What Jeff Burke is listening to

By Jeff Burke

Published September 14, 2022 at 12:31 PM CDT

Hi, I'm Jeff Burke, and I came to WXPR in February of 2006 as a newbie on a 9-midnight shift for Blues Friday. I've met some incredibly knowledgeable hosts/volunteers, all of whom bring a unique radio personality to the station. Diversity in music and significant on-air host's talents are among our many strengths. When I'm not listening to the pile of new blues offerings being sent to me by artists, labels and agents, I find myself seeking a re-grounding in jazz and have recently been returning to Mingus, Monk, Charlie Haden, Kenny Barron, Metheney, Wynton Kelly and Eddie Harris-to name just a few.

Jeff Burke

The impetus for my 17+ yr. station involvement stems from my commitment to initially fulfill a role as an on-air host when the opportunity presented itself. which was soon after I accompanied a then new host who had begun a stint as a Blues Friday on-air volunteer. I enjoyed pulling music for him on the several trips we shared down to Rhinelander and pure serendipity followed soon after when the other 9 to midnight shift opened up. In 2015 following my involvement in a selection committee seeking a new General Manager I was asked by then current Board members to join the Board, subsequently serving as Chair for 6+ years which oversaw the hiring of another (and current) General Manager, facility upgrades many staff and Board member changes and an exterior building restoration last year. All in all-a really good run. Brilliant staff, brilliant volunteers = a brilliant station!

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