Now celebrating 14 years on the air, WRCJ 90.9 FM and HD-1 is a listener supported classical & jazz music public radio station licensed to Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio, LLC., and managed by Detroit Public Television and the Detroit Educational Television Foundation Board of Trustees. The station is located inside the Detroit School of Arts, a public high school training young people for careers in performing, visual and media arts.
WRCJ broadcasts classical music from 5 am to 7 pm each day and jazz overnight. WRCJ’s weekday classical music is The Morning Show (6a-10a) and Dr. Dave’s Drive-Time Elixir (3p-7p), hosted by Dave Wagner. Midday Music (10a-3p) is hosted by Peter Whorf. Classical weekends are hosted by Classical24 hosts. The WRCJ Jazz host on Fridays is Maxine Michaels (Maxology from 7-11p), John Penney on Saturdays (JazzFest Detroit from 7-10p), and Linda Yohn on Sundays (The Swing Set from 7-9p). Throughout the other jazz hours, listeners enjoy music presented by John Hill, Dave Schwan, Leslie Keros and Dee Alexander from Jazz Satellite Network.
WRCJ’s vision is to provide an unparalleled selection of classical and jazz music programs to entertain listeners and increase music literacy. Additionally, the Station is committed to partnering with cultural and educational institutions to help them achieve their goals.
Our Mission
– Present the world’s best classical and jazz music
– Provide musical experiences for people of all ages
– Connect artists and arts organizations with greater audiences
– Encourage people to attend live concerts and events
– Promote arts education
WRCJ receives no ongoing funding from the State of Michigan, City of Detroit or Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio, LLC. The primary source of our annual operating budget is voluntary contributions from listeners like you. Thank you!
WRCJ 90.9 FM is a 501 (c)(3) organization located at 123 Selden St., Suite 250, Detroit, MI 48201. 313.494.6410 or 90.9@dptv.org. Connect with us on Facebook.
Thank you for programming Jorge Bolet performing Cesar Franck’s Symphonic Variations. They took it quite a bit slower than the other recording I was reared on, and this tempo captured the true spirit of the work. This time it really spoke to me, and it just literally made my day. I am now going to buy Bolet’s recording on HB Direct. Thanks for your impeccable programming decisions.
Thank you Peter! We try out different recordings for just this reason. We appreciate you tuning in.
Hey there! Today I started my car right in the middle of an announcement that was I think about an upcoming carillon concert. My folks are big carillon fans and we’re on the hunt for socially distant concert opportunities! Do you happen to have any more details handy? Thanks as always for all you do for our community.
Hello Vera, that sounds like the Drive-In Carillon Concert at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield, Michigan.
A little trivia here from a son of the South who loves WRCJ…
the Suanee River begins in Georgia, partially draining the Okefenokee Swamp and “the” flows into Florida eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you Frederick, we appreciate you listening and writing in.
What is the name of the program and host that filled the 6:00 a.m. time slot on Saturday, May 2.
Thank you
Hello Linda, that was host Garrett McQueen. He doesn’t really have a name for his program other than Classical 24 which is what plays a good amount of time on our weekends. The are a couple hosts that do different times of the day.
Dave-You are one of the only people I’ve known all these years who is still working and still bringing a smile to my face often! Recently I heard lead-in music and fully expected to hear, “This is Karl Haas”!! Instead it was you! I wonder IF anyone under the age of 45 even ever heard the name Karl Haas?!! Keep up the great job! Thank you ever so much for the GREAT job the whole station did when I “sponsored” the day in memory of my brother Geoff! That was a few years ago,but it got a great deal of positive response to his memory! Every once in a while, I think about Osborn days and remember the ‘ole’ movie projection operator! I’ve got a joke for you! Do you know what you call a musical CATASTROPHE? That is when your organ goes FLAT during the middle of a piece!! Have a blessed day! Chris G.
Hello Chris, yes Dr. Dave is still at it, although now working from home. Sure we remember Karl! Glad you enjoyed the Day Sponsorship and thanks for the joke!
Hi WRCJ people, I am, as you just live said, listening to your music while I do home office in Northern Argentina. I started following this radio while working in Windsor a decade ago. I’m a biologist, and find your day and nights program great for my work. It eventually also helps for evasion from reality, now the five of us (pets not counted!) are forced 24-7 together at home. Reclusion has provided a great opportunity to catch up with your programs. Thanks for awesome public radio!
