Today, WUSC had to do what we have put off for weeks: we announced that Uncle Gram has retired. Many of you may have already known this. Automation has played in the place of Red Bank Bar and Grill this whole semester, while we in the studio crossed our fingers that Uncle Gram would come back from a prolonged hiatus that began in December. This February, he corresponded his wish to hang up his hat for good. Uncle Gram, aka Mark Lyvers, has devoted an unprecedented amount of time to WUSC. He began broadcasting in 1978, and has kept the Red Bank Bar and Grill show running intermittently ever since.
Outside of the studio, Mark was a truck driver and a folk music enthusiast. He always promoted local events and shows on the air, and even had a hand in hosting some of them. Red Bank Bar and Grill appealed to listeners in the local area and beyond, and Uncle Gram's fanbase is one of the most devoted the station has ever seen.
In part to ease our own woes about Uncle Gram's departure and to give his fans a final farewell, a group of WUSC DJs will be hosting a tribute show for Uncle Gram during his regular time slot. On Saturday, April 4th from 10am to noon, we will be playing some of his favorites, as well as accepting requests over the station's phone line. Help us say a hearty thank you to Uncle Gram, and give the Red Bank Bar and Grill an amazing send-off.
To call on April 4, dial 803-576-9872. To stream online, visit our "Listen" page.
