94.9 the Surf Moves Studio to Ocean Drive From the day Harvey and Selene Graham bought 94.9 the Surf radio station, it was in the back of their minds to move it to the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. “It’s a natural fit”, Harvey said. How right he is! Ocean Drive is the “Home of the Shag”, and one just has to see this proud proclamation on the city’s water tower as they drive down Main Street to know it. Of course there would be no shag without its partner, beach music. While this music has evolved over the years, it still has the soulful tempo of its 40’s and 50’s rhythm and blues roots.
So it was a very fitting and exciting event when the station held the ribbon cutting ceremony at its new location, 429 Pine Avenue (off Cedar Avenue, one block off Main Street) in Ocean Drive, on August 15, 2006.The Surf shares the building with Norman Communications (Bill Norman, WNMB), who reportedly shares his coffee at 5:30 am with Billy Smith. Mayor Marilyn Hatley and other local dignitaries, including NMB Councilman Bob Cavanaugh and The Honorable Harry McDowell from Loris, and representatives from the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau welcomed 94.9 the Surf Beach and Boogie as their newest neighbor. As Harvey and Selene literally cut the blue (CAROLINA BLUE, of course) ribbon to make it official, they were both filled with emotion. Celebratory feelings; yes, of course, plus a little exhaustion (it is a huge ordeal moving a radio station) and relief that it was now a reality could almost be heard and felt by all. Live performances by Flash, Mark Black, Susan & Donny Trexler, Paul Craver (who WERE those lovely “Ladies of Distinction” singing back up?), Craig Woolard, Sea Cruz, and Gary Bass entertained the crowd. An open house followed, with delicious food by “Chef Greg” Stegall. Everyone can evoke a memory of a time when they felt most “at home”. It doesn’t take long after moving to a new neighborhood to intrinsically know if it was a good move or a mistake. Neighbors dropping in to welcome you, sometimes bringing a plant or a homemade goody…there’s just that “ease”, a feeling in the air that this is going to be good. The very first week of the station’s move to Ocean Drive, several local neighbor/businesses stuck their heads in the door to say “hello”, “glad you’re here”, and brought cold drinks and sweets as a gesture of kindness and friendship. And they were gratefully accepted by the tired crew and staff! This open door policy swings both ways, and Harvey and Selene hope all of the loyal listeners, SOS attendees, permanent residents, or first time visitors will come by and see the station. A lot of you have been listening for years but did not have the opportunity to visit the former studio, located in Galleria Shopping Center. Now as you stroll down Main Street, meandering through the myriad of interesting shops and dance spots that are certain to be frequented during SOS, they hope you’ll drop by the station and say “hi”. You’ll first be greeted by Ann Stegall, receptionist of 94.9 the Surf, which is a treat in itself. Her warmth and kindness are the perfect personality traits to introduce you to the feeling in this building. Other staff members of the team that keep things running smoothly are Trish Langley, Director of Sales, her sales team, Freddie Priest and Ricky Dennis, and Taryn Langley, Traffic Department. Straight ahead upon entering the studio is the control room encased by glass, equipped with the very latest technology. Your favorite award winning broadcasters, Billy Smith (6-10am), Ted Bell (10-3pm) and Ray Scott (3-7pm) are in full view. If you’ve never had a chance to observe these guys “in action”, live at the microphone, it is quite interesting! You might see Tom Stanley (owner of WTXY 1540 AM in Whiteville and recent simulcast partner with the Surf) and quite possibly an entertainer or two of beach music fame. Visit the “SURF SHOP” right at the studio and pick up a 94.9 tee shirt or sweat shirt to commemorate your visit to SOS! Selene said it all when she reported, “Running a radio station is fun work! The key is for everyone involved to want to be here. It’s like a family. Everyone at this station loves beach music.” Yes, indeed, 94.9 the Surf Beach and Boogie has found the right home in Ocean Drive! The Surf welcomes all to SOS. We are so pleased to have recently been designated the “Official Radio Station of SOS”, as per an agreement with Ron Whisenant, SOS President, and Hector Pfifer, SOS Chairman. When you return home and shake the sand out of your shoes, don’t forget to tune in via the Internet and listen live…www.949thesurf.com. And then sit back, relax, and smile… by Kay Maddox |
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