Surfing the Air Waves in Cape May
Remember bringing your transistor radio to the beach and listening to the latest hits on local radio with your favorite DJ on your favorite station? Radio is nostalgic, and who doesn’t like a little nostalgia?Cape May is nostalgia. The fact that everything old is new again is embraced in the Cape May community. One great example is Cape May’s own radio station, produced by the Community Center for the Arts (CCA).
“You are listening to WCFA 101.5 FM Cape May: Live streaming from anywhere in the world, on CAPEMAYRADIO.ORG.”
This is the announcement you will hear every day on the hour, as required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), if you are tuned in to the community radio whose programming is as diverse as the station’s listenership. WCFA has a local focus with a global reach.
I’ve been a volunteer radio host at WCFA for over seven years. It never ceases to amaze me when I tell someone from the community about my radio show and they are delighted or surprised that Cape May has its own community radio station. Conversely, there are those who have been loyal listeners for years, ever since the 2006 ribbon cutting ceremony. If you live in Cape May County, perhaps you already have Cape May Radio saved as a favorite radio station in your car for local information. There are even those who have become members and donated, because they want to help keep the station going.
The Franklin Street School is the new location for the Cape May City Library, but it is also the new home to the Center for Community Arts and the WCFA radio studio. And that makes perfect sense, since CCA’s original mission, starting in 1994, was to preserve the Franklin Street School. Moving there, CCA Executive Director, David Mackenzie is proud to say “…the vision of CCA’s 12 Founding Mothers has been fulfilled. Two of CCAs principal programs, WCFA and the Community History Program, now have a permanent home in the heart of Cape May, a fitting place for Cape May’s community radio station.”
After over 15 years on the airwaves, WCFA is just getting started with new energy, new shows, new members, and new underwriters. Chief Operating Officer David Cassidy stated, “I’m looking forward to continuing the CCA tradition of making public radio available to the community. With the move into the Franklin Street School, to future programming, WCFA is here to serve the community, and I am excited to be part of leading that effort.” He adds, “We welcome donations from the community and individuals, and we offer opportunities for program underwriters.” WCFA volunteers are also planning upcoming socials and fundraisers for the station.
WCFA offers underwriting opportunities for regional businesses. It is a member of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB), a trade group that advises member stations to ensure that best practices are followed for underwriting activities. One underwriter is Barrier Island Books and Art. Owner Pete Lengle says, “We’re happy to support WCFA. Just like our stores, WFCA has interesting stories and great music, just around the corner. It’s good for the soul.”
To be clear, WCFA is not a podcast. It’s not an internet channel. WCFA operates according to FCC guidelines. Yes, it is accessible through the internet, but WCFA is FM (Frequency Modulation) radio. As such, there are clear rules followed by all station volunteer radio hosts, for generally keeping a clear distinction in public expression between an individual point of view and that of CCA and/or WCFA. For example, foul language is prohibited. Radio hosts are not allowed to say those infamous “bad words” made famous by comedian George Carlin. There is much more to rules guided by FCC regulations. Politics are off limits as well.
It was around 2006 when Drew Butkocy, a CD reviewer and radio hobbyist, approached CCA Board Member and Co-Founder Susan Zipper. He wanted to apply to the FCC for a new type of license that had become available for nonprofits. The board agreed, and Butkocy built the station using his own equipment. From the beginning, David Mackenzie, the board, and the radio management committee made up of volunteer staff and DJs aimed to attract a diverse, creative group of volunteers to curate high-quality programming.
Over the past 18 years, various hosts and DJs have contributed their talents to the station so that it has evolved into an eclectic menu of programming with something for everyone. “We started the station almost on a lark. We had no idea what it would take to start up, let alone operate a full-time FM station,” stated Mackenzie. “We learned quickly that Cape May is, frankly, blessed with a lot of smart, engaged and dedicated people, without whom we wouldn’t be able to broadcast the most diverse radio programming in the county.”
