2025 LIU Post & WCWP Homecoming Weekend September 21, 2025
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Education, Football, History, Internet, Interviews, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Pop, Radio, Rock, Sports, Technology, Travel, Video, Weather.add a comment
NOTE: Two of the alumni hosts, Alana and Tom, do not use their last names on the air. So, I have omitted their last names from this post.
This year, Homecoming Weekend on WCWP (simulcast on WXBA) and at LIU Post was the earliest it’s ever been: September 12 to 14. The date was made public during the WCWP-FM 60th anniversary broadcast on March 16. (Read about that celebratory weekend here.) Homecoming Weekend coordinator Ted David assembled quite the lineup, which began with me at noon (well, noon-ish) on Friday, September 12, and ended at midnight on the 14th/15th as Grandfather Rock Chris MacIntosh closed Rock ‘N’ Soul Gospel with “Red Hot and Cooking” by Garth Hewitt.
The centerpiece of the weekend was the LIU Sharks football team‘s Homecoming game (and home opener) against the Sacred Heart Pioneers. (That was the LIU Post team name before the Post and Brooklyn athletic programs merged and moved from NCAA Division II to Division I.)
Once again, as unofficial station historian, I documented as much as I could of the entire weekend – on campus Friday and Saturday, and from home on Sunday.
I airchecked off the FM web stream on PCs in my bedroom and guest room via Audacity, where I would export as individual files, and then edit in Adobe Audition. Unfortunately, my internet betrayed me on Saturday. I recorded nearly nine hours of silence. I’m grateful to WCWP station manager Dan Cox for filling the gaps with his official airchecks and to Bernie Bernard via her show files.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
I arrived at the Abrams Communications Center at 11:30 AM. While Project Independence and You (one week shy of its 14th anniversary) finished up in studio 3, I prepped for my live Instrumental Invasion. It was the first time I led off Homecoming Weekend since 2017.
I made a separate recap of that show here, but I’ll at least share Pat Kroll’s photo of me during one of my sets…
…and the aircheck video (with an edited open):
Pat and Jeff Kroll had the next show at 2PM. Since their show and Strictly Jazz at 4PM would be rerun from 2AM to 7AM, Jeff had to be prompt, fading out my last song with 1:40 remaining.
Herb Alpert fans that we are, we both began our shows with Tijuana Brass tracks. My lead was “Spanish Flea” while Jeff used “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (covered on S.R.O.) as the intro bed.
Jeff ran the board during his show and Strictly Jazz. 
Neil Marks joined in the second hour to preview the LIU Sharks’ Homecoming football game against the Sacred Heart Pioneers. 
Neil Marks 
Neil Marks and Pat Kroll
Out in the lobby, Neil Marks talked to Strictly Jazz hosts John LiBretto and Hank Neimark about his long trip to LIU Post earlier Friday.
Hank had the honor of signing on WCWP-FM on March 16, 1965.
The Krolls with fellow alumni (and fiancés) Sami Jo Negron and Pete Sacoulas:
A partial video of Jeff and Pat’s show:
…and a full scoped aircheck:
John LiBretto and Hank Neimark hosted Strictly Jazz, the third show of the weekend, Friday at 4PM.
John LiBretto 
Hank Neimark 
Despite the title, Strictly Jazz deviated to pop in hour 2 by playing “Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. Pat Kroll returned to read the song’s quirky lyrics. 
Jeff Kroll had additional “Wooly Bully” tidbits.
A partial video of Strictly Jazz:
…and the full scoped aircheck:
From jazz to rock, John Zoni was next at 7PM:
We went from rock to dance just after 9PM with Jay Mirabile and a special edition of The DFK Show.
If you’re wondering, I took a rideshare home around 6:30 PM.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
We jump ahead to 7AM and a prerecorded show hosted by John Commins:
David Friedland was live in studio 2 at 9AM, leading into the Sharks’ Homecoming game:
After editing what I’d airchecked so far, my mom drove me up to LIU Post half an hour later than Friday. We had to clear a security checkpoint before reaching the parking lot by WCWP. I unpacked and walked toward Shark Stadium (no naming rights this year) for photos around and above the field.
The bulk of my Shark Stadium photos were taken on the roof where Travis Demers, Neil Marks, and Jeff Kroll called the LIU Sharks Homecoming football game. Pat Kroll was the coordinating producer.
It was the 2nd quarter when I reached the roof. Travis Demers handled play-by-play for the middle quarters with Jeff Kroll leading the first and last. 
Travis Demers’s field view 
Remote equipment 
Pat Kroll’s notes 
You can’t call a sporting event without spotter charts. 
Just for fun, I took a short video on my iPhone that I later synced to the relevant portion of Dan Cox’s game aircheck:
Travis and my fellow alumni were impressed when I posted that video to the WCWP Alumni Association Facebook group.
Before we return to WCWP, let’s look at photos on the field, sidelines, and bleachers.
I made it back to WCWP just before halftime where co-hosts John Zoni and Jeannie Moon narrated highlights and analyzed the first half. At the board was Andrew Scarpaci.
John Zoni 
Jeannie Moon 
Highlights, lowlights, and other elements were run in Zetta by Andrew, as seen at halftime.
The studio portion of the halftime report:
You saw how Zetta looked at halftime. This image after the game tells a different, but predictable story:
For the second year in a row, the Sharks squandered a lead. They gave up 17 unanswered points to the SHU Pioneers, losing 24-21 on a field goal as time expired.
In spite of another down ending, it was another exciting game for Jeff Kroll, Neil Marks, and Travis Demers to call on Long Island’s 88.1 FM.
I kept my camcorders and tripods in studio 3 to cover John Zoni and Jeannie Moon’s portion of the postgame show.
This YouTube video compiles the studio 3 halftime and postgame reports:
I’ll spare you the details of what happened in the Sharks’ next game.
On a happier note, programming moved back to studio 2 after the Sharks postgame show. At 3:30 PM, Homecoming Weekend coordinator Ted David hosted the 2025 WCWP Hall of Fame inductee announcement special.
Ted getting in touch with Bernie Bernard to call in and announce the 2025 WCWP Hall of Fame inductees
The lucky quartet of 2025 inductees was Cande Roth, Ellyn Solis-Maurer, Tony Traguardo, and Chris Maffei.
(Full disclosure: This was my fourth year on the Hall of Fame Committee.)
Below is the announcement, featuring a cameo from me, here:
…and listen here (without the video’s cutaways):
Bernie Bernard’s prerecorded show ran at 4PM:
As Bernie’s show ran in automation, I joined my fellow alumni outside for the Homecoming barbecue. We’ll use this time for a photographic interlude.
First, Ted’s selfie with me:
Bobby Guthenberg (Bobby G.), Neil Marks, Lew Scharfberg 
Neil Marks, Laurie White, Jeannie Moon, Lew Scharfberg 
Ted David, Rich Lacourciere, new HOF inductee Tony Traguardo, John Zoni, John Mullen, Frank Iemitti, WCWP station manager Dan Cox 
Mike Chimeri, Rich Lacourciere, Tony Traguardo, John Zoni, John Mullen, Frank Iemitti, Dan Cox 
Mike Chimeri and Travis Demers 
Mike Chimeri and Alana 
Mike Chimeri and John Zoni 
Alana next to the WCWP-FM 60th anniversary banner
Live programming returned to studio 2 at 6PM with Bobby G. and Mike Riccio. The dynamic duo counted down most of the 50 songs in the “First Annual WCWP Beatle Spectacular Hit-List.” Published in December 1969, the list represented the most popular Beatles songs as voted by WCWP listeners.
Bobby G. 
Mike Riccio 
With candid photos of Bobby G. and Mike Riccio out of the way, I had them pose for this photo. 
I took this selfie early in the second of two talk breaks.
You can watch those first three talk breaks here:
…and here is the full scoped aircheck:
Incidentally, this is my scan of a copy of the First Annual WCWP Beatle Spectacular Hit-List:
Vincent Randazzo and a host of others were on hand for a special edition of The Alternative Jukebox at 9PM:
Vince’s show was three hours, but half the time was spent chatting with current and recently-graduated staff. It was quite informative. (Shoutout to Post-Party Depression.)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
The prerecorded Instrumental Invasion ran at midnight. Click here for a full recap, then come back for the rest of this recap.
I will again share the aircheck scope, though:
9/23 UPDATE: And why not include a 65x speed montage of the two Twitch streams that served as recording sessions?
All other info is in the show recap. If you’re returning from that post, welcome back.
