Every pizza tells a story
WMPG COMMUNITY RADIO | DJ JACK HUTTON
There’s always been that territory, way down low, left of the dial, where the radio sounds just a little bit different. Here in Maine, we’re fortunate to find that place at 90.9 WMPG, community radio from the University of Southern Maine.
Founded in 1970 as a pirate radio station broadcasting from a dorm room on the Gorham campus, WMPG became a licensed station in 1973 and has since grown to include more than 200 volunteers, a diverse selection of programming and a global reach with live streaming at wmpg.org. 50 years. Amazing!
For the past several months, on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10am, we’ve been starting our day listening to WMPG’s “No Longer Dangerous.” Hosted by USM student and Navy Submarine Veteran Jack Hutton, it’s an eclectic whirlwind of music that often finds us searching for the common musical thread that ties it all together. KISS, Tom Jones, The Ramones, the Bee Gees, A Tribe Called Quest, Rush, The Velvet Underground. The list goes on and on. Old favorites and some things we’ve never heard. Somehow it all works.
But there’s something else that happens on the show. That space between the songs. The talking. The conversation. The insight and opinions. The humor and the wisdom that flow from the uniquely original mind of its host. From sports to pop culture, social commentary and tales from his time in the Navy or life atop his mountain in Maine. Jack spins some classic freeform ramblings that could only be heard on a place like WMPG.
Last Thursday morning we were lucky enough to spend a little time with Jack during his show, snapping some photos, shooting the breeze and sharing a pizza.
“For the pizza, if I can do a pineapple pizza with the beer dough, I hope that doesn’t bring shame on my family” - Jack Hutton.
We swung by Portland Pie Company on York Street, picked up the early morning pie (because it’s never too early for pizza) and headed to the studio where we were warmly welcomed by the man himself. As we always say: Good Food Brings People Together. And we’re glad this pizza delivery brought us to the doorsteps of WMPG.
We hope you enjoy this little glimpse into the world of WMPG and the mind of Jack Hutton. In a world of oftentimes predetermined playlists based on advertising, algorithms and other fancy words that begin with the letter A, we are fortunate to have the pirates at WMPG still manning the controls and sailing the seas of new and uncharted music, discussion and entertainment. Most importantly, WMPG is about community. And we’re glad they’re a part of ours. Here’s to another 50 years!
Oh, hey, Jack. We’ve got a few questions.
Desert Island Discs:
If I was stranded I think the only tracks I wouldn’t get sick of would be from Electric Light Orchestra, if you listen closely there’s always something different going on there. And then AC/DC because they have a nice war music variety that would come in handy in a tight squeeze.
First Concert:
It was an impromptu Shel Silverstein Memorial Concert where I saw Lou Reed sing and do poetry.
First Album Purchased:
Mine was actually “Recovery” by Eminem. And, actually, not even being from Maine I bought Spose’s the “Audacity!” and have been a huge fan since I was 12.
Guilty Please Song:
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA.
Karaoke Song:
“Only Time” by Enya.
Favorite Lyrics:
“Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
Time Machine To Go See Any Band Live:
The Kinks. I think they are 10 times better than the Beatles.
What Musician Would You Most Like To Meet:
Jim Morrison.
Your Autobiography Would Be Called:
Finally Dangerous Again.
Ideal Road Trip And What’s On The Radio:
Through Austria and all the hilly towns and mountains. I’d play some Mason Williams guitar solos and cruise.
Will Make Us A Quick Playlist:
What Makes WMPG So Special:
WMPG is the embodiment of creative outspoken people who have been given an opportunity to share their story and their music to the masses. It is a special place and they offer the flare that radio needs right now.
(For playlists from all the No Longer Dangerous shows head on over to Spotify)
No Longer Dangerous is just one nugget in the goldmine of WMPG’s programming. There’s something for everyone. For a full list of shows visit here.
WMPG is a non-profit community radio station that continues to broadcast and thrive thanks to the support of its listeners. To find out how you can contribute visit here.