WCFA has an international “sister station” relationship with another community radio station, The Voice of Bonne Bay (VOBB.ORG) based in Bonne Bay, Newfoundland, Canada. Mike and Kathy Madigan host their own VOBB show, “Bonnie Ray Morning.” They used to come to Cape May in late winter. New Jersey is to the Madigans as Florida is to many from the northeastern U.S. Cold months in Cape May are mild to them.
One day, Mike was strolling the promenade with his golden lab, Scout, when a man approached to pet her. Hearing Mike’s Newfoundland accent, the man spoke of his time stranded there when planes were grounded after the 9/11 attacks, and how they were treated like royals by the “Newfies.” Madigan reminded him of the hit Broadway musical, “Come From Away,” based on those events. The man had no idea of this musical, but he did know about WCFA; he was a regular listener. One thing led to another, and Madigan hooked up with Mackenzie and proposed that he interview the man on a radio special program. Soon after, Mackenzie and the Madigans agreed to set up the sister station relationship. Every Thursday at 7:30am, the Madigans host Bonnie Bay Morning from their Canadian island home that can be heard on WCFA, and in return they air a show from Cape May. Read on to learn what Cape May sounds are floating on the airwaves in Canada.
Free Form versus Commercial
FM is arguably the most legitimate form of audio broadcasting and WCFA isn’t your average radio station. It’s free-form radio, truly a dying breed, but fortunately, WCFA isn’t going anywhere. There is commercial radio, and there is community radio. Commercial radio is regulated by commercial interests. Community radio, however, is a sanctuary for freeform.
According to a Rolling Stone article from 2002, “10 Things that Piss Off Tom Petty,” a song he wrote was banned on some channels for being “anti-radio.” Petty was quoted, “I remember when radio meant something. We enjoyed the people who were on it, even if we hated them. They had personalities. They were people of taste, who we trusted. And I see that vanishing.” Petty’s song “The Last DJ” is based on one of the few who adamantly insisted on freeform, legendary Los Angeles DJ Jim Ladd. Most station owners at the time demanded DJs follow a set playlist. Ladd refused, making him highly respected by some of the biggest names in music, like Petty. So goes the chorus:
There goes the last DJ
Who plays what he wants to play
And says what he wants to say, hey hey hey
And there goes your freedom of choice
There goes the last human voice
There goes the last DJ
The so-called “Last DJs” incorporated characters, creativity, and musical curation. Cape May is home to some of the “Last DJs” who play what they want, without commercial interests, with freedom over their program format. Let’s meet some of WCFA’s creative personalities. If you’re from Cape May County, these are your neighbors, volunteering their time and talents creating engaging radio content. Chances are high that you’ll hear someone you know on the air—whether a host or a guest.
The Programs and People of WCFA
Marie and Ed La Duca treat listeners with the lively banter of a married couple over your morning coffee. This light-hearted show accentuates the positive with fun facts, recipes, comedy, and music.
Ed La Duca is also the technical operations support for the station. Additionally, Ed hosts a show of his own, “Duke’s Place,” where he describes himself, Duke the DJ, as a musical obsessive on a personal quest to take you on a musical journey, sharing some stories behind the music.
If you dig music performed by women, Ellen Shaw brings “Girl Power: The Broadcast” to the airwaves, celebrating female artistry and diversity and skips across various genres. Listen for the danceable and pleasant surprises she has in store.
Barbara Groark explores the world of music and spoken word. Tune in for a little jazz, readings of literature—be it poetry or prose—and guest authors providing insight into their creative processes.
On “Artists with a Purpose,” host and renowned South Jersey folk singer/musician Mary Roth interviews celebrities or local artists just starting their creative journeys. From folk to world music, Mary regularly mixes it up for the audience.
Then there’s “the voice,” Eddie Castagnetta. Eddie brings doo wop and other swinging classics on “Golden Oldies Review” and “The Make-Believe Ballroom.” Tune in for the upbeat sounds of the good old days. Be warned: Eddie’s radio shows “cause a heatwave by making your feet wave.”
Mark Allen takes us to “The Other Side” of town at Cape May Harbor, focusing on news, issues, and people. Topics include fishing, water sports, whale watching, kayaking, and the U.S. Coast Guard. He is known to spin some blues records too.