Tom was up bright and early at 6AM for the Homecoming Weekend edition of The Dad Rock Show:
Jay LaPrise followed at 8AM with a playlist featuring songs by artists he saw live in concert:
Alana’s The Rockin’ Sunday Show normally airs at noon, but aired in its original 10AM slot on Homecoming Weekend.
Jumping ahead to 1PM, Ted David and Jeff Kroll co-hosted The Joe Show, a remembrance of the late Joseph P. “Joe” Honerkamp.
Joe was a fixture at WCWP for over 50 years, and had a long professional career which included radio stints at WYNY and WHN, and TV production on the weekend Today show.
Among those to reflect on the life and times of Joseph P. were his widow Kathy Honerkamp and their daughters Melanie and Diana. Kathy and Melanie are seen here in studio 2. Diana spoke by phone.
Bruce Leonard and Joel Feltman were also among those to call in.
The scoped aircheck (there were a few songs played) can be heard here:
Ted David shifted to the board at 2PM, playing a wide variety of music over the next hours:
Billy the Kid (Billy Houst) and Joey C. (Joe Conte) had the last two-hour show at 4PM: Masters of Metal.
The penultimate show of Homecoming Weekend began at 6PM: The Ladies of Prison Break Radio, Jamie Mazzo and Sara Dorchak.
And putting a bow on the weekend, my children, was Grandfather Rock Chris MacIntosh and Rock ‘N’ Soul Gospel. Check it out.
Post-production, no pun intended, began as Homecoming Weekend was in progress on September 13 and concluded on the evening of the 21st with publication of this post and the Instrumental Invasion posts.
Thank you very much for reading all the way to the end. It bears repeating: documenting events like this is a labor of love. The next time I step on the campus of LIU Post will be March 25, 2026, for a twice-in-a-lifetime experience thanks to Bobby Guthenberg. My mom and I will get to see Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass and Other Delights again for their Tilles Center set. (Read about their April 1 Jazz at the Lincoln Center show here.)
This post is not only dedicated to the memory of Joe Honerkamp, but also Jett Lightning. Jett (Julio) fell ill in the days leading up to Homecoming Weekend and passed away on the morning of September 13. He will be sorely missed at WCWP. I’ll leave you with a photo of Jett taken last year…
…and a scope of his 2022 Homecoming Weekend show featuring Jay Elzweig, who is also no longer with us.
WCWP-FM 60th anniversary celebration weekend, 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony March 25, 2025
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Education, Football, History, Internet, Interviews, Jazz, Livestream, Media, Music, Personal, Philanthropy, Photography, Pop, Radio, Rock, smooth jazz, Sports, Technology, TV, Video.add a comment
NOTE: Whenever possible throughout this post (no pun intended), I will list an alum’s graduation year in parentheses.
Sunday, March 16, at 4PM Eastern marked 60 years since WCWP-FM signed on. Located at 88.1 on the FM band, the public radio station emanates from the Benjamin and Elizabeth Abrams Communications Center at LIU Post. The school was known as C.W. Post College in 1965, but it has always been part of the Long Island University system. (Wikipedia entry)
WCWP was initially a carrier current radio station, signing on at noon on October 18, 1961. (That 60th anniversary was celebrated during Homecoming Weekend in 2021.) Art Beltrone (1963) was the first student voice heard at sign-on. Here is that sign-on:
Quoting Art from the aircheck:
Two years ago, a group of students and your announcer felt that a school such as Post would benefit a great deal from a radio station. We organized a small club at first, and at the meetings that followed, we talked radio, making hopeful plans for the establishment of a carrier current station, leading eventually into an FM station.
In just over three years, the FM station dream was realized.
WCWP-FM’s 60th anniversary celebration also spanned an entire weekend, from 6PM on March 14 to 6PM on March 16.
The celebration included a dinner on the night of March 15, held in the East Room of the Roosevelt School on the south end of campus. The dinner included the induction of the 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame class: 1984 alumnae Jeannie Moon and Laurie White, and fittingly, Benjamin Abrams. Ben Abrams, a founder of Emerson Radio, whose philanthropic efforts allowed for construction of the building that would house the FM station. In later years, the student-run web station would also emanate from the Abrams Communications Center, but I digress.
I considered splitting the celebration recap into three posts. Instead, everything is here, separated by dates and events in bold font.
This isn’t a personal diary of my experience, meaning I won’t mention things like when I arrived on campus, what equipment I used, and how I spent my downtime. This is a multimedia celebration of WCWP-FM’s 60 years on the air; the students, alumni, faculty, and volunteers who are part of its history; and the latest inductees to the WCWP Hall of Fame. (Full disclosure: I have served on the Hall of Fame Committee since the 2022 class.)
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Meet-and-Greet, The Rock Show
I only have two photos of the meet-and-greet in the lobby of the Abrams Communications Center.
First is my fellow 2004 alumnus Joe Sacco with WCWP station manager Dan Cox (1985).
Then, Dan took a photo of Joe and me.
All other photos were in Studio 2 for The Rock Show with Jeff and Pat Kroll, and guest host Neil Marks.
Before air, Dan Cox dropped in to speak with the Krolls (Jeff graduated in 1975, Pat in ’79), Neil (’77), and Bobby Guthenberg, a.k.a. Bobby G. (’70).
Jeff Kroll kicked off The Rock Show just after 7PM.
The theme was many songs that topped the music charts on March 16. That date in 1965 was when WCWP-FM signed on. Not every year was represented in the playlist, and only a snippet was played of the number 1 song in 2025, but the songs Jeff did play lived up to their chart-topping status.
Jeff’s wife Pat Kroll (née Champion) served as co-host…
…with the addition of Neil Marks.
About half an hour into the show, Jeff interviewed 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame inductees Laurie White and Jeannie Moon (both 1984 alumnae).
Jeannie Moon 
Laurie White
One hour in, Jeff and Pat spoke to Mike Chimeri (me), WCWP station historian and photographer, and 2021 WCWP Hall of Famer.
Neil Marks took photos on my behalf.
My lead-in was “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley – number 1 on March 16, 1988. So, I began my interview with a nod to my Twitch channel, and gave a shoutout to music streamer GnatChat. Nat does a jazzy rendition of “Never Gonna Give You Up” as her raid song. (She, too, is an event photographer, albeit professionally.) I posted an excerpt of the video below to her Discord chat server and she thanked me for the shoutout.
After that, I discussed my history with WCWP, dating back to my first show on October 5, 2001, on WebRadio WCWP, now known as The Wave. (Select scoped airchecks of The Mike Chimeri Show can be heard here. As for Instrumental Invasion, here’s the recap aggregation page.)
After my interview, Neil Marks returned to his seat. Music and banter between Jeff, Pat, and Neil took up the rest of the show, concluding with “Believe” by Cher, number 1 on March 16, 1999, during my senior year at Wantagh High School. (Neil is a fellow Wantagh High School alumnus.)
Watch a scoped aircheck of The Rock Show below:
More of the beginnings and ends of songs can be heard in the audio version of the scoped aircheck:
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony
(with a pictorial tour of Roosevelt School presidential exhibits)
There was an open house at the Abrams Communications Center on Saturday afternoon. In this first photo, WCWP station manager Dan Cox showed the current makeup of Studio 3 to Neil Marks (1977), Fred Gaudelli (1982), and Suzanne Langwell (1983).
Neil, Fred, and Suzanne are all members of the WCWP Hall of Fame. Neil was part of the 2017 class, Fred was inducted in ’19, and Suzanne in ’22 (ceremony in ’23).
Suzanne Langwell and Neil and Lita Marks converse in Studio 3:
Jeff Kroll prerecorded an interview with Fred Gaudelli to air during Sunday’s FM 60th anniversary broadcast. (Scroll down to that portion of this post to see and hear it.)
Fred is not only in the WCWP Hall of Fame, but also the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2020-21), and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, receiving the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 2023.
Cynthia Hochman, daughter of Benjamin Abrams, spoke to Jeff Kroll and Neil Marks. Listening along are Cynthia’s granddaughters and Joan Yonke, LIU Director of Development and Annual Fund. (Development webpage)
Suzanne Langwell also spoke to Cynthia Hochman.
Pete Sacoulas (2017) drove me and Neil Marks to the south end of LIU Post’s campus for the 60th anniversary celebration and 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony in the Roosevelt School‘s East Room.
