Joe Tiboni has spent most of his life as a devotee to the blues. You get to experience that experience and passion every Sunday evening when he steps in to host Big City Blues Cruise. That's what you support when you give to WEMU - passion. Shows like these are slowly disappearing from the radio landscape, but, at WEMU, they're an important part of our schedule because that's what our community has told us is important.
Position(s): Host of the Big City Blues Cruise. Previously Marketing and Development Coordinator
Hometown: Born in Syracuse, New York. Raised in Philadelphia, High School on in Ann Arbor.
College/University: Attended Michigan State University where I discovered radio at the Michigan State Network.
Major: Policy Science, had George Will for a seminar.
Favorite WEMU show(s):I have to pick? How much time do you have?
What drew me to WEMU: I had been a supporter of WEMU during my time at Joe's Star Lounge. Later I was looking for work and heard that WEMU was looking for Marketing Help. Seemed like a good fit. Radio opportunity came later, when Martino D decided to devote all his energy to performing music.
What I do daily at work: My day job, also at EMU, is Managing at the Commons, one of Eastern's Dining Units, feeding students and staff all they care to eat, where I have had Presidents, Regents, and staff members including our Program Director Patrick Campion. Evelyn Hawkins was a regular while here at WEMU. At WEMU on Sundays, I like to spin a cohesive mix of energized Blues, trying to touch base with Chicago, Jump Blues, New Orleans, and whatever else seems to fit, covering Birthdays, Upcoming Shows, and a critical pick of new releases, all with an ear for the Jumpin'est!
Favorite place to eat: Number One is my regular Sunday brunch at the Aut Bar. Gabriel's for Hoagies, Bill's for dogs and floats! I could live on the food I can find on East Michigan Avenue rolling out of downtown Ypsi!
The one song that is stuck in my head: One? My split personality says two! Always been Otis Rush, Gambler's Blues at the 1972 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Fest. As the MC says, "Otis Rush! Oh, no! Don't let it be over!" The NOLA side is Rebirth Brass Band's "Do Whatcha Wanna, Part 3" Shake that Ass!
The album I think people need to hear: Otis Rush Live and In Concert from San Francisco
Favorite place to shop: Second Hand Rose. Miss you, Virginia, you, too, Earnest!
Favorite vacation destination: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Favorite person to follow on Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram/Facebook: Chef Larry Edwards
The last film I saw: Louder Than Love - The Grande Ballroom Story, or the restored print of "Close Encounters," both at the Michigan Theater.
Most memorable moment at WEMU thus far: Fortune Records Star Joe Weaver and RJ Spangler in studio.
I love public radio because: I love Radio! Public Radio is just about the last bastion of High Signal Strength creative music radio where humans get to select and share important music with a community. Hanging by a thread, but thank fortune for stations like WEMU.
