Jersey Rock: Monmouth University’s WMCX Turns 50
Monmouth University’s student-run radio station WMCX Turns 50 on May 2! We’ll commemorate the occasion Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 pm on Jersey Rock!
Monmouth University's student-run radio station WMCX-FM has been "Rockin' The Shore Since '74." Across 6 decades and many generations of student broadcasters, the station has served as a conduit for creativity, community outreach, and, of course, killer programming. For 50 years The X 88.9 has been thoroughly "Rockin' The Shoreline" with "Music That Matters," "Modern Rock with an Edge," and "Throwbacks When You Want It, New Music When You Need It." It's truly "Radioactive Radio!"
However, WMCX has done much more than simply pump out great programming. It was the first media outlet to break the news of Bob Marely's passing in 1981. It has regularly supported the local music scene and produced a long list of broadcast professionals. Many of the radio stations in New Jersey and the greater New York Metro Area (including this one) have at least one WMCX alumnus on staff. It's contribution to broadcasting cannot be understated.
WMCX began life as the 10-watt WMCJ 88.1 on May 3, 1974. Following a 1984 studio fire, the radio station was rebuilt, re-powered to 1000 watts and re-branded to WMCX 88.9 FM. The station's biggest upgrade was the addition of its first-ever faculty advisor, Professor Rett Rich, known to his students as PR. He recounted exactly how it all came to be:
"One night, in the early hours, something caught fire in the production room because of a piece of faulty equipment and the whole station was destroyed. I was teaching a radio course at MCX that semester, so because I was the only faculty person connected to the station, the President of Monmouth called me in to say that he would rebuild the station from the insurance money IF I went up there and re-organized it and turned it into an asset for the University. I accepted the offer."
It was then Monmouth University President Samuel Hays Magill, who put his faith in Professor Rich. However the journey to 1000 watts was just beginning. Professor Rich said:
"We first had to find someone to rebuild it. While that was happening I started to re-organize how it operated. I reasoned that if I could get more power from the FCC, students would become more excited about radio because of better coverage. We moved up the dial from 10 watts at 88.1 to 1000 watts at 88.9. I was named the advisor and we were off and running and it has never stopped growing. "
Professor Rich enlisted the aid of local Radio Producer and Audio Engineer Chris Cavallaro to help with the rebuild of the station as a part-time engineer. Chris Cavallaro would go on to become a Monmouth University professor and an Advisor to not only WMCX, but also the college TV station Hawk TV and the Monmouth University Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society. He along with other additions like Office Coordinator/WMCX Mom Donna Mancini were integral parts of what Professor Rich was building. Rich said:
"We also built a radio curriculum of 10 courses so that we had some academic respect as well. We always had talented staff members with great ideas and our leadership was always strong so we were able to sustain the growth year after year. Before I retired, we were named as one of the top 10 college radio stations in the nation. I have been so proud of everyone and all the hard work they poured into the growth of the station."
Under Professor Rich's leadership WMCX became a premier student radio station. Beyond the actual broadcasting courses offered at Monmouth University, simply doing a radio program at The X is the equivalent of spending time in a classroom. Through trial, error, and real experience student broadcasters can develop the skills needed to get on the air at commercial radio stations like 95.9 The RAT (I know I did). While that training is important, there is something about WMCX that is much more special: the culture Professor Rich built along with the station. It's produced countless special moments. Speaking to that Professor Rich said:
"I have always felt that we achieved this growth together. Every generation of students has put their own mark on the station through the ideas they had each year. Some years we would tackle huge projects like doing a lot of remotes for exposure. Other years we might work with improving the format or growing the newsroom with covering local stories. We were always involved doing projects. We all enjoyed the facility and now we have a new home in the new Communication building. Many of our alumni have done well in the field and there is a special bond we have together. There is a "pride" in a job well done year after year. WMCX is a very special facility with generations of talented people and now we are celebrating our 50th birthday. "
In honor of that 50th birthday a number of WMCX alumni have organized something very special. Former WMCX General Manager Mike Black and Former WMCX Music Director Mike Farragher were proud to announce the creation of the Rett Rich WMCX 50th Anniversary Endowed Scholarship. If you would like to donate to the scholarship, you can do so HERE.
The WMCX culture that was forged by Professor Rett Rich was carefully passed to his successor Dr. Aaron Furgason in 2005. Furg, as he is known to his students, was a former WMCX Music Director as well as a professional radio broadcaster and music industry veteran. When he returned to Monmouth University as a Professor, he rejoined his college station as an advisor. Without his efforts over the past 19 years everything that was carefully built in the 1980's, 90's, and 2000's could have easily crumbled. He not only kept the torch lit, but established new initiatives like the annual live music fest which has given countless local artists the opportunity to play live on the air. Teaming with another former WMCX Program Director-turned Engineer, Professor Eric Reisher they have brought the WMCX culture into the present. Those who are counted among the alumni of WMCX cannot thank them enough for their efforts as they have guaranteed us a place to return to.
A large number of WMCX alumni will fill the Jules Plangere Center at Monmouth University this Friday May 3 to celebrate the station's 50th Anniversary. But before that happens, we will commemorate the occasion on Jersey Rock! Tune to 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 pm. Dr. Aaron Furgason and his students will join us in studio and we will turn up NJ artists with a connection to the X!
Learn more about Monmouth University's Communication Program HERE. Check out The X 88.9 at wmcx.com!
Check out some videos from WMCX!
Long Branch NJ Bands By The Beach 2024 Summer Schedule
Long Branch, NJ - Bands By The Beach Summer 2024 Schedule.
