Ridge Radio is Tandridge's local community radio station. Broadcasting from its studio in Soper Hall, Caterham, it is staffed by 48 volunteer presenters. To listen, download the free mobile app, ask any Alexa-enabled device to install and then enable Ridge Radio, or visit www.ridgeradio.co.uk and click 'Listen Live'.
This month, our Presenter in the Spotlight is Yvette Jenkins. Her show, 'The Yvelvet Blues Show', runs from 15:00 until 17:00 every Friday.
How long have you been on Ridge Radio? I was invited to guest on Ridge Radio’s PR Rock Show by the host Peter Rubin, followed by a mentoring programme, about two years ago. This was the start of my time as a presenter at the station.
Tell us about your show I host The Yvelvet Blues Show, an edgy presentation featuring new and classic blues, and current releases with a rock heartbeat. Its vibes span from as early as the 1930s, through tracks celebrating the 1960s British blues boom, to a mix of contemporary ‘new’ blues. Get involved by emailing me at yvette@ridgeradio.co.uk.
Do you have a favourite musical artist or band? Ha – that’s a difficult one! My tastes span several genres: stand-out bands and early loves are Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Janis Joplin, plus Big Brother and the Holding Company. Other outstanding artists I enjoy are Stevie Ray Vaughan and Beth Hart. It’s all about the drive and the groove for me – the sticks and bass – but great lead and rhythm guitar, a strong vocal and inspiring lyrics are all important, too.
Where do you live and what is your day job? I live in Harrogate, North Yorkshire but my work takes me to all areas of the UK. I’m very busy with my RockinNights promotions and bookings agency, and I’m also the owner of Burlesque Nylons and YLJ Design.
Apart from Ridge Radio what do you do in your spare time? I love listening to music, going to live gigs and theatre and discovering new artists. I’m also a bit of a collector and always on the lookout for interesting music memorabilia. Writing for Blues Matters Magazine and my recent collaboration with Lunaria Records London keeps me busy. Additionally, creating fundraising events for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a lot of fun. I also enjoy cooking, creating new interior designs at home and aim to add more travelling and chill out time to my to-do list. Top of my bucket list is to check out the Joe Bonamassa Blues Cruise!
What gigs have you seen recently? I’ve always had a great love of live music and have recently seen British Lion, Mike Zito and Dana Gillespie. Some of the bands I’m lucky to work with include Vincent Flatts Final Drive, Voodoo Room, Five Points Gang and The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience. I look forward to seeing the Rolling Stones, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Camel, Tears for Fears, and Misty Blues, as well as attending some festivals, in 2022/3.
Finally, how has presenting on Ridge Radio changed your life? Ridge Radio has provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in the rock blues genre of music, discovering new artists and revisiting old friends. British blues is due for a resurgence, with lots of new music coming through: fresh and exciting contemporary takes on the classicsounds. There’s always something new to hear, and presenting at Ridge Radio is an excellent platform for sharing this with the local and wider community. Embrace the music – no holds barred!
If you would like to try your hand at presenting on Ridge Radio, contact Andy Mac at andy@ridgeradio.co.uk.