Photos of the presidential exhibits will be shown at the end of this album. For now, I’ll note this was my first time inside the now-Roosevelt School since my first semester in Fall 1999. It was a building for music courses, such as Introduction to Music Theory. My professor was John Meschi, now the Director of Music Technology.
The entrance to the East Room:
The Hall of Fame banner and plaques, and programs:
As guests filed in, a photo array looped on a monitor to the left of the podium.
A straight-on podium view:
It makes you feel like you’re in the White House briefing room.
LIU President Dr. Kimberly Cline speaking with Marjorie Hyman, daughter of Benjamin Abrams, who was among the 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame inductees:
Dr. Cline speaking with Cynthia Hochman, another daughter of Benjamin Abrams; and one of Cynthia’s granddaughters:
Jeff Kroll and WCWP station manager Dan Cox speaking with Dr. Kimberly Cline and Vice President for University Advancement Kerry Kruckel:
Fred Gaudelli joined the conversation with Dr. Cline and Ms. Kruckel:
Courtesy of Suzanne Langwell, here’s a photo of Suzanne with 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame inductees Laurie White and Jeannie Moon:
The 60th anniversary celebration began with opening remarks from Dan Cox:
Kerry Kruckel, LIU Vice President for University Advancement, was next to speak:
Cindy Rogers, District Director for Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), delivered a citation on the Congressman’s behalf:
The citation:
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition
Presented to
WCWP
Long Island University Public Radio
In celebration of its
60th Anniversary
On behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of New York, congratulations on celebrating your 60th Anniversary. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication to providing informative and entertaining content to the community as a student-run radio station. Best wishes for many more years of successful broadcasting.
Thomas R. Suozzi
Member of Congress
Third District of New York
March 15, 2025
Dan Cox read a statement from WCWP founding member Art Beltrone, commemorating the FM station’s 60th anniversary:
That was followed by prerecorded speeches from Hank Neimark (1964) and Ted David (1972):
Hank signed on WCWP-FM at 4PM on March 16, 1965, with the words “WCWP-FM is on the air.” (You’ll see him recite those words again during the 60th anniversary broadcast later in this post.)
Dan Reagan (1981) presented 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame inductee Jeannie Moon.
Dan was a 2022 inductee with Suzanne Langwell and six others, and served as chairman of the 2024 Hall of Fame Committee.
Jeannie Moon posed with presenter Dan and her Hall of Fame plaque:
Jeannie’s acceptance speech:
Fred Gaudelli was one of two presenters for inductee Laurie White:
Dan Reagan (right) returned as the second presenter:
Laurie White holding her Hall of Fame plaque with presenters Dan Reagan and Fred Gaudelli:
Laurie’s acceptance speech:
That brought us to the most emotional part of the Hall of Fame Ceremony: the induction of Benjamin Abrams.
Two of Abrams’ surviving daughters, Marjorie Hyman and Cynthia Hochman, spoke on his behalf.
97-year-old Marjorie Hyman’s speech outlined the life and times of her father.
Marjorie’s son Peter and sister Cynthia watching her speech 
A standing ovation!
It was an awe-inspiring speech, one that I complimented Marjorie for after the ceremony. I also thanked her for the generous donation that led to the renovation of the Benjamin and Elizabeth Abrams Communications Center. I initially shook her hand, and continued to hold her hand for the length of our conversation. I nearly cried.
Cynthia Hochman, another of Ben Abrams’ daughters, was next to speak.
Cynthia Hochman and Marjorie Hyman proudly posed with their father Benjamin Abrams’ Hall of Fame plaque:
The ceremony concluded with impassioned remarks from WCWP station manager Dan Cox:
You’ve seen the photos, now watch the video:
If you’re wondering, Marjorie Hyman’s speech is at the 1:07:59 mark.
Ted David left a highly complimentary YouTube comment:
Superior videography to chronicle a major milestone in the history of WCWP, its 60th anniversary. The speeches by the Abrams daughters were the capstones of an amazing evening. Congratulations to the HOF inductees and to all who took part. Special kudos to Mike Chimeri for capturing this history in audio, video and still photography for our posterity!
Thank you very much, Ted.
Now, as promised, we conclude the Saturday portion of this post with photos of the Roosevelt School presidential exhibits.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16
WCWP-FM 60th Anniversary Broadcast
Jeff Kroll commenced the FM 60th anniversary broadcast at 3PM:
Jeff hosted and Pat produced:
Jeff’s view of Zoom on the Studio 3 monitor:
Larry Brodsky (1968) was the first studio guest:
As 4PM approached, producer Pat Kroll made a cameo for the Zoom participants:
Jeff ran a legal ID from Chris Maffei (2013) at 3:58 to clear the way for Hank Neimark at 4PM.
Hank repeated his sign-on: “WCWP-FM is on the air.”
That was followed by applause from Zoom participants Art Beltrone, Bernie Bernard, Junie Thomas, Jon Korkes, Alan Seltzer (1978), Joel Feltman, John LiBretto (1968) (also on staff for the FM sign-on), and John Commins (1973).
Bobby Guthenberg, a.k.a. Bobby G., was the second guest off Zoom and in Studio 3 with Jeff Kroll.
In honor of the late Joe Honerkamp, a.k.a Joseph P. (1974), Jeff Kroll went through a list of high temperatures on March 16 in 1965 and beyond:
Joe was, and Jeff and I (Mike) are, big weather enthusiasts. Jeff said in a comment to this photo in the WCWP Alumni Association album, “[Joe’s] presence was missed throughout the weekend celebrations.”
I showed the following photo featuring Joe Honerkamp (seated at the mic) in the 60th anniversary broadcast before Jeff read the high temperatures:
In the 5PM hour, the studio guest list picked up, starting with Lew Scharfberg (1978) (atop the above photo) and Jeff Jensen (1984):
Lew Scharfberg 
Jeff Jensen
Dan Reagan was next. (His wife Gina looked on outside the studio.)
Dan Reagan was followed by WCWP station manager Dan Cox.
While Jeff Kroll’s prerecorded interview with Fred Gaudelli ran (as seen in the Saturday portion of this recap), I stepped out of Studio 3 to take this photo:
Back live in Studio 3, Jeff Kroll spoke to “Grandfather Rock” Chris MacIntosh, host of Rock N’ Soul Gospel.
Then, it was my turn:
Rather than rehash my WCWP biography from the Friday night interview, I chose to compliment Marjorie Hyman’s speech on behalf of her father Benjamin Abrams.
Vincent Randazzo (2024) and Andrew Scarpaci (2023) were next, the most recent WCWP alumni to be interviewed:
Vincent Randazzo 
Andrew Scarpaci
The last guest of the broadcast was Jeannie Moon:
After noting 26 guests were interviewed, on Zoom and in Studio 3 combined, Jeff and Pat Kroll signed off:
Then, it was back to regular programming: Rock N’ Soul Gospel with “Grandfather Rock” Chris MacIntosh.
That brings us to the comprehensive video of the 60th anniversary broadcast, combining upscaled Zoom video, A- and B-roll from my two camcorders (as in the other two videos), supplemental photos, and the full aircheck. Enjoy.
For good measure, the audio from that video:
Thank you for taking this multimedia journey through WCWP-FM’s 60th anniversary celebration. It is the culmination of 11 days of production and post-production. I sacrificed tens of hours of my time, but I assure you it was a labor of love.
My next blog post should be a recap of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass & Other Delights: In Concert at Lincoln Center on April 1. (Jeff and Pat Kroll will be at the March 31 concert.) That will be followed by recaps of this year’s Smooth Jazz for Scholars, to be held May 2 and 3.
Otherwise, as far as WCWP goes, see you on Homecoming Weekend, starting September 12. (Yes, it’s a week earlier than last year.)
WCWP honored at 2024 Legends of Long Island Music Awards November 26, 2024
Posted by Mike C. in Food, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Radio, Rock, Travel, Video.add a comment
Last Tuesday night, November 19, WCWP – LIU Post‘s public radio FM station – was among many honorees at the 2024 Legends of Long Island Music Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Good Times Magazine and the Long Island Music Business Organization. It was held at The Bayview in Freeport on the southern end of Woodcleft Avenue (near Richmond Street). Woodcleft Avenue is known colloquially as the Nautical Mile because its .85 land mile length is within .02 miles of the nautical unit of distance.
