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Behind the Scenes of Echo Radio Hour: Meet Ben Schwind

Marc Zyla/Ben Schwind
Autumn Loete
Marc Zyla/Ben Schwind

In this episode of What’s Happenin’ QC, Ben Schwind, the Education Manager at Common Chord and host of the Echo Radio Hour, sits down for an interview to discuss the exciting events happening at Common Chord and the vibrant local music scene.

First, Ben shares details about the upcoming music trivia fundraiser event on February 2nd. This event promises an evening of fun competition, with teams of 8 people battling it out for prizes. The trivia questions will cover Common Chord's impressive 20-year history as well as general music knowledge. It's a fantastic opportunity for music enthusiasts to test their knowledge while supporting a great cause.

Next, Ben talks about the celebration of the historic Redstone Building on February 24th. Common Chord, situated in this magnificent building, is hosting a special evening featuring live music performances on the Zeke’s Island Cafe Community Stage. The event also celebrates Zeke's 10th anniversary celebration, and attendees can enjoy delicious food from their restaurant. This gathering aims to showcase the rich cultural offerings of the Redstone Building and its impact on the community. The celebration will end with a performance by Rude Punch in the Redstone Room.

The conversation then shifts to the highly anticipated "Battle of the Bosses" event on March 2nd. Local company executives and leaders will step out of their comfort zones to perform songs on stage, competing for the title of the boss who "rocked the hardest". With a house band composed of Common Chord staff, this promises to be a night of unexpected talent and entertainment.

Throughout the interview, Ben shares insights into his role as host of the Echo Radio Hour. He discusses his passion for programming a diverse range of music genres and showcasing local artists each week. Having been a student in Common Chord's early music programs himself, Ben now devotes his time to providing the same opportunities to today's youth. He emphasizes the importance of programs like Common Chord in nurturing young talents and fostering a sense of community.

In closing, Ben expresses his excitement about premiering new, unreleased songs from local bands on future episodes of the Echo Radio Hour. With this exclusive feature, the show continues to be a valuable platform for introducing listeners to exciting new music before it reaches a wider audience. Join Ben and explore the vibrant local music scene and the impact of programs like Common Chord on this engaging podcast episode.

For more information on Common Chord visit: www.commonchordqc.org

Marc Zyla joined WVIK, Quad Cities NPR in May 2022 as the Director of Community Engagement. Prior to that Zyla had been the Director of Education and Community Engagement with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, where he continues to perform as Principal Horn. Zyla believes that there is something for everyone in public radio and brings passion and creativity to his position as Director of Community Engagement.
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