Tim O'Brien Band

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Scott Simontacchi

Tim O'Brien Band in the outdoors.

Tim O'Brien Band, from left: Shad Cobb Brown, Jan Fabricius, Tim O’Brien, Mike Bub.

Tim O’Brien’s June release, Paper Flowers, is a 15 original song salute to his marriage to Jan Fabricius, who happens to be the mandolin player in his band. O’Brien’s bluegrass credentials are indisputable, from his days playing in his Colorado-based band Hot Rize to backing artists like Garth Brooks; The Dixie Chicks and Nickel Creek covering his songs; and contemporary collaborations with Steve Martin and Sturgill Simpson. In addition to Fabricius, his current band is a bluegrasser’s dream: Wisconsin native Shad Cobb (Steve Earle, Willie Nelson) on fiddle, and the toast of the Nashville bluegrass scene, Mike Bub (Del McCoury), on bass.

media release: This summer, the city of Monona and its beloved community radio station, WVMO 98.7 FM, celebrate a decade of hyper-local broadcasting, community connection, and award-winning radio.

Founded on a vision that began in 2007, the city of Monona took the bold step of applying for a low-power FM (LPFM) radio license with the goal of creating a station that truly reflected the voices and values of the Monona community. That vision became reality in August 2015, when WVMO officially hit the airwaves, powered by high-quality equipment and even higher-quality volunteers.

From day one, WVMO has lived up to its name—literally chosen by the community it serves. A public call-letter contest produced more than 100 entries, but it was “WVMO – The Voice of Monona” that stood out and ultimately captured the spirit of the station.

Broadcasting from inside Monona City Hall, WVMO has become a hallmark of local pride and participation, featuring over 30 diverse music programs and support by nearly 40 dedicated volunteers. From spinning vinyl to covering neighborhood events, these volunteers produce and deliver original, hyper-local content that can’t be found anywhere else on the dial. That commitment has earned WVMO five Station of the Year awards from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and two Local Radio Station of the Year honors from the Madison Area Music Association—a true testament to a decade of community-driven success.

Now, as WVMO turns 10, the station invites the community to join in a series of musical celebrations—each spotlighting the local talent and roots music that have been at the heart of its mission since the very beginning.

10th Anniversary Celebration Events:

• August 14 | San Damiano Park, Monona Featuring Wheelhouse – one of the first local bands ever played on WVMO  Event begins at 5:00 PM | Music starts at 6:00 PM This event will also serve as a heartfelt farewell to WVMO’s founder and longtime champion, Lindsay Wood Davis, who will be stepping back from his leadership role. Lindsay’s vision and mentorship have been instrumental in WVMO’s success. He’ll now be spending more time doing what he loves—paddling on Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.
• August 22 | Harmony Bar & Grill, Madison Craig Baumann and the Story take the stage at 8:00 PM
• August 28 | Atwood Music Hall Don’t miss The Tim O’Brien Band, starting at 8:00 PM

For the past ten years, WVMO has been more than a radio station—it’s been a local soundtrack, a source of trusted information, and a true community amplifier. With a deep love for local music, civic life, and storytelling, WVMO continues to be a shining example of what low-power FM radio can accomplish when community leads the way.

To support WVMO or learn more about the station’s history, programming, or how to get involved, visit www.wvmo.fm.