Lowell Folk Fest - Radio

["Bill O'Neill" <billo@erols.com>]

Early indicators, 2 hours in to the Saturday edition of the event, are not
very positive.  To WGBH's credit, the signal quality from the Boarding House
Park is crystal clear.  Dick Pleasant is hosting from the stage as
referenced earlier, and doing a great job.  As to the other three:  WJUL is
the only other to have the foresight to bring something ELSE to the scanning
listeners, b'casting this aft. from the JFK Plaza.  Although a bit
overdriven into the Marti, a good alternative.  The two AMs are at the SAME
stage as WGBH.  WCAP's signal is 3K at best - one hour late to air - a poor
showing.  WLLH is doing a decent job with a good signal (very processed as
would be expected given the air chain requirements).  Hosts Bob Ellis and
radio veteran Frank Sunday (Messina) are adding minimal chatter and are
focused.  It is surprising that all stations are staying put, given the
alternatives.  My recommendation would have been to blow-off the main stages
and stay with the others like Market Mills Stage and Couryard stages -
smaller venues, same acts rotating there as at big stages, and more
visibility in a smaller setting.

Bill O'Neill

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