Radio Woof May Be A Kid’s Best Friend

Plenty of parents already know Bill Wellington and Radio WOOF.

After the show on Wednesday, even those who don’t may find themselves in line to buy one of the five Radio WOOF tapes. These whimsical, musical tapes are critical and popular hits in the world of children’s entertainment.

Wellington is a folk musician and banjo player who lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He’s no slouch, either: He won the West Virginia Old-Time Banjo Championship in 1987.

He spent the next five years researching mountain music and folklore in the Appalachian region.

Then, as a way of bringing some of this rich heritage to kids all over the country, he hit upon the idea of Radio WOOF (standing for world of folklore).

It started out as an intercom program in the Virginia elementary school where he was an artist-inresidence. Every morning, he broadcast a collection of songs, tales and tunes. This was so successful, that he made a series of tapes.

“The zany radio-style show is filled with authentic mountain music, silly commercials (Whine-A-Day vitamins) and the stuff of folklore: songs, riddles, stories, and jokes,” said the Los Angeles Times.

The first tape, “Radio WOOF” picked up an American Library Association Notable Award and a Parent’s Choice Gold Award.

Be sure and bring the kids early. The concert at Memorial Field in Sandpoint will be preceded by a range of children’s games and activities, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Bill Wellington’s Radio WOOF Location and time: Memorial Field in Sandpoint, Wednesday, 6 p.m. Children’s activities begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $8.90