My love for radio began when I was a grade-schooler, listening to the Beatles and Stones on a transistor radio tucked under my pillow. That led to my discovery of shortwave radio, and then a short stint as a professional DJ in my early 20s. I had been away from DJing for more than 30 years, until I discovered the Chicago Independent Radio Project -- CHIRP Radio -- at a Trail of Dead concert more than 10 years ago. I began hosting a regular CHIRP show eight years ago, and have continued through the COVID pandemic and a seasonal move to Florida.

I've been a CHIRP donor since 2012, long before I began volunteering and DJing for the station. I love the music CHIRP plays and its decidely non-commercial approach to programming. I was there when CHIRP went on the air on 107.1 FM in Chicago in 2017, and plan to continue hosting "The Friday Spin" from noon-3 pm CST for as long as I possibly can.

As a community radio station, CHIRP is supported almost entirely by the generous donations from you, our listeners, family, friends and business associates. That's why I'm appealing to you to make your donation today, right now, while you are thinking about it. My goal is to raise $1,071 for CHIRP, and I will match every donation dollar for dollar up to $500 total.

Your generous gift help keep this wonderful radio station on the air. If you've made a request to CHIRP, or you simply want to support community radio and the impact CHIRP has on Chicago's independent music community, please make your donation today!

When you make your donation, please request one of your favorite songs. I'm looking forward to playing that song on the next edition of "The Friday Spin" and thanking you personally on the air!

SUPPORT CHIRP TODAY!!!!

Thanks, DJ MIKE

CHIRP is radio as it's meant to be: live, local and independent.

We are true radio believers at CHIRP. We love the music that we share with you, and we are committed to our community -- playing local bands every single hour of the day, interviewing Chicago artists for our podcast series, showcasing local nonprofits doing important work, and generally making sure we are shining a light on our city's diverse, vibrant, creative scenes. And we're doing it all without any commercials!

Your generous support makes everything we do possible. We are a truly independent, listener-supported radio station, never beholden to corporate interests.

If you believe in this work, and if you're able, we please make a donation to CHIRP today.

IMPORTANT: If you would like to become a sustaining member by making a recurring donation (monthly or quarterly), or if you want to select a thank you gift, please visit CHIRP's main donation page to make your contribution (and to give in support of the person making this post, be sure to type their full name in the "volunteer to credit" section so they can receive credit for your gift).