WORT’s New Funkmeisters
WORT welcomes two new funkmeisters to our Saturday evening line-up, Mr. G and Mr. Dance, co-hosts of Saturday Night at Smokey’s Joint, 10pm–midnight. We caught up with them to find out what musical journey brought them to WORT.
Interview with Mr. G:
What was the first piece of music you bought and why?
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Are You Experienced & Electric Ladyland, because I felt those sounds immediately as something that was new each time I listened. I bought them from a locally owned music shop in New York City.
What was the major turning point in your music listening experience?
The first time I listened to Ravi Shankar’s music. I immediately took to it as a source of departure, a travel time. I connected with so many of the ragas as a place to go to contemplate/relax…to just be IN the music of the moment.
What got you headed in your current musical direction?
Growing up around so many diverse groups of people helped shape much of my tastes in music. Some of my crew growing up were some funky MFers, but I listen to all styles of music with no drawn-out boundaries. I think this helps create an interesting listening experience and a unique setlist.
Why funk music?
Funk music for me is the party. It’s love and togetherness with a groove that allows the listeners to just let go. We all deserve to let go and be funked!!!
What are some memorable live shows you’ve seen?
So many memories made as part of different live shows. I think the most memorable are the ones I have not seen yet. Support live art!
Why volunteer at WORT?
I have done left-of-the-dial radio as a host/funk & soul director/training director for many years elsewhere and WORT is a second home for my spirit. The people, the community, the studio take me back to all that I love about radio—the power of the people and the voices of ALL to be heard. Being a part of WORT is a true privilege for me and I look to all who paved the way and hope to continue the innovation of OUR voice into the future.
Besides funk music, what else are you passionate about?
My passions lie deep within the music scene, globally. But finding time to give back with teaching and learning with all art forms is where it starts. Oh yes, and baseball.
Mr. Dance
What was the first piece of music you bought and why?
Elvis Presley, “In the Ghetto,” a 45 purchased in 1969. It was on the Billboard Top 10 Wall, so I trusted if it was a Number One, it must be good. I learned an important lesson that day. I bought it at the South Town Mall, Bloomington, MN at The Singer Store, in the “Notions” department. Records are notions?
What was the major turning point in your music listening experience?
I listened to a radio show from Little Rock, AR called Beeker St., hosted by DJ Clyde Clifford. Late at night, I heard Led Zeppelin for the first time. It changed my world forever.
What got you headed musically in your current direction?
As a mobile DJ, I mix music videos together. I mixed videos live at The WORT FM People’s Prom. I enjoy seeing the history and playing for the YouTube generation.
Why funk?
I started as a DJ in 1975 on KBCR FM in Steamboat Springs, CO. I’ve kept my vinyl and it plays today as well as it did 40 years ago. Those 70s songs bring back great memories for me.
What are some of the memorable shows you’ve seen?
I’ve been very fortunate to have seen many great shows but one of my favorite was seeing Stevie Wonder just after Michael Jackson died. It was soothing to have music to get through it. And Stevie played song after song of Michael’s. He’d just say “I feel the need for another song from Michael,” and we’d all be dancing.
Besides funk music, what else are you passionate about?
I’m excited to be playing disc golf again! I like biking downtown, where I’ve been producing a radio show on WSUM since 2007. I enjoy Madison’s summer outdoor music schedule, too.