S2 Ep2161: MUSIC SCENE Chase Porter Tour of Pinellas County Music History

S2 Ep2161: MUSIC SCENE Chase Porter Tour of Pinellas County Music History

In this episode of MUSIC SCENE, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser talks to Chase Porter, music historian who does a deep dive into the history of music and music studios in Pinellas County, including Waring Music Company, celebrating 100 years on July 16. (Book + Bottle is in the spot where Waring used to be.) Stay tuned for his show on RadioStPete Sunshine 96.7 FM with music and talk in July! Enjoy his show here:   https://youtube.com/@cporter?si=sicRKRbXyJJWnMuW [https://youtube.com/@cporter?si=sicRKRbXyJJWnMuW] Waring Music Company (1926-1927)  * Fred Waring was one of the top bandleaders of the era with his family run band 'Waring's Pennsylvanians" from Penn State. Popular over radio & stage internationally playing jazz, recorded for Victor. * Victor had top of the line records, artist roster, phonographs, and technology by 1926. * St. Petersburg's music scene was growing in the 20s, many firsts were being made here. * Waring and Victor decided on making a store in St. Pete. Waring Music Company, also called the "Victor Building". * Became a community hub for music. Presentations/lectures, singers & musicians doing shows inside, stars doing autographs, etc. * Petroushka (peh-TROOSH-kuh) Restaurant in Victor Building too, with its own quartet entertaining.  * New records played over the airwaves weekly by local station WJBB. * plenty of famous musicians visited all the time. * Waring Music Co. went bankrupt in the fall of 1927, and closed in December. Bankrupted Fred Waring too.  * Plenty of Victor Records and phonographs from the store are potentially still out there. Especially in Tampa Bay. (Bananas Records is a great spot to look) * Plenty of pictures of the inside and outside of the Waring Music Company during this time. Beautiful newspaper ads too. Pinellas County Music History (~1900-1950) * I got into this music as a teen in the mid 2010s. Started a YouTube channel dedicated to archiving & talking about all this old music "C Porter". * 78RPM records are the best way to listen to and learn to appreciate the older genres and ways of the old world societally (in my opinion). * No one ever talks about Florida's musical history outside of country, Rock & Roll, and later jazz artists of the 50s, 60s, etc. ditto Tampa Bay. * Some stuff happened here and there in Tampa Bay in the 1890s-1910s, but everything really took off in the 1920s with the land & tourism booms. * The Coliseum, Playhouse Theatre, movie theaters, The Gankplank, Lake Butler Estates, Maritime Service Training Station, etc. where everyone played. * Radio stations and networks helped let the world hear Tampa Bay's music scene. Bay also a favorite spot for musicians to stop on their way to Miami. * Bandleaders, singers, individual musicians, songwriters, record label producers, and all other types of people came from here in the St Pete area too. Here's Chase Porter's story: "I'm Chase Porter, and I'm a born & raised 2nd generation St. Petersburg citizen, with a 5 generations of Florida history on my mother's side. I've grown up with a progressively increasing love and fascination with history, older genres of music, radio, and old technology since a young age. Growing up with the internet exposed me to plenty of history, older tech, but most effectively with music. At the end of Middle School in 2014, I fell in love with Jazz, Blues, Swing, and early Rock & Roll of the 1930s - 1950s from exposure to it all via a video game known as Fallout 3. Becoming enraptured with it all, it wasn't long before I fell in love with some artists such as The Ink Spots, Fletcher Henderson, The Mills Brothers, etc. By 2017 I had learned and listened to hundreds of artists and was mostly in love with the 50s. That year being introduced to vinyl and shellac records. Sending me deeper into a rabbithole of collecting and learning about music, the record industry, etc of the period. By the end of high school, after focusing on the 50s for forever, (and the 20s being just around the corner) I started sticking to the 20s-40s, which is where I've been at ever since. With YouTube, started making documentaries focusing on the music of that time period since then, and deeply researching it all with plenty of top of the line resources that professional discographers and musicologists use on the daily, to learn more about it. Through this, I've been able to bring several completely forgotten musicians of the era back into public light again such as bandleader Will Osborne, and a handful of forgotten local St. Pete area bands and singers such as the Royal Scotch Highlanders, Frank Wilson, Bobbie Brollier, Earl Gresh, etc. This is how Sunshine 96.7 found me eventually, back in 2025 when the 100th anniversary of St. Pete's first record label, Sunshine Records, was founded in 1925 came about. They asked me if I could play a documentary I did on the subject over the air, and I asked them if I could remake it over again, but for Radio audiences. Since then I've been doing radio specials every few months. My new radio show Danceband Days I started for Sunshine 96.7 has been described as being "like Ken Burns of radio" by professors and former radio DJs who have listened. One specific anniversary program I did for them back in the spring, President & CFE Joe Bourdow said of it personally to me, that it was "one of the coolest things we have ever had on the air." All of this leads me to now.  Danceband Days episode 3 is in the works, and so is Episode 4, and right now so is the Waring Music Company special too. " #chaseporter #pinellascountymusichistory #dancebanddays #sunshinerecords #waringrecords #music scene #nanettewiser

