presents

Our look back at the history of Chicago Radio. 
C'mon in and cool off with a look at our latest "exhibits."

Summertime is funtime and radio goes into "high gear!"

WJTW-FM/Joliet "Lucky 93.5" was very busy
in July 1995 with the "Lunchtime Salute Sheet."  You can visit
Rob Martini's website at www.Rob.Martini.org.

"COME ON AND TAKE A FREE RIDE!"
Brand new WRCK-FM (94.7) tried to play on the sympathies of downtown Chicago
commuters during the summer of 1980.  It's too bad the Wendella didn't have the
station playing on board! They would have heard Bob Sirott doing mornings. Ooops!

CHICAGOFEST!

Before we gorged our faces on endless corn-on-the-cobs, beef sandwiches and cheesecake
at the Taste Of Chicago, the big party of the year was ChicagoFest, situated on a dingy
and rickety old Navy Pier.  Back then, the Taste was confined to North Michigan Avenue.
ChicagoFest was the place to be and be seen, and radio was no exception!  Many stations
sponsored music stages, such as The Loop's "Rock Around The Dock," the WLS
"Vintage Rock Stage," the WXRT "Blues and Bud Stage," and the WOJO "Fiesta Stage."
Most stations were on hand for the Fest and many broadcasted live for the majority of the day. 
Several stations found it easier to move their entire operation out to the pier, including all
the studio equipment, cart machines and large cart racks, as well as full-time engineers
serving as board operators.  The Fest became a literal second studio!

They all had stuff to give away as well. 
Here's a sample of what you could pick up at ChicagoFest!

The WMET Street Guide Calendar from 1981.

WLS-FM encouraged you to "rub it and win" with discounts from County Seat, M&R Drive-In's and Sound Warehouse stores.   Plus a "WLS Daily Winner" was posted at the FM 95 booth on the ChicagoFest midway.

Before Mancow Muller, Wendy & Bill and even "Murphy In The Morning," some
character named Mountain Man Walker and Q-101 welcomed the crowds to
ChicagoFest.  By the way, it's not "Danger" Dan Walker who teamed up
with the Murph. Wonder how many of those snazzy Alliances are still on the road...
in working order?  Man Mountain?  Chicago?  Go figure