WBGO is 45

Jazz lovers packed the newly renovated, beautifully appointed Terrace Ballroom at Newark Symphony Hall on April 12 for a grand celebration of the 45th birthday of WBGO 88.5. What would a WBGO celebration be without live music? No need to ask the question. Tyreek McDole and his quintet wowed the crowd. McDole is the winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition. After consuming a delicious smorgasbord of delightful delicacies, the dance floor became the place to be with DJ Prince Hakim, son of Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool & the Gang at the turntables. Remarks from for.stakeholders including WBGO President & CEO Steven A. Williams, Robert “Kool” Bell, and others along with a presentation of a proclamation from Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka rounded out the evening.