This was another homecoming of sorts for me (2024 WCWP/LIU Post Homecoming Weekend recap), as the Chimeri family part-owned and operated Ehrhart’s Clam House and Bar in the center of the Nautical Mile (adjacent to Suffolk Street) from the fall of 1970 through their sale in the spring of 2004. (Jeremy’s Ale House is where the Clam House was and Hurricane Harry’s replaced Ehrhart’s Bar.) The Chimeri family went on to run Water Lilly’s Waterside Cafe a block and a half to the north (before Hamilton Street) from the summer of 2004 through some time in 2009. (Halfway Down stands where Water Lilly’s used to be.)
Whether or not you could make the sold out Legends of Long Island Music Awards, this was the program with all honorees listed (not in order of presentation):
Good Times Magazine founder and publisher Rich Branciforte served as host, and presented WCWP station manager Dan Cox with the station’s award about halfway through the ceremony.
Now that you’ve seen the video, see photos taken before and during the honor below.
Standing above table 23 are Bobby Guthenberg and George Walsh (whose promo flyer for Knockin’ on Dylan’s Door was seen in the preivous photo). Grandfather Rock Chris MacIntosh (Rock ‘N Soul Gospel) is seated at the table while Pat Kroll can be seen at table 25. 
The Wave program director Avery Cochikas takes a group selfie at table 25. Pat Kroll is visible in the upper left next to station manager Dan Cox, LIU director of development annual fund Joan Yonke, and Audrey Varnas. Woody Collins (Trawling the Decades) and his wife Jan are in the foreground at table 25. 
George Walsh talks to Rick Lucidi (Rick’s Ranch Radio) and Rich Solomon (Taking Care of Business). 
Bobby G. with Grandfather Rock Chris MacIntosh and Audrey Varnas 
Among those in this photo are Cindy Schwartz (Rockin’ History), Vince Randazzo, WCWP station manager Dan Cox, Pat Kroll, Jeff Kroll, Audrey Varnas, The Wave program director Avery Cochikas, and LIU director of development annual fund Joan Yonke 
Rich Solomon, George Walsh, Rick Lucidi, Bobby Guthenberg, Chris MacIntosh, Woody Collins, Dan Cox 
Good Times Magazine founder Rich Branciforte introduces Dan Cox to accept WCWP’s honoree award. 
Dan’s acceptance speech 
I remain grateful for the opportunity to document the history of WCWP by chronicling events like this. It was an even bigger thrill to do so at a venue on a street with sentimental and nostalgic value in a village where I lived 11 years of my life and where my family (myself included) has worked for over half a century.
Congratulations to WCWP and thank you to the Legends of Long Island Music Awards for honoring the station.
2024 LIU Post & WCWP Homecoming Weekend October 4, 2024
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Baseball, Books, Football, Internet, Interviews, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Pop, Radio, Rock, smooth jazz, Sports, Travel, Video.add a comment
Last year, due to ongoing renovation of the Abrams Communications Center on the campus of LIU Post, WCWP‘s Homecoming Weekend programming block was cancelled. This year, it was back, running from September 20 at noon through September 22 at midnight. Coinciding with the LIU Sharks football team‘s Homecoming game against the University of Rhode Island Rams, this was the first Homecoming Weekend block overseen by returning station manager Dan Cox since 2021 and first coordinated by alumni Jeff and Pat Kroll since 2019.
Those who attended the WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony on June 1 were given a tour of the Abrams renovation afterward. More alumni would have a chance to see the changes this time.
As the unofficial station historian, a title bestowed upon me by Bill Mozer, I would document this weekend from start to finish, through videos, photos, and airchecks. The airchecks were mostly recorded off the FM internet stream at my Wantagh home via desktop PCs in my bedroom and the guest room. Exceptions are the first four hours of programming Friday and Bernie Bernard’s show after the football game Saturday. For those, I recorded at WCWP using Adobe Audition on my laptop, which was connected to USB phono preamp connected via a Y-adapter to a Sangean radio’s aux out port. The home recordings were done through Audacity and edited in Adobe Audition.
I always seem to develop anxiety ahead of an impending workload, and that was again the case on Thursday, September 19. I had temporarily limited my Twitch streaming schedule to one stream a week to focus on covering Homecoming Weekend and all the post-production to follow. I also, muted all the Discord chat servers I was in and turned off notifications on the many channels I followed and/or subscribed to. I needed to be calm going into the weekend and focus on the task at hand.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
With all my batteries charged and equipment packed, my mother Lisa drove me up to LIU Post just after 11AM. Once I arrived and entered WCWP, I unpacked and began setting up in studio 3 for the first show of Homecoming Weekend. Project Independence and You! was wrapping up its regularly-scheduled show in studio 2.
Homecoming Weekend led off at noon with Art Beltrone’s interview show.
Art was the first student voice heard on WCWP after its carrier-current station sign-on at noon on October 18, 1961.
Jeff Kroll was the engineer and co-host.
Art’s first alumni guests were Bill Rozea… 
…and Bill’s wife April, members of C.W. Post first graduating class in 1959. 
Art Beltrone presented April Rozea with a bouquet of roses. (Art’s wife Lee is seated in the background.) 
Between interviews, Jeff played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, to the delight of the Bill and April Rozea.
Bill Rozea speaking with Art’s next guest, Vinnie Salamone:
Art’s interview with Vinnie Salamone:
Bernie Bernard was next:
She also received a bouquet of flowers. 
Jeff led the interview with Bernie. 
The next four photos are courtesy of Ted David while he dropped by studio 3:
Jeff’s wife Pat Kroll produced and coordinated Art’s show.
Art Beltrone’s other guests included Stewart Ain, via Zoom (a fifth photo by Ted David)…
John LiBretto and Hank Neimark…
Hank was the first voice on WCWP-FM when it signed on at 4PM on March 16, 1965. 
…and Steve Radoff, via Zoom:
After Hank, John, and Steve were interviewed, I gathered my equipment and headed for studio 2 to set up for my live edition of Instrumental Invasion at 2PM.
Here is Art’s full show, minus most of “Can’t Help Falling in Love”:
Aside from the guests listed above, Art spoke to Jon Benson (via Zoom) and Greg Tarone.
Portions of the above aircheck were synced to video I shot on a pair of Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorders, with occasional photo cutaways.
Click here for a recap of my live Instrumental Invasion, with corresponding photos, scoped aircheck, and video. (The link to the midnight prerecorded show comes later in this post.)
Hank Neimark and John LiBretto returned to the airwaves at 4PM to host Strictly Jazz. Jon Korkes served as the third host, appearing via Zoom, and Jeff Kroll was once again engineer.
Jon Korkes’s Zoom window (the text below him is burned in to the monitor)
Here are Jeff, John, and Hank after the show:
Now for the scoped aircheck of Strictly Jazz:
As you’ll see in the composite aircheck video, Hank and John interviewed me at one point:
After becoming obsessed with “My Attorney Bernie” by Dave Frishberg during the drafting of this post, I realized I left the end of the song from the scoped aircheck in the video before jumping to my interview.
As Strictly Jazz proceeded in studio 2, I took two other photos in the lobby:
WCWP station manager Dan Cox (center) with LIU senior philanthropic advisor Charles Rasberry (left) and Neil Marks (right) 
Neil Marks, John Zoni, Andrew Scarpaci, and Travis Demers prepping for the Homecoming game broadcast
John Zoni had the next show at 7PM Friday:
Jay Mirabile followed at 9PM with a special edition of The DFK Show. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of him while I was on campus and he didn’t take one during his show. So, here’s a photo from 2013:
The scoped aircheck is from this year.
There are more alumni hosts below who were not individually photographed (Chris MacIntosh is in a two-shot) by me or anyone else this weekend, and I will include a photo if I have one to go along with their scopes.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
As the clock struck midnight, my prerecorded three-hour edition of Instrumental Invasion commenced. Click here for that show’s recap, but I’ll say here it was the first time I’d hosted a three-hour show since filling in for Martin Phillips on Thursday Night Jazz in October 2009.
At 3AM, there was Magick Mike Hendryx, seen here live in 2016 following my live Instrumental Invasion:
John Commins was the last of the prerecorded shows early Saturday, airing at 5AM. This was John in 2017:
Jeff Jensen had Saturday’s first live show at 7AM back in studio 2. He’s seen here in 2019:
We now jump ahead to later in the morning atop the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium prior to the LIU Sharks-Rhode Island Rams game.
This set of photos were taken by Pat Kroll:
Jeff and Pat Kroll 
Jeff Kroll and Neil Marks 
Travis Demers handled play-by-play in the 2nd and 3rd quarters while Jeff
Kroll took the 1st and 4th quarters. Neil Marks analyzed.
