work in radio... all my bosses have been weird!

All Time Favorite Bands/Artists

The Replacements, Nick Drake, Patti Smith, My Bloody Valentine, Chuck Berry, Lou Reed / The Velvets, James Brown, The Stones, Iggy & The Stooges, John Coltrane, Nirvana, Joni Mitchell, P-Funk, Merle Haggard, The Clash, Peter Tosh, Pretenders, Black Sabbath, My Morning Jacket, tons more...

Favorite Movie

For years now, when people ask me this question, I've always said Midnight Cowboy, so I'll stick to that one - even though Fargo is right up there, as is Godfather II, Office Space, Strangers On A Train, Pulp Fiction, High Noon and Dr. Strangelove.

Favorite People

I've got the greatest family in the world, so it's gotta be Ann, Cale, Cara, Aprile & Max!

Bonus Questions... Dan, where do you hail from?

Hamilton, Ohio, U.S.A.

Previous gigs, other than the infamous Dock Ellis Band

WFPK / Public Radio Partnership – Louisville (prounounced Looville), Ky.
WNCW – Spindale, N.C.
WNKU – Highland Heights, Ky.
WOXY – Oxford, Ohio

College

B.A. / Communications, School of Radio/Television from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio - 1984

Best CDs and Songs of 2009 from XPN's Year In Review

On-Air Hosts

On Air Hosts: David Dye

On-Air Host for World Cafe and Funky Friday

David Dye is a resident of Philadelphia, where he lives with his wife, a newspaper columnist, and their two children.

David launched his broadcasting career as host of a progressive music show on WMMR 93.3FM, a pioneering progressive rock station here in Philadelphia. During his four-year tenure, David won accolades for his taste and laid back presentation. After a five-year stint programming radio stations in Maine, he returned to Philadelphia where he gained public radio experience at WHYY before being recruited in 1981 by alternative rock station WIOQ 102.1 FM where he made his mark on the music scene for nearly a decade.

In 1989, Dye took his musical quest to WXPN where he hosted Sleepy Hollow. Two years later, David was asked to spearhead research on the viability of a new public radio program. The research revealed an audience need for a new kind of musical format - one that was intelligent, diverse and would give musical guests a showcase for their artistic expression. Based on the findings, David went to work to create a unique program of musical discovery where listeners would be introduced to an eclectic blend of contemporary sounds from legendary and up-and-coming artists. World Cafe was born.

Since launching World Cafe in 1991, David has served as its host of this nationally acclaimed show, which is now syndicated on more than 250 public radio stations across the U.S. Every week, Dye brings out the best in interviews with internationally known artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Joni Mitchell.

World Cafe and Dye have received numerous awards including: two NFCB Gold Reel Awards, Album Network's "Best Triple A Air Talent," four Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly Awards," the Philadelphia Chapter of NARA "Hero Award" and numerous radio industry trade magazine citations. In 2006, Dye was named the "Triple A Air Personality of the Year" by Radio & Records.

On Air Hosts: Debra D’Alessandro

On-Air Host for Amazon Country

Things You Might Not Know About Debra D'Alessandro

Born & Raised

Pittsburgh, PA

First Record Purchased

John Denver's Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (1973)

First Concert

Jethro Tull at the Stanley Theater, Pittsburgh, PA

All Time Favorite Bands/Artists

Toshi Reagon and Big Lovely, Sweet Honey in the Rock, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello... never a complete list, so I'll stop there.

Favorite Movie

When Harry Met Sally... I am a sucker for a good romantic comedy.

Musician You were was most excited to meet?

Cris Williamson and Tret Fure

Favorite People

Geez, that's hard. I'll go with people actually in my life, as opposed to the most admired historic figures. Carole Brown, my partner of 16 years Granny (a.k.a. Estes Kathryn Tankersley), my adopted grandmother who passed away in October 2007 at the spry age of 93.

Bands you've played in

No bands, but here are the choirs I've sung in:
Anna Crusis Women's Choir (1993 to 2000) SheWho, (2001 to present)

Favorite Local Bands

Christine Havrilla (christinehavrilla.com)
Cassendre Xavier (cassendrexavier.homestead.com)

How You Got into Radio

I was a longtime fan of Amazon Country, from the Laney Goodmyn days. In 1996, I heard there was a new Amazon Country host, and I faxed her to say I would have loved to audition for her job, but in lieu of that I would be happy to volunteer to help with the show, or lend music (as I had with previous host Elena Bouvier). Bob Bumbera (who was director of Public Affairs Programming at the time) called to tell me that host was temporary and not staying on (I can't for the live of me remember her name), and did I want to apply?