Hi Francisco, wow you are quite far away! Biology seems like it would be a fun field. Sorry you’re stuck inside. Hopefully you guys aren’t too cramped. Thanks for tuning in and maybe our music will make your home seem more… expansive.
why are you playing a tape of Dr Dave who mentions that it’s Monday morning and start of spring membership drive, and that Chris Felcyn will be hosting this afternoon ???
Hi Mary, Dr. Dave is broadcasting remotely and instead of playing what he recorded the computer ran an old fundraising promo. We’re still trying to figure out how that happened… Sorry for the confusion.
I started listening about 2 years ago and fell in love with the station so soothing and educational. I have wanted to donate for a while but never have had the opportunity. My mother passed away this April and when I heard the fall drive started today I had to become a sustaining member in her memory because when I listen now it reminds me of her and I thank you for all the wonderful beautiful music that bring loving memories of my mother every day
Hello Jennifer, sorry to hear about your mother. If our music can be a pleasant soundtrack for you to remember her, that’s wonderful. Welcome to the WRCJ family and we appreciate your support. Thank you.
re: Guryan, Margo:Chopstick Variation
Hi Peter
Loved the introduction to this song/arrangement. It sounds like something I wish my piano teacher would have handed me after Scott Joolin in the late 60s / early 70s.
I enjoy your show everyday while I’m working. You had some big shoes to fill, but I think you have pulled it off! Thanks for coming to the WRCJ listeners’ rescue!
Hello Betsy, thanks! We appreciate you listening each day. We sure you would have done a fine job performing that piece as well.
Thank you for playing Verdi’s “Nabucco” again, and for playing another Strauss waltz. We cannot forget these genius composers.
You sure enjoy the Strauss family!
THANK YOU for playing such a beautiful classic as Verdi’s “Nabucco” – an unforgettable piece!! (7/31 at 6:10 pm) 😀. 😊. 🙃
Sure, you’re welcome.
What is the name of the Latin jazz tune played on Monday July 29 at 9:45 pm. I heard a brief homage to “Putting on the Ritz” near the end of the selection
Hello Devon, that was “Puttin’ On The Ritz” by Bill O’Connell from his album “Jazz Latin”.
How come your playlist doesn’t give accurate info at the right time? Tried to find 3 cornered hat on the 25th about 9 a.m. Not there. P.S. Are we still contributing $10 a month? Have been doing that for a long time. P.S.S. You are with us daily.
Hello Dave, that piece wasn’t originally scheduled but Dr. Dave had some extra time so he added in Manuel De Falla’s “El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Danza Del Molinero (Farruca)”. It was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and featuring mezzo soprano Jennifer Larmore. Thanks for tuning in each day. We will have Member Services check to see if you are still doing $10 a month and get back to you.
Dave Wagner was in rare form this morning! After the Jurassic Park theme and the Let in the Clones comment, I haven’t stopped smiling all morning! Thanks for the morning drive-time laugh!
Yes, he is quite a goofball. We do our best to contain him but…
Love hearing Kol Nidre now (Tuesday, November 13, around 5:30). Thank you. The only thing that could improve on this is to hear it closer to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Can you please tell me the playlist for Sat November 10, 2018. Between 11am to 12pm. There was a fantastic piece I’d like the name of.
Sure, here you are Kurt:
11:07AM Hugo Friedhofer – The Best Years of Our Lives: Theme
London Symphony Orchestra
John Williams, conductor
Sony 62788
11:11AM Elmer Bernstein – The Great Escape
Royal Philharmonic Pops
Elmer Bernstein, conductor
Denon 75288
11:14AM John Williams – Born on the Fourth of July: Theme
Boston Pops Orchestra
John Williams, conductor
Sony 64147
11:22AM Stanley Myers – The Deer Hunter: Cavatina
London Symphony Orchestra
Stanley Black, conductor
MCA 25192
11:29AM Alan Silvestri – Forrest Gump: Suite
Studio Orchestra
Alan Silvestri, conductor
Sony 66430
11:38AM James Horner – Legends of the Fall: The Ludlows
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
David Arnold, conductor
Mercury 4812810
11:44AM James Horner – Legends of the Fall: Off to War
London Symphony Orchestra
James Horner, conductor
Sony 66462
11:52AM John Williams – Saving Private Ryan: Hymn to the Fallen
Boston Symphony Orchestra
John Williams, conductor
Dreamworks 50046
Please tell C. Sharp that on the Monday show a couple of weeks ago, when she was doing ballet in the studio to one piece, I was doing as much dancing as I could while driving. So her confession led to a BIG smile on my face for not being able to resist either.