S2 Ep2160: ENCORE! Tom Gribbin's Entertainment Journey: Musician, Author, Lawyer & Comedy Clubs

President at CEO 5 Arts Entertainment, ringmaster at Tom Gribbin and the Saltwater Cowboys and author of The Last Florida Boy, St. Pete's Tom Gribbin's legendary career including comedy club owner and sparkling encounters with the famous (Eric Clapton, Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Buffet) and infamous (you'll have to listen) makes for a great conversation with Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser.  #tomgribbin #nanettewiser

S2 Ep2159: FLORIDA SPECTACULAR Cathy Salustri & Rick Kirby: Author Hilary Flower

Episode 250: Snails, Snail Kites, and Hilary Flower In this podcast, hosts Cathy Salustri and Rick Kirby talk with Hilary Flower, author of The Kite and The Snail: An Endangered Bird, Its Unlikely Prey, and a Story of Hope in a Changing World [https://amzn.to/4dFqp2v], joins the podcast to talk about what prompted her to write the book.  Review of The Kite and The Snail [https://thegabber.com/the-kite-and-the-snail-interwoven-lives-in-the-everglades/]   Limpkins [https://www.audubon.org/magazine/limpkins-are-everywhere-all-sudden-what-going]   Snail kites [https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/snail-kite]  Apple snails [https://myfwc.com/research/freshwater/species-assessments/mollusks/apple-snails/] Slugs [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093995/]   Merlin bird app [https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/]  iNaturalist app [https://www.inaturalist.org/]  HilaryFlowerAuthor.com [http://hilaryflowerauthor.com/] How To Spot a Snail Kite [https://www.hilaryflowerauthor.com/resources]  Support the show [https://paypal.me/floridaspectacular?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US] Question or comment?  cathy@floridaspectacular.com [cathy@floridaspectacular.com]. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter [http://eepurl.com/df4f_T], and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com [http://greatfloridaroadtrip.com] [http://greatfloridaroadtrip.com/]. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com [http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com] [http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/] and get his books at rickkilby.com [http://rickkilby.com] [https://www.rickkilby.com/]. Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy [http://www.facebook.com/SalustriCathy] and everywhere else as @CathySalustri [http://www.twitter.com/CathySalustri]; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth [https://www.facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth], Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/oldfla.bsky.social]), and IG (@ricklebee [http://www.instagram.com/ricklebee]). #floridaspectacular #travelflorida  #floridavacation #rickkilby  #stpete #stpetefl     #floridaspectacular #cathysalustri #rickkilby #tampabay #radio #radiostpete  Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter [http://eepurl.com/df4f_T], and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com [http://greatfloridaroadtrip.com] [http://greatfloridaroadtrip.com/].  Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy [http://www.facebook.com/SalustriCathy]; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri [http://www.twitter.com/CathySalustri] Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com [cathy@floridspectacular.com]. #floridaspectacular #travelflorida  #vacation #rickkilby  #stpete #stpetefl    #floridaspectacular #cathysalustri #rickkilby #tampabay #radio #radiostpete

