DETROIT - February 19, 2003 - Martin Bandyke and Ralph Valdez, two of WDET's most popular music hosts, are celebrating their twentieth anniversary with the station this month. The two began as co-hosts of the Dimension program in 1983, and have since gone on to host their own signature programs on Detroit Public Radio. The Martin Bandyke Program airs Monday-Thursday from noon to3pm, and The Ralph Valdez Program is heard Sunday nights from 10pm to midnight on WDET 101.9FM. Bandyke and Valdez have both been recognized with many awards over the years, including Bandyke being named "Best Detroit Radio Personality" by the Detroit Free Press and Valdez honored as "Best Radio DJ" by City search Detroit. In addition to their on-air programs, Bandyke also serves as WDET Music Director and Valdez as Senior Underwriting Representative.
"Twenty years at a radio station is an incredible milestone for Martin and Ralph," says Judy Adams, WDET Program Director. "WDET is unique in that many of its hosts have been at the station for ten, twenty and nearly thirty years. Our hosts develop long term relationships with the audience."
To celebrate, both hosts have scheduled some special programming. Bandyke's twentieth anniversary show is set for Friday, February 21, and will feature some of the best live music performed on his program during the last two decades. He will feature rare, live performances by Emmylou Harris, Donovan, Warren Zevon, Psychedelic Furs, Patti Smith, and Wilco among others. There will also be special giveaways throughout the show, including autographed items from Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders and Joe Jackson.
Throughout the month, Valdez has been digging out some old vinyl LP's, taking suggestions for forgotten favorites and presenting music that he debuted on the air waves over the last 20 years from influential but obscure groups that remain under appreciated to mainstream artists that were first exposed on his program. Valdez's anniversary celebration culminates on February 23 with special prizes and give aways that include CD's, DVD's and box sets.
WDET is a community service of Wayne State University