By Miles Hilton
The 3rd Street Garage radio show on WRFA-LP 107.9 FM has been a staple of the station’s programming almost since its inception, showcasing timeless ‘garage rock’ music to its audience. The broadcast on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7pm marks a significant milestone as it will be the show’s 500th original episode.
Named after the station’s downtown Jamestown location, the 3rd Street Garage was conceived by DJ/producer/creator Robb Jones in 2005 to spotlight both the station’s locale and the energetic spirit of garage rock music. Jones, a volunteer, and board member of the radio station, saw the show as an opportunity to contribute to the arts and music coverage while sharing his passion for the genre. Despite limited radio experience at the outset, Jones embarked on this adventure with enthusiasm and has continued to produce the show for 19 years, reflecting on the opportunity with gratitude. “Twenty plus years ago, I was on the Arts Council of Chautauqua County. Dennis Drew of the 10,000 Maniacs, who would become the founder and original station general manager, presented the idea of a low-power, not-for-profit, community-oriented radio station to the Council. As a Council board member and enthusiast of radio production, I saw this as a unique opportunity for Jamestown and supported the radio station’s creation. Inspired by the music I loved in the new garage rock revival taking place in the early 00s, the elements came together. I went into this with a sense of adventure, having no real radio experience, but with a love for music and a community spirit of wanting to contribute as a volunteer. Eventually, I talked to Dennis and pitched the garage show idea, and he showed me the ropes of show production in the studio, and 19 years later, I am still producing it. I am forever grateful for that opportunity.”
The 3rd Street Garage airs every Friday from 7-8pm, offering listeners a musical detour at the end of the week with a diverse selection of garage rock. Jones deliberately curates the playlist to encompass not only classic ‘nugget’ bands from the 1960s but every decade’s incarnation of the genre including modern acts like the Black Keys, Jack White, the Clockwork Flowers, along with regional and lesser-known artists. His approach eschews mainstream hits in favor of deeper cuts and fresh discoveries, contributing to the show’s timeless appeal.
“I try to interject elements such as fun voiceovers, include themes such as the Nugget of the Week for old school garage, the weekly Flashback for songs from when the show began. Once in a while memorialize an artist or those who were close to me and regular listeners of the show who recently passed. Make a show rock, fun and at times unexpectedly moving. The well-crafted productions should be more than stringing songs together, but ebb and flow. I have played with song sequencing from an early age and have always been a fan of types of music. I enjoy my knowledge of music history at work.”
Beyond the music, Jones has organized live events and fundraisers for WRFA-LP, further embedding the 3rd Street Garage into the fabric of the station. The show has remained a constant for Jones, connecting him with like-minded individuals and enriching his journey. “Career paths have changed, marathon/distance running was a huge part of my life; and I serve the community through other board and committee memberships, such as the Chautauqua Striders and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The 3rd Street Garage and WRFA have remained through many life’s changes. And I think about the people I would not have met if not for the music and the station.”
The 500th episode of the 3rd Street Garage is especially significant as it aligns with the 20th anniversary of WRFA-LP, a station renowned for its diverse programming that spans culture, nature, science, politics, local news, and music. Even with a low-power broadcast range, WRFA-LP has garnered a loyal following and extends its reach globally through online streaming via the WRFA-LP app and website.
WRFA-LP exemplifies community engagement and public service. WRFA is a listener-supported, non-commercial, low-power FM radio station that is provided as a public service by the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts (Formerly known as Arts Council for Chautauqua County). WRFA-LP streams on www.wrfalp.com and broadcast on 107.9 FM from Jamestown, NY.