In order to raise money for its annual Phoneathon fundraiser, WNUR banked on what it considers its strength: good music.
Local Chicago staple and indie rock ensemble Cheer Accident headlined Phoneathon’s kick-off event. The benefit kicked off Thursday night with an intimate performance at Evanston SPACE.
Phoneathon, a weeklong fundraiser with 24 hours a day of special programming, is WNUR’s major moneymaker for the Northwestern radio station’s operating budget. During Phoneathon, listeners call in to pledge a particular donation; in return, WNUR offers premiums in the form of small gifts, including CDs and T-shirts. Disc jockeys man the phones for the entirety of the event.
WNUR, named the best college radio station by Spin magazine in 2003, is the largest student-run radio station in the nation. Comprised of community and student disc jockeys, the station’s programming ranges from rock to jazz to Indian music to news and sports. It is also deeply rooted in independent, avant garde and experimental music.
WNUR aims to raise $36,500 this year through Phoneathon, said Doug Kaplan, who directs Phoneathon with Medill senior Laura Mayer and Communication senior Mike Szajewski.
The money comprises half of the station’s operating budget, going toward buying necessary equipment, maintaining the equipment and funding station-sponsored activities, such as concerts.
Kaplan, a Communication sophomore, emphasized that despite the economy, Phoneathon will continue to raise a large amount of money.
“I think the recession is hurting us a good amount,” he said. “While people are still donating and being very generous, I don’t think we can compete with years past.”
The kick-off event was intended to excite members of the community about WNUR’s efforts, said Kaplan, adding that he hopes to see more support in funding for NU radio.
“I think the kick-off show was great,” he said. “The only thing that could have gone better is if it could have sold out.”
Fronted by pianist Thymme Jones, Cheer Accident awed the crowd with its experimental foray into an array of different musical genres.
“From the name Cheer Accident I had anticipated something much different, and my perception of it was four middle-aged men doing experimental music,” said Medill freshman and WNUR contributor Zoe Jennings. “I think the moment that best defined the show was when one of the main men took a plastic cup and started crackling it into the microphone. I think it was fantastic.”
Other performers of the night included The Lonesome Organist and The Netherfriends, two groups currently popular with the Chicago underground scene, Kaplan said.
“We really just wanted to get our name out there,” said WNUR General Manager Taylor Dearr, a Weinberg senior. “We wanted to let the community know what types of music we play and why it’s important to support our station. We accomplished what we set out to do.”
