Written by: Kristina Hess
On April 18th and 19th, Black Squirrel Radio participated in the College Radio Foundation’s “Vinylthon”!
What is Vinylthon?
According to vinylthon.com, Vinylthon is “a fundraiser presented by the College Radio Foundation designed to provide scholarships for future broadcasters. And at the same time, expose our industry to young people who want to work in radio”.
Radio Jockeys and BSR staff took turns hosting 2-hour-long time slots over 24 hours, playing only vinyl. Since there’s only one turntable in the BSR studio, hosts played strategically placed promos and sweepers while quickly swapping records. The first slot was hosted by Kristina, the station’s Programming Director.
Throughout the rest of Saturday, the 18th, RJs Alivia, Sio, Madeleine, and Reuben hosted their respective time slots.
Our Podcast Manager, Fisher, and soon-to-be Audio and Entertainment Director, Vinny, hosted from 1-3 am on Sunday, playing a variety of artists, including Vince Guaraldi Trio, Twenty One Pilots, and Steely Dan.
While trying to get some sleep, Kristina heard what she thought was Fisher and Vinny pounding on the desk in the studio. When she asked Fisher if the sound was them, our Design and Content Director, Sarah, called out from the other room, “You heard that too?” Fisher denied making such noises in the studio. Sarah and Kristina concluded that the noise sounded like someone running back and forth above us. Could it have been a ghost? Franklin Hall has been around for a hundred years…
When Kristina brought up the potential ghost encounter to our Student Media Director the following week, she learned that there have been several paranormal encounters reported by custodial and maintenance staff throughout the years. One of those encounters took place a few years ago in the 3rd-floor men’s bathroom, which is above the radio room…
Following the 1-3 am block, Music and Tech Director Gabe took the lead on the 3-5 am block with Fisher and Sarah. Gabe had brought in the most unique vinyl out of everyone on staff… a compilation of President John F. Kennedy’s greatest speeches. The voice of JFK rang out from the studio, pairing nicely with the staff’s ghost hysteria and sleep deprivation.
RJ Adam came in bright and early to kick off the 5-7 am slot, playing Jimmy Buffett, ELO, David Bowie, and more. Other BSR members, Naki, Aydia, and Stevie G, had the remaining Sunday time slots.
Overall, Vinylthon was a success and a memorable experience for the BSR staff. Our top played artists were Twenty One Pilots, Steely Dan, Queen, and Fleetwood Mac. We hope that BSR’s participation in Vinylthon will become an annual tradition!
