Dexter and I were taking a walk the other day and I was reflecting about the impact CHIRP has on my life. My love of radio goes back to when I was a kid listening to rock and roll served up by DJs at WLS-AM and WCFL-AM. This inspired me to become a shortwave radio listener and amateur radio operator, and I began DJing in college and actually enjoyed a modest career spinning records for WRHL, WMRO and WAUR until I pursued my career in public relations.

I learned about the Chicago Independent Radio Project 10 years ago at a Trail of Dead concert and became a regular listener and supporter of CHIRP. In 2015, I realized my radio journey was not complete, and began hosting a regular show on CHIRP.

CHIRP is a Chicago treasure, a radio station that harkens back to the experimental, early days of FM radio, when DJs programmed their own playlists and played artists they were passionate about. CHIRP caters to an audience of music lovers and musicians, and people in Chicago and around the world tune in via their smart speakers and digital devices (just tell your smart speaker "Play CHIRP Radio" and see for yourself), as well as via 107.1 FM in Chicago.

Because CHIRP is a commercial-free community radio station, I started supporting CHIRP in 2012, long before I became a volunteer, music reviewer and DJ. I was on the air when CHIRP tested its FM signal in 2017 (coincidentally, a listener named "Mike" called me up because he was hearing my show on his car radio), and I plan to continue hosting "The Friday Spin" on 107.1 FM from noon-3 pm for as long as I can.

As a community radio station, CHIRP is supported almost entirely by generous donations from you, our listeners, family, friends, and business associates. That's why I encourage you to make your tax-deductible 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 made on my page, dollar for dollar, up to $500 total.

Your generous gift helps keep this wonderful radio station on the air. If you've made a request to CHIRP, or simply want to support one of Chicago's most important radio stations, please make your donation today.

When you donate, please make a request for next Friday's show. I want to personally thank each of your for supporting independent, commercial-free radio. Make that donation right now, while you are thinking about it!

Dexter and I thank you for your support!

CHIRP is your live, local, independent radio station. 

Here at CHIRP, we're all about human-driven radio: no algorithms, robots, or AI -- just local DJs who are passionate about the music they play and always excited to share their latest discoveries. We're happy to take requests, give you chances to win concert tickets, and hear your feedback. CHIRP is a station that was made for music lovers like you!

Your generous support makes everything we do possible. We are a truly independent, listener-supported station, 100% commercial-free.

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).

And if you're interested in joining CHIRP's major donor program, The Vinyl Circle, with a gift of $500 or above, please use this form.