WHPK returns to the air with a new 100-watt blowtorch

After a brief hiatus, the editors at RFC central are very happy to have WHPK-FM (88.5) back on the radio this week. "The Pride of South Side" had to cease broadcasts for a couple of days last week in order to install a brand new antenna, which will bring listeners a stronger, more reliable signal. For those who don't reside on the south side, or who may have not tuned into 88.5 before, WHPK-FM is a community radio station based out of the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The station features a diverse line-up of music and public affairs programming similar to its north side bretheren, WZRD and WLUW. Music programming is done in block form, with slots for rock, jazz, classical, international, folk, rap and electronic music. Music show highlights include: Come All Ye Coal Miners - Old Time, traditional, and hillbilly music. Wed 5-6p Ultrasound - A tasty blend of glictchy electronic music. Mon 6-9a Radio Zero - J. and Mike play the best in Transgressive Pop and Gestalt Rock. Thu 9a- 12p Pure Hype - WHPK’s live rock and roll show featuring live bands from the Chicago area and beyond. Fri 9p-12:30a Sitting in the Park - Bob plays rare group harmony and classic Chicago soul and doowop from the 1950s-70s. Sun 7:30p-8:30p The Evil Show - Dave Waldman plays some of the purest blues sounds of the century from the early days of recording up through today. Mon 9p-12a Locally produced public affairs programming airs every weekday from 3-4pm, with a line-up just as diverse as its music shows. Public affairs show highlights include: The Bad Mutha Film Show - Host Sergio Mims has spent the last 25 years on the front lines of Black cinema and he and his guests (filmmakers, scholars and fans) analyze, criticize and gossip about the state of African Americans in mainstream and underground film today. Mon 3-4p (alternates with Roctober Radio) Roctober Radio - Roctober magazine publisher Jake Austen presents an audio supplement to the journal of in depth exploration of unjustly obscure pop culture greats. Mon 3-4p (alternates with The Bad Mutha Film Show) News From the Service Entrance - A personal favorite, host Mario hits the airwaves with news from the frontline, music from the WHPK library, and interviews with the famous and infamous, nationally known celebrities and local legends. Not your typical local public affairs snoozefest. Thu 1:30-4p Unfortunately, WHPK does not offer any webstreaming, so if you don't live within about an 8-10 mile radius of Hyde Park, you're out of luck in trying to listen to "The Pride of the South Side." However, if you're going to be in the neighborhood, definitely set your dial to 88.5 to hear some of the most diverse music and public affairs programming that Chicago has to offer.