Tune In, Turn On
For more than four decades, WLFR 91.7 FM (Lake Fred Radio) has broadcast throughout the South Jersey region from Stockton University in Pomona. Like last year’s 40th anniversary event, the student-run radio station will mark its 41st year with a free concert at the Campus Center Coffee House 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.
Artists performing include Malcolm Tent with 1adam12, The Sheckies, Mules of the Cellar, Roseheath and Back Deck.
Many talented people have been behind the microphone at WLFR through the years. These include the late Paul Glaser and George “G-Force” Lind, Jonny Fones, Bob Portella, Bill Grohls, Matt Unversaw and Niko Berardo (who fronts local indie rockers Te Vista). Sara Holt, who fronts Molly Ringworm and whose “Perfect Dog” album release party is set for Anchor Rock Club on Oct. 24, will be featured in next week’s column.
“WLFR has had several colorful DJs over the years – Paul Glaser (‘Black Plastic Show’) and DJ G-Force of ‘Radios Appear,’ both of whom have passed in the last few years,” said Matt Unversaw, who hosts ‘Strange Ways’ on Thursdays.
“Bill Grohls (‘Rockshow’) is still on the air. Bob Portella (‘Transmission, Christmas Chaos’) had a long run from the ’80s until a few years ago. 1adam12 (Adam Berardo), who will be performing with Malcolm Tent, had several runs on the air over the years.
“VDJ 10Spot and Tony Tone continue the hip-hop tradition set by the late Surerock Homes,” Unversaw continued. “Younger WLFR DJs today include Mariella Negro, Niko Berardo, John Guttschall, Wiz Kollisa, George Watson, Julian, plus our general manager Dr. Chad Roberts, and more. There are too many great DJs and shows over the years and current, to list.
“WLFR is celebrating 41 years this Thursday as South Jersey’s source for music you won’t hear anywhere else, from classical to jazz to country, to rock and all genres,” added Unversaw. “Local artists and bands have gotten their first airplay anywhere here at WLFR.
“Opening the show will be longtime friend of the station, the original punk rock accordionist, Malcolm Tent. Power pop punk veterans, The Sheckies from Cape May, will perform along with newer rock bands, Mules of the Cellar from Atlantic City, Roseheath from Philadelphia and Back Deck, made up of Stockton students. Hope to see you there at the Campus Center Coffee House.”
Roseheath told us, “We have a lot of touchpoints for our sound; I’d say we sit somewhere at the intersection of power pop, baroque pop and shoegaze.”
Mules of the Cellar is a four-piece alternative rock band from Atlantic City whose members were formerly of the groups The Washups, Robert’s Basement and The Goons. They released their self-titled debut album in 2024 on drummer Michael Moore’s Purple Door Records.
Tune Ups
Pure Petty, a Tom Petty tribute that includes a female vocalist, which allows the band to perform a wide range of Petty’s music, returns to Hard Rock Café in Atlantic City Saturday, Oct. 18 (8:30 p.m., two sets, free).
“We are truly honored to be carrying on the incredible musical legacy of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers; to be able to celebrate such an important milestone means the world to us,” Chuck Darrow, bassist for PP, told us. “Where better to celebrate the 75th birthday of one of the true musical giants of the past 50 years than Hard Rock Atlantic City?”
Rock superstar Stevie Nicks plays Jim Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall in A.C. this Saturday, Oct. 18.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
