Rick Popovich

popovich@wysu.org

The popular host of WYSU's Jazz Sofa for nearly 20 years, Rick Popovich is a Youngstown native who graduated from Chaney High School and Youngstown State University. Rick's jazz background and musical qualifications landed him on board when the station expanded jazz programming in 1994. "Jazz is a natural extension of my fundamental interest in music," he explains.

Rick's music degree at YSU was followed by a master's degree in film, telecommunications, and music at Ohio University in 1992. Beside his work at WYSU 88.5 FM, he gives private lessons to guitar students at his studio and is a substitute teacher at Canfield Middle School. His many musical talents include bass, vocals, and audio production. In his free time he gigs across the country with various groups.

Rick and his long-time girlfriend live in rural Mahoning County with their three dogs. He enjoys many of WYSU's programs, especially the classical music programs with Barbara Krauss and Gary Sexton. The piano puzzlers are also a favorite! Rick says he has always been a fan of public radio and WYSU because "it goes much deeper than the superficial programming on commercial radio." He adds, "WYSU has always had a certain character that stands in stark contrast to what is found elsewhere on the radio dial."