Former WAMO executive Ron Atkins has started two new online hip-hop, R&B stations. Founder of 101 The Blaze LLC and Radio Pittsburgh Magic, LLC, Atkins last held the position of program director for Sheridan Broadcasting which included the flagship station of WAMO FM out of Pittsburgh. Other stations in the group included WAMO AM—Pittsburgh, WUFO—Buffalo, WIGO—Atlanta, WATV—Birmingham and WPGR—Pittsburgh. During his 14-year tenure with Sheridan Broadcasting, Atkins held various positions including vice president of programming for American Urban Radio Networks. J-KRUZ and RON ATKINS Before joining Sheridan, Atkins was the programming director for WBLK—Buffalo, KMJM—St. Louis, KMJQ—Houston, WOWI—Norfolk and WVAZ—Chicago. His career started as an intern at WUFO AM in his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. Radio Magic Pittsburgh is committed to creating a positive cultural and economic impact on its listeners, advertisers and the city of Pittsburgh.
This week I visited Ya Momzhouse Recording Studios in East Liberty, the Holiday Inn in Oakland, CJ’s in the Strip District, Ava Lounge in East Liberty and Calvary Baptist Church in the Hill District. My first stop was CJ’s in the Strip District where the oldies but goodies were in full effect with DJ Nick Nice on the 1’s and 2’s. He had the 20 workout for everyone who came out to dance the night away. Nikki Coffee of the New Pittsburgh Courier and friends at Ya Momzhouse Recording Studios in East Liberty.
This week I visited Questions Nite Club in the Strip District, The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, CJ’s in the Strip District, The Black Beauty Lounge in the Hill District and the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh. My first stop was Questions Nite Club in the Strip District where Melvina Bradford held her own happy hour for friends and family. Everyone came out to party and get their drink on with Melvina as she partied and danced the night away. Birthday girl Esther Bush and family having a great time at CJ’s in the Strip District.
This week I visited the Braddock Elks in Braddock, Pa., the Flamingo Lounge in the Hill District, Ammon’s Recreation Center in the Hill District, the North Side Elks in the Hill District and CJ’s in the Strip District. My first stop was at the fourth annual Hill District Parade where City Councilwoman Tonya Payne was in charge. The parade was a festive event for everyone involved and they ended up at Ammon’s Recreation Center in the Hill District where there was free food and music for everyone to enjoy. I have to shout out Carmen Pace and all the supporters who came out. The Harrises out hanging out with birthday man “Sonny” and the crew at the North Side Elks in the Hill District.
This week I visited Matrix Night Club in the Strip District, The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, CJ’s in the Strip District and Ava Lounge in East Liberty. My first stop was at Matrix Night Club in the Station Square where B. Marshall Productions and Camille’s Fitness presented the official Pittsburgh Steelers After Party featuring DJ Drama and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Everyone came out to celebrate with the Steelers after winning against the Cleveland Browns. DARNELL STAPLETON, LAMARR WOODLEY and WILLIE COLON
This week I visited the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, The First Source Center in the Hill District, The Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and CJ’s in the Strip District. My first stop was at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood where the City Sharkers held their 33rd annual cabaret. This event was packed with folks from all over the city and everyone got their party and drink on. It was like a family reunion at the City Sharkers event in Homewood.
This week was all about causes and being proud of your BLACK heritage. I visited Downtown Pittsburgh to check out the Annual African American Heritage parade, which honored the late legendary activist Harvey Adams Jr. A number of organizations and youth marched from the Mellon Arena to the new August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh. It was great to see everyone come out to see our cultural history. Members of the JB’s at Navarro that featured legend Fred Wesley.
This week I visited the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, The Grey Box Theatre in Lawrenceville, The Kelly Strayhorn Theatre in East Liberty, The Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and CJ’s in the Strip District. My first stop was at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood where the Whiteside Side Road reunion took place. This event happens every year. One year it’s located at Ammon’s Recreation center in the Hill District and the following year it’s held at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood. I have to shout out the whole Whiteside Road Reunion Committee including my girl Connie and my boy Clarence. The Whiteside Road Crew representin’ for the H.I.L.L. at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum
This week I visited the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh, Tim’s Lounge in the Hill District, Capri’s Bar and Restaurante in East Liberty, CJ’s in the Strip District and St. Lawrence O’Toole’s in Garfield. My first stop was at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown, Pittsburgh where they held the grand opening. It was a great affair where celebrities from all over came out to show love and pay tribute to the one and only August Wilson. Young and old alike came to the 3D party that was held at the new center featuring DJ Nate Da Phat Barber on the 1’s and 2’s. The 3D party was in full effect at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh.
On Sept. 8, WAMO 106.7FM and AM 860 faded to black without any notice to the radio listening audience. Around 6 p.m. DJ Boogie, the program director and on-air deejay for WAMO 106.7FM, played “It’s so hard to say goodbye” by R&B group Boyz II Men. At 6:10 p.m. the radio station that began 61 years ago, was nothing but static. The community is outraged and no one has stepped up to the plate to bring in another urban radio so far. BLAKK STEEL There is hope for us who go online or will buy satellite radio, but for the rest of the community, it is over.
