Jesse Menendez

WBEZ announced earlier last week that it will begin incorporating local programming from its sister station Vocalo (89.5 FM) on its radio frequency (91.5 FM).

Beginning this Saturday, February 18, The Music Vox/Live From Studio 10 host Jesse Menendez will take the helm of a new two-hour program simply named Vocalo on WBEZ.

As host of the aforementioned shows, Menendez and his crew shine a spotlight on the local music scene and give a voice to many independent musicians and artists that might not otherwise see the exposure.

In addition to cuts from Menendez’s music shows, Vocalo on WBEZ will showcase highlights from other Vocalo news and community-oriented shows such as The Morning AMp, Overdrive and The Barber Shop Show.

“Vocalo on WBEZ will showcase diverse cultural perspectives from artists to activists, musicians to musicologists,” said Silvia Rivera, Vocalo Managing Director, in a press release. “This will be a great opportunity to introduce Vocalo’s storytelling and musical content to the WBEZ audience.”

Menendez called the opportunity for Vocalo shows to air on WBEZ “a huge deal” due to the wide reach of WBEZ’s platform.

“It’s a personal commitment of mine to bring diverse conversations and perspectives to the forefront of our public dialogue via public media,” Menendez said in a press release. “This includes intentionally seeking black, Latino, community and youth perspectives to opine on issues of the day, ranging from politics, economy, feminism, race, arts/culture, community, and, well, you name it.”

So what’s on tap for the show’s premiere? According to the “Virtual Listening Party” Facebook event page, Luis Perez, co-host of Overdrive, chats with Dr. Jesus “Chuy” Negrete – a Chicano musicologist and, founder and director of the Mexican Cultural Institute – about preserving history through music. Hip-Hop artist Add-2 talks to Menendez about his new single, “Modern Day Coons.”

For a complete breakdown of the first Vocalo on WBEZ, click here.

Vocalo on WBEZ will air Saturdays from 8-10 p.m.