This Tuesday at 8 pm, tune into Fiesta Musical as host Guillermo Brown and co-host Gary Elter celebrate 10 years on the air.
In 1997, WEAA began a program with Latin music - particularly classic salsa that was a part of the passion of the program’s founder, community leader José Ruíz. In 2006, José was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he asked Guillermo Brown, who had worked with José in different projects in EBLO - Education Based Latino Outreach if he could help out with the program. At that time José also shared his diagnosis with Guillermo. As it would turn out, his period of “helping” José which started in the month of August, would only last for about two programs. José had started chemotherapy and he realized that he was feeling too weak to host the program.
Guillermo continues in his own words.
For a while, José picked the music and I hosted the program, learning the technical aspect from then head engineer, Zachary Coleman. This was still in the old studio which was cramped to say the least. Weeks later José called and said he was too weak to pick out music and asked me if I could take care of it. It was a challenge and also a part of the sharing with José his growing weakness as time moved on. José fought a brave battle but passed away in December of 2006. I have continued to produce and host the program, thanks to WEAA’s faith and support in me. As the Bassman says, it is a privilege to work at WEAA. Amen to that. It is a privilege and honor to be a part of the amazing diversity in programing at WEAA. Fiesta Musical has tried to be a small part of that mix with the classic salsa, Latin jazz, as well as the stories, connections and culture that we share.
Ten years on the air! Time has truly flown. Join my co-host Gary Elter and me this Tuesday at 8 PM as we celebrate with all our listeners. To all in the WEAA staff and listener family… thank you so much…. muchísimas gracias.