Posts Categorized: News

WMPG recognizes Black History Month with special programming throughout the month of February, highlighting the voices, music, history, and lived experiences of Black artists, activists, and storytellers. Tune in to hear programs that celebrate Black creativity and resilience across genres and generations, from music that shaped movements to conversations that deepen our understanding of the past and present.  

A rotating cast of WMPG DJ’s broadcast live from venues around Portland  and  the  surrounding  areas. The live events runs from 4ish-8pm. Broadcasting live from 5:00-7pm. WMPG’s Freaky Fridaze rolls on with a brand-new lineup of live broadcasts from some of our favorite local spots. This happy hour series takes your favorite community DJs out of the studio and into the wild, spinning records and soaking up the vibes with listeners and music lovers February…

Our WMPG friend is putting together a special two-night benefit concert, S.L.O.B.fest (Support Local Original Bands)—a celebration of local music across all genres. Proceeds from the shows will benefit WMPG and help kick off our Spring Begathon fund. Come out, discover new sounds, and support community radio. Friday February 6th from 7pm and Saturday from 5pm. Skips Lounge, Buxton, ME Artists playing at SLOBfest include: Thousand Mile Fall Cradle II Grave Paradise is Cancelled Enigma…

WMPG’s Annual Cajun Cookin’ Challenge Returns for a Flavorful Fat Tuesday Feast Details for 2026 Fat Tuesday, February 17th from 11 am to 2 pm McGoldrick Student Success Center on the Portland Campus of the University of Southern Maine. Parking – parking at USM parking lot now requires payment. Read more >> Restaurants – want to take part – email us: stationmanager@wmpg.org The Cajun Cookin’ Challenge promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring a perfect blend…

An Extraordinary Place – See It Soon! Tom Bell’s award-nominated documentary An Extraordinary Place continues to hit screens near and far this season, and we’d love for you to join us. In a world of algorithm-driven playlists, music is everywhere, yet can feel disconnected. An Extraordinary Place reminds us what happens when people share music not for clicks, but for love, connection, and community. The film celebrates the beating heart of WMPG – the volunteers, DJs, and music…

WMPG’s Jazz At The Movies team are pleased to present our first film of the 2026 season, the documentary “Music Pictures: New Orleans”. Beautifully shot and recorded, the film is a loving portrait of four Crescent City jazz, soul, and blues legends, and a celebration of 100 years of New Orleans musical history. Directed by New Orleans native filmmaker Ben Chace, “Music Pictures: New Orleans” is a vibrant documentary exploring the rich musical heritage of New…

We have released a wide-ranging compilation of local music to raise emergency funding and help secure food for the USM’s Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry . The release, Local Motives #1 , includes tracks from no fewer than 27 local musicians, including Grammy winner Dave Gutter and indie rock favorites Weakened Friends, as well as a roster of local heavyweights such as Little Oso, One Hundred Thorns, Snake Lips, Brit Martin, Juniper Ginger, Ella Hue, TheWorst, Whitney Walker, Red Eft, Space Fog, Plague Dad,…

    WMPG is seeking to “contract ” a Radio Audio Engineer for 10 hours a week. The qualified person will have a couple years experience repairing broadcast equipment and comfortable with computer networks. We need someone to make our radio signal sound great! If interested email stationmanager@wmpg.org or phone (207) 780-4424 for more details. Will stay posted until filled. This is a “contract” position and not a USM position. This person will be responsible for…

A Journey to WMPG – Jeff Kerschner We didn’t listen to much music growing up. My father was opposed to music in the house. My Mom would play a handful of records during his work day. Johnny Cash, John Denver, and Harry Belafonte played over and over. A high school friend introduced me to the Beatles – whoa… At age 17, I joined the Clyde Beatty Cole Bros Circus. I was on the concessions crew….

On Friday, November 14th, Bella’s Bartok had a special live performance on Signal Boost from 1-2pm. This was a mere teaser ahead of their show at Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine!

We were sad to hear about the passing of Karmo Sanders recently. Karmo joined the USM Department of Theatre in 2017, bringing an indefatigable passion for theatre, comedy, playwriting, and teaching. A consummate theatre artist, Karmo taught Playwriting, The Art of Dialogue, Public Speaking and Acting for Non-Majors, a class in which she delighted in spotting talented students and encouraging them to become Theatre majors. Every day, she brought an easy laugh, a well-crafted joke,…

Bluegrass Spectacular returns at OLS – a benefit night for WMPG Buy Tickets online  or call One Longfellow Square box office 207-761-1757 (box office hours : Friday 12PM to 3 PM) It’s back! For the 20th Anniversary of the WMPG Bluegrass Spectacular, we’ve got some old favorites and a group of young pickers making a name for themselves across New England, for yet another installment of your favorite night of the year. As always, your hosts are the World…

We did it!  Thank you! donate online We live in a time when so much of what we hear is driven by algorithms and automation but WMPG is proudly human. Every show on our airwaves is created by volunteers who share their own voices, stories, and music choices, not for faceless crowds, but for real people who listen and care. That connection builds trust and belonging, both on and off the air. You can hear it in…

Dave Gutter Live from the Drive – Wednesday, October 30th (weather permitting) 7.30-8.30pm Join us as we close our Fundraising week with Grammy award winning Dave Gutter performing Live from our driveway!

Join us during Begathon for our Driveway Record Sale on Sunday, October 26th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dig through crates of vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and gear, enjoy good company, and grab a bite from The Fried Rice King food truck while you’re here!  

Declutter Your Space and Support WMPG! Are those old vinyl LPs and CDs collecting dust and taking up space in your home? WMPG has a solution that helps you and your favorite community radio station at the same time! We’re gearing up for our highly anticipated Fall WMPG Record Sale and are currently accepting donations. Whether you’re a longtime music lover ready to part with your collection, or just looking to tidy up, your donations…

McGoldROCKS 2025: This Thursday Night!  McGoldROCKS is back! On Thursday, October 9th, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the Salons at the McGoldrick Center on the USM Portland Campus will come alive with a brilliant night of music, community, and pure energy. This year’s lineup features four powerhouse acts: Covered in Bees Little Oso Neal Ray …bringing an explosive mix of sound that guarantees there’s something for everyone.  Jack, host of No Longer Dangerous will emcee!…

Summer in Maine is short but oh-so-sweet, and WMPG is soaking up every note of it. . Coming up: SEPT 3rd – Two Minutes Out – Live from the Drive – 92 Bedford St, Portland. FREE!! 10th – Ella Hue Live from the Drive – 92 Bedford St, Portland. FREE!! 17th – Sigrid Sibley Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Come celebrate great local music, right where the magic happens here on 90.9FM

August 2nd 2025 Connor Ratliff The Worm spoke to actor/comedian Connor Ratliff. Listen here Dr Shah on Let’s Connect Greater Portland Listen to “In Conversation with Dr. Nirav Shah” on Spreaker. July Annella chats with actor Dave Register Listen to “Annella chats with actor Dave Register” on Spreaker.

Bobby Shaddox joined WMPG as a volunteer in 2014 after relocating from San Diego, CA to Portland. During his time at the station, he has hosted the weekly show Left of the Dial and served on WMPG’s Board of Directors. Bobby was prominently featured in the recent documentary An Extraordinary Place, where he delivered his signature karaoke weather report. As the new coordinator of Blunt Youth Radio, Bobby aims to boost youth participation at WMPG…