Leila
I have been with Voice of the Avon for nearly 10 years. I have a background of classical music and Scottish music (from my schooling in Scotland).
Having later lived in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and New Zealand, I developed an interest in music from these countries, and have since added to my collection, music from France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and the Pacific Islands and one day hope to visit these places.
There is so much beautiful music from all over the world that has now become accessible.
I have been with Voice of the Avon for nearly 10 years. I have a background of classical music and Scottish music (from my schooling in Scotland).
Having later lived in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and New Zealand, I developed an interest in music from these countries, and have since added to my collection, music from France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and the Pacific Islands and one day hope to visit these places.
There is so much beautiful music from all over the world that has now become accessible.
Denni
I was introduced to community radio at 101.3fm in 2005. At the time i owned, perhaps, 10 cd's. So I urgently set forth on a massive attempt to expand my music collection, often via op shops, garage sales and various pawnbrokers! Now, some 11 years later, my cd collection tops over 1,000 albums; covering classical, jazz, blues and roots, easy listening music and, of course, rock 'n' roll.
I took a break to do some travelling and on my return switched to Kalamunda Community Radio - it was closer to home. I settled there for approximately 6 years, presenting 2 programmes weekly as well as being involved in live-to-air special projects.
After another break for a few years, I was invited to be part of Voice of the Avon's 2015 24-hour radiothon. And that led to an invitation to return.
I'm very happy to be back and love presenting "Rocking on the Avon", Tuesdays 3-6pm. I particularly appreciate the congenial team spirit and the weekly drive from Perth to York is no longer arduous, as I love being among the gum trees. And hopefully, a permanent move is imminent.
I was introduced to community radio at 101.3fm in 2005. At the time i owned, perhaps, 10 cd's. So I urgently set forth on a massive attempt to expand my music collection, often via op shops, garage sales and various pawnbrokers! Now, some 11 years later, my cd collection tops over 1,000 albums; covering classical, jazz, blues and roots, easy listening music and, of course, rock 'n' roll.
I took a break to do some travelling and on my return switched to Kalamunda Community Radio - it was closer to home. I settled there for approximately 6 years, presenting 2 programmes weekly as well as being involved in live-to-air special projects.
After another break for a few years, I was invited to be part of Voice of the Avon's 2015 24-hour radiothon. And that led to an invitation to return.
I'm very happy to be back and love presenting "Rocking on the Avon", Tuesdays 3-6pm. I particularly appreciate the congenial team spirit and the weekly drive from Perth to York is no longer arduous, as I love being among the gum trees. And hopefully, a permanent move is imminent.
Gracie B
Talented singer/songwriter, Gracie B joined the station in 2018, bringing and sharing her take
on music to the Central Wheatbelt and Avon Valley
Started guitar lessons at 9, singing a little after that, now also playing piano, and learning the drums.
Started entertaining the public in about 2016 and is going from strength to strength. Regular
busking gigs, low-key events, regular jam sessions with older and those with so much experience,
awesome mentors, and she loves performing.
Music is truly her life!
Talented singer/songwriter, Gracie B joined the station in 2018, bringing and sharing her take
on music to the Central Wheatbelt and Avon Valley
Started guitar lessons at 9, singing a little after that, now also playing piano, and learning the drums.
Started entertaining the public in about 2016 and is going from strength to strength. Regular
busking gigs, low-key events, regular jam sessions with older and those with so much experience,
awesome mentors, and she loves performing.
Music is truly her life!
Rhonda.
