On Saturday, May 11th at Goodman South Madison Library, WWMV-LP 95.5 FM held the first-ever Many Voices, One Community Block Party as a celebration and amplification of radio and community.
Many Voices, One Community WWMV-LP 95.5 FM is our volunteer-operated radio station that promotes community members’ ideas and creativity, specifically those that have been underrepresented on the Madison airwaves. Their event was chosen as part of Madison Public Library’s 2018-2019 Library Takeover program.
Host Rob Dz and DJ Stacktrace wove together musical performances by Alise Mosley, K Sankofa, Homemade, Marcus Porter, Crown Vic and Kilo, as well as a brilliant dance performance by Hitterz Collective. Local chefs from Melly Mel’s Catering and El Pastor Restaurant fed the people, with the addition of salads from the Weary Traveler and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to round out the menu.
Between enjoying the jump house, getting their face painted, making crafts for Mothers Day and visiting the Madison Public Library Dream Bus, the kids and adults were kept busy throughout the whole day! Party goers moved into the library and were able to record WWMV-LP station ids (they recorded over 20 minutes of 10 second ids!), participate in a DJ workshop, or provide a live interview for the radio.
Despite the fact that the day was cold and threatened rain continuously, more than 125 people come by the party, and many stayed all day! The party generated significant interest in WWMV-LP, leading to four new prospective radio shows, AND a host of interested volunteers for the station. Many thanks to the Goodman South Madison Library for hosting, to all of our performers, and to the community members who came to help us celebrate!