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Volume 54, Issue 2 | Summer 2025
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WYSU Remembers Martin Berger
We're saddened to share that Dr. Martin Berger, beloved History Professor Emeritus at Youngstown State University and host of the jazz program, Now’s the Time on WYSU for an incredible 53 years, passed away in April. In agreement with Martin and his wife Louisa, we're excited to continue broadcasting his program as an encore presentation of Now’s the Time with Martin Berger. We have also gathered heartflet remembrances of Martin from his friends, James Rogers, and Lowell and Ellen Satre, to celebrate his legacy:
Martin and Me by James Rogers
For the lucky ones, there are those who come into our lives who remind us how important connections are. No one gets out alive, and no one navigates our time allotted on this rock without others to help guide us and inspire us. In turn, we do the same for them. Call me lucky for having Martin Berger show up on my timeline years ago.
I begin with the end. That being the memorial service for Martin, when Louisa, Martin's widow, began her remarks. She started with the lyrics to a song by jazz vocalist Dave Frishberg titled "You Are There." It gave me the chills. Not many are familiar with the artist, and when Louisa recited the words I was transported to the Berger's kitchen one morning. I stopped by for some reason and mentioned I heard a thought provoking tune by the artist on WYSU's jazz show recently. Both of them started naming other tunes by him. Not sure why I was surprised by their acquaintance with such poetry. I label it high art, another connection made.
Full disclosure here: this is my second article about my friend since he died. How many people get a second bite of the apple for a remembrance? When the person you are memorializing is a character like Martin, you keep pulling on new threads to share. The title of my first piece seen on Facebook was titled "Martin (MacGyver) Berger, and All That Jazz."
When I use the word "character," I have in mind a straight man comic in the mold of the late Bob Newhart. Martin's dry wit and timing, combined with understated minimalism, attracted me to him. Those who spent time with him knew he was well read, but he always left them laughing. I prided myself on being able to get a smile from him, like the time I gave him a small gift from a Unitarian Universalist annual convention known as GA (General Assembly). The button read "I Need a Nap." I gave the same button to my dad. They both are napping now. Pure Martinesque.
"Martin was a jewel. I was glad I was able to tell him how invaluable his jazz program was to me!" - James Weidman
Mr. Weidman was an undergraduate at YSU with the Dana School of Music's jazz studies program when I met him. He is now a renowned jazz pianist with recordings of his own, like many others from that program. When I contacted him about Martin's death, I told him the professor was a fan. Now's The Time was a jazz program Martin hosted for many years on WYSU. Jazz musicians and jazz lovers like myself would listen to hear the best of the genre and also to learn the history of the artists. Martin did his research and shared hidden facts abouts the musicians and the times they lived in. The show was another outlet for him to teach.
My friend had three Saab cars—one orange, one black and another one silver. The man was not a fan of American automobiles, and this brings up memories of the old NPR show, Car Talk that we both enjoyed listening too. Yes, Martin was a bit of a motor head too, and I'm sure he did his research on cars the way he did on facts about history. When I lived on the Northside of Youngstown years ago, I was without a car once and Martin pulled in my driveway with the orange classic Saab for me to use as long as I needed it. When I asked him why, he said, "Because, I know you need a car." Then there was the time he gave me a ride to the airport in the black Saab. He shared with me a new CD of his by another jazz studies graduate of the Dana School of Music. Sean Jones is another local talent who made it big. That day, my memory is of Martin bebopping his head with a smile to the notes of the trumpet like he was in a trance. When I got home from my trip, I bought the CD.
I saw him twice before the end. My first visit was at the hospital when he was weak, but able to carry on a conversation. Considering what was going on, that visit was special, and I will treasure it. We seemed to go along memory lane that day as we shared our deep, meaningful connections. I reminded him that he was at my retirement party from the public library in January of 2018. It was during a heavy snowfall, but Martin and a few other members of UUYO were present. He was impressed by the Shiner Bock beer I served that day. We both are finicky about our brew.
My last visit to see him was at the care facility the day before he died. As he lay there, unable to speak and opening his eyes from time to time to see who was with him, my mind went to what he meant to me personally, someone who could let you know tomorrow could be better than today. By his bedside, I noticed a portable CD player with music of the great baritone saxophone player, Gerry Mulligan. Of course, the next day I posted music by the late artist. Martin had a doctorate in history from Columbia University, but along the way he picked up another one in being a decent human being. I love him in so many ways.