Broadcasting at 101.3fm since early 2015 and before that for 8 years, at 100.1fm in Perth - both music and interview shows, it's been a huge surprise to me just how much music I've still never experienced. Presenting a music show encourages me to dig and research every week, expanding my baby boomer music knowledge and tastes. I’m really a rock fan at heart – far from my first vinyl album: “Come the Day” by the Seekers. Well my grandma gave me the money so I felt it had to be something wholesome! But I thoroughly relish the challenge to mix music from the swing, rock, pop and folk genres. And being a curious stickybeak, breakfast is a perfect opportunity to chat with Avon Valley and Central Wheatbelt folk and find out just how diverse and fascinating our region is Bright and shiny every Thursday for breakfast from 6am |
KT
Keith Taylor ,known professionally as KT is a veteran of 50+ years of broadcasting with experience covering commercial Radio and TV in various locations across Australia. Until his retirement in December 2014, KT had spent the last 20 years at Perth Community Station Curtin fm 100.1. In addition to on air work,he also held senior administration positions. His main role the past 10 years was Drive Presenter. KT’s introduction to and love of music was at a very young age. Being bedridden with a serious illness for over 12 months, his constant daily companion was the “Wireless “. He fell in love with and absorbed the music, the serials and the announcers and decided at that early age that this would be his profession when he grew up. His personal music tastes are quite eclectic ranging from Rock, to Jazz, ,Pop, Country and Classical. He learned to play Clarinet and as a teenager played in a Dixieland band. Later KT switched to drumming - joining a Rock band, then moved on to a Country band. Favourite artist is Ray Price. KT really enjoys presenting "Sweet With A Beat" on Thursdays between 3pm and 6PM on Voice Of The Avon 101.3FM...and now also on Friday Mornings from 10am for "Memory Lane" and Round the Bend, Over the Hill on Mondays 1pm to 4pm |
Peter
I first took an interest in music about 1952, when I discovered girls went dancing.
The music at that time was mainly American swing for the local ballroom dances (village hops!) I also started Square Dancing at that time, which was my favourite style and continued in Australia till the 1990's. The early 50's brought the USA singers Frankie Laine, Johnny Ray, Billy Eckstine and the females like Rosemary Clooney.
Then Rock and Roll hit the scene in the middle 50's, mainly American plus some UK singers and this was quickly followed by Trad Jazz with Chris Barber, Humphrey Lyttelton, etc.
Courtesy of Her Majesty's Army (National Service), I found the sounds and rhythms of the Middle East to my liking, followed by Germany, where pop music had a different sound again. After the Army and a change of girl friend, classical was added to my musical taste and folk. I've attended concerts and clubs for most of these forms of music.
To sum up: I like most types of music I have played for your, and my own, entertainment - HAPPY LISTENING!
I first took an interest in music about 1952, when I discovered girls went dancing.
The music at that time was mainly American swing for the local ballroom dances (village hops!) I also started Square Dancing at that time, which was my favourite style and continued in Australia till the 1990's. The early 50's brought the USA singers Frankie Laine, Johnny Ray, Billy Eckstine and the females like Rosemary Clooney.
Then Rock and Roll hit the scene in the middle 50's, mainly American plus some UK singers and this was quickly followed by Trad Jazz with Chris Barber, Humphrey Lyttelton, etc.
Courtesy of Her Majesty's Army (National Service), I found the sounds and rhythms of the Middle East to my liking, followed by Germany, where pop music had a different sound again. After the Army and a change of girl friend, classical was added to my musical taste and folk. I've attended concerts and clubs for most of these forms of music.
To sum up: I like most types of music I have played for your, and my own, entertainment - HAPPY LISTENING!
Joe
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being on the radio, but a casual phone call to a presenter to ask about a song led me to this journey.
As a young person in Ireland through the rock eras of the fifties and sixties, I was enthralled with the music of the show bands. Brendan Bowyer and the Royal Show Band was a favourite and his connections with Elvis Presley seemed to combine the Irish background with the new rock revolution.
My time away from Ireland, since immigrating in 1968, has created a nostalgia that I fulfill through the Irish musicians that feature in my Celtic Note program.
I have become adept at using technology to ensure I have relevant Irish connections and provide music that is either new or unheard or old favourites that bring back memories.
My approach to both music and life can be summed up in this way: "May your thoughts be as glad as the Shamrock and your heart be as light as a song".
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being on the radio, but a casual phone call to a presenter to ask about a song led me to this journey.
As a young person in Ireland through the rock eras of the fifties and sixties, I was enthralled with the music of the show bands. Brendan Bowyer and the Royal Show Band was a favourite and his connections with Elvis Presley seemed to combine the Irish background with the new rock revolution.
My time away from Ireland, since immigrating in 1968, has created a nostalgia that I fulfill through the Irish musicians that feature in my Celtic Note program.
