Tuesday, June 25, 2002

By Laura Alys Ward

Staff Writer

ONEONTA – Succumbing to the blues is one of the greatest pleasures in Mark Drnek's life, but he says spreading them to the public is even better.

Drnek, host of radio program "The Blue Light Special" (now called the "Blue Light Central" - MD) on WSRK 103.9, will today broadcast his 200th two-hour show devoted to blues, soul and gospel music.

"It's a real pleasure," he said of producing the one-man show. "It's a hobby and it's a joy."

Plenty of CDs and show tickets will be given away, and several musicians will make guest appearances during the 7 to 9 p.m. radio "party," Drnek said. A new name for the four-year-old show will also be announced at this time, he said.

The weekly programs are designed to subliminally educate as well as entertain local residents with the "uniquely American art form," Drnek said.

Each show has a different theme, some profiling selected artists. Music by blues legends Muddy Waters, B.B. King and John Lee Hooker is often mixed with tunes by lesser-known artists and local musicians. Featured tracks come from major record labels, independent outfits and home studios, Drnek said.

The program is "the only true blues show around," said Oneonta listener Tom Rowe.

"Mark's show has brought so much to me," he said. "I wish he was on more often."

Rowe, who enjoys artists such as Shemekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi and Kenny Neal, said the program has added to his knowledge of the genre.

"Mark has a very interesting show. He covers a wide range of blues," Rowe said. "I wish I could catch every one of them."

Drnek said he plays the music of artists who are "keeping alive a tradition."

Sadly, blues music is marginalized in favor of teen pop, he said, although the genre "has more integrity than 99 percent of what's out there."

Drnek said he was introduced to the blues by rock 'n' rollers such as Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones. His interest then moved to older artists who played straight blues.

Drnek, who buys air time from the station, said he considers his 200th show "a huge milestone."

Tonight's program includes an 8 p.m. live performance with Stamford acoustic duo The Hellhounds. Guests Tyrone "Railroad Ty" Levee and The Catfish Woman may also appear.

The program began on WZOZ in June of 1998, where it aired for 26 weeks before moving to WSRK in Oneonta and 104.9 in Stamford. The program's website can be found at www.community-mine.com/blues.

Drnek, Outreach and Admission/Career Transitions Services manager at the Oneonta Job Corps Academy, said the radio program is "a creative outlet."

"I love it," he said. "If I didn't have it, I'd go absolutely nuts."