The Homecoming game kicked off at noon, and I arrived on campus about half an hour later, setting down my equipment at the Abrams Communications Center.
Then, I took out my Canon EOS R7 and swapped the RF-S 18-150mm lens (a replacement after the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo mishap) with an RF 100-400mm lens. That plan worked for photos of the football field, but for everything else, I’d have to back up a long way for anything close to me.
First, a photo in the parking lot:
And one by the entrance:
When I arrived, it was halftime, and Vinnie Salamone got his second interview of Homecoming Weekend.
Listen to the interview here:
As halftime wound down, Jeff Kroll, Neil Marks, and Travis Demers recapped the first half, told stories, and remarked on the state of WCWP.
My photos atop the press box alternated between my EOS R7 and iPhone 13 Pro.
The LIU marching band’s halftime performance 
The opposite end of the stadium 
Until ten nights earlier at Freeport’s 9/11 memorial ceremony, I was unaware that Bronko Pearsall was one of the 343 FDNY firefighters lost that September morning in 2001. Pearsall was among the names read by Amanda Muldowney, sister-in-law of Richie Muldowney. 
Practice kicks… 
The LIU marching band gets back in position in the stands. 
The LIU Sharks returned to the field… 
…followed by the Rams of URI. 
Jeff Kroll always managed to spot me taking a candid shot, leading to a posed photo. 
Travis Demers, Neil Marks, and Jeff Kroll prepare for the second half, as heard in the earlier clip. 
The second half kickoff 
Travis Demers calling the action with Jeff Kroll analyzing and Pat Kroll producing 
Neil Marks watched on during the third quarter, and would rejoin Jeff and Travis in the fourth. 
Travis’s view of the field 
A final photo at the stadium before returning to WCWP
The Sharks led the Rams 21-14, but went on to lose 28-21. The key moment came late in the fourth quarter. One play after the Sharks recovered a Rams fumble at the 1-yard line, the Sharks fumbled the ball back to Rhode Island at the 5. The Rams tied, and went ahead on their next possession. At least it was an exciting game for Jeff, Neil, and Travis to call.
“Highlights” were run during the postgame show, emanating from studio 3 and atop the stadium press box.
John Zoni handled the out-of-town scoreboard…
…and Andrew Scarpaci narrated the highlights:
Programming returned to studio 2 at 3PM with Bernie Bernard. Here are photos taken while setting up:
To the left of Bernie is Jett Lightning. Bobby Guthenberg (a.k.a. Bobby G.) and Larry Brodsky are to the right of her. 
Bobby G. helped Bernie set up (Photo by Hugh Hammill) 
Photo by Hugh Hammill
The photos were taken after Bernie’s show began.
Hugh Hammill is pictured talking to WCWP station manager Dan Cox with Bernie Bernard prepping the next CD to play. Jeff Kroll is standing on the right and Bernie’s sister Melissa is seating facing away in the foreground. 
Ward Henry and Bernie Bernard (Photo by Hugh Hammill) 
Bernie’s view of Wavecart (Photo by Hugh Hammill) 
Larry Brodsky and Jeff Kroll (after Jeff spotted me taking a candid) 
Travis Demers, Frank Iemitti (capital I; with his back to the camera), John Zoni, John Mullen, Dave Fleischer
I neglected to shoot video, but WCWP station manager Dan Cox addressed the gathered alumni outside at the barbecue.
Dan was joined by Kerry Kruckel, LIU vice president for university advancement. 
This photo includes Joan Yonke (center), LIU director of development and
annual fund, and Art and Lee Beltrone to the right of Joan.
Grandfather Rock Chris MacIntosh and Dan Cox listen to Ms. Kruckel’s complimentary remarks. 
Dan was equally complimentary. 
Back inside studio 2…
Bernie Bernard at the board 
Chris MacIntosh joined Jett, Ward, Bernie, Melissa, and Hugh. 
Me with my Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorders. One had a handle unit attachment, and a great shotgun mic and tripod. The other had an okay tripod and no external mic or handle unit. 
Unfortunately, I forgot to hit record on those camcorders before Bernie interviewed me. Thankfully, Melissa Bernard took the next three photos that I used in the video you’ll see in a little while. 
“I was born in the ’80s!” 
Tony and Winnie Traguardo also dropped by. 
Before Mike Riccio and Bobby G.’s radio show, Bernie tried to stump Mike on who sang covers of two songs. 
Mike went 1 for 2. 
John Zoni told me a story about he came to be involved in coverage of the C.W. Post Pioneers/LIU Sharks Homecoming game, as well as encountering Bill Mozer immediately before and after the university fired Bill as station manager in 1990.
As John and I continued to talk, I could hear Bernie wrapping up her show. So, I rushed back into studio 2 to record camcorder videos.
Here is a scope of the entire show:
And a composite aircheck video:
Outside the studio, a photo of Dan Cox (right) with Winnie and Tony Traguardo:
A candid shot of Bobby G. and Jeff Kroll:
Bobby took a photo of me and Jeff:
I should note I bought that blue and gold LIU polo on my way out of the stadium. I chose to wear a green and gold LIU Post shirt that predated the “One LIU” athletics merger and move to NCAA Division I, but it felt wrong wearing that shirt. I changed into the new one when I got back to WCWP.
Pat Kroll took this photo of me and John Zoni:
She also found a CD in my name in one of the station mail slots, per this photo taken over a week later:
The artist said there was one instrumental track for me to play on Instrumental Invasion, unaware that my weekly run ended last November.
Anyway, it was on to Mike Riccio and Bobby G. at 6:02 PM. The theme this year was songs from 1961 to 1989 albums that have been streamed the most on Spotify. Bobby, Jett Lightning, and Bernie Bernard had to guess what the most-streamed song was before Mike began each set.
Mike Riccio 
Bobby G. 
Jett Lightning 
A posed photo of Jett Lightning 
Bernie Bernard returned to studio 2 by the 1970s portion of the show. 
Before I packed up my equipment and left for home, I got a photo of Mike Riccio and Bobby G.:
Here is a scope of most of their show. I edited out a talk break I intruded on and would like to forget.
And a composite aircheck video of all but that one talk break during their first 82 minutes:
Vince Randazzo came on at 9:03 PM with Alternative Jukebox. Yet again, I dip into the archives for a photo of him, taken at the 2022 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Photos from Sunday are courtesy of Pat Kroll and Ted David.
I airchecked the last 18 hours of the weekend, beginning at 6AM with a pre-record of The Aural Fix Transmission with Mike Ferrari:
From here on out, everything was live, beginning at 8AM with Jay LaPrise:
The Ladies of Prison Break Radio, Jamie Mazzo and Sara Dorchak were next at 10:02 AM.
At 12:01 PM, it was Joe “Joseph P.” Honerkamp:
Photo by Ted David 
Jeff Kroll, Ted David, Joe Honerkamp (photo by Pat Kroll)
It was Ted David’s turn at 1:59 PM:
Thank you, Ted, for complimenting me and Travis Demers.
Ted, in turn, was followed by Lew Scharfberg at 4PM (photos by Pat Kroll):
Lew’s show was one of many on Homecoming Weekend engineered by Jeff Kroll.
Alana (seen below in 2022) hosted a special edition of The Rockin’ Sunday Show at 6:01 PM:
Grandfather Rock Chris MacIntosh was here with Rock ‘N’ Soul Gospel at 7:59 PM:
And Billy the Kid closed out Homecoming Weekend at 10:02 PM with Masters of Metal.
Post-production, no pun intended, began on the morning of September 23 and concluded on the morning of October 4 with publication of this post and the Instrumental Invasion posts.
Thank you very much for reading all the way to the end. In spite of any anxiety and stress, documenting events like this is a labor of love. I’m already looking forward to next Homecoming Weekend, but before then, WCWP celebrates its 60th anniversary as an FM station this March. I’ll surely have a recap of that.
Cheers to WCWP, the Abrams Communications Center, LIU Post, my fellow alumni, and the faculty I’ve gotten to know. I’ll see you soon.
10/5 UPDATE: I have a public Google Drive folder with airchecks and scopes of the Homecoming Weekend programs I recorded, while station manager Dan Cox has a folder with unscoped airchecks of all programming.
2023 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony, tour of renovated Abrams Communications Center June 6, 2024
Posted by Mike C. in Audio, Baseball, Basketball, Comedy, Education, History, Internet, Media, Music, News, Personal, Photography, Politics, Radio, Rock, Sports, Technology, TV, Video.add a comment
Other Hall of Fame ceremony recaps: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-21, 2022
7/17 UPDATE: A formatting error with this blog post unbeknownst to me until this morning has been resolved.
