WDRT radio in Viroqua holds first block party
Often referred to as the radio station of the Driftless, WDRT has been on air since 2010. As a community radio station, WDRT is, for the most part, a volunteer-based station. This past weekend, the station celebrated community by holding their first ‘Block Party’.
Emily Grantham, WDRT’s Membership and Outreach Coordinator said, originally the station wanted to hold the block party on their 10th anniversary in 2020, but then COVID hit. Grantham has been in her position for a year and a half, and it is her job to promote and grow the radio station from a fundraising perspective, and grow listenership. “I'm responsible for all the fundraising that we get from individuals, 60% of our funds come from individual people in the community, and the other 40% is business underwriting.” She stressed, as a nonprofit community radio station, WDRT doesn’t receive money from the government or any corporations, therefore is not beholden to any entity.
The station is 100% volunteer run, except for the three part-time part time staff members; herself, Terry O’Connor - Programming & Operations Coordinator, and Ann Altland - Business Sponsorship Coordinator & Bookkeeping.
“The impetus for doing this block party was, we've been around since 2010, so this is our 14th year. They wanted to do it for the 10-year anniversary, but that was during 2020 pandemic, so we couldn't do it. But we thought better late than never. We wanted to give back to the community that has made us who we are. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for all the individual listeners that are just so passionate about this radio station. We wanted to have a fun community celebration,” Grantham said.
She noted, a second impetus for holding the block party, was to make people aware about an expansion project the station has begun. “We've got two and a half functional studios right now, but we have 100 volunteers that do all of the programming that you hear. We're really outgrowing the current space that we have, and we've got this whole space in the back of the building that we've now cleaned out and is ready to go.” The plan is to build a third studio where the station can accommodate live performances, with the ability to broadcast on-air in front of a studio audience. “We've had a lot of bands that have come through here. There's a lot of music in the Driftless, we're just not really set up to live broadcast full bands. So that's part of what we want to do. Ideally, this third studio could also become a recording studio as well, so local musicians can utilize it to help record their albums.”
She shared this was WDRT’s first time live broadcasting DJs and bands over the air. The event was commemorated by tie dyed t-shirts available at no cost and made by volunteers, of course. “All the signs were hand painted, the stage we made with volunteers. Everything has been done by volunteers. There's so much love here. This is my first time working for a nonprofit, and it's just an incredible organization, because people want to be here, and they're excited to be here. They're excited to give back. Everybody loves music, so it's just a great connector,” she said with a smile.
That feeling of community and love was also felt by two women in attendance, Jessie and Julie, both from Viroqua. Jessie, having moved to Viroqua from Madison has lived here for about two years. Having arrived early for the party, she said the event was, “super exciting”. “I hope it's a good turnout. I feel like a bunch of elements are coming together for a wonderful community get together. I hope WDRT continues to do this every year. I thought it was cool they have someone doing astrology, and art projects, and of course free food.”
Julie, another early arriver, was hoping to see some of her family come to the event. She said she was getting, “a really good vibe” with all the good people around for the block party. “I really love this radio station. My uncle Raymond Hadley used to play with my mom (Barbara Kelly) on the radio station. They sang all sorts of old songs, and sometimes it was hilarious.” Julie said that her daughter Julica Rose Kelly is an accomplished singer, and her son Israel Kelly is in the business having a local record label.
A musical line up included; Raggae Pon Yard, West Fork Gals, DJ DRT, Global Beat, Booty Tunes, and Daddy Long Legs.
WDRT is grateful for the Block Party’s sponsors; Organic Valley, Driftless Provisions, Viroqua Food Co+Op, Fizzeology Foods, Bad Axe Music, Citizens First Bank, Vosseteig Funeral Home and Crematory, Sit n Git, Quality of Life Chiropractic and Shade Haven. Free food was provided by; Driftless Provisions (brats), Organic Valley (hot dogs), Fizzeology Foods (Sauerkraut), and Driftless United Futbol provided the cotton candy machine. In addition, Footjoy Farm and Brewing sold beer, and Udder Brothers Creamery sold ice cream.
