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• Corny O'Connell

A world traveler, Corny O'Connell is always seeking new discoveries. As WFUV's weekday evening host, he is constantly making them.

Though his dulcet tones rarely betray his excitement, Corny is as thrilled by hearing new, innovative artists for the first time as he is by visiting such far-flung locales as Machu Picchu and Macao. "I'm a sucker for female vocalists such as Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams and Norah Jones," he confesses. "The best part of my job is sharing this music with an audience that I know is open to it." While he can't pack up every WFUV member in his luggage and take them along on his trips, he can take them on a musical journey each night.

Corny's shift is the perfect time to introduce the unfamiliar. As he is coming on the air, most people are arriving home from work and winding down for the evening, while the frequent news and traffic reports of the afternoon drive give way to a smoother flow of music. "It's a more relaxed time," he says. "I can 'stretch out' musically. People have fewer distractions and can listen with both ears."

What they'll hear is "a more adventurous mix of music than earlier in the day." On Monday through Thursday nights at 9pm they'll also hear Words & Music From Studio A, a recent interview and performance by an artist recorded in WFUV's own studio, and on Thursday nights at 8pm the WFUV CD of the Week, a new release he picks to play in its entirety without interruption.

Corny obviously relishes this unconventionality, this freedom to explore. He says WFUV stands out on the dial because "it's adventurous, independent, intelligent, personable and fun."

If he sounds like a cheerleader for WFUV, that's only fitting: in addition to his hosting duties, Corny also produces the station's membership drives. And he can be persuasive. After all, he learned the art of the argument at Fordham Law School before being sidetracked by a career in radio, thanks to his days as a student engineer and DJ at the station. His fundraising motto is: "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."

Joking aside, Corny takes his job seriously, making sure to stay on top of the latest releases and to constantly educate himself and his listeners. "As a public station playing lesser-known artists, it's important to provide some perspective along with the music," he posits. "And I love working at a station that allows the hosts that freedom."

A native of Westchester, Corny now resides in Manhattan with his wife, Amy, their son, Leo, and their dog, Barley.

Corny O'Connell can be heard on weekday evenings from 6-10pm.

Write to Corny O'Connell

Extra:

• About: FUV Weekday Music
• Corny's posts on the 'FUV Blog
• Corny's Honeymoon Report [WFUV E-Newsletter, October 2004]

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