Remembering WKRP IN CINCINNATI
(Tunes heard on the Sit-com when aired 1978-82)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 2, Devou Park, Covington
The KSO closes its 23rd Summer Series with a combination of local lore and sit-com nostalgia. Between 1978-82 opening shots of Cincinnati (the skyline, downtown street scapes, the River, Fountain Square) rolled across the nation’s television screens each week in the opening of the 30-minute comedy about a fictitious radio station in the Queen City. Music heard on the show offered a combination of contemporary rock
(Toto, Bob Seger, Queen), R&B (Michael Jackson, The Pointer Sisters, O’Jays) and pop hits (Debby Boone, Herb Alpert) which often provided commentary on the comedy bits and situations. Given the KSO’s predilection for authentically covering nostalgic pop music with its studio orchestra, long-time Enquirer television/radio journalist, John Kieswetter suggested the WKRP theme idea.
WKRP IN CINCINNATI aired on CBS (1978-82) and was created by Hugh Wilson based upon his experiences and the people he encountered working in sales at a Top 40 radio station in Atlanta (Wilson also wrote the theme song lyrics). The ensemble cast included Gary Sandy, Howard Hessman, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Tim Reid, Jan Smithers, Richard Sanders and Frank Bonner. Like many other MTM productions (Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Lou Grant etc), humor came from running gags based on the biases and quirks of each character. Though the show centered on the hilarious antics of the dysfunctional radio station’s staff, WKRP occasionally dabbled in serious issues and drama, like the Who concert tragedy.
“With Labor Day weekend family traditions I thought the WKRP idea sounded kinda fun,” remarked KSO Music Director James Cassidy. “After all everybody remembers that show, right? I remember coming to a board meeting in March announcing that the KSO’s summer finale will be a WKRP in Cincinnati show, to which the over-50 group nodded their approval, while the 30-ish members asked “What is WKRP?” Ouch! Thank goodness much of the music heard on the show is timeless.
Join Music Director James Cassidy, the KSO’s Boogie Band and area vocalists at the amphitheater in Devou Park, Saturday, September 2 at 7:30 p.m. Dress like your favorite WKRP character and maybe give the theme song a little Car Pool Karaoke treatment on the way to the park. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnic or visit the KSO concession kiosk. Also don’t forget the TANK Park & Ride Shuttle running from Covington Catholic to the band shell from 6:00 -7:30 p.m., and after the concert for $1 each way.
For more information and directions, visit the KSO at www.kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216. Free concert admission and parking, though a $5 donation is suggested.
Remembering WKRP IN CINCINNATI
(Tunes heard on the Sit-com when aired 1978-82)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 2, Devou Park, Covington
Song As recorded by:
WKRP in Cincinnati Theme – Steve Carlisle
Soul Man – Sam & Dave
Hold the Line – Toto
Just the Two of Us – Grover Washington
Rise – Herb Alpert
Could I be Dreaming – Pointer Sisters
For the Love of Money – O’Jays
Green Onions – Booker T & the MGs
Land of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett
Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
Intermission
YMCA – The Village People
Breezin’ – George Benson
Boogie-Oogie Oogie – A Taste of Honey
Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
I Heard it through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
Celebration – Kool & the Gang
You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone
Frosty – Albert Collins
Le Freak – Chic
Old Time Rock & Roll – Bob Seger
WKRP in Cincinnati – (reprise / singalong) Steve Carlisle
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