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the WCWP Hall of Fame’s 2023 class was inducted in a ceremony at LIU Post‘s Alumni Hall.
This time, there were three inductees (listed in order of introduction):
- Joel Feltman, 1974
- Phil Lebowitz, 1974
- Mike Maimone, 1981
(In full disclosure, I once again served on the Hall of Fame Committee.)
I was under no stress coming into Saturday’s ceremony. I owe that to a lack of weekly radio shows to record in advance and my hiatus from Twitch streaming (I return this Sunday).
WCWP station manager Pete Bellotti contacted me three weeks beforehand to confirm if I would be shooting photos and video. For the first time since 2019, I would handle all of that, not supplementing the station’s video as for the 2020-21 and ’22 ceremonies. The only video I needed was of Phil Lebowitz’s prerecorded acceptance speech. (Joel Feltman and Mike Maimone would be present.)
I have three cameras capable of shooting 4K video at 60 FPS (frames per second): a Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder, a GoPro HERO7 (with YOLOtek Juicebank for extra battery life), and a Canon EOS R7. The R7 replaced my Nikon D5500 as my exclusive photo camera. Needing the R7 for video meant going back to the D5500 for the first time since after Homecoming Weekend in 2022. (Click here to read about my early days with the R7.) For audio to sync with the video, I would use a TASCAM DR-05X audio recorder connected to the podium mixer via 3.5mm cable.
On the afternoon of Friday, May 31, students and alumni, myself included, were shocked by the news that Long Island University had dismissed Pete Bellotti as WCWP station manager. Fears were allayed by evening when Dan Cox, who otherwise would M.C. Saturday’s ceremony, came out of retirement to return as station manager.
Dan briefly addressed the situation in his opening remarks:
For those of you who may not know me, my name is Dan Cox, and I am the Director of Broadcasting at WCWP Radio. Unfortunately, that appointment came less than 24 hours ago. (applause) Unfortunately, the university parted ways with Pete [Bellotti]. Pete was one of my students. He is a good friend, and I wish him well. I think he did an outstanding job during a very difficult time over the last two years, with the renovation and everything that was happening. So, I won’t belabor that point. But I will say, for those of you in the room who probably stretch back as far as the 1960s through the 2000s, there’s never a dull moment at WCWP, is there? So, let’s not make this a dull moment by me talking too much. What I’d like to do right now is to bring up my good friend Jeff Kroll, who’s gonna induct our first inductee [Joel Feltman].
I’m choosing to save the journal portion (i.e. when I arrived, further technical details) for the end of this post before video of the ceremony and renovated station tour.
As Dan said, 2015 inductee Jeff Kroll presented Joel Feltman for induction:
Joel’s acceptance speech, with Jeff present to his right (out of view), dovetailed somewhat into discussion of the next inductee.
But first, Joel and Jeff posed for a photo:
The second inductee, also presented by Jeff Kroll, was Phil Lebowitz, Joel Feltman’s fellow 1974 alumnus.
Phil could not make the ceremony, but he did record an acceptance speech from his home in Surprise, Arizona.
After the video was shown, Jeff Kroll showed off his WCWP press card and shared how Phil’s “gift of gab” allowed the two of them access to a Philadelphia 76ers home game against the Milwaukee Bucks. (They were in Philly to cover a C.W. Post Pioneers football road game against Drexel University.)
Jeff then posed with Phil’s plaque:
Before the third inductee, Dan Cox acknowledged the informal ribbon cutting earlier in the week for the renovated Abrams Communications Center, attended by Marjorie Abrams Hyman and fellow descendants of Benjamin Abrams.
Then, Dan introduced Tim Ernandes to present Mike Maimone.
Tim was a laugh riot, chock full of impressions and stories of from his and Mike’s days working on WCWP comedy series Post Serial, a pun on the university’s Post Cereal roots.
Tim stayed at the podium for repartee during Mike’s acceptance speech.
A photo with the plaque:
After closing remarks from Dan Cox, the 2023 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony was complete. There was a bit of business to tend to before we all made the trek to the Abrams Communications Center.
First, a photo of inductees Joel Feltman and Mike Maimone with presenters Jeff Kroll and Tim Ernandes:
It was Dan who said in his 2022 induction speech (in ’23) that Mike deserved a spot in the Hall of Fame, and he rightfully earned that spot this year.
A candid shot before departing:
Joel Feltman and his wife Michelle offered to drive me down to the Abrams Communications Center. Cars were the only feasible option since Hillwood Commons was itself closed for renovations. If I were to walk from Alumni Hall, I’d have to go around Hillwood.
We parked in the lot, I took out my equipment, and put it all down in the lobby. I shot continuous video (except for a part I couldn’t record) and a dozen photos inside and out. You’ll see the video later, but here are the photos:
The highlight of the tour was an impromptu speech from (and discussion with) station manager Dan Cox in studio 3:
Before I left for home, Dan took a photo of me with Mike Maimone.
Now, the journal portion:
My dad Bill dropped me off at Alumni Hall at around 12:30, if not 12:40. (Surprisingly, I don’t remember the exact time.) Last Sunday, I bought an Amazon Basics 60″ tripod for use with the R7 in addition to the tripods I already had for the GoPro and HC-X1500. As you’ll see in the video at the end of this post, I had to tweak the R7’s color balance, along with brightness and contrast. The HC-X1500 video quality is untouched. The GoPro footage didn’t make the final video as the best shots came from the other two sources. Working from my knowledge of Twitch overlays, I made special overlays for the video:
The R7 video experiment yielded mixed results. I got a lot to work with, but I had to stop recording 55 minutes in to change batteries. After eight minutes on the new battery, the camera stopped recording due to overheating. Once it cooled down, I resumed, only for the SD card in slot 1 to reach capacity. I had to manually change to slot 2 for the last six minutes. Clearly, another camcorder is the only way to go in the future. From Saturday afternoon through Tuesday night, I considered my options: another Panasonic HC-X1500 without VW-HU1 and Rode VideoMic GO II attached or, staying in the Canon family, the Canon VIXIA HF G70. It’s cheaper than the HC-X1500, but goes no higher than 30 FPS in 4K. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, springing for an open box eBay listing on Tuesday night. So, if secondary camera cutaways look cinematic at future events (i.e. Homecoming Weekend), you’ll know why. (6/14 UPDATE: I was dissatisfied with the G70 and am selling it. I’ll just get another HC-X1500 after it sells.)
One last thing: the podium audio was blown out, and I did my best to fix that in Adobe Audition, along with using the click/pop eliminator where necessary.
So, then, here is the finished ceremony/station tour video. Enjoy.
Congratulations to Joel Feltman, Phil Lebowitz, and Mike Maimone. We reconvene in 2025 to induct the 2024 WCWP Hall of Fame class.
Special thanks to 2014 inductee Ted David for curating the photos and for advice on further edits.
Instrumental Invasion, 11/8/23 November 9, 2023
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Internet, Japanese, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Language, Media, Music, Personal, Pop, Radio, Rock, smooth jazz.add a comment
NOTE: This is the last standalone Instrumental Invasion. I have agreed to end the run next week with three more shows airing on consecutive nights at 9:00: show 180 on November 15, 181 on the 16th, and 182 (the finale) on the 17th, my 42nd birthday.
The November 8 Instrumental Invasion on WCWP was another two-four recording: the first two segments on September 25, the last four on the 26th. A pickup was recorded on October 21.
The playlist was created on September 7. Annotations were made between September 13 and 18, with the talk break script drafted on the 20th. Caitlin Myers might have planted the “certified bop” seed, which is why I quipped how “Grooveyard” was that.
“Prince Vlad” by T-Square is probably the most metal thing I’ll ever play and it was followed by Najee‘s very smooth jazz thing.
I had to sacrifice another segment format to allow for more songs from recent releases. Next Wednesday, those songs will make up the entire show.
Click here to download this week’s scoped aircheck or listen below:
As a bonus, here is the music video for “Beyond the Galaxy” by Casiopea 3rd:
Instrumental Invasion, 11/1/23 November 2, 2023
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Comedy, Internet, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Media, Music, Personal, Radio, Rock, smooth jazz, TV, Video.add a comment
There is a major announcement at the end of this post.
