Eastside Radio – Looking Back at 2011, Looking Forward to 2012

As the new year arrives, full of hope and excitement at the prospect of new projects, music, shows, friends and events, we take the time to look back at the year that was and look to the future – a very bright 2012 for Eastside Radio.

We started 2011 with Jazz in Continuum –following the success of the first Jazz In Continuum event in 2010. This important event has grown to develop a new audience for Eastside Radio, providing a platform for young Jazz musicians to perform and also connect with professionals and mentors in the industry.

In June we launched our annual Radiothon Soul Support 2011 with Swingin Soul, a hugely successful night at the now closed Tone Nightclub. We were incredibly lucky to have Little Egypt’s Burlesque perform on the night, a ten-piece band featuring some of Sydney and Melbourne’s most talented musicians including Elana Stone, Brian Campeau and Lucian McGuiness. The incredible Mr Percival and the ever-vivacious Lilly Dior also took to the stage, with DJ Burnhard and Smokey La Beef and Smart Casual working the decks. Dancing was the name of the game with incredible burlesque provided by Gallery Burlesque dancers and swing steps performed by the Swing Patrol kids. Swingin Soul really set the tone for 2011 – good fun, great music and new opportunities to share the Eastside sound with a growing audience.

Our Radiothon, Soul Support provided just the ticket for the continuing growth of Eastside Radio. We received more support than ever from local and nationwide businesses, and were able to offer prizes ranging from Paddington shopping experiences to Far North Queensland Getaways. Our listeners dug deep and supported their favourite radio station, with money raised going to assist in the upgrade of our studio equipment and ongoing costs in running the station.

We were incredibly excited to join The Sydney Fringe Festival in September at Five Eliza, the official Fringe Festival bar in Newtown. Eastside Radio presenters Lilly Dior, Susan Gai Dowling, Taline Kalaidjian and Julian Hibbard and John Curwin with The Sluggs. The venue was stunning and we had a lot of fun chatting to festival goers about the music of Eastside Radio. We received some great feedback about Eastside Radio’s talent and were very excited to see that there is a groundswell of young people who are passionate about good live music.

After the success of Five Eliza we developed a night with our good friends at 505, a night that showcased the diverse sound of Eastside Radio on stage. Eastside Live at 505 was born, with a focus on presenting music for an audience who enjoyed good music, a bit of a dance and a fun night out. Live broadcast on Eastside 89.7fm, Eastside Live at 505 has showcased music from The Vampires, Alphamama and The Love Drug, Mucho Mambo and Hobo Bordeaux. This monthly night of music has grown immeasurably in a few short months, with the second Thursday of every month at 505 quickly developing a loyal following.

Sadly, on December 4, 2011 Wally Wrightman, a long time presenter at Eastside Radio and very dear friend passed away. After 25 years on air, Wally developed a loyal base of listeners and the loss of this great man was felt far and wide. We received countless phonecalls, letters and webposts testifying to Wally’s personable, loving and lively personality, with many listeners and friends expressing their sorrow at the passing of such an exceptional person and engaging performer/ presenter. Wally’s legacy lives on at Eastside Radio through his fellow presenters, staff and listeners.

Our Xmas Radiothon, 12 Days of Xmas was our biggest yet, with prizes generously donated from some of our favourite Business Supporters. We showcased the best of the best with goods and services from around Australia and an international getaway to New Zealand thanks to Beach Lodge Villas and Travbiz. Once again we were blown away by the support of our listeners, who called to pledge their support financially and also express their love of the station to us verbally.

January kicked off with our first Eastside Live at 505 for 2012 with Hobo Bordeaux taking to the stage. This was a sellout event, with more listeners than ever coming out to support the station.

2012 brings an exciting lineup at Eastside Live at 505, including DOUBLE DIP on Feb 9th, a performance night with Eastside Radio Presenters bringing their skills to the stage. Each performer will be presenting one tune from their repertoire and one tune from a completely different genre. This is going to be a night of laughs, fun and most importantly – Great music!! With Matt McMahon, Lloyd Swanton and Toby Hall on Rythmn and Lilly Dior, Susan Gai Dowling, Helen Fenton, and Taline Kalaidjian on vocals, Dan Barnett and Bob Bertles on horn and special appearances by your other favouite presenters including Chris Horsey, John Hibbard and Julian Curwin, this night is going to be a veritable buffet of talent, humor and unexpected surprises.

Jazz in Continuum returns for 2012 in April, growing even bigger and better. Featuring more new artists, acts and arrangements than ever, Jazz in Continuum will continue to put the spotlight on the best emerging talent that Sydney has to offer.

After a rained out 2011 event, Global Rhythms will return in 2012. Plans are already underway to bring Sydney the best world music Eastside has to offer with local, national and international acts performing at this free community concert.

And then of course there are the incredible music, presenters and programs that air on Eastside Radio 89.7fm every day. We have new presenters, new shows and new time slots with your old favourites returning once again in 2012 to bring you the music they like best. We have new arts presenters, and our drive shows are booking some of the most interesting interviews you’re likely to hear this year. So stay tuned, stay in touch and welcome in 2012 with Eastside Radio!