Business notebook: Radio days and music in the courtyard

Warwick - If you happened to tune to Warwick/Florida Radio Station WTBQ (1110 AM) on Monday morning, July 10, you would have heard some interesting facts about the station’s history as well as more than a few behind-the-scene stories. This month, the station is celebrating its 37th Anniversary and owner/manager Frank Truatt decided to invite some old timers to swap stories on the air about the early days of local radio. The early broadcasters included Ed Klein, Dick Wells, Al Lewis and Rich Ball. Wells and Ball, who were with Lewis and Klein in the early 1970s but not continuously associated with the station, are now back working for WTBQ. Klein, a well-known Warwick resident and media entrepreneur, is the founder of WTBQ. “In those days,” he recalled, “I was the publisher of The Warwick Advertiser. I was also home and in traction as the result of a serious automobile accident. All I could do was listen to the radio but I couldn’t find any station that I liked. I realized that this community could use a good radio station and so I decided to apply for my own FCC license.” That task was easier said than done. There was lots of government red tape and Klein had to eventually partner with another applicant, Cle Everette, to avoid a dispute with him over who would win the local license. They received their approval by telegram and on the same day, July 29, 1969, WTBQ went on the air. But it was not a smooth flight. “Naturally,” laughed Klein, “it was a hot summer day. Someone turned on the air conditioner and blew the fuse. We suddenly lost all power and we were off the air only minutes after we began broadcasting.” Unlike resetting a circuit breaker, a fuse has to be replaced. None could be found at the station and shopping for one took another half-hour. But all ended well and the station was an overnight success. After about five years Everette sold his interest to Klein and moved away. In the late 1970s, Klein sold WTBQ to “Polka King” Jimmy Sturr, who, by the way, called the station from Indiana during the anniversary broadcast. Sturr eventually sold the station to Goodtime Broadcasting but he regained ownership in 1992. WTBQ then remained completely off the air for almost two years. On July 1, 1994, Truatt, who had purchased the station from Sturr, put WTBQ back on the air. This month he also celebrates his 12th anniversary as station owner. “One of the reasons our station is successful,” explained Truatt, “is the quality of the staff. Everybody here can do everything.” Someone once asked what was the meaning of the letters TB in WTBQ. In his autobiography, “At least nobody’s shooting at me,” Klein explained that most people thought the call letters signified Ted Baker Radio after the name of its first professional announcer. The inspiration, however, came from his daughter Pip’s small car, which she had named TB for her Teddy Bear. Klein’s wife, Phyllis, later came up with the station’s slogan, “Top Broadcast Quality.” Courtyard music Next Thursday, July 27, the Railroad Avenue Merchants are sponsoring the third of their Courtyard Music Series from 6 to 10 p.m. The live entertainment that evening will be provided by The Soul Latin Jazz Ensemble headed by Ernie Colon. “We are hoping to draw diners and shoppers down to the village on the last Thursday night of each month by creating a festive, cultural atmosphere on Railroad Avenue,” explained Maura Peddle, owner of BiNK, Essential Baby Gear. “So many of our customers were eager to enjoy the Village in the evening,” added Brooke Martis-Sarmiento, owner of B. Page & Company, “that the merchants of Railroad Avenue decided to bring music and evening shopping to those who want to linger after normal hours.” Additional events, such as movies and dancing, are planned to round out the cultural experience. All events are free to the public, courtesy of the Railroad Avenue Merchants. This fall, the merchants also will host a wine tasting event to benefit a local charity. During the Courtyard Music Series, Zana D will be serving dinner outdoors and as a special treat, La Petite Cuisine will also remain open. The stores, including The Eclectic Eye, Jenna & Co., BiNK, Sweetbriars, The Pear Tree and B. Page & Co., will be open for shopping until 8 p.m. “Everyone is encouraged to come down and have dinner at one of the restaurants, or bring a chair and enjoy the music while savoring a chocolate or gelato from my shop,” said Stephanie Faerman, owner of Sweetbriars. Additional complementary seating, she explained, will be provided for those who would like to bring their own coffee or beverage. Future dates for the Courtyard Music Series are Thursday, Aug. 31, featuring Tin Roof and Thursday, Sept. 28, featuring the New York Jazz Group.