I have become adept at using technology to ensure I have relevant Irish connections and provide music that is either new or unheard or old favourites that bring back memories.
My approach to both music and life can be summed up in this way: "May your thoughts be as glad as the Shamrock and your heart be as light as a song".
Frank (Life Member)
I have been with York Community Radio since its conception in the 90s, when it was 96.5 York FM.
I have hosted several shows, starting with 'That's Entertainment' on behalf of the York Theatre Group. I was in a live serial 'The Yorkers' written by the late Geoff Smith and 'Terra Australis' which had an indigenous theme, written by Jeanne Cooper.
Eventually I stayed with "Back to the Future", now on Wednesdays 7-9pm, which I enjoy as I can use a mix of music depending on my mood or the demise of various artists.
My thanks go to Ruth Morgan and Ken Emberson for the opportunities.
I have been with York Community Radio since its conception in the 90s, when it was 96.5 York FM.
I have hosted several shows, starting with 'That's Entertainment' on behalf of the York Theatre Group. I was in a live serial 'The Yorkers' written by the late Geoff Smith and 'Terra Australis' which had an indigenous theme, written by Jeanne Cooper.
Eventually I stayed with "Back to the Future", now on Wednesdays 7-9pm, which I enjoy as I can use a mix of music depending on my mood or the demise of various artists.
My thanks go to Ruth Morgan and Ken Emberson for the opportunities.
John (Life Member)
I have been a Chairperson of Voice of the Avon and am a long term presenter.
I started learning the piano at the age of 6. Later on, played tenor horn, which I hated and I played the tuba, which I loved.
At the age of about 11, I moved from my classical piano teacher to Ossie Sanderson, a renowned Perth jazz man and, by the age of 15, I was working professionally in my own dance band as well as accompanying other professional musicians.
At 17, my father entered me in a competition for a Dental School and completely overwhelmed my musical career.
For many years I practised dentistry in the United States. Whilst there, I developed a love of American music. The skill and musicianship of so many American artists is something I have always admired. Especially some of the traditional American string band musicians.
Australia has never developed a local musical genre. Britain has developed maybe 2 or 3 whilst the United States, in just 300 years, has developed about 25 including rock and roll, the blues, jazz, country, bluegrass, hip hop, soul, R&B, swing and bebop. In fact, most of the music we listen to today originated in the United States. My favourite music is the music of the Deep South, the string bands, the gospel harmonists and the family bands.
To get an idea of the competence, musicianship and sheer talent from some of these people listen to a band called The Cox Family. They really are a family who has been playing music for generations as a hobby. Their music was featured in an award winning film called "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou".
Other favourite artists are John Hartford, Alison Krauss, Union Station, Jerry Douglas, The Chieftains, The Beatles, Ry Cooder and Leon Redbone. In fact, I have a song or band playing in my head for all and any occasion.
I have been a Chairperson of Voice of the Avon and am a long term presenter.
I started learning the piano at the age of 6. Later on, played tenor horn, which I hated and I played the tuba, which I loved.
At the age of about 11, I moved from my classical piano teacher to Ossie Sanderson, a renowned Perth jazz man and, by the age of 15, I was working professionally in my own dance band as well as accompanying other professional musicians.
At 17, my father entered me in a competition for a Dental School and completely overwhelmed my musical career.
For many years I practised dentistry in the United States. Whilst there, I developed a love of American music. The skill and musicianship of so many American artists is something I have always admired. Especially some of the traditional American string band musicians.
Australia has never developed a local musical genre. Britain has developed maybe 2 or 3 whilst the United States, in just 300 years, has developed about 25 including rock and roll, the blues, jazz, country, bluegrass, hip hop, soul, R&B, swing and bebop. In fact, most of the music we listen to today originated in the United States. My favourite music is the music of the Deep South, the string bands, the gospel harmonists and the family bands.
To get an idea of the competence, musicianship and sheer talent from some of these people listen to a band called The Cox Family. They really are a family who has been playing music for generations as a hobby. Their music was featured in an award winning film called "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou".
