Entries categorized as “CHIRP Radio News and Info.” 332 results

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.

Jenny Lizak writesWhat CHIRP Means to Me: Jenny Lizak

My name is Jenny Lizak, and I'm the President of the CHIRP Board of Directors. One of my earliest memories is listening to my mom play 60's folk music on her guitar. As I grew older, I took piano lessons, sang in choirs, and eventually began competing in the radio category of the school speech team. In college, I feel in love with being on the air and sharing my music with the audience while working at the campus radio station. When I graduated college and later went on to a career in the music business, I both felt sad that radio was no longer a part of my life, and saw firsthand the high need for radio stations that play independent, local and boundary-pushing music and arts programming as part of a strong cultural community in our city.

I've been a volunteer with CHIRP Radio since its inception, seeing it grow from just a dream into what it is today - a highly acclaimed community radio station operating 365 days a year, with the help of over 200 volunteers from neighborhoods around the city of Chicago contributing their time and passion for radio. Every week, when I am on the air on Sunday afternoons, I hear from listeners who are craving CHIRP's programming - commercial-free, non-profit, independent music and interviews curated by people truly passionate about what they do. When I'm around the city at CHIRP events, I talk to listeners who tell me CHIRP is the reason they listen to radio, and how thrilled they are to have discovered their new favorite band through CHIRP. As a music business professional, I see the positive impact of CHIRP's presence in our city on the work I do every day.

That's why I'm asking you today to make a donation to CHIRP Radio, Chicago's independent community radio station, during our spring fundraising campaign to help us continue to grow and thrive. Our goal is $15,000, and I know with your help, we will hit and even surpass that mark.

If you are able, please give what you can to help us continue to provide this service this year and for years to come. We can't do it without you!
 

Maddie Hannes writesVote for CHIRP in the Reader’s Best of Chicago Survey!

Every year our friends at the Chicago Reader curate a list of the Best of everything in the city—from burgers to brewpubs, pet groomers to politicos, record stores to radio stations. The resulting winners are crowned the Best of Chicago and live on in infamy for a full year on the Reader's Best of Chicago online resource guide. Help CHIRP claim the title of Best Overall Radio Station by voting before midnight, May 22 (that's this Wednesday, for the calendar disinclined). You'll find our category in the 6th section of the ballot, "Civic Life," 6th entry from the bottom of the page. Vote CHIRP Radio as the Best Overall Radio Station in Chicago and prove that independent radio rocks!

Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWhy I’m a Member: Mike Hominick

I love CHIRP because I feel like I'm listening to friends talk about their favorite bands. The station is commercial free and the DJs have a passion for what they play. It is easy to listen to and several times a day I learn about great bands I might not have ever heard of had it not been for CHIRP. Keep up the great work! -- Mike Hominick (Member)

Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWhy I’m a Member: Jonathan Tolliver

I've been wild about CHIRP for some time now. I routinely find myself wanting to hear high quality, local music. Because, who wouldn't? CHIRP, however, gives it to me just the way I like it – incredible fidelity, intelligent, quippy on air talent, and a mobile presence that is always reliable. Great for sitting in a coffee shop, eating scones, sipping something strong, and wanting to feel connected to the sounds of the city. You know how much I like CHIRP?

I don't even live in this city anymore, and it remains my go to listening experience… after 3 years. I'll keep giving these folks money, because Chicago deserves something this awesome. -- Jonathan Tolliver (Member)