Fred Child, host of the popular radio show “Performance Today,” will be visiting the Chattanooga area Oct. 21-22 as a thank you to supporters of WSMC 90.5 FM, Southern Adventist University’s classical music station.
“Performance Today” had been a staple on WSMC before a series of syndicated shows were cut due to costs. After fielding calls from numerous classical music lovers concerned about the programming change, WSMC decided to hold a fund drive with the goal of raising enough money to bring “Performance Today” and some other offerings back.
The financial response was their largest to date, with listeners committing enough funds to put the show on the air for another year.
Bringing Mr. Child to Chattanooga for a series of events was the station’s way of showing its appreciation to their listening audience.
“This is just one way we can thank the community for their support,” said Scott Kornblum, WSMC general manager.
While in town, Mr. Child is scheduled for a series of events, some public and some private. On October 21, Mr. Child will speak from 9:15-10:30 a.m. about the impact of arts on the economy at the Chamber of Commerce meeting in Collegedale. Later that day, he and Suzanne Bona, host of “Sunday Baroque,” will be part of a chartered cruise with the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Gorge Explorer from 2-4 p.m.
The meet and greet event is the best opportunity to talk one-on-one with Mr. Child and ask him a question; tickets are $35 each. On Oct. 22, Mr. Child will speak about why businesses should invest in the arts at the Chattanooga Rotary Club luncheon. The public is welcome if attending as guests of a Rotarian.
Mr. Kornblum believes Mr. Child’s visit is a valuable opportunity for classical music enthusiasts to join together and nurture the culture of this genre.
“Our goal is always to increase exposure for classical music,” Mr. Kornblum said. “We can show people why music written hundreds of years ago remains relevant!”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wsmc.org.