Another Connecticut Radio BBQ 2024

(Bob Gilmore & Matt)

 Every three years, my friend Bob Gilmore throws his Tri-Annual Radio BBQ. He was going to make it every two years, but Covid and other things in his life got in the way. It's also a lot of work and costs quite a bit of money. I understand because my wife and I used to host a yearly BBQ for family, friends and radio friends. 

I met Bob over 20 years ago through my old friend Greg Monti. Greg was supposed to be there this year, but for some reason didn't show up. Maybe next time, unless we have something here at home.

It was nice to finally meet some of my fellow HitOldies DJ's, Steve Garren from Minnesota, and Daniel Coulombe from Canada. We're a fairly tight knit group, so it was great to see everyone again! Brett Provo even agreed to put New York's Best Rock on his internet station, www.wnbctimemachine.com !

(Daniel Coulombe, Steve Garren, Steve West, Matt, Brett Provo and Ron Carson)

Then I got to see one of my favorite funny guys, the one and only Famous Amos, AKA Russ DiBello. He has a radio resume longer than my arm, having been on some great stations like WTJM Jammin' 105, and WCBS-FM 101.1. He currently works as an actor, with one of his latest appearances was on FBI: Most Wanted as the consigliere to the "Boss." He's the guy in the glasses and black suit whispering to the boss. He also came with his better half, the supremely talented Anita Bonita. If you don't know who she is, go look her up. 

(Famous Amos aka Russ DiBello and Matt)

Then I found my wonderful friends Kristin and Scott Lowe along with Craig Allan who came from Pennsylvania. I hadn't seen Kristin since the last BBQ, and Craig since Big Ron O'Brien's funeral in 2008. Scott is also my go to guy when I need an aircheck restored that I am not capable of, or it needs some extra love. His expertise is always appreciated!

 

(Craig Allan, Matt, Kristin & Scott Lowe)

My long time friend from Rochester, NY Scott Fybush and his wife Lisa also attended. I always try to remember how long I've known people, but as brain cells die and shrivel, it really doesn't matter. But it has to been at least 24 years.

(Scott & Lisa Fybush, Matt)

Then I heard this voice...and saw the bearded face. It was my old friend Bob Perry, the creator of the original Jack format! He was in NY from Florida visiting family, and decided to take the 2 hour ride from upstate NY to CT. 

(Matt & Bob Perry)

When the BBQ was announced, I asked my old friend Brian "The Cannon" Bannon if he was going, and if so, would he take me. I was very happy when he said he was going, and he would drive. Brian worked for many years at WLNG, and is now the Chief Engineer for WLIW-FM in South Hampton, NY. It took us 3 hours to get there from Long Island, and only 90 minutes to get back. Traffic can be a real bear. We got all caught up on life, and it's alway a pleasure to spend time with him.

(Matt & Brian Bannon)

Notice the T-Shirt I'm wearing. It's from the former WSEN-FM 92.1 in Syracuse, NY. I got that in 2012 from my friend Gary Dunes when we first met. Yes, I collect lot's of old SWAG, and I always wear a classic shirt to these events.

Thanks to our host Bob Gilmore to once again having this BBQ! It was great to see all my old friends!