Looking Forward to Spring

I know we just celebrated the winter solstice, but I'm ready for spring.  The daylight hours are already increasing a bit more each day.  I can't wait to take a hike through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) in March to observe the great blue heron couples getting their nests ready for their new arrivals.  With a wingspan of almost six feet, you'd be surprised how graceful these birds are.

During peak nest-building days, park guides take groups on small walking tours to the optimum viewing area.  The guides will even set up scopes so that the children can get a good view of the herons too.  It's fun for the whole family, and you don't even notice that you're burning calories.

The CVNP also has a nesting pair of bald eagles.  They are not so easy to spot.  Find park program & bald eagle info at: www.nps.gov/cuva/bald-eagles.htm

Checking Out World Cafe

I don't usually take the time to listen to World Cafe on The Summit, weekdays from 6-8 am, but I did today.  Normally from 6-7 I'm packing lunches and making sure everyone is awake, fed, and ready for school/work.  It's quite chaotic most days.  Then from 7-8 it's a more leisurely watching the news with my youngest son, (when the news is appropriate), and maybe we have some time for VH1 Classic, (again if appropriate for my child).  At 8 we switch on 91.3 The Summit and we have a game of guess which song Mr. Bill Hall will start his day with. 

This morning I had a listen to the last half of World Cafe, and I really enjoyed what I heard.  Especially a Decemberists tune about England, I already knew and liked their song "Valencia".  The next song that really grabbed me, I thought for sure was another cut from the David Burne/Brian Eno album, but I was surprised to find out that it was Akron's own Joseph Arthur.  Just being back in the Akron area for two years, I need to study up on the local artists.

  

Remember 89.1?

My husband John came to this great state of Ohio before me, so I can't take the credit for discovering The Summit or it's predecessor, 89.1 WAPS.  I had never heard anything like this station.  No commercials, not your run of the mill top 40 constantly being rehashed.  This was fresh, unique, as they said themselves "Dare to be Different".  The only downfall back then, very limited hours on the air.  Aside from that, I was hooked. 

 Does anyone remember The Friday Night Block Party on 89.1?  The host would put together blocks of 3 or 4 songs related by artist or subject, often suggested by listeners.  I remember a cool block of James songs that included a couple concert recordings.  It was sweet!  Sometimes you had to wait for the last song of the block to figure out the connection between the songs.  Another block I recall started out with They Might be Giants' "The Guitar", then a rocked out version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (sorry I don't know who did that, maybe Buckwheat Zydeco).  The block was completed by REM's "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight".  Cool stuff there.  Anyone have an 89.1 memory to share?  

Why I Listen to 91.3

10. Commercial free adult-alternative music.

9. Friendly hosts who actually like the music they play, and share their vast musical knowledge.

8. Family friendly.  It's safe for my kids listen to 91.3.  They hear of new artists before most of their friends, and they appreciate the music those new artists grew up with.   

7. Extensive music library that spans 5 decades and multiple genres.  The Local Music Spotlight keeps you in touch with great area artists like Pete Nischt, The Woovs, Joseph Arthur...   Other radio stations don't come close to the fresh new music, or older great music that's played every day on The Summit.

6. Member supported.  Being a member of 91.3 The Summit is like being part of a big family of music lovers with excellent taste.

5. Diverse programming: International Hours on Sunday (Italian Hour 12-1 pm), That Rhythm Those Blues, Reggae Rhythms, DIY Radio, Alternative Archives...

4. Summit member events: concerts, soundcheck parties, fun gatherings.

3. Bill Hall's Buried Treasure Tracks (this guy knows his music!)

2. The Beatle Break with Jim Chenot (this guy knows The Beatles!)

1. 91.3 The Summit reaches out to Akron and it's surrounding communities with dedicated volunteers and staff wherever needed (Habitat for Humanity, Music Alive...)     

I ran out of numbers, but not to be left out is important community info, the concert calendar, Earth & Sky, World Cafe and so much more.