-James Rogers
A Tribute by Lowell and Ellen Satre
We were friends, neighbors, and a history department colleague of Martin Berger for his whole time in Youngstown, Ohio. We listened to his jazz program, Now's the Time on WYSU-FM for decades. On occasion, we'd be startled when Martin's quiet, measured voice would break into our darkened bedroom as we nodded off late at night. It was not unusual for us to stop at the Bergers for a visit, only to find that Martin was "at YSU doing a program." Even if he came home from that task fussing about some technological glitch at the station, Martin never, repeat NEVER, considered quitting his volunteer gig. He was totally devoted to his passion for jazz. In his last days, Martin wanted to make sure that his collection and his jazz program would live on.
-Lowell and Ellen Satre
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Get to Know...Anne Vallas, Coordinator
Growing up in the Youngstown area, Anne Vallas developed a deep appreciation for and dedication to the community. Spending her time interviewing local figures, filming a Rust Belt documentary, and exploring the city, she decided to focus her energy and ambitions on the area. From childhood trips to her Papa’s barbershop on the East Side to her current home on the North Side, Anne has never questioned Youngstown’s past, present, or future value.
Starting her academic career at Youngstown State University, Anne began to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in journalism. Studying a mix of literature, publications, and pop culture, she continued to hone her skillset and grow her cultural repository. She started a podcast, dubbed Crumbs of Dust, hosting conversations with scholars across the world to explore the parallels between early American literature and contemporary culture, constructs and conventions. After she completed her undergraduate degree, she returned to Youngstown State University to pursue a Master of Arts in English, where she served as both a Graduate Assistant at the Writing Center and a Graduate Assistant for New Frontiers, a publication detailing research being conducted at the university.
Anne stays connected to her literature roots, serving as art director for Volney Road Review, a Youngstown literary magazine, and hosting monthly open mics that are open to local writers, musicians and stand-ups. Throughout her professional career, she has worked with various nonprofits in the area, finding a particular passion for development and donor relations. She is eager to continue serving the Youngstown community as the new coordinator for WYSU.
Anne can be found frequenting Kravitz, taking a drive around Mill Creek, and advocating for the revitalization of the landline—one of her many crusades. She has a penchant for Paul Simon, perfectly curated color palettes, and Elmton pizza.
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WYSU Bus Trip to the Blossom Music Festival
Join WYSU-FM for a bus trip to hear the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Center, on Saturday, August 23. The concert will feature Camille Saint-Saens' Cello Concerto and Felix Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony No. 3. Space is limited on our bus, so reserve your space today! Click HERE to buy tickets.
Blossom Music Festival Event Details:
The cost is just $65 per person for the bus ride to and from Blossom and a pavilion seat.
Meet at WYSU-FM (Melnick Hall, 655 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502) at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.
Parking option A: Park behind Melnick Hall (use the drive on the north side of the building with NO gate).
Parking option B: Park across the street at the MVHS Arms Museum parking lot (648 Wick Ave).
Bus departs at 4:30pm, sharp! We will arrive at Blossom Music Center at approximately 5:30pm. Bus parking at Blossom will be very close to the venue! Concert tickets will be distributed as we exit the bus.
Picnic, on your own, from 6:00-7:00pm in the picnic table area.
Concert from 7:00-9:00pm.
We’ll depart Blossom immediately after concert.
We’ll arrive back in Youngstown at Melnick Hall at approximately 10:30pm.
Click the button below to buy tickets. Give us a call at 330-941-3363 with any questions. We hope you’ll join us!
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WYSU Tent at YSU's Summer Festival of the Arts
It is back on campus! Youngstown State University is hosting the Summer Festival of the Arts, a celebration of art, music, and community on Saturday, July 12 from 10am-6pm and Sunday, July 13 from 11am-5pm. This two-day celebration features a diverse lineup of artists showcasing everything from painting and sculpture to jewelry, ceramics, photography, textiles, and more. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities as YSU’s campus transforms into a colorful hub of creativity and community. More information is available on the Summer Festival of the Arts website.
And be sure to stop by the WYSU booth during your trip to the festival!
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Donate Your Vehicle to WYSU!
Embrace the lazy days of summer. We'll handle the pickup! When you donate your car to WYSU, you are turning your car into financial support for the community programming you trust and depend on. We accept vehicle donations of cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and more! It's easy to give, the pick-up is free, and your gift qualifies as a tax deduction (consult your tax advisor). Turn your car into the programs you love and support local public radio. Get started HERE or call 855-277-2346.
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Thank you for listening, and for your ongoing support of Local Public Radio. CLICK HERE to renew your membership, or make an additional gift to the station.
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