S2 Ep2158: Grand Central District 6.18.26

In this update, Dani Sheffey, Director of Events for the Grand Central District, shares exciting updates as the district celebrates its 100th anniversary in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Grand Central District continues to invest in community improvements, support local businesses, and host major events that bring residents and visitors together. Key Highlights 1. Grand Central Centennial Celebration The district is proudly celebrating 100 years of history, culture, and community impact. New district gateway markers have been installed at 16th Street & Central Avenue and 16th Street & First Avenue North, helping strengthen the district’s identity and welcome visitors into the neighborhood. 2. Pride in Grand Central One of the district's signature events, Pride in Grand Central, takes place on June 28 from 12 PM–5 PM, with festivities continuing throughout the evening at local businesses. The event celebrates inclusion, creativity, and community while showcasing local vendors, entertainment, and organizations. 3. Community Cleanup & Independence Day Celebration * Quarterly Cleanup: June 29 at 10 AM, meeting in front of Grand Central Brewhouse.  * Stars & Stripes Block Party: July 4 from 12 PM–5 PM, celebrating both Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday with vendors, food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.  4. Major Fall Events * A Taste of Grand Central Gala: September 17 at 6 PM at Coastal Creative, featuring local restaurants, fundraising, and community celebration.  * Halloween on Central: One of Florida’s largest Halloween street festivals, drawing more than 100,000 attendees annually with costumes, entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for all ages.  Three Main Takeaways 1. Grand Central is celebrating 100 years while continuing to invest in neighborhood improvements and community engagement.  2. Major events throughout the year—including Pride, Independence Day festivities, the annual gala, and Halloween on Central—continue to strengthen the district’s role as a cultural destination.  3. Community involvement remains central, with opportunities for volunteering, business participation, sponsorships, and local support.  * Grand Central District Official Website [https://www.grandcentraldistrict.org/] * America250 Initiative [https://america250.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Halloween on Central [https://www.grandcentraldistrict.org/halloween-on-central/] * Eventeny Ticket Platform [https://www.eventeny.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] *  Email for participation and donations: grandcentraldistrict@gmail.com #GrandCentralDistrict #StPeteFL #PrideInGrandCentral #HalloweenOnCentral

S2 Ep2138: Sunshine City Strong with Kayla West and Bobby Levine & Jesse Rooney of Sunrise Crew

On this episode of Sunshine City Strong, host Kayla West sits down with Bobby Levine and Jesse Rooney to discuss the inspiring story behind Sunrise Crew, a free community HIIT workout group that meets every Monday and Friday at 6:30 AM in downtown St. Petersburg. What began in early 2023 as four friends working out together after Bobby unexpectedly lost his job quickly evolved into one of St. Pete’s most welcoming fitness communities. Through word-of-mouth, social media, and a commitment to inclusivity, Sunrise Crew has grown into a thriving group where people of all fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds come together to exercise, connect, and support one another. Bobby and Jesse emphasized that Sunrise Crew is about much more than fitness. Members have formed lasting friendships, found life partners, started families, and built valuable personal and professional connections. The group’s culture encourages everyone—from first-timers to seasoned athletes—to participate at their own pace while enjoying the camaraderie and accountability that comes from showing up consistently. A unique part of the Sunrise Crew experience is gathering at local coffee shops after each workout, helping support small businesses throughout St. Pete while giving members additional opportunities to socialize and strengthen community ties. The conversation also highlighted the positive impact fitness has had on both Bobby and Jesse personally, improving not only their physical health but also their confidence, mindset, and overall quality of life. They shared stories of members transforming their health, achieving personal goals, and finding a sense of belonging through the group. The episode concludes with an open invitation for anyone interested to join a workout. Sunrise Crew remains completely free and welcomes newcomers every Monday and Friday morning at Alva Rose Park near North Shore Park. About The Sunrise Crew Sunrise Crew is a free community fitness group founded in February 2023 with a mission to bring people together through movement, accountability, and genuine connection. What began as four almost strangers meeting before sunrise has grown through word of mouth into a thriving community that gathers every Monday and Friday at 6:30 a.m. at Elva Rouse Park. Built on the belief that fitness should be accessible to everyone, Sunrise Crew has never charged for a workout and never will. Since its first workout, the group has not missed a single Monday or Friday exercise: rain, sleet, or hurricane! It has created a culture centered around consistency, positivity, and showing up for one another. Beyond the workouts, Sunrise Crew hosts community events, social gatherings, and challenges throughout the year while maintaining an active group chat that helps members stay connected, support one another, and build lasting friendships. More than a workout group, Sunrise Crew has become a place where people find community, accountability, and a reason to start their day with purpose. Their motto says it best: Rise & Grind Learn More: Sunrise Crew Instagram: @sunrisecrewstpete [https://www.instagram.com/sunrisecrewstpete/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] About Kayla West Kayla is a student at the University of Alabama with a passion for broadcasting, journalism, and fitness. She has experience in reporting, writing, and media production, having worked on news coverage throughout high school and continuing to develop her skills through internships and hands-on broadcasting opportunities. Kayla is especially interested in sports storytelling and creating content that connects with audiences in meaningful ways. Alongside her media pursuits, Kayla is actively working toward her fitness certification and has a strong interest in health, wellness, and exercise. Through her podcast, she aims to bring listeners conversations with athletes, coaches, fitness professionals, and other inspiring guests who share their expertise and personal journeys. Her goal is to educate, motivate, and inspire others while combining her passions for broadcasting, sports, and fitness. #SunriseCrew #StPeteCommunity #FitnessTogether #SunshineCityStrong #KaylaWest