Frank Prisinzano and Jorge Parreira revive East Village Radio, a beloved underground institution that closed down about ten years ago.
Frank Prisinzano, the renowned restaurateur known for his establishments Frank and Supper in the East Village, has embarked on a mission to revive East Village Radio after its closure in 2014. The internet radio station, originally launched in 2003, faced challenges due to high licensing costs and salaries, leading to its shutdown. However, Mr. Prisinzano, along with his team, has successfully relaunched East Village Radio for the third time in July, now streaming on EastVillageRadio.com.
The new East Village Radio studio is located in a small storefront on First Avenue, adjacent to Lil’ Frankie’s, one of Mr. Prisinzano’s restaurants. Similar to its previous versions, the station is designed to engage with the local community, allowing D.J.s to interact with passersby on the street. This setup, according to Mr. Prisinzano, adds an element of fun for the entire neighborhood, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Collaborating with Mr. Prisinzano on this revival project are Jorge Parreira, who previously worked on the station in 2003, and Brian Turner, a seasoned program manager from WFMU. Together, they are dedicated to bringing back the spirit and essence of East Village Radio, catering to music enthusiasts and residents of the East Village.
The reinvigorated East Village Radio aims to offer a diverse range of music, showcasing both established and emerging artists across various genres. With a focus on community engagement and local talent, the station seeks to create a platform for artists to share their music and connect with listeners in the neighborhood and beyond.
As East Village Radio continues to evolve and grow, it remains committed to its roots of promoting music, culture, and creativity in the vibrant East Village community. With a renewed sense of purpose and a dedicated team driving its operations, the station is poised to once again become a beloved and integral part of the local music scene.
Source: The NY Times