Editor’s note: This is the first in a series about radio programs streaming from KLOI 102.9 FM on Lopez. The radio has been broadcasting both local and national programs since April 2008. Their goal is to feature locally produced shows exclusively.

“There is really something magical about radio. You get in there, you put your head set on, and you are in your own little world with your music and whatever it is you want to share,” says KLOI radio host Ron Metcalf.

Co-hosting the weekly radio program with Steve Heller, aptly called the Ron and Steve Show, is obviously fun for Metcalf. Together, they cover local events, the community bulletin board, and interview organizers of upcoming presentations, concerts, dances, and more. The show airs from 11-noon each Tuesday.

“Steve likes to start off with something inspirational and spiritual. He plays a little music and reads something, and then we go over the community calendar. We then interview someone who is sponsoring an event that’s coming up that weekend. We recently interviewed Pat Torpie about her Guatemala presentation and Maria Armstrong about the ‘Thriller’ dance. We play a little more music, then read the community bulletin board,” said Metcalf. They check out the island’s numerous bulletin boards Tuesday morning and read some of the best items (they do not include “for sale” postings). “I also take down posters that are out of date!” said Metcalf.

They finish off the show by reading announcements from local groups. Lopez Animal Protection Society and the Lopez Island Family Resource Center are two of the regulars who provide weekly updates. “It fills up an hour easily, and we usually run over. We’re a little flexible on ending times,” commented Metcalf.

“The most fun I’ve had is when I do interviews,” said Heller. “Interviews really help you to go beyond the surface and get into the depth of what people are all about and to see the richness and the heart and the essence of that person – and then share it with the public.”

Heller loves to sing – much to the amused annoyance of his wife and son – and he recently got to showcase his deep baritone during a broadcast. “We were interviewing Linda Barton and Linda Koenig about the Lopez Pool project. We had prepared a CD of ‘Splish, Splash’ to play as a segue. The CD started to skip, so I just began singing it instead. We all joined in and sang the song. It’s that type of spontaneous thing that happens during interviews. Things that I hadn’t even planned for – that’s what is the most fun and creative.”

Heller also streams a “New Dimensions” program every Tuesday night. KLOI is an affiliate of New Dimensions Media in Ukiah, CA, which produces radio programs on a variety of thought-provoking topics. Last week’s show was titled “Seven Steps to Higher Consciousness.”

Cam DeVore, a beloved member of the Lopez community who passed away on Oct. 26, hosted a show every other week on KLOI called “First Amendment with Cam DeVore.” He was a nationally recognized lawyer who argued in front of the supreme court and was an expert on First Amendment issues. Metcalf held a tribute to DeVore on The Ron and Steve show last week, playing “A Wink and a Smile” – the perfect song for a man who was known for his warmth and beaming smile.

KLOI Radio has a huge variety of local music and talk shows and syndicated programs as well as a diverse playlist of music that can be heard whenever a program is not broadcasting. There is something to hear on KLOI 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tune in to 102.9 FM or listen to the stream at www.kloi.org. The program schedule and other information is also available on the website.

KLOI is always looking for new hosts and program ideas. “Hosting a show is not at all intimidating the way being in front of a large crowd is. You just talk about music or interview someone. It’s conversational. If anyone has any inkling at all, they should come talk to us and see how easy it is,” said Metcalf.