WVIA's longest-running program, Mixed Bag provides the region's musicians an outlet for creative, contemporary music. Regular features include Homegrown Music, the weekly album review, new releases segments and the Friday night request show.
Monday, May 13th marks the 50th anniversary of Mixed Bag!
WVIA-FM co-founder George Graham was program director at WDBS, Duke University's college radio station, when the concept of "underground radio" was taking shape with eclectic music that was not on commercial radio, with its emphasis on short singles.
When George came to WVIA, he advocated for trying the eclectic album-oriented radio format to Public Radio, as an alternative to commercial radio.
Mixed Bag started as a weekly 90-minute show shortly after WVIA-FM signed on in April 1973.
In May of 1974, the station's programming was revised from a series of once-a-week shows to daily programs, with classical music during the day, and Mixed Bag from 7:30-10 PM Monday through Friday. At first, the program also included jazz, but All That Jazz, also hosted by George Graham, was launched as a separate program in 1976.
Graham also advocated for presenting regional musical talent on the station, and Homegrown Music with regional artist performances became part of Mixed Bag in 1976. In 1982, the Homegrown Music live concert series with live studio audiences was launched, with several concerts each year.
The program features a wide range of musical styles not available elsewhere (including on many Public Radio stations), including eclectic rock, folk, blues, world music, new age, reggae, bluegrass and electronic music. Other features include the segments devoted to new releases, the weekly album review, the Venerable Music set, and genre-specific mixes.
George Graham was selected as the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Radio Broadcaster of the year for 2023.
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