You have probably noticed some changes on your radio dial lately, and fans of classic rock or rock oldies appear to be the beneficiaries.
Over at Citadel Broadcasting, WOGT-FM 107.9 The Duke is gone, and it is now called 107.9 Big FM. The new station is playing classic hits instead of country. Abby and Duane Shannon have moved on to Memphis.
Brewer Broadcasting also has entered the classic-rock milieu with Hippie 106.9. They are moving 93.3, which was silent, to the new position, according to published reports. They will focus on hits from about 1963 to 1974.
Fear not, classic-country fans. While Bahakel Communications is in the process of purchasing WUUQ from 3 Daughters Media, the format will remain, according to vice president and general manager Bernie Barker with Bahakel in Chattanooga.
He said the sale could be finalized in a couple of months and there will not be any changes, except that operations will be moved to the Broad Street office, which also is home to WDOD and WDEF radio.
“The programming will not change,” he said. “Susie Luther, Scott Miller and Dale Mitchell will continue. The classic-country format has proved successful in this market.”
* Several bands will be playing a benefit tonight for John Johnson at JJ’s Bohemia. Folks who’ve been around the local music scene for awhile, especially during the early punk days in town, will remember Johnson for his work playing with Feast of Pigs. You might also have met his sister Kelley, who booked shows at the old Lizard Lounge and elsewhere.
Johnson is living in Austin, Texas, and is dealing with some serious medical issues. Set to perform tonight are The Bohannons, The Whuppins, Courter (full disclosure: this would be my brother Scott), Clouse, King & Steele, Michael McDade, The Unsatisfied, Mark Holder and The Fingers from Atlanta.
There also will be some items up for auction. Things will get under way around 7:30 tonight.
* I hope I don’t jinx it, but even with only three acts named, Riverbend 2011 is shaping up to be a good one. Yesterday, Miranda Lambert was announced. The Beach Boys and Casting Crowns were announced earlier, and both are perfect Riverbend acts.
Friends of the Festival is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the city’s largest festival, and executive director Chip Baker said this week they are working hard to make this year special. That almost always means coming off the wallet more than usual.
Lambert, for example, is now the highest paid Riverbend act ever, or will be when the check clears, according to Baker.