Every year, the city of Long Branch, New Jersey presents a weekly summer schedule of bands on the beach.
Nearly every Sunday from June 9, 2024, through August 25, 2024, from 7pm to 8:30pm, the city of Long Branch hosts free concerts.
More Information For Bands On The Beach In Long Branch, NJ
According to the city’s website, Bands on The Beach takes place at West End Park, Brighton Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740.
This year has a great line-up for sure. A wide array of musical genres from funk to rhythm & blues, to rock and roll to Americana & jazz.
A little something for everyone to enjoy. Long Branch is filled with history and culture. Plus, Long Branch is a mecca for great food and fun.
Where To Eat In Long Branch
For instance, take Pier Village, a place where you can satisfy just about any taste. From coffee shops to magnificent gourmet restaurants.
Their website says it all: Pier Village is the Jersey Shore’s most popular restaurant destination with a flavorful array of dining options to exceed your needs. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of fine dining, casual cafes, and gourmet on the go on the oceanfront. From Happy Hours to Date Nights, to Sunday Brunches, to satisfying your sweet tooth, and everything in-between, Pier Village has you covered.
Enjoy a cocktail with friends while taking in the breathtaking ocean views or enjoy dinner with the whole family with the sounds of the ocean acting as the perfect background. The options are all yours. Please visit the restaurants’ websites for reservations, menus, and seasonal specials. Make Pier Village your go-to for dining and entertainment.
Other than Pier Village, you have casual iconic eats such as The Windmill, where their famous hot dogs, cheese fries, burgers and more have been satisfying Jersey folks for over 50 years.
Ocean Avenue alone has eateries that cover a variety of tastes and cultures from paella to hummus. Whatever you crave, you'll find a place that serves it in Long Branch.
*No rain date or inclement weather location. All concert & event updates can be found on Facebook, website ( https://longbranch.org/ProgramsEvents) & through email blast.
Here's a List Of Shows On The Stone Pony Summer Stage In 2024
Let’s take a look at the 2024 schedule of Bands By The Beach
SUNDAY JUNE 9, 2024 - PHILADELPHIA FUNK AUTHORITY - 7PM - 8:30PM
The Philadelphia Funk Authority (PFA) was created with one thing in mind—to provide you with the very best in high-energy dance and party entertainment in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and WAY beyond!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmfxbPlKrEc
JUNE 16, 2024 - NO CONCERT SCHEDULED
JUNE 23, 2024 - JONNY B & THE BLUES BLAZERS - 7PM - 8:30PM
Jonny B and the Blues Blazers, have been performing for over 20 years together, and describe themselves as a “high energy, harmonica-driven blues band with a twist.”
JUNE 30, 2024 -PETER V AND BLUES TRAIN - 7PM-8:30PM
Peter Veteska and Blues Train, formed in 2013, is led by New York Blues Hall of Famer Peter Veteska on guitar & vocals; B3 legend Jeff Levine on keyboards; and top-flight Jersey Shore musicians Alex D'Agnese on drums and Coo Moe Jhee on bass.
JULY 7, 2024 - GUNS 4 HIRE - 7PM-8:30PM
Guns 4 Hire (Electric) is a 5 piece rock band playing all the hits from the 70’s to today with a bunch of b-sides you probably forgot about thrown into the mix, They can also satisfy your need for some country and jam band music as well. The band has played hundreds of weddings, private parties and has a large play base of venues. If you love rock and roll you will love this band!
JULY 14, 2024 - THE INCINERATORS - 7PM-8:30PM
Performing a scorching set of Blues Music.
JULY 21, 2024 - THE GET DOWN COMMITTEE - 7PM-8:30PM
PERFORMING ON WEST END BEACH
A rotating group of groovy, jocular, high energy, formidable bar band veterans, who will not only melt your face with funk, but also make you sway to the hep sounds of a song list encapsulating five decades of butt-shaking grooves. They have been around long enough to know how to read a crowd, and that always works to their advantage, and helps pump up the whole crowd.
JULY 28, 2024 - CHUCK LAMBERT BAND - 7PM-8:30PM
Chuck has been playing guitar and singing his blues for crowds up and down the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia New York City and metropolitan New York areas while always returning to play venues in his hometown of Red Bank, NJ. As a member of the Norman Seldin Big Band, The Panama Chapel Band, The Cal Vetrane Blues Band, The Haugenes Project and a guest artist with The Red Bank Blues Band, Heavy Soul, Herd of Blues, Al Holmes and The Tribe, Poppa John and The Jam Band he has lent his vocal talents and guitar to many a fantastic night.
AUGUST 4, 2024 - THE CLIFFS - 7PM-8:30PM
PERFORMING ON WEST END BEACH
The ultimate high energy party band performing sets of multi-genre music from a variety of eras. Everything from the Isley Brothers and Tom Petty to Lizzo and Paramore. They will kick the night into high gear.
AUGUST 11, 2024 - MARC MULLER'S AMERICANA JAZZ PROJECT - 7PM-8:30PM
Muller and his group of world-class musicians take a sonic journey through a vast landscape of rootsy Americana instrumental music. Marc Muller is a veteran touring/recording multi-instrumentalist. Appearing on albums, feature film, TV and international tours with Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, Tommy Shaw, Van Zant, Disney Channel, PBS, ABC TV and is the creative force behind the critically acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute, Dead On Live.
AUGUST 18, 2024 - NO CONCERT SCHEDULED
AUGUST 25, 2024 - THE VooDUDES- 7PM-8:30PM
The band's music cites a variety of influences, infusing Gulf Coast, Zydeco, Rock, Blues, & Country.
