The Summit FM is marking five years of broadcasting in Athens County, and the station has scheduled a free anniversary event for Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Federal Valley Resource Center in Stewart.
Scott Terry, frontman of Red Wanting Blue, is slated to perform. Doors are set to open at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m., according to the station. Admission is free, though attendees can reserve seats through Eventbrite. Money collected at the event is designated for the station's instrument donation program.
General manager Tommy Bruno described the gathering as a way to thank donors and others who assisted the station. The Summit FM began airing in Athens County in 2021 after it bought the 90.1 FM frequency, Bruno said, choosing Athens over a Marietta signal that also became available when a religious broadcaster consolidated its holdings. Program director and afternoon host Brad Savage cited the city's music scene as a draw.
According to the station, its Athens work extends beyond broadcasts: it interviews and plays regional artists, sponsors Porchfest, takes part in Ohio University's Music Industry Summit and Brick City Records, and offers tours and funding to K–12 music programs. Singer-songwriter Megan Bee, a recurring featured artist, said the station aired her two most recent albums.
Adam Remnant of Stuart's Opera House said students toured the station and heard songs under consideration for airplay. Therese Lackey of the Federal Valley Resource Center said the station has helped with repairs to a collection of roughly 250 instruments available to the public at no cost.