The November 1 Instrumental Invasion on WCWP was recorded on September 23 (first two segments) and 24 (last four). Pickups were recorded on the 30th.
The playlist was created September 6, and annotated with three other shows between the 13th and 18th. The talk break script was drafted on the 20th.
David Benoit‘s cover of “Then the Morning Comes” by Smash Mouth was originally played April 14, 2021. I played it in tribute to their late lead vocalist Steve Harwell.
My talk-up for “Junior” by Euge Groove – “you can call it Junior!” – was a nod to the late Bill Saluga‘s Raymond J. Johnson Jr. character. An example performance:
Click here to download this week’s scoped aircheck or listen below:
Before air, I made the following announcement on Facebook:
Before tonight’s show airs, I would like to announce that I am ending my run of Instrumental Invasion after show 186. If the FM stream is working by 9:00, show 178 will be airing. That means I will have eight shows left to air. Two are ready to be recorded and the last four have yet to be worked on. I have taken this show as far as it can go and am burned out.
Instrumental Invasion has been my longest-running production and my best work creatively. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with the world and will carry on with the name each October during Homecoming Weekend.
2022 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony June 12, 2023
Posted by Mike C. in Audio, Baseball, Basketball, Education, Football, Health, History, Hockey, Internet, Media, Music, News, Personal, Photography, Radio, Rock, Sports, Technology, Travel, TV, Video.add a comment
Other Hall of Fame ceremony recaps: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-21, 2023
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the WCWP Hall of Fame 2022 class was inducted in a ceremony at LIU Post‘s Alumni Hall.
As noted during the announcement in October, there were eight inductees (listed by name and graduation year):
- Jon Cole, 1980
- Kim Dillon, 1980
- Cosmo Leone, 1980
- Dan Reagan (“reegan”), 1981
- Suzanne Langwell, 1983
- Roger Luce (Lussier), 1984
- John Mullen, 1988
- Travis Demers, 2003
(In full disclosure, I was on the 2022 Hall of Fame Committee.)
WCWP station manager (and 2019 inductee) Pete Bellotti tapped me as the ceremony’s official photographer, in addition to the supplemental video I shot with my camcorder and GoPro to later combine with what his students recorded.
(NOTE: In prior recaps, I used the title “director of broadcasting” in place of “station manager.”)
Despite my best efforts, the performance anxiety issue I had with Smooth Jazz for Scholars affected me again ahead of the WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony. My essential tremor got progressively worse, reaching its peak when my dad dropped me off outside Alumni Hall at around 12:30. I’m feeling stressed again merely writing about it.
I put my equipment down on a table in the back and began snapping away while also talking to inductees and attendees.
2022 inductee John Mullen speaking to ’19 inductee/WCWP station manager Pete Bellotti and Maureen Tuthill, interim dean of Long Island University’s College of Arts and Design (Brooklyn and Post campuses) 
Cosmo Leone, Dan Reagan, and family 
2022 inductee Travis Demers with ’17 inductee Neil Marks 
2015 inductee Jeff Kroll speaks with ’22 inductee Kim Dillon and her first presenter, Ellyn Solis. 
2022 inductee Roger Luce with ’13 inductee Bill Mozer, Suzanne Langwell’s presenter
The ceremony was hosted by Dan Cox, WCWP’s station manager from 2002 to ’22:
Current station manager Pete Bellotti had opening remarks:
John Mullen was the first inductee, presented by Dan Cox:
John’s acceptance speech:
Rich Kahn presented the second 2022 inductee, Jon Cole:
Jon’s acceptance speech:
Inductee 3 was Cosmo Leone, presented by Larry Lamendola:
Cosmo’s acceptance speech:
Kim Dillon had three presenters, led by Ellyn Solis:
Next, 2019 inductee Lew Scharfberg:
Third, Cande Roth:
Kim and her three presenters:
Kim’s acceptance speech:
At the halfway point, the Art Beltrone Founders Award was presented to graduating senior DeAnna Aguinaldo. After Pete Bellotti’s introduction…
…there were presentations by DeAnna’s WCWP colleagues: senior director Michael Moffa…:
…and Vincent Randazzo, student program director and vice president of The Wave (formerly WebRadio WCWP and MyWCWP):
DeAnna’s acceptance speech:
DeAnna with Pete, Michael and Vincent:
Before introducing Dan Reagan’s presenter, Dan Cox had kind words for his former student:
Like last year, the ceremony was streamed live on Zoom:
2019 inductee Fred Gaudelli presented Dan Reagan (“reegan”), the fifth ’22 inductee:
Dan began his acceptance speech by acknowledging Fred’s upcoming honor in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: the 2023 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award.
With eight inductees, WCWP’s 2022 Hall of Fame class matched the amount of players, coaches, and executives enshrined annually in Canton, Ohio.
This shot my camcorder viewinder became the new cover photo for my YouTube channel and LinkedIn page:
Dan thanked me at one point, which explains why he emailed me before the ceremony asking how to pronounce my last name.
He also talked about Post professor Chris Dodrill, who I remember fondly from my time as a student. I asked Dan for Professor Dodrill’s email address the following Monday. Chris replied to me the next day, noting that he watched the ceremony on Zoom, and congratulating me on my induction last year (2021 class). He gave his regards to my aunt Robin Rose, who was an academic counselor at then-C.W. Post, and the reason I went there in the first place. Dodrill is now a music researcher for the Library of Congress, to whom he generously donated his vast John Philip Sousa collection, answering questions from fellow Sousa enthusiasts.
It was 20 years ago in April when Fred Gaudelli and Dan Reagan spoke to a class taught by Prof. Dodrill, after which I posted for a photo with them:
2013 inductee Bill Mozer presented Suzanne Langwell, and tied up loose ends from his brief acceptance speech when the ceremony format was different.
Suzanne receiving her plaque from Bill:
Once I took the photo, Bill introduced me to the ceremony attendees as the station historian, a moniker he first bestowed upon me at the 2014 ceremony. Perfectionist that I am, I don’t know if the title fits since I don’t know everything about WCWP’s history, though I’m flattered to be called that.
Suzanne’s acceptance speech:
John “J.P.” Parise presented his radio co-host, inductee Roger Luce (Lussier):
Roger and J.P.:
Roger’s acceptance speech:
Roger spoke to broadcasting students at Humanities Hall in March 2002, and again, a photo was taken with me afterward:
The inductee presentations were bookended by Dan Cox, presenting the last of the afternoon, Travis Demers:
Travis’s acceptance speech:
The ceremony concluded with Dan’s closing remarks:
After the ceremony, we see seven of the eight inductees and the Art Beltrone Founders Award recipient:
DeAnna Aguinaldo and her parents:
Dan Reagan and Cosmo Leone:
Fred Gaudelli, Dan Reagan, Brian Miles, Mike Maimone:
A group photo with inductees, presenters, friends:
I was taking shots without asking them to look at me, but Bill Mozer directed them to me. 
Travis Demers with 2021 inductee Mike Chimeri (me):
Travis and his wife Hannah:
A selfie with Joan Yonke, LIU Post Director of Development, formerly Director of Employer and Alumni Engagement:
To paraphrase Bob Barker, Joan is a loyal friend and true of WCWP.
Mozer and me:
Bill was praised by several inductees and their presenters, and rightly so.
Me with Roger Luce (21 years after the first time) and Dan Cox:
Roger and his sister Christine:
Roger, Christine, and her husband Neil Sass, editor for ABC News’s Nightline:
Finally, candid shots:
Joan Yonke grew up in Atlanta and was pleased to meet Dan Reagan, longtime director of Braves telecasts. (Hannah Demers [right] is also a Georgia native.) 
Preliminary stress aside, it was a pleasure to capture the day, catch up with those I knew, and meet those I hadn’t.
Congratulations to Art Beltrone Founders Award recipient DeAnna Aguinaldo, and to the eight Hall of Fame inductees: John Mullen, Jon Cole, Cosmo Leone, Kim Dillon, Dan Reagan, Suzanne Langwell, Roger Lussier (the one time I didn’t use his on-air name), and Travis Demers.
As of publication, I am working on the ceremony video and will update with the video once it’s ready. Thank you for reading this recap.
7/9/23 UPDATE: The video has been ready for a few weeks, but an unofficial announcement made at the end has yet to go official. So, I uploaded a version without the announcement yesterday, and after hours of processing, it’s ready for publication.