Rick Ferrante and Sandy McCullough partnered up with their show “Off the Wall,” featuring local musical guests, great classic rock, and folk music. They throw in a mix of trivia, Cape May insider information and great chat between two locals. Be a fly on the wall for this program.
Drew Richardson moves us from one genre to another and spotlights musical greats in his show “Transitions” with a logical flow and careful musical curations.
The international broadcast from our Canadian sister station, The Voice of Bonne Bay, brings us Mike and Kathy Madigan direct from their kitchen in Woody Point, Newfoundland. You’ll hear music of Newfoundland and Irish music with emphasis on artists from the Gros Morne National Park area.
Syndicated by our FM sister station in Canada, I host a show called “The Best Part with Annie Walsh,” playing tunes and pointing out the best parts of songs (a lyric, a solo, vocalist tone) with the goal of having the audience truly listen. I also host guests contributing to regional culture.
Vinyl is cool again, and nobody knows better than Jerry Ruane. While most play digital tracks, Jerry pulls out the records and plays them on record players, old school. He plays classic rock hits, misses, and deep cuts with a mix in rock genres.
Then there’s the show with host Aaron Bendich, “Laughing with Lizards” with Klezmer musicians, historians, and Jewish music fans. It’s a unique mix of timeless, sentimental classics and rare oddities. You don’t have to be familiar with Jewish culture to enjoy this flavor of music.
DJ Torey Whom blends a mix of chill tunes from around the globe with “Light House” and a variety of different house music genres, including Latin, jazz, disco and more.
“Salty Music and Tales” allows host Manon Braz to get her surf rock on, as she takes a deep dive into Cape May’s eclectic culture. From rainy-day reggae to French electro-pop, and folk-punk, Manon provides a great soundtrack for a stroll around town.
Local music performers, Brandon Smith and Jon Katity host the “South Jersey Music Revue,” highlighting musical artists’ influences and delving into the songs and stories shaping a generation of music lovers in the South Jersey music scene.
You can tune in to a coming-of-age show, “Bengal Spice” hosted by Jesselyn for a musical journey that will heal your soul like a comforting cup of Bengal spice tea. Who doesn’t like tea?
Did you ever wish you could go back in time? One way is to tune in to Barry Kramer and “Time Machine” and travel back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s for some classics that are sure to bring up some good memories.
Glenn Rodriguez and Charlie B host a talk show dissecting a film with no spoilers. No movie is off the table for review. Expect to hear some soundtracks and tunes from the films to complement the discussions on “The Sunset Cinema Club.”
There is nothing quite like a comfort station when you need one. Chris B promises to make listeners groove, nod, wiggle, and smile if they tune in to “The Comfort Station.”
Ivan Emke takes us on a geographical musical excursion with Celtic sounds and more on “Routes, Branches & Beyond” in this special international broadcast.
Kathy Reeves welcomes you to join her on “Kathy’s Cantina” where she invites listeners to travel, prepare food, and enjoy an eclectic recipe of tunes.
“Playtime with Lily” is different every week which makes it a joyful show with musical surprises around every corner.
Tullo Migliorini hosts “Miles and More,” keeping jazz alive at WCFA. Listeners hear songs by Miles Davis, his influences, his collaborations, and covers.
Highlighting the latest local and national sports is host Patricia Caputo with her analysis of all things sports, along with special guests and engaging discussions.
This next character posthumously retains an immense fan base. With permission from his estate, WCFA plays the legacy recordings from former NPR host Joe Frank with “Theatre of the Mind.” Frank invented his own genre of radio monologue/dialogue. These shows are surreal, sometimes comic, at times harrowing, and always mesmerizing.
Earlier, I quoted Tom Petty as he remembered when radio actually meant something, and it does here. Cape May Radio is like a familiar local character who cares about the community and culture and has great taste in music—that local who tells you what’s going on and is always there for you day and night.
Turn on (your radio), tune in (to 101.5 FM or live stream), and catch the (air) waves.
You can learn more at capemayradio.org, on social media at WCFA 101.5 FM. Tune in to 101.5 on the FM dial if you are in the county or on the internet from anywhere in the world.
