Why radio?
I’ve always loved music and after many less-than-successful years trying to play the piano and the viola growing up I’ve found the perfect way to satisfy my passion and get paid to do it!
Why CLZ?
When I was offered the position of program director I couldn’t believe my good fortune. After all these years of playing what I was told to play I finally had the opportunity to play the music I really love. And now when I discover something new that I think deserves some airtime, I don’t have to look at the charts, I just put it on the radio!
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
That I have two daughters. One is five and the other is 27!
What was your first concert?
My first show would have been at City Hall Auditorium (now Merrill) to see the Portland Symphony Orchestra. And that would have been my second one…and my third (my mother was a violinist in the symphony!) The first show I really enjoyed? That would have been The Kinks at the Civic Center in ’82 or ’83.
TV shows you can’t miss?
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I love the fact that he’s as funny as they come and yet is one of the best interviewers I’ve ever seen. If you’re in his cross-hairs it can be a deadly combination. And, The Office…squirm…laugh…squirm…laugh. And I know a real-life Michael Scott…it’s weird!
Best advice you have ever gotten?
Do unto others. I know it seems cliché but I really believe it. I don’t always succeed but I’m trying! Oh, and wear warm socks. Seriously, I have horrible circulation and SmartWool makes all the difference on a cold winter day.
What is your favorite place in Maine?
Monhegan Island. There’s nothing quite like taking the ferry out of New Harbor and arriving in what seems like another world. Depending on the mood and whether or not we have our daughter in tow, we can take a gentle hike across to the cliffs or a more challenging one around the entire island. Either way, the trip always ends with a stop at the general store for some of the best ice cream ever! Oh, and I’m partial to Bradbury Mountain. It was the first mountain I ever climbed (I think I was three or four) and it’s the first for my daughter, Sally, too.
What is your secret talent?
Just about anything I can lift, I can balance on my chin including a guitar and a 24-foot extension ladder.
What is the worst job you have ever had?
Booting cars in Madison, Wisconsin. That’s a summer job I’ll never forget.
Most embarrassing moment?
I was working my first radio job at a small station in Sedona, Arizona (KAZM…”KAZM has ‘em”…pretty catchy, huh?). To make ends meet, I was a waiter at a rather upscale restaurant. One night I had a table with five or six young women getting ready to order. After telling them about the specials, I recommended our house dressing for their salads – black-pepper vinaigrette. Except the word "pepper" didn’t come out quite right.
