Jan Simon

Morning Classics Host and Producer

It all started with a little black box.  When I was 11 or 12 I got a little plastic tabletop radio for Christmas.  Nothing could tear me away from that thing.  I listened to everything - polka music, classical, Top 40, big bands, Met Opera, ethnic shows, etc.  Stayed up for all hours at night bringing in distant stations.  But radio personalities and their distinctive voices intrigued me the most.  To this day I can recall the names of long departed radio DJ’s and the specific stations they worked for.  I hosted the first radio broadcast at my high school, transported large stacks of classical discs from home each week for radio shows at college, and dreamed of being one of those voices.  Well, despite a few detours and temporary setbacks along the way, my dream came true!   

I’ve been a classical music host in Seattle, Los Angeles and on satellite radio.  I did news in Tacoma and Las Vegas.  Along the way there were a couple of gigs hosting standards and jazz.  I loved every moment of it and I still do.

That little black box is long gone, but nowadays I enjoy listening to stations on the internet in far off corners of the globe on my little black laptop; the more rustic and remote the better, and there are thousands to choose from.  I guess I’ll always be a hopeless radio fanatic!  

Jan Simon hosts classical music on WBAA 101.3 FM weekdays 8 a.m. to Noon

Pages

Arts & Culture
11:28 am
Thu May 16, 2013

Wabash Valley Youth Symphony Sun 5/19 Concert Preview

The Wabash Valley Youth Symphony and some special guests will present the orchestra’s final concert of the season Sunday evening at the Long Center. 

Read more
Arts & Culture
3:33 pm
Wed May 15, 2013

Lafayette Chamber Singers Sun 5/19 concert preview

The Lafayette Chamber Singers will present their Spring Concert Sunday afternoon at St. John’s Episcopal Church.  Jan Simon talks with Artistic Director Clayton Lein.

Read more
Arts & Culture
10:54 am
Thu April 25, 2013

Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Sat 4/27 concert preview

The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra performs Saturday evening at the Long Center with violinist Rachel Barton-Pine.  WBAA’s Jan Simon talks with the orchestra’s Music Director, Nicholas Palmer.

Read more
Arts & Culture
4:04 pm
Thu April 18, 2013

Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society Concert preview Sun 4/21

The Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society will present a "Bach Fest" Sunday afternoon at Duncan Hall.  The concert will include both music and tales. 

Read more
Arts & Culture
12:44 pm
Fri March 1, 2013

Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Concert Preview Saturday, 3/2

The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra performs with pianist Charlie Albright Saturday night at the Long Center. 

Read more
Arts & Culture
12:41 pm
Fri March 1, 2013

Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society Concert Preview Sunday 2/24

The Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society’s Sunday afternoon concert at Duncan Hall will include 2 guitars, voice, percussion and dance. 

Read more
Arts & Culture
12:37 pm
Fri March 1, 2013

Bach Chorale Singers and Orchestra Concert Preview Sunday 2/23

Haydn's Oratorio "The Seasons", which celebrates nature and country life throughout the year, will be performed by the Bach Chorale Singers and Orchestra Sunday afternoon at the Long Center.

Read more
Arts & Culture
4:34 pm
Tue February 5, 2013

Lafayette Chamber Singers Afternoon Delight concert


The Lafayette Chamber Singers’ annual “Valentine’s Afternoon Delight” concert is Sunday afternoon at Duncan Hall.  WBAA’s Jan Simon has this preview.

Read more
Arts & Culture
10:34 am
Wed December 5, 2012

Lafayette Chamber Singers December 9th concert preview

The Lafayette Chamber Singers will present songs and madrigals by English and American composers from the Renaissance to the present Sunday afternoon at 3.  The group’s Artistic Director, Clayton Lein talks to WBAA’s Jan Simon about the program.

Read more
Arts & Culture
2:26 pm
Fri November 16, 2012

Lafayette Symphony Orchestra preview, Saturday 11/17

Piano duo Anderson & Roe will join the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Saturday evening at the Long Center.  The orchestra's Music Director, Nicholas Palmer, talks about the varied program.

Read more

Pages