Ok, Sherry will do. Be careful dancing and driving. Maybe just stick to upper body dancing.
Dear WRCJ,
When I was driving along I94 last week, 17th or 18th, I think, when Dave Wagner was host, I got into something just after the beginning and really enjoyed it, even though it was modern. It turned out to be something like a Flourish for the City of Bristol on the 600th anniversary of the granting of its charter by Malcolm Arnold (Malcolm Arnold was the composer; Edward III granted the charter) or somebody like that. I looked on your playlists for the two days but could find nothing that sounds like it. The University of Michigan Music Library has no recording of it, so I wonder what you played, i.e., proper title, name of orchestra and conductor, record company, etc. Thank you very much, and thank you for your wonderful programming.
Sincerely,
Carrie Carnes (Ms)
Hello Carrie, yes that was Arnold’s “A Flourish for Orchestra, Op 112”. We played it on the 16th in the afternoon. Here is the cd if you want to take a look: http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Playlist?source=WRCJ&date=201805161800
I LOVE MSU In Concert. What a great show. Is it only on for an hour on Saturday mornings? I could definitely listen a longer show. It is just amazing!
Hi Liz, yes sadly only an hour for now but we can mention that to the MSU folks. We are pleased to hear you are enjoying it!
Our daughter was born in January and we have had WRCJ on basically 24 hrs/day…raising her on the good stuff! Thank you for playing formative, quality music with hardly any interruptions. In a world of so much garbage media, it is such a blessing to have WRCJ. Thank you!!
Yes, raise her on the good stuff! Congratulations on your new addition and thanks for listening!
Hello my new favorite radio station!! I recently found this station on a search through the radio dial for something different. I was loyal to CBC radio 2 100.5fm here in Forest Ontario. But recently they cut the nightly Jazz program called Tonic. No it only plays Saturday nights at 8. I guess what I mean to say is thank you for being different than everything I hear ever day on every other radio channel. From Frank in Forest Ontario
Oh hi Frank, welcome! We try to have a nice mix, a little something for everyone. Enjoy and thanks for listening!
I WAS DRIVING AND COULDN’T WRITE THE INFO….WHAT SONG WAS PLAYED TODAY (NOV 3OTH) AT ABOUT 8:20 AM…….starts off with bagpipes and then transitions to singers singing Amazing Grace ??
I LOOKED AT THE PLAYLIST AND COULDN’T COME TO GRIPS WITH THE TITLES VS. WHAT I HEARD (which could show an AMAZING lack of knowledge on my part).
PLEASE HELP!! It as was a moving piece as I was driving downtown into a beautiful sunrise .
THANK YOU!!
Hello William,
That was “Amazing Grace” performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from their album “Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing”. We hope you enjoyed it (and the sunrise).
Can you play some Tony Bennett ?
Hi Andrew, we will suggest that to our Jazz hosts. Thanks for listening!
I see the new jazz line up and am so happy Maxology has remained but I am wondering what has happened to Tony Mouad (spelling>) ? I really enjoyed his selections
Hello Kristine, Tony Mowod’s show had some technical difficulties that were never resolved so we decided to go in a different direction. Maxine Michaels and John Penney remain though. Here is a link to our new jazz lineup: http://www.wrcjfm.org/2017/08/new-jazz-lineup/
What happened to the individual who did the traffic and news on WRC ? Tony B???
Hi Don, Tony was just on vacation briefly. He has returned!
Re: C. Sharp hosting for the wireless: ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC on all levels. I have heard her previously and I am always amazed at her effervescence. She is enthusiastic, spontaneous, and cheerful. Her uplifting personality resonates with a positive energy contagious to all listeners. The comfortable lilt and cadence of her voice is captivating. It is totally refreshing to listen to her lively commentary. She would be perfect for replacement of Chris in this slot, or any slot for that matter.
A loyal listener, and thank you WRCJ for providing such a beautiful venue. Gail