Audiobooking 8 March 24, 2023
Posted by Mike C. in Animation, Audiobooks, Basketball, Comedy, Film, Game Shows, Golf, History, Media, Music, News, Personal, Podcast, Politics, Radio, Rock, Sports, Technology, Theatre, TV, Video Games.add a comment
It’s time for the annual “audiobooking” post. Most are visible in the thumbnail, but here are all the audiobooks (with links) that I’ve listened to on Audible since post #7 last year:
- Thanks a Lot, Mr. Kibblewhite: My Story by Roger Daltrey
- All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks
- The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans (1930-2019)
- Killing the Killers: The Secret War Against Terrorists by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard (read by Robert Petkoff)
- I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels with J.J. Abrams (foreword written and read by J.J., otherwise read by Anthony; “th” pronounced like a “t”)
- Out of the Corner: A Memoir by Jennifer Grey
- Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More; written by James Burrows with Eddy Friedfeld (foreword by Glen and Les Charles, read by Danny Campbell; otherwise read by Jimmy) – previously referenced on 9/14/22 Instrumental Invasion
- Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark by Cassandra Peterson (“cassahndra”)
- Priceless Memories by Bob Barker with Digby Diehl (read by Bob; credits read by Robert Petkoff!) – I already have this as a CD set, but I wanted the Audible treatment
- Cheech is Not My Real Name…But Don’t Call Me Chong! by Cheech Marin
- May You Live in Interesting Times: A Memoir by Laraine Newman – previously referenced on 12/7/22 Instrumental Invasion
- Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier by Alan Zweibel (foreword written and read by Billy Crystal, otherwise read by Alan)
- Hello, Molly! A Memoir by Molly Shannon with Sean Wilsey (read by Molly)
- I’m Still a 10-Year-Old Boy: Revised and Edited by Nancy Cartwright – includes audio clips, notably of voice over lessons with Daws Butler
- Wish It Lasted Forever: Life with the Larry Bird Celtics by Dan Shaughnessy – Dan did impressions of Bird and various players when reading their quotes. His Bill Walton impression inspired me to pick up…
- Back from the Dead: Searching for the Sound, Shining the Light, and Throwing It Down by Bill Walton
- Killing the Legends: The Lethal Danger of Celebrity by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard (read by Robert Petkoff) – chronicles the lives and final days of Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali
- Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio
- Where’s My Fortunate Cookie? My Psychic, Psurrealistic Pstory by The Firesign Theatre‘s Phil Proctor with Brad Schreiber (read by Phil) – includes clips from various Firesign recordings, updates exclusive to the audiobook via Phil’s podcast
- Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
- I Must Say: My Humble Life as a Comedy Legend by Martin Short – includes Marty as his many characters, rendition of his Christmas party song with Marc Shaiman
- A Life in Parts by Brian Cranston
- The Gospel According to Luke by Steve Lukather with Paul Rees (read by Luke with exclusive ad-libs)
- Face the Music: A Life Exposed by Paul Stanley
- I got halfway through an audiobook by a New Jersey-based musician and actor who was part of a long-running HBO drama. Then, the author launched into a long political dissertation. I returned my credit and moved on to…
- Disrupting the Game: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo by Reggie Fils-Aimé (“feese-ah-may”) – main audiobook is followed by off-the-cuff conversion with video game journalist Geoff Keighley
- I only lasted five minutes or so on an audiobook about the media until it became clear this would mostly contain interview excerpts from the author’s podcast. So, I returned that credit.
- Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes by Stephen A. Smith
- So Help Me Golf: Why We Love the Game by Rick Reilly – a collection of golf-themed essays
That’s a total of 27 audiobooks (two co-written by O’Reilly, one wholly by Reilly), plus two returns. Everything from I’m a Still a 10-Year-Old Boy through Face the Music was purchased in October while Audible steeply discounted their catalog. Since then, I only use Audible credits on audiobooks over $14.95, the monthly membership fee. Of course, if I buy three credits for $35.88, then I’ll buy anything over $11.96.
Next year’s “audiobooking” post will be the ninth overall, but the tenth anniversary. Until then, happy listening.
5/26/24 UPDATE: I can no longer commit time to these “Audiobooking” blog posts. So, last year’s eighth post is the final post. Thank you for following my journey through audiobooks over the past decade.
Instrumental Invasion, 2/1/23 February 2, 2023
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Film, Health, Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Pop, Radio, Rock, TV, Video Games.add a comment
The February 1 Instrumental Invasion on WCWP was the second consecutive show recorded in one day. This time, I did so out of necessity. More on that below.
The playlist was created on December 9, 2022, allowing me to focus on Festival of Games, then on the aftermath of cataloging pickups, editing photos, and drafting the recap. Playlist annotations came on December 12 with the talk break script drafted on the 15th.
Scroll to the bottom for the scoped aircheck (and a partial one for The Rock Show) if you don’t want to read the next five paragraphs.
I began to feel run down on the afternoon of December 11. I chalked it up to lack of sleep the night before from a mere two Snickers bars and excitement over the 42 video games I bought from Festival of Games vendors (including Pete Dorr!). I still felt run down on the 12th and by that evening, I couldn’t unclog my left ear. It seemed like deja vu from June (see August 17, 2022, recap) where I felt run down and stuffy with clogged ears, but twice tested negative for COVID. I went to my primary care physician on the 13th expecting a quick diagnosis of fluid in the ears, a prescription for Z-Pack antibiotics, and to use more of the nasal spray that I was prescribed in June. I was incredibly naive. Understaffing left me waiting around 40 minutes to be called in, then another half hour after my COVID/flu test (negative for one, pending for the other). And before I left for primary care, I developed nausea and lost my appetite. So, I only had one bite of my protein bar. My appetite returned after the examination, but following dinner at home in the evening, fever, aches, and chills set in. What had been a tickle in my throat in the morning became a strong cough. Come morning on the 14th, I was lethargic. I lacked the will to get out of bed, and had no appetite for breakfast at my usual time. I forced myself out of bed for breakfast at 8:30, and spent the rest of the day lying in bed or sitting up at my computer. Whatever I had, only knowing it wasn’t COVID, I figured symptoms would start to diminish 24 hours after starting the antibiotics.
It was at my computer the day before (December 13) where my radio show production plans shifted. With annotations complete, I created the playlist for next week’s show. This day (the 14th) would be for creating show 150’s playlist, starting annotations on both shows, and stopping work by mid-afternoon. While drafting the Festival of Games recap on the 15th, a nurse at my primary care called to let me know I tested positive for the flu! That’s what I had! As far as I know, this was my first bout with the flu in nearly 29 years – a memorably stronger bout in mid-January 1994. Maybe I had it in June 2022, as well. It’s a good thing I started getting an annual flu shot in October 2020. Otherwise, my symptoms would have been as bad as ’94. I finished show 149 and 150 annotations on December 16.
My voice was close to normal by the 17th, allowing me to finally record and produce a spot for WCWP’s CBB (community bulletin board/calendar), included in the December 21 show post. I drafted the script for this week’s show earlier that day and for next week on the 18th. Repeating what I said in the lead paragraph, I recorded the entire show on the 19th. No pickups were required on the 20th. (By the way, I’d resumed exercising on the 18th when only an occasional cough remained. I resumed treadmill running on the 22nd. And I took my last dose of cough medicine on Christmas Eve morning, the end of the 10-day dosage period.)
This week’s extra segment was 1985-95, allowing me a chance to play Dan Siegel‘s “Northern Nights” – first played on July 8, 2020 – after “Northern Lights” by The Rippingtons. I chose a cut from Peter White‘s Promenade so I could acknowledge learning the pronunciation of John Mahon‘s last name. As noted on the air, I learned from my mistake while watching the Disney+ livestream of Elton John‘s final U.S. concert, during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
My use of the phrase “exactly what it says on the tin” was an homage to the TV Tropes entry.
Click here to download this week’s scoped aircheck or listen below:
Hour 2 was recorded from the guest room computer. I noticed that Mike Riccio was hosting a countdown edition of The Rock Show and wanted to aircheck that before my show on my computer. Unfortunately, I botched the timer recording in Audacity, which was set to stop just as hour 2’s legal ID ran. The January 11 aircheck was entirely from the guest room computer because I forgot to click OK on the last prompt when setting up the timer recording on mine. I changed the settings so that last prompt no longer comes up.
Here is Mike Riccio’s Grammy winners-themed Rock Show joined in progress:
I had to leave in “Theme from A Summer Place” (at the 19:32 mark), especially since I watched Max Steiner: Maestro of Movie Music on HBO Max earlier this week.
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