Hello Friends:

One of my favorite memories from college was getting involved with the student run radio station on campus. I fell in love with hosting a weekly show and curating my own music for it (one had to truly be passionate to get up at 5:30 AM on a Saturday morning!) After college, I really couldn't find may stations that would play undiscovered, new, or independent artists. As corporations took over, it seemed there were fewer and fewer stations that had the DJs play their own music, put their heart and soul into their shows. They became "announcers" as marketing gurus, statisticians, and accountants dictated the playlists and music the public was going to hear. Then I discovered the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP)

Started in 2008, CHIRP was envisioned as a true independent FM radio station. While the volunteers worked to overcome the monumental hurdles to make that happen, CHIRP launched online streaming radio at CHIRPRadio.org in 2010. When I attended the new volunteer meeting in 2012, I was impressed with the dedication and drive of the now over 200+ volunteers that performed the day to day operations to keep the station running, but also working to keep adding improvements and additional connections to the community. By May, I had my own show, The Friday Afternoon Happy Hour, which now has been on Fridays from 3 to 6 PM for over three years! In the fall, I applied for and was offered an Assistant Music Director Position. Just recently, I was honored to be offered the co-Music Director position. In addition to these duties, I enjoy tabling at street fests and concerts, DJing events, and helping with our new video music and interview series, CHIRP Factory Sessions.

2015 has turned out to be a great year for CHIRP radio. After seven years of working toward a terrestrial FM signal, which included board members testifying in front of congress, working with organizations to change FCC regulations, and finally applying for and receiving a low power FM broadcast license, CHIRP Radio is set to "flip the switch" and begin broadcasting at 107.1FM along with the online simulcast at chirpradio.org. In the next few short weeks, the goal of having a new FM station for the north side of Chicago will become a reality.

However, with the new signal comes some unexpected additional costs. We're looking to our supporters to help us cover the final build and launch of 107.1FM. You can give any amount, but there's some great limited edition gifts for $60, $120, and $240. You can see the great gifts below:

I am humbled by your support during the Spring Fundraising Campaign. With your help, I was able to crush my goal of $750 and take the top spot for amount of donations received by a non-board member. We also were able to exceed the drive goal of $15,000! With the additional cost of the broadcast launch, I am setting a goal for the Fall Fundraising Campaign to $1000. The total amount that the station is looking to raise between now and September 25th is $20,000. Please help us reach our goal by giving any amount that is comfortable for you...even $10. If you wish to become a sustaining member (one who contributes a small amount on a monthly basis) or would like to select one of the thank you gifts above, please go to chirpradio.org/donatenow.

(NOTE: If you would like to make a recurring donation or select a fall campaign thank you gift, please visit CHIRP’s main donation page (link above) to make your contribution (and don’t forget to enter my name in the CHIRP Volunteer to credit or DJ to credit section so I can receive credit for your gift!)

Once again, thank you for support of CHIRP and independent, community radio in Chicago!

All the Best,

Steven Anderson (DJ Stevo)

PS: Be sure to ask your HR department if they match charitable gifts! If they do, you can double your gift to CHIRP!

CHIRP is a listener-supported radio station -- your gifts make everything we do possible!  Please make a special gift supporting our fall fundraising campaign today so we can continue to bring you great music and events -- and you'll help us launch our broadcast at 107.1FM.

If you would like to make a recurring donation or select a fall campaign thank you gift, please visit CHIRP’s main donation page to make your contribution (and don’t forget the enter the name of the CHIRP Volunteer or DJ in the “How did you hear about CHIRP” section so they can receive credit for your gift!)