Lovers of the Big Band sound will want to hear “In The Mood,” a new weekly radio program set to debut May 11 on WSMX-LP, the campus radio station of LeCroy Career Technical Center.

In The Mood will present two hours of the music of the Big Band era each Sunday from 3–5 p.m. beginning this Sunday. Hosted by Birmingham radio veteran and swing music enthusiast Scott Michaels, In The Mood will concentrate on the music of the big-name bands and singers of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.

“It’s the dance music of the pre-rock ’n roll era,” Michaels said. “Those of us who are grown had grandparents who loved this music. They danced to it. And they idolized these bandleaders and performers like Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Harry James and a slew of others.”

Michaels’ enthusiasm is obvious.

“Along the way, I’ll share some of the legend and lore of the big bands and the top entertainers of that day,” he said.

Along with a liberal helping of original and rare recordings, In The Mood will also serve up interviews with local artists, writers, poets and players of all kinds each week.

“I had to agree to let Scott play his big band records, but this show is going to include a healthy helping of current events in the arts community, and interviews with local artists whose work inspires all of us,” Chilton County Arts Council president Mary Schiermann said.

“We have to thank Tommy Glasscock and Chris Johnson at LeCroy Career Technical Center for their help and cooperation in putting this show on the air,” Michaels said. “They’ve been great. They were both enthusiastic about the show and about the community service it represents for WSMX. And going forward, I think we can anticipate a long and healthy relationship between WSMX and the Chilton County Arts Council. There’s a lot we can do together.”

WSMX-LP is a 45-Watt station at 98.3 on the FM dial. It broadcasts 24 hours a day from its studios and transmitter facility located on the campus of LeCroy Career Technical Center. The signal covers most of Chilton County.

Requests and comments about In The Mood can be directed to Michaels at this email address: ChiltonCounty-ArtsCouncil@hotmail.com. Those writing should put “In The Mood” in the subject line.