Other favourite artists are John Hartford, Alison Krauss, Union Station, Jerry Douglas, The Chieftains, The Beatles, Ry Cooder and Leon Redbone. In fact, I have a song or band playing in my head for all and any occasion.
Graham (Life Member)
I've been a presenter on this Community Radio station since its beginning, more than 20 years ago and I have also been a member of the Management Committee. I started off presenting all 70's music, then I changed to a mix of 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and today's music. My first program was called "Souvenirs of the 70's". My current program is "Saturday Mix". I've been interested in Radio and TV from an early age. Whilst holidaying in Melbourne, I had a small part in a TV series called Division A, produced by Crawfords in 1972, and I have since appeared in TV ads in WA. One was made in York for Kleenex tissue; the other in Perth for Royalties For Regions. |
Chris
I have been a presenter on Voice of the Avon since 2007. Currently I am a committee member and have previously been the station committee secretary.
My interest in music began in the 1950's with the usual Pop and Rock of the day, but I also began to appreciate popular classics and musical theatre. In the 1960s, I got more interested in classical music and developed my interest in musicals. I went through the progression from 78's to 10 & 12 inch LP's and 7 inch 45's, cassette and reel to reel tape and finally compact CD's, replacing treasures every time there was a new format!
I specialise now in classical and easy listening music, film soundtracks and musicals and I collect reissues of classic recordings and rarities of those genres, from the 1940's on.
My view of music was summed up by English conductor Sir Thomas Beecham, many years ago: Good music is that which penetrates the ear with ease and quits the memory with difficulty.
I have been a presenter on Voice of the Avon since 2007. Currently I am a committee member and have previously been the station committee secretary.
My interest in music began in the 1950's with the usual Pop and Rock of the day, but I also began to appreciate popular classics and musical theatre. In the 1960s, I got more interested in classical music and developed my interest in musicals. I went through the progression from 78's to 10 & 12 inch LP's and 7 inch 45's, cassette and reel to reel tape and finally compact CD's, replacing treasures every time there was a new format!
I specialise now in classical and easy listening music, film soundtracks and musicals and I collect reissues of classic recordings and rarities of those genres, from the 1940's on.
My view of music was summed up by English conductor Sir Thomas Beecham, many years ago: Good music is that which penetrates the ear with ease and quits the memory with difficulty.
Frenchy
Michael
Hi, my name is Michael, a new presenter on Voice of the Avon 101.3FM
I love all types of music, ranging from rock&roll, heavy metal, punk, pop, country, classical music, musicals, folk, blues, jazz, opera world music and much more.
It is a great pleasure for me to be able to share music with our listeners.
My program, "Michael's Mix Up" although mainly focused on music from the 1950's to the 1990's also includes "divine moments" when I share music from other genres and decades.
Your feedback on what you'd like to hear on the programme would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, my name is Michael, a new presenter on Voice of the Avon 101.3FM
I love all types of music, ranging from rock&roll, heavy metal, punk, pop, country, classical music, musicals, folk, blues, jazz, opera world music and much more.
It is a great pleasure for me to be able to share music with our listeners.
My program, "Michael's Mix Up" although mainly focused on music from the 1950's to the 1990's also includes "divine moments" when I share music from other genres and decades.
Your feedback on what you'd like to hear on the programme would be greatly appreciated.
Tonks
I decided to try out as an announcer after being told many years ago that I had
voice that was suitable for radio. Having been bought up with parents that loved
jazz, swing and the crooners of the sixties, and then discovering rock n roll I had
visions of playing everything from Jack Teagarden to The Angels, Benny Goodman
to The Easybeats.
Then I discovered my passion - Contemporary Australian Music.
It gives me great pleasure to be able to seek out and present each week a selection of
music from the tremendously gifted musicians we have in this country.
I decided to try out as an announcer after being told many years ago that I had
voice that was suitable for radio. Having been bought up with parents that loved
jazz, swing and the crooners of the sixties, and then discovering rock n roll I had
visions of playing everything from Jack Teagarden to The Angels, Benny Goodman
to The Easybeats.
Then I discovered my passion - Contemporary Australian Music.
It gives me great pleasure to be able to seek out and present each week a selection of
music from the tremendously gifted musicians we have in this country.