Love That WBGO!

JAZZ 88 Inspires Artist

Love That WBGO illustrated by Charles Mandracchia

At 44 years old, Charles Mandracchia is only beginning to realize how much he loves jazz music (though his father Joe is a jazz saxophonist). Recently, he discovered WBGO while driving to an audition for a Broadway musical. "Suddenly I came across this great music," he said. "I was blown away by the incredible sounds and voices, such great talent."

For two months after discovering WBGO, he couldn't turn it off. The music provided him with a source of artistic stimulation. Charles is an actor, singer, and teaching artist living in New York City, and, as you can tell, he is also a visual artist who enjoys drawing between the performances and auditions. "I have done nothing for the last two months but listen to WBGO and draw, draw, draw. I was driven to create a whole slew of jazz characters," says Mandracchia. The characters eventually became a WBGO-tribute poster full of color, motion, and music.

When Charles heard that WBGO was going to be broadcasting live from J&R Music World on July 25th, he rushed out of his house to bring us his posters. When he got there the concert was over, but some WBGO staff were still milling about and cleaning up equipment. He presented them with the poster and was happy to find them appreciative of the gift. So appreciative, we just had to tell you about it.

Charles is still listening to WBGO whenever he can, and has become so inspired that he wants to take jazz piano lessons. When he's not acting or drawing or listening to WBGO, Charles also teaches computer art to students at E. W. Stitt Middle School in Manhattan. "Now that I discovered you," he says, "they will learn all about jazz. Thanks."

Thank you, Charles.

Find out more about Charles Mandracchia at his website, www.showtoonz.com.