Published: October 02, 2008 01:13 pm            

WKYE will mark milestone with dance party

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

The year was 1983. “Flashdance” was a box-office hit, Sally Ride became the first woman in space, a game called Nintendo went on sale in Japan and Johnstown’s WKYE-FM began broadcasting.

The radio station went on the air Oct. 3, 1983, and has delivered news, weather and music ever since.

To mark the occasion, organizers are hosting WKYE’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Dance Party at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Ace’s, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The event will feature prizes, Oktoberfest-style foods and dance music provided by Johnstown Classic Rockers from 8 to 11 p.m.

When WKYE went on the air, it replaced WJAC-FM, which was an operation that was entirely automated.

Large reels of taped music were programmed to stop at designated periods for pre-recorded commercials, time checks, weather and news headlines.

With the change of call letters, WKYE hired on-air personalities to present an adult-contemporary format.

One of those personalities is Jack Michaels, who is the last original on-air personality remaining from those days.

“With the many changes in radio stations and the roller-coaster economy over the last 25 years, we are proud that we continue to serve our listeners,” said Michaels, who is station program director.

“Hopefully, we will continue to meet the needs of the public, and there is no end in sight.”

Michael’s said several former staff members – Mike Farrow, Jim Burton and Tim Rigby – will be in attendance to commemorate the station’s milestone.

“The doors open early to allow people to get settled and enjoy some food and drink,” Michaels said.

Organizers will hand out several giveaways including mugs and T-shirts.

“A portion of the proceeds will go to the ‘12 Wishes of Christmas’ fund,” Michaels said.

The program benefits less-fortunate people in the area during Christmas.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Ace’s, WKYE’s offices, The Galleria information booth and at the door.



25th anniversary

What: WKYE’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Dance Party.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Ace’s, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

Tickets: At the door. Advance tickets at Ace’s, WKYE’s offices and The Galleria information booth.

Cost: $10.

        

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