Leo, Mann, Tompkins, Hodgman to guest on prize-filled Best Show fundraising marathon
Around these parts, we like to pimp The Best Show with Tom Scharpling and other Scharpling-related products—why, we just did so last week, when the Best Show Gems podcast was launched—but there’s something special going on tomorrow, and it’s for an important cause. On Tuesday night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern on WFMU, The Best Show will finish out its part of a week-long fundraising marathon for the station, which is one of the few (and best) freeform, listener-supported radio stations in the country. As you know from NPR pledge drives, these things are usually unlistenable, but Scharpling and a host of special guests are just as interested in “fun-raising” as fundraising. (Sorry about the pun. Got carried away.) In the studio tomorrow night, Scharpling will be joined by such all-star supporters as Ted Leo, Aimee Mann, Paul F. Tompkins, and John Hodgman. Last week’s show raised over $60,000, but this week’s blowout should raise even more, right?
We know what you’re thinking, “These guys put out a great show and podcast for free every week, and they want me to contribute something? Fat chance!” Well, for those who don’t believe that giving is its own reward—or those who don’t mind getting back awesome stuff in return for their generosity—Scharpling has put together a great incentive. Listeners who pledge $75 or more automatically get The Best Show On WFMU’s “Mirth Music And Mayhem: A Prize Pack In Three Parts.” Here’s how the three parts break down:
1. “Mirth”: An all-new Scharpling And Wurster CD, produced exclusively for the marathon, which will go out of print when it’s over.
2. “Music”: A various artists tribute to RAM, with new covers by the likes of Death Cab For Cutie, Ted Leo, Aimee Mann, Portastatic, Dump, Danielson Family, and more.
3. “Mayhem”: An environmentally friendly “Dogmo” tote bag and a “Friends Of Tom” membership card.
More information on this and other prize opportunities can be found on the WFMU website.