Updates around Jazz Radio WETF

by | Jun 29, 2026 | Awards, Jazz Venues, On-Air Presenters

Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of WETF's Online News Page


Welcome to the inaugural edition of WETF’s online news page.

The past few months have seen several significant changes at our station, including the relocation of our office and studio from the Marycrest Building on Western Avenue in South Bend to the WNIT/Public Media Center downtown.

Also, there have been additions to WETF’s broadcasting family and changes in the program schedule:

 Among those joining our ever-growing list of on-air presenters is David Cavalieri (see “Profiles” page), who has created a weekly show, “Jazz Alive”, designed to keep our listeners up to date on what’s happening at the jazz venues in Chicago and throughout our region, including South Bend’s Merrimans’ Playhouse. The show airs at 1 p.m. Tuesdays with a replay at 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

WETF’s other newcomer is Andrew Fisher, host of “Merrimans’ Playhouse”, which features performances recorded at The Merrimans’ throughout the years. It airs Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

Two longtime members of WETF’s broadcasting family have taken on additional assignments. John Clark, voice of “Jazz Focus”, now is also curator of “Mornin’ with Pops (Louis Armstrong)” at 8 a.m. Tuesdays, replacing “Big Band Blowout” (which can still be heard at 6 p.m. Tuesdays); and Mike Finnerty, host of “Collector’s Choice” on Tuesdays and Thursdays and “Mornin’ with Mike” on Fridays, will soon become “The Phantom of the Bopera” at midnight Saturdays. WETF is currently airing replays of Mike’s shows while he recovers from serious injuries suffered from a fall.
 
Visit “Weekly Schedule,” for a conveniently printable version with all the updates.
 

Beginning July 17, WETF will be holding an “oldies” dance party 5-8 p.m. every other Friday at the Seitz island park on the St. Joseph River in South Bend. WETF’s own Jack Shellac will kick things off as DJ host of the event. Admission is free. Due to construction along Niles Avenue, patrons are advised to enter the park from the north entrance off Colfax Avenue.

 

In other news, international recognition has come to WETF with the recent naming of program director Brent Banulis as a 2026 recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association’s “Jazz Hero” award. Since he became program director five years ago, WETF’s broadcasting family has grown from a half dozen to more than 40, twenty-five of whom present weekly shows exclusive to WETF.

WETF’s new home.

 

David Cavalieri