Before 411 PAIN and DJ Laz, radio used to reign. It broke the news and gave us things like audio dramas about invading alien species. So after 100 years of persevering through battles with print to the advent of podcasts, The Wolfsonian-FIU and WLRN are celebrating radio’s legacy Saturday, March 11, by taking it back and throwing RadioFest – a daylong bash of radio-themed festivities.
We compiled a quick rundown of events and activities, so you know where to go to dish your best (and worst) Miami stories, build your own minispeaker and watch original, SoFlo-themed radio plays.
VoxPop Live-Recording Booth
Haven’t had enough of pop-ups? Good. For the rest of the afternoon, WLRN is taking over The Wolfsonian’s Bridge Tender House for a pop-up live-recording booth. Reporter/audio aficionado Wilson Sayre will be there to talk your fave (or least fave) things about the 305, the noises and sounds that make up your memories, and to live-edit the day’s recordings for some serious radio magic that will later premiere during the night’s radio plays.
Here’s a breakdown of the events:
- Cafecito and Conversation | 10-11 a.m.
- 1-on-1 Interview | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Live Editing | 2-5 p.m.
Harvey Explains It All Tour
What: Join Harvey Mattel – major radio collector, enthusiast, and expert – as he goes through the history of radio using gems from his massive collection of vintage radios.
When: 3 p.m.
Radio Plays
What: RadioFest wraps up with a final nod to the cornerstone of telecom with a live recording of original, contemporary dramas, all based in the Magic City, for some old-time-radio-style radio play broadcasting. Grab tickets and catch the four 15-minute plays while they’re recorded live.
When: 7-8:30 p.m.
Also check out …
Internet Radio Panel Discussion
What: Listen in on the folks using the Interwebs for a serious radio comeback. We’ll hear from Jolt, Klangbox, and Wynwood Radio as they talk about the future of radio and how they’re keeping it local. (Disclaimer: WhereBy.Us VP of Creative Bruce Pinchbeck will be moderating the panel.)
When: 1 p.m.
Mini-Speaker Workshop with Moonlighter Makerspace
What: Local makerspace Moonlighter designed up retro radio analog amplifiers (aka dope phone speakers) for RadioFest. Craft your own while learning a little something about soundwaves from the Moonlighter team.