I convinced Bob Bumbera I could translate my experience as a performance poet into radio host skills... and he gave me a try!

Weirdest Boss

That would have to be Bruce Warren!

Three more things you don't know about me

1) I get hiccups several times every day, but have NEVER had them when I'm on stage or on the air.
2) I was a Boy Scout (president of Explorer Scout Post 61... it is a co-ed branch).
3) I have a crush on Rachel Maddow of MSNBC.

Previous jobs, stations

I hosted Philly Live, and then OutLoud, GLBT-themed live call-in talk shows on WYBE-TV (channel 35) from 2000 to 2005. We were the first TV talk show of our kind in the country (other GLBT shows had aired, but never in a live talk format). We were twice nominated for Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.

College:

BS from Temple University, 1986 (Political Science Major, Womens' Studies Minor)
Master of Public Health from Columbia University (Management and Policy concentration), 2008

On-Air Hosts: Chuck Van Zyl

Host, Stars' End

Top 10+ Things You Might Not Know About Star's End Host Chuck van Zyl

Are you currently using prescription medications and/or recreational drugs?

No, just caffeine, by way of coffee.

How old are you?

I was born in the year prior to the launch of the first Sputnik.

What is your height and weight?

I am 6'4" and some distance under 200 lbs.

How is it that you are so thin?

Listening to spacemusic keeps you thin; although it may cause drowsiness. So please be careful if you must operate heavy machinery while tuned in to Star's End!

What do you tell people who accuse you of being too thin?

It takes a lean horse to run a long race.

Where do you come from?

I've always lived in Upper Darby, a working class, inner-ring suburb on the western edge of Philadelphia. I like it just fine. Our (unofficial) current town slogan is "The World in One Zip Code".

Where did you attend college?

In 1974 (after 12 years of public education in the Upper Darby school system) I went on to Delaware County Community College - which is where I first became involved in radio. DCCC had a little carrier current station and I have many fond memories of my years there. I eventually obtained an Associates degree, transferred to Temple University and graduated from there in 1981 with a BA in business.

When did you found Star's End on WXPN?

I did not found Star's End. John Diliberto (host of Echoes) along with another Penn student got the show on the air around 1976. I was an avid XPN listener and entered the station in 1980 as a community volunteer. Soon after the orientation and mentoring process I got a monthly Star's End air shift. At that time there was a rotation of several DJs. As the years passed our numbers dwindled. I've been sole host of Star's End since 1993.

What music makes up the Star's End theme?

The opening theme music is made up of three different pieces:

For the first several seconds of the theme there is a cascade-like synthesizer sound. That part is from the album X by Klaus Schulze. The rising sequencer tone pattern that follows is extracted from the title piece of the album Phaedra by Tangerine Dream. The next part is a languid melody played repeatedly with an organ tone, then drops into the sound of bowed metal sculptures. This is from the album Sonanze by Roberto Cacciapaglia.

This theme has opened the show for over 30 years and represents the idea of mixing several individual pieces of music into a continuous whole, which is the aspiration of Star's End. On another level, this process also demonstrates commonalties between a diverse range of artists and musical styles.

Is the weekly broadcast of Star's End pre-recorded?

No, I am in the studio spinning CDs and LPs all night every week. I think it is a more intimate experience for the listener if they know I'm out there somewhere, staying up late playing all this music for them.

Have you ever fallen asleep on-air while hosting Star's End?

Yes, years ago. But not recently (fingers crossed).

How many record shops have you worked at?

Just one. I worked at Jerry's Records in The Bazaar of All Nations in Clifton Heights, PA for several years during college. The Bazaar was a pretty odd place, but that's what was so great about it.

Where was your press photo taken?

It's a self-timer shot taken in the bathroom at XPN. Who knew there is such good lighting in there?

Of all the motorcycles you've owned, what was your favorite?

I once had a 1983 Harley Davidson XLX Sportster. I bought it new. It was heavy and loud and I used to feel great riding it.

What's it like to be in the Daintree Rainforest at night?

Really incredible! Without a flashlight it is completely dark, except for the starlight that shines down through the jungle canopy - and loud! This place is teeming with life and all the bugs, frogs and other creatures sing like nothing I've ever heard before. The air is cool and damp and tastes fresh. It is something like Eden.

