BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Saturday afternoon, four bands, lots of food, and one cause, to support WDIY public radio.

 

The Ice House in Bethlehem was on fire with local bands: Drew and the Blue, We’re From Antarctica, Lovecartel, and Dear Misty, as they all lent their talents to help WDIY. The station that has put many of them on the airwaves.

 

“That is what public radio does, it’s a non-commercial radio station, we help these musicians get air play,” said Margaret McConnell, Director of WDIY.

 

Lovecartel band member and organizer of the event, Lucus Wolk said this has been in the works for months. He said, “When the federal funding cuts came, I just feel like I emailed WDIY 2 to 3 days later, we need to do something about this.”

 

That federal funding cut came this summer to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. McConnell said that was 15% of their revenue. “As nonprofits we’re always struggling to make ends meet because they’re relying on people who believe in the cause and who want to donate,” she said.

 

Wolk said there were plenty of people who believed in this cause. “We want to do something big; we don’t want to just throw a show,” he said. “We want to actually have a community event here.”

 

Wolk said 100% of the event proceeds will be donated to WDIY.

 

McConnell said, “This is just showcasing the way that WDIY brings community together.”