Jerry Treacy is marking his eleventh year as host of “Crash on the Levee”, WFDU’s eclectic and unique mix of weekend Music America.  The program takes its title from the legendary “Basement Tapes” recordings from Bob Dylan and The Band, whose sessions were typical of the spontaneity and unbounded enthusiasm that Jerry has for the music.  Although the listener can always count on hearing the latest singer-songwriters, the playlist covers the span of the folk, blues, country, cajun and zydeco genres from its beginnings to the latest releases.

 One of the most popular features of the program is the “10 O’Clock Long Set”, where the music plays uninterrupted for “as long as the set feels complete”, states Jerry. The listener is treated to a free-form mix of artists that veers away from the standard “format”, encompassing jazz, gospel, and world music.  A typical recent set included Bessie Smith, Jimmie Rodgers, Fats Domino, Mahalia Jackson, Miles Davis, Phil Ochs, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Peter Rowan, XTC, and David Gray.  “I’ve always intended that the hallmark of the show be its diversity, highlighting a range of artists that embody the spirit of American roots music.” 

That premise is evident in the list of past guests of “Crash on the Levee”, with live in-studio performances and interviews being a trademark of the show since its inception.

These include Richie Havens, Maria Muldaur, Steve Forbert, Linda Thompson, Martin Sexton, Dar Williams, Dan Bern, Jane Siberry, Buddy Miller, Chip Taylor, Jimmy LaFave, Tony Trischka, Lucy Kaplansky, The Nields, Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Slaid Cleaves, Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer, and many more.  Among the most memorable interviews include Bottom Line owner Allan Pepper, Billy Joel’s drummer Liberty DeVito “waltzing in-studio” with WFDU colleague Lynn Crystal during a live session with Terri Binion, Dan Bern arriving on campus with his trailer, full band, and his dog Gidget before playing live, and songwriting great Chip Taylor (“Wild Thing”, Angel of the Morning”) performing just weeks after calling Jerry while listening to his show.

Listeners have also been able to attend hundreds of shows over the years courtesy of ticket giveaways to venues ranging from Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden to the Turning Point.  Local concert information and ongoing requests add to the spontaneity of the show.   (continued)