Local rock 'n' roll stations play classic rock

Classic rock 'n' roll is a unique and enduring musical creation comprised of numerous influences, from cultural and social movements to technological innovations and genre fusion. 

It carries with it a nostalgia begun in one’s youth that remains a major factor in classic rock’s continued popularity today. 

Mike Marohn, Olympia native and principal owner of 94.5 ROXY FM and Olympia’s Classic Rock 100.3 FM, not only understands the sentiment but works to foster it far into the future. 

“When I was working as a DJ after college, music was very ‘hands on.’  We created the playlist, played records and cartridges, previewed new music from record companies, interacted with the community, you name it,” he said. 

“We wanted to bring back that artisanal approach — that rediscovering and appreciating once more the magic of the radio.  And what better music than the rock we grew up with? To that end, I personally curated the playlist that you hear on 100.3.” 

That would include a great number of influential artists and iconic albums. The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” Led Zeppelin’s “IV,” Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” are just a few examples.  

Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan wrote music to address social issues and push artistic boundaries.  The same applies to Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.” 

And then there were the concerts.  Bands like Kiss, AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith and Journey put on shows that are still remembered today. 

“We’re full of music like this — and much more,” said Marohn.  “It helps to promote the community and the small businesses here. 

Part of the “we” bringing much of Olympia’s classic rock music to listeners is the deep, rich voice of Jes Wes. 

“My voice is a gift from God,” he said. 

Born and raised in San Diego, California, he went from high school to the Air Force Academy.  During his freshman year, one of the officers told him that he has a great voice. 

“How would you like to have your own radio show every night,?” he explained.  “I played all of the requests that came in from cadets at the academy and the people who were listening in the City of Colorado Springs.” 

That was 33 years ago, and today Jes Wes hosts the morning show on 100.3 Olympia’s Classic Rock from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.  When not on the air, he is the general sales manager, an aspect of his work he finds rewarding. 

“100.3 Olympia’s Classic Rock is local and real,” he said. 

“Many radio stations in the Seattle-Tacoma market have radio personalities that do not live in the Puget Sound. They are not living the culture and day-to-day life of everything happening here in the Sound. So, there is a disconnect with listeners who want to know what’s going on locally.” 

Jes Wes added that there are radio stations which are now using artificial intelligence to entertain and pose as a radio personality. 

“Again, not local, not real and kinda’ creepy,” he continued.  “Listeners want to connect with personalities that they see at events and talk with on the phone.”  

There is data to support the contention that not only does rock remain a dominant genre in physical album sales, it also continues to be a force in advertising and on soundtracks.  

The knowledge and desire to be real and local extends into how the both 94.5 ROXY and Olympia’s Classic Rock 100.3 work for and support small businesses. 

“We take pride in helping small businesses grow through great branding campaigns that have a clear message; we utilize digital campaigns, live events, nontraditional campaigns and, of course, radio advertising,”  said Jes Wes. 

“I am thrilled every time I get to talk with an existing client and potential clients to learn how their respective businesses are doing.  Sales is about building relationships, and we  are blessed to work with and support businesses like Walker and Krause Dental, Paulson’s Motorsports, Hardel Builders Center and more,” he concluded.  

“And the classic rock 'n' roll we play is unsurpassed.”