What books have you been reading recently?

The book, This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust has been very good. It looks at the ramifications of the Civil War's massive casualties on America's attitudes toward life, death and faith. I also find interesting, The American Resting Place by Marilyn Yalom, which is an insightful, historical overview of the cemetery movement in the United States.

What are your top five movies?

It's difficult to narrow it down to just five! But here goes:
The Big Lebowski (Hey, careful man, there's a beverage here!)
Apocalypse Now (I wanted a mission, and for my sins hey gave me one)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) (Gort, Klaatu barada niktu)
Cinema Paradiso (Toto!)
The Godfather 1 & 2 (Leave the gun, take the cannolis)
The English Patient (Sezarelm means love)

What bands have you been in?

I became interested in synthesizers shortly after I began presenting Star's End, and been making my own Electronic Music ever since. I've also played out live for at least as many years, recently in the duo "The Ministry of Inside Things."

What of the community that supports the local Spacemusic scene?

The Gatherings Concert Series seems to be the most consistent place where our Spacemusic community gets together. It has been presenting performances by a fascinating range of innovative artists for well over 15 years - and I'm really happy to be part of it.

What is your favorite café?

Chapterhouse at 9th & Bainbridge in Philadelphia. Let's go!

On Air Hosts: Michaela Majoun

On-Air Host of the XPN Morning Show

Here's a little more about Michaela Majoun.

First Record Purchased

The Beatles' Rubber Soul. I still have it!

First Concert

Boston Symphony with my parents. Later, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan with my friends.

Favorite Movie

I can't name just one. I think Chinatown is incredible, on the page and on the screen. I love the TV series "Six Feet Under", "Weeds" and "Mad Men".

Bands Michaela has played in

None... but I once sang backup with Luka Bloom during a World Cafe interview!

Musician You were most excited to meet

Sting!!!!

How Michaela Got into Radio

I have always said it's because I started talking at 6 months and never stopped. I started in college and kept going from there. I have only been a host on public radio, although I've occasionally done voiceovers that are aired on commercial stations.

Some Of Michaela's Favorite Bands/Artists

Richard Thompson, Alejandro Escovedo, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Walter Hyatt, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Mozart, The Police, Junior Brown, Hoots and Hellmouth, The Espers, Amos Lee, Rachael Yamagata, Los Lobos, The Smithereens, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Dizzy Gillespie, Sun Ra, Maria Callas, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, King Pleasure, Verdi, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, June Tabor, Laura Nyro... and more!

A few more things you may not know about Michaela Majoun

I've studied classical piano, jazz piano, guitar, and fiddle.
My first love was marine biology.
It's not just cats I love. I really adore all critters...!

On-Air Hosts: Chuck Elliott

On-Air Host for Sleepy Hollow

Born & Raised

Brooklyn, NY

First Record Purchased

In the late 50's, most likely a Buddy Holly single - "That'll Be the Day," "Peggy Sue," "Rave On," "Everyday."

First Concert

In NYC the Lovin' Spoonful in the West Village. In Philly - Velvet Underground, Aretha & Harry Belafonte at the Spectrum.

All-Time Favorite Bands

Mothers, Byrds, King Crimson, Runrig, Velvet Underground, Incredible String Band, Nat King Cole, Dylan, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, and Kate Wolf

Favorite Local Bands

Fellaheen, No Windows, The Trolleyvox, Boister, Daybreak, Ministry of Inside things, Group W

Favorite Movies

The Godfather I, II, II

Musicians Chuck Was Most Excited to Meet
Bonnie Raitt (in 1970), and talking to Hank Mobley on the phone

 

Favorite People

XPN Members and XPN Volunteers (a Tie!!)
XPN Listeners
Mickey Mantle

Bands Chuck Played In

Delaware Valley Drifters, Market Street Subway

How Chuck Got Into Radio

I was visiting friends of friends in Juarez, Mexico. There was a great station across the river in Eagle Pass, Texas, playing prog country/country rock. I got to visit. And it was love at first sight.

Weirdest Boss

Sid Mark??

A Few More Things You Don't Know About Chuck:

My day job. I am a school nurse in the New Jersey Public School System.
Since the 1970s, I've been a Renaissance Period Reenactor.
I am also working on a Shakespeare impersonation. "If you have bumped into the Bard recently, it may have been me."

Chuck's picks for Best CDs and Songs of 2009 from XPN's Year In Review