JAZZY 88 WFSK, Fisk University’s non-profit radio station will hold its Fall Fund Drive beginning Friday, October 2 with its 10th annual 48-hour around the clock live Radiothon.
“This is our biggest community-wide event of the year for the station. Over the years the tax-deductible contributions have been used to defray the costs of purchasing new equipment for the station and operational costs associated with programming and service delivery,” said Sharon Kay, JAZZY 88 WFSK general manager.
JAZZY 88’s format is smooth and contemporary jazz.
“We enlist a legion of supporters, listeners, recording artists, music enthusiasts and Fisk alumni, faculty and staff from across the area to lend a hand during our annual Radiothon. This is a true community effort,” Kay said. “This year for the 1st time we’re very honored to have this impressive piece of Jazz Art graciously donated by acclaimed artist James Threalkill entitled ‘That Jazz Dude.’”
The 20×30 acrylic on canvas is an original work valued at $1,500 graciously donated to WFSK to give to the largest donor during this year’s Radiothon.
2015 marks WFSK’s 42nd anniversary of service to Nashville as a community-based educational radio station. Established by Fisk students, the station signed on in April of 1973, with the call letters WRFN (Radio Free Nashville) with a student staff playing a mix of jazz, blues, and rock. African Americans were not able to get Federal Communication Commission (FCC) licenses for FM radio stations until the very late ‘60s and early ‘70s. This was a significant accomplishment for Nashville’s Black community.
Over the years the station has been integral in dispensing information and being of service to the grassroots community, community of faith, students and concerned citizens not just in North Nashville, but to Davidson County as well. With WFSK’s Internet streaming over the last eight years, JAZZY 88 reaches a global audience of tens of thousands.
Donors have several options of making tax-deductible contributions during the WFSK 48-Hour Radiothon. By mail, make checks payable to WFSK, send to: Office of Advancement Services, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, Tenn. 37208; with a debit or credit card by phone: 615-329-8754 or 615-329-8754; or in person. WFSK studios are located on the 3rd floor of DuBois Hall on the Fisk University campus (the corner of D.B. Todd & Jackson Streets) or online at www.wfskfm.org, or connect.fisk.edu/wfsk-donation-form
