For a refreshing change of pace during the Covid-19 isolation, join the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour for a laid-back musical free-for-all with all their production personnel in tow for a spirited audience-free show. Practicing numerous in-studio precautions, complete with moving air, fastidious and liberal disinfectants, and a plethora of gloves and masks, the crew unleashes a potpourri of interesting songs and stories—both thought-provoking and humorous. Music producer, John Bahler even unleashes a unique comparison to the pandemic in his comic song about flatulence when he sings…“—you better keep your social distance.”
Hope College, Communications major, Katy Smith is on hand as the guest announcer, describing “vulnerability exercises” as the high point of her first acting class and keeping the show charged with her insights and observations on the material. John Bahler opens up the show musically with a swinging rock-n-roll folk ballad targeted to keeping the faith in these difficult times and with the catchy hook, “In the middle of the darkest night, it’s not fair, ‘cause everybody cries—my, my—my, my.”
In the middle of the show, Nate Butler shares his luck in finding his impressive, sleek modified White Falcon guitar––it’s shiny, shiny, black (the name of his band)––on eBay of all places. Before long, he’s playing the instrument like the pro that he is, singing original songs reminiscent of bands like Blind Melon and Smashing Pumpkins. A particularly moving ballad, Another Way Up the Mountain is a direct reference to being committed to one’s art in a tenacious manner, searching for a way to make it sustainable and lasting.
Radio host, George Schricker finishes the show with two of his original songs from previous albums. While in Darkness There is Light, a song concerned with an ex-patriot during the Vietnam conflict and his subsequent escape and return from Australia, is based on his friend, Louella Bryant’s book. An anthem to peace-making and brotherhood, the chorus intones the age-old question, “Must so many die when they’re beginners?” Meanwhile, guest lead guitarist, Ryan Mear contributes an appropriate bagpipe dirge on his electric guitar. Schricker finishes his set with a hymn to the bicycle–a song inspired about his earliest days of learning to ride one.
All in all, it’s a diverse show, with a multitude of musical perspectives—an enticing stew of philosophy, humor, and food for thought. This eclectic, “Moon Pie,” of generational and musical outlooks can be heard on Monday, June 1st at 9 P.M. on WVPE 88.1, and on WTCA 1050 AM/106.1 FM at noon on Saturday, June 6th. Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour – A Home for Humans.
