Friday, January 29, 2016
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Karen Traub: WMUA’s music selection an enriching part of life
Karen Traub: WMUA’s music selection an enriching part of life
To the editor:
When I moved to Northampton after college, WMUA was one of the best things about the area, introducing me to music I didn’t know existed like zydeco, polka and Tuvan throat singing.
Many wonderful programs disappeared when the student hosts graduated, but the “Polka Bandstand” with Billy Belina followed me through life. In the late 80s, I would drink coffee and annoy my housemates with polka on Saturday mornings. Little Billy Jr. was so cute helping his dad.
Life went on. I met the man of my dreams and we started a family. As the years went by, I listened while driving my kids to soccer, karate and drum lessons. Last summer I went to Ocean Beach Park Polka Days and finally met my polka hero. I thank Belina and the crew for enriching my life.
My donations to WMUA were part of the half million dollars polka raised. The polka shows are a cultural icon of the Pioneer Valley and will no doubt continue via the Internet and Valley Free Radio. Unfortunately, along with many other loyal fans, I will lose access to the music that makes Saturdays happy and snappy.
Given its longevity, considerable financial contribution and cultural significance, I request that the WMUA polka music family be considered separately from the 24-hour limit on community music, or that the limit be altered to restore the polka hours.
The University of Massachusetts has a responsibility to the community that hosts and supports it, as well as to the volunteers who have given so much over the years. I hope the station and the university will find an answer that doesn’t include denying us the programs we count on.
Karen Traub
Shutesbury
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