If it’s rock music you’re looking for, WRTC is the place.
Way back when it all started, we were one the first stations in the Hartford area to play rock music. These days, we air 60-plus hours a week of the stuff.
Historical note: In in the 1970s, Alien Rock was one of the first programs in the state to introduce progressive, art and punk rock to listeners.
A unique mix can be found on a daily and yes — nightly basis — with formats constantly changing. Be prepared to be surprised…
SUNDAY
4-6 p.m.
ROOTS ROCK RADIO
Host: Dean Farrell
First-generation rock of the 1950s and 60s presented by veteran host Dean Farrell who used to be found in this time slot and also alternating Saturdays, producing the long-running Soul Express.
Dean was blunt for his reason behind this program: “This music has all but disappeared from the airwaves,” he said, “and I think that’s a crime.”
6-8 p.m.
STRICTLY ROOTS
Host: Patrick
A weekly treasure trove of old-school reggae classics, gems, instrumentals and versions sure to fill the hearts of Jah children with joy.
8-10 p.m.
THE ART HOUSE
Host: Dr. Art
Dr. Art takes takes you on a sonic journey each week. Therapy for the mind, heart and soul.
MONDAY
9 a.m.-Noon
THE DEVO ROCK SHOW
Host: Devo
Devo said the show features all kinds of rock music, from old to new.
7:30-10:30 p.m.
ALIEN TWO PUNK DIVAS
Hosts: Rockin’ Rita & Michele (alternate)
A random smattering of mostly ’80’s punk, post-punk, goth, industrial, ska and everything and anything in between. If you dare, relive your past with them as they relive theirs with you!
TUESDAY
9 a.m.-Noon
GENUINE RADIO
Host: Melissa
A lot of vinyl, which means older rock and yes, Melissa dabbles in that crazy prog stuff! No pre-determined playlists, no iPods or cellphones are used to make this show happen.
Noon-3 p.m.
ECLECTIC KITCHEN
Host: The Pseudo Chef
If it was released anywhere from 1965 and the present, you’ll find it here. A wide range of rock — specially catered to meet an equally wide range of tastes. Try a sample.
Contact: E-mail
WEDNESDAY
9 a.m.-Noon
BORIS ROCK SHOW
Host: Boris
Covering five decades of rock ‘n’ roll where boundaries are no issue! Hefty servings of classic rock merge with the latest in adult alternative. CD giveaways and trivia every week! Now in his 18th year at WRTC, Boris’ roots are in the past, but he’s always looking forward!
Contact: E-mail, Facebook page
9 p.m.-Midnight
VOODOOBLUZ MIX TAPE SESSIONS
Host: Jay
It’s just what the title of the show alludes to.
THURSDAY
9 a.m.-Noon
SKULDUGGERY
Host: “Weird” Joe
From ABBA to Zappa, ok just kidding about ABBA, but fear not, we’re talking about an assortment of rock-oriented sounds: from straight-up rock, punk, shoegaze, drone and plain old noise. Warning: the shows are never pre-planned, so it’s a surprise for the host, too.
3-4:30 p.m.
RADIO KAOS
Host: Mark
Listeners go on an educational aural adventure.
4:30-7:30 p.m.
ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
Host: Caitlin
Caitlin hosts a 70s progressive and soft rock show, with occasional dabbling into the late 60s, early 80s and current indie tunes. It’s the type of music that makes you feel like a character in a coming-of-age movie.
7:30-10:30 p.m.
ALIEN ROCK or LAND OF MISFIT TUNES
Hosts: Reynolds the Psychedelic Warlord or Katherine alternate.
When it comes to defining “full spectrum” look no farther than this aural soundscape that airs on alternating Thursdays. Rooted in varied rock styles from the late 60s to the present, but really keying on the bands and artists.
For more than four decades, Reynolds has shared a keen insight and wealth of knowledge for what is widely viewed as “underground” music. This is one of only a handful of true progressive rock programs in the country. “It’s like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven to me,” Reynolds says of prog rock, “timeless music that people will love.”
When asked to describe her show, Katherine said: “Hmmm…alternative, indie, weird?” She plays as much new material as she can, but is known to dabble in funk, jazz, reggae and world. How about just count on spectrum-crossing sounds!
FRIDAY
9 a.m.-Noon
THE FOREST FOR THE TREES
Host: Brian Anthony a.k.a. the Tree Man
3-5:30 p.m.
QUESTIONABLE CHOICES
Host: The Chief
“The Chief” won’t ever get accused of never playing “Echoes” by Pink Floyd.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
CRASHING THE ETHER
Host: DJ Rob
Party rock to get you prepped for the week ahead. Everyone from Joey Ramone to George Michael is invited. And so are you….
7:30-9 p.m.
FOOTNOTES OR DUCK, YOU SUCKER!
Hosts: VJules & Vergel alternate.
Footnotes: a variety show featuring the obscure, overlooked and otherwise offbeat tracks of the musical landscape.
Duck, You Sucker!: What even was music? Did it ever exist?
SATURDAY
NOON-2:30 p.m.
PEANUT BUTTER & JAMS
Host: DJ Peppeh-Jack
An eclectic medley of rock ‘n’ roll, funk, reggae, comedy, and good ol’ fashioned rhythm and blues.
2:30-5:30 p.m.
GREASY TRACKS OR THE SOUL EXPRESS
Hosts: Chris Cowles and Dean Farrell alternate.
Greasy Tracks features an in-depth mix of below-the-radar artists as well as soul, blues funk and rock legends.
The format is heavily influenced by the gritty Stax Records and southern soul styles, but often goes into late-1960s/early-70s Brit blues and extended acid jazz and fusion instrumentals. There have been a number of six-hour features on Stax with guests who who made Memphis the focal point of American soul music.
Regular band/artist/author spotlights with interviews.
The Soul Express presents the classic soul rhythms of the 1960s and ’70s — everything from No. 1 hits to long-lost obscurities, Dean never puts the breaks on when it comes to digging deep into his collection of music.lectic medley of rock ‘n’ roll, funk, reggae, comedy, and good ol’ fashioned rhythm and blues.
7-10 p.m.
ESOTEROCK or AUTHENTIC ROCK
Hosts: “Bungalow” Bill Walsh and Melissa alternate.
With a combined 70-plus years of broadcasting experience between them, “Bungalow” Bill and Melissa alternate to provide a decades-wide span of rock sounds, always making sure to find some tracks by cool progressive bands that many people have forgotten about and some who never knew. They are part of the Procol Harum Patrol. What a way to spend a Saturday night!