event
Radio Unnamable
-
Wed Mar 6
7 pm
Radio Unnamable at UWM Union Theatre
Beginning in 1963, Bob Fass’ freeform radio show, “Radio Unnameable” aired in the anything-goes nocturne of midnight to 5 a.m. on New York’s WBAI FM, taking calls from lonelyhearts and conspiracy theorists, showcasing music from up-and-coming artists and experimental soundscapers, and generally defying anything resembling a standard radio format. The last of his kind if there was ever a second, Fass still operates today—albeit reduced to three hours on Thursdays, and without pay—and his voice, then and now, is gentle and curious, with a willingness to indulge callers and give listeners a companion through the night. Paul Lovelace and Jessica Wolfson’s documentary Radio Unnameable is at its best when it tries to find some visual analog to Fass’ vibe, courtesy of cinematographer John Pirozzi, who takes beautiful snapshots of a sleepless city. It also, in the Fass way, does a little meandering.
UWM Union Theatre 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI
Beginning in 1963, Bob Fass’ freeform radio show, “Radio Unnameable” aired in the anything-goes nocturne of midnight to 5 a.m. on New York’s WBAI FM, taking calls from lonelyhearts and conspiracy theorists, showcasing music from up-and-coming artists and experimental soundscapers, and generally defying anything resembling a standard radio format. The last of his kind if there was ever a second, Fass still operates today—albeit reduced to three hours on Thursdays, and without pay—and his voice, then and now, is gentle and curious, with a willingness to indulge callers and give listeners a companion through the night. Paul Lovelace and Jessica Wolfson’s documentary Radio Unnameable is at its best when it tries to find some visual analog to Fass’ vibe, courtesy of cinematographer John Pirozzi, who takes beautiful snapshots of a sleepless city. It also, in the Fass way, does a little meandering.
Updated 02/18/2013
