Along-time local radio icon has returned to the airwaves to host a classic rock morning show.
Jack Hammer, who many know from Elvis & Hammer fame and his time as executive director for the Three Rivers Festival, has been named the new personality for 96.3XKE.
With over 20 years in radio under his belt and the ability to rise early in the mornings, this new chapter will be no problem for Hammer.
Sure, there may be a little dust from being off the air for 12 years, but his passion for radio, music, and the community will have him back in the groove in no time.
Having him onboard will provide more local input on the airwaves in a time where live on-air talent has eroded, stations turning to syndicated programming, narrow playlists, and lack of community interaction.
The Jack Hammer Show will air Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. and promises to deliver “the best classic rock in the morning, along with Hammer’s unique and hilarious views on, well, everything.”
He joins a star-studded lineup of Jason Lee, JJ Fabini, and legendary broadcaster Doc West, which makes XKE a force to be reckoned with. Welcome back, Jack!
From ballads to country jazz
Trubble Brewing has an intriguing show coming up on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 8-10 p.m. when they host singer-songwriter Dan Whitaker.
His music defies easy assumptions, moving from dark ballads to intricate country jazz instrumentals to character-driven stories set on the road and in honky tonks.
The Chicago native has been going strong since the mid-’80s with independent original music in bands such as Dan Whitaker and The Shinebenders, The Gyps, Great Plains Gypsies, and June Bug Massacre.
He is currently out in support of his latest release, One More Story Told. His Trubble performance is slated to take place on the outside patio but will move inside in the case of rain. The performance is free to attend.
Crobot to invade Fort Wayne
Piere’s has done it again with the addition of another worthy rock show on their ever-growing calendar.
On Sunday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m., they will host Pottsville, Pa., rockers Crobot.
If you’re a fan of Wolfmother, Queens of the Stone Age, Rage Against the Machine, and Soundgarden, you will love these dirty groove rockers.
Together, they have been performing at a championship level since 2011 and have shared stages with boldfaced names such as Clutch, Chevelle, Black Label Society, Anthrax, and Motorhead. These cats definitely have street cred.
Opening the show will be Chokesetter from South Bend who has been starting to gain some momentum here in The Fort. They are fronted by Jesse Maule who used to be in a band called Fallen that occasionally performed here a few years back.
In any event, these two are going to make for a great night of rock. Tickets for Crobot are on Etix.com.
Stop at the Hop
On Sunday, Oct. 12, from noon-6 p.m., Hop River Brewing will host Second Hand Summer, a vintage pop-up market with the area’s best vintage vendors.
Make plans to stop by the day to enjoy the vintage marketplace, live music, and, of course, Hop River’s finest brews and food.
