Airwaves

by Brian Goslow

With the Internet grabbing a bigger piece of our attention these days, it should be no surprise that radio stations are looking to carve their own place in the growing technology. Last week, public broadcaster WICN (90.5 FM) launched a Web site (www.wicn.org).

As of this writing, the site includes WICN's program guide (with accompanying descriptions). In upcoming weeks, the following will be added: a current-events section (including Brown Bag, Mass Jazz, Jazz at Sunset, and other area concert information), the WICN Store (offering music and books with discounts for station members), "cool links," and the opportunity to become a station member via the Internet.

Eventually you'll be able to listen to WICN on your computer. "We hope to broadcast as soon as possible," jazz director Stephen Charbonneau said earlier this month. "Some major jazz stations are broadcasting on the Internet, including WBGO in New Jersey and KLON on the West Coast. The accessibility and good quality programming allow you to explore different geographical slants. You don't need an expensive computer, just a decent sound card and speakers."

COMMUNITY BROADCASTER WCUW (91.3 FM) has been on the Web for a few years (www.splusnet.com/~wcuw/index.html), and while its online program schedule dates back to 1996, a few programmers post their playlists on a regular basis. Sylvia and Sage present womyn's music on Face the Music every Thursday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Sylvia's been playing SONiA ("Two Eggs over East" and "November or Nothing"), disappear fear, Suzanne Westenhoefer's "LPGA," Ferron, Tracy Chapman, and Alix Dobkin's "The Girls Just Want To Be with the Girls"; while Sage's spun Mrs. Fun's "Love You Loud," Carrie Newcomer's "Lead Me On," Petronella, Ani DiFranco, and "Life Get Real" by Ann Reed.

Harmonic Atmospheres, cohosted by Gary Turner and Scott Whipple, features New Age, electronic, ambient, and space music Saturdays from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Their most recent playlist included Brian Eno, Jean Michel Jarre, Space Time Continuum's "Pressure (Horizontal Mix)," a track from Ambient Temple of Imagination's planetary house nation (Mindspore), and "All Is Full of Love" from Bjork's Homogenic (Elektra).

Acoustic fans should check out the New Traditions pages for Tuesday host Rich Fox (whose site also has extensive playlists, venue, and music links) and Friday host Troy Tyree.

WCHC's WEB SITE (www.carver.holy cross.edu/studentorgs/wchc/) promises to be more active in 1998. Hip-Hop, Loud Rock Music, and the Indie Rock Music departments will make their Cyberspace debut, along with DJ profiles. Stay tuned . . . or should that be . . . get connected?

THE LEGENDARY CARL PERKINS, who died last week, will be honored on the Rock and Roll Party this Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m. on WCUW. "I have a lot of respect for him," says host Fran Ritchie of the man who gave us "Blue Suede Shoes." "He was an un-egotistical guy who didn't let a lot get to him like other music people. I always heard he had some bad times in his career, but he always took it in stride. When good things happened to him, he was very gracious." Take away Perkins, and there may not have been a Beatles. In their early days, the Fab Four covered "Honey Don't," "Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby," and "Matchbox."

WORCESTER STATE COLLEGE'S WSCW (94.9 FM) holds a benefit concert, featuring Chillum, Seven Hill Psychos, and N.E. Hostility, at 7:30 p.m. on February 5 in the school's Student Center Blue Lounge (there's a $3 admission). Call 929-8512.