Erin Van Ness writesWhat CHIRP Means to Me: Erin Van Ness

As far back as I can remember, music has been an integral part of my life.  There’s something special about finding a song that reaches inside you, connects with you on emotional level, and well, makes you feel alive.   It’s a feeling I first knew when I was listening to The Doors with my parents as a young tot and just felt again last week when I heard the new War on Drugs album for the first time.

Music has the potential to break down barriers and bring us all together.  It’s a place we can share our sorrows and our celebrations.  It helps us remember our roots and embrace the future.  This is a gift CHIRP shares with the entire Chicago community—and beyond.

If you’ve ever connected with a song, album, or artist that you’ve heard on CHIRP that has given you that same feeling of emotion, that has made you remember or hope, smile or cry, or even just sing, I encourage you to make a gift of support today in a show of solidarity for this amazing place that is independent, community-supported radio.