Ep. 154: David Reis

Welcome, Mr. David Domingo Reis, AKA – Dave Reis who, among other his accomplishments, spent nearly 26 years as a Jazz radio show host. That's right, an original DJ who worked at the former WUSM which became WUMD radio station, 89.3 FM, on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus.

Reis just wanted to promote Jazz musicians. WUMD signed off around noontime on a Monday in June of 2017 after 42 years of broadcasting. According to a Fall River Herald article, on "May 1, the Federal Communications Commission approved the sale of UMass Dartmouth's 9,800-watt WUMD (89.3 FM) radio license to Rhode Island Public Radio. The sale was to be completed Monday, UMass Dartmouth announced in a press release, resulting in $1.5 million from RIPR to endow need-based financial aid and community engagement programs."

WUMD continues as an online entity. Dave Reis has lived in New Bedford most of his life except for his two years in the military. When he returned to civilian life, he sold Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes for thirty-six years until his retirement. Dave had a Jazz radio program for twenty-six years. Jazz was and continues to be his passion. He grew up in a house with Jazz musicians and taught a class with former Southcoast Learning Network.

The Artist Index co-founder and host, Ron Fortier talks to David Reis about his background, passion for Jazz, a fabled campus radio station, and lots more.

The In-Focus Podcasts are up close and personal conversations with the makers, performers, supporters, and cultural impresarios of the remarkable creative community of South Coast Massachusetts including New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Westport, and beyond.