Inside The Gates Radio . . . Big Canoe's Community Radio Station
How many radio stations are there in the United States? Numbers vary based on the description of ‘radio station’, something that has taken radically different form in the past few decades. The radio we baby boomers grew up with were of the terrestrial, commercially licensed variety. In 1952 there were approximately 3,000 such stations. In 2001, there were 10,620 of them. That number increased to 15, 445 such stations in 2021. In other words…there were plenty of options for listening either to music or talk radio.
And then along comes streaming station radio…and throw statistics out the proverbial window…no one really knows how many there are. A somewhat reliable source estimated that there are just over 900,000 streams world-wide, most of them emanating from within the United States. That phenomenon, when you cannot even determine a number is so big…it’s something the FCC can’t possibly oversee and doesn’t even try. When you put this number on top of terrestrial stations on your AM and FM dial, listening options are certainly unlimited.
Which brings us to the origin of Inside The Gates Radio. We could have started this independently and set up in a home environment, but we wanted something that was integral and part of the most incredible community we call home. The first contact made was to an existing POA board member in early 2018. He loved the idea, but the board had major tasks at hand and the board member wanted to complete said tasks…little stuff like hiring a GM, completing the high-speed internet conversion, bringing in source to own and manage water supply, hire a golf pro and the list went on. With an estimate of 4-5 months to accomplish these tasks, we applied the brakes for a bit. The board member set up a meeting with the new GM and Senior Staff about 4 months later to present the community radio station concept. With great enthusiasm generated from that event, another meeting with the current Board of Directors took place about 3 weeks later. Further endorsement from the board really got the wheels turning. The radio team had some time-consuming actions to make this a reality.
Inside The Gates Radio was promised a small office in the POA Lodge, our launching point. But many additional items were obviously required…
Computer…We purchased an ‘All-In-One’ Apple computer (considered the best format choice for broadcast), speakers, microphones and external high-density drives for storage.
Console…We surveyed current technology and chose an Airlight console from a respected source in Wisconsin who worked exceptionally well with us.
Music Library…We assembled an initial music library that today numbers in excess of 5,000 songs for play, but we needed a streaming source partner. The library has been carefully selected and curated over time…and it just gets better.
Streaming Partner…Again, our extensive research this time took us outside of the United States to England where we found and ultimately connected with a most reliable, supportive and most professional streaming partner, Radio.co. We have been with them since our start. The real bonus here is that they stream at the highest bit rate available, making the quality of music you hear on this great station…the highest quality.
MEET THE DJs
Craig Looney
Live Show: Looney’s Tunes Sunday Nights starting at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Co-founder and Music Director of Inside The Gates Radio.
Originally from Lorain, Ohio, I grew up both in a great musical era and environment through age 18. I was always involved in music participation through high school, singing in choirs and playing in the high school band with plenty of time in church choirs at various times. Graduated from The Ohio State University and lived in the Ann Arbor, MI area for six years. Midway through that time, Kathy and I were married. In 1979, I transferred with my company, and we moved to Georgia where Kathy and I and our 3 daughters have lived ever since. 2 of our daughters now call Washington, DC home. We also have 3 grandchildren…you just might recognize them from their radio sweeps.
After spending some time in the big company corporate environment, I pursued a career as a manufacturer’s representative, culminating in starting a brand-new rep company in which I served as President for 23 years until retirement. Kathy and I have been in the fabulous North Georgia mountain community of Big Canoe going on 13 years. Upon retirement from my company at the end of 2017, I focused consistent attention to creating a streaming station…the community radio station befitting of the beautiful woods, water and wonders of Big Canoe. Every now and then, we hear of individuals pursuing a dream…hopeful that it happens successfully. Inside The Gates Radio is the product we now provide…a truly unique and eclectic entertainment experience. A dream fulfilled for me…and it is only getting better.
Dinnis Keefe
Co-Founder, Creative Director, General Tech Wonk
Live Inside The Gates Radio Show: SongSense -- Saturdays, 6:30pm (EST)
I guess it was inevitable that I would spend most of my salad years in broadcasting. In her teens and twenties, my mother, Jean Egart (radio singing name, "Little Girl Blue"), was a fixture in what has come to be called “The Golden Age of Radio.” She got her start on Atlanta’s pioneering radio stations, WGST and WSB.
Recorded sound in those days was practically unusable -- performance straight-to-wax disk rendered an output that was scratchy and a pure pain to listen to. So, performance on radio was LIVE. Music, drama, news and commentary had to be performed in-the-moment and sent straight into the ether with no chance for editing. Pure theater writ large. My mother’s singing partner on the air -- Atlanta native Bert Parks -- brought her to the attention of NBC New York executives, and the two of them decamped to the Big Gritty City to join the nightly network forays into American homes nationwide.
Some years and a world war later, my mother and I ended up back in Atlanta, our home becoming a southern rally point for her former broadcasting cronies. I could return home from school to find our living room crowded with musicians, actors, artists, broadcasting talent and executives and general creative riff-raff. As radio was still a dominant power in the day, they instilled in me an awe of the “voice in the night,” “the company on the car-seat,” “the calming voice in crisis.”
I was well and truly hooked.
So I followed my mother into the family business, tracing the labyrinthine path of the day to break into radio, and then cheerfully spending the greater part of several decades on the air. When radio went relentlessly corporate, I moved on to other enterprises...but, I simply never lost the love of the “magic medium.”
Inside the Gates Radio has given me the opportunity to share this enthusiasm with a new generation of listeners -- and hopefully to remind those who grew up under its influence just what that magic felt like.
Co-Founder, Creative Director, General Tech Wonk
Live Inside The Gates Radio Show: SongSense -- Saturdays, 6:30pm (EST)
I guess it was inevitable that I would spend most of my salad years in broadcasting. In her teens and twenties, my mother, Jean Egart (radio singing name, "Little Girl Blue"), was a fixture in what has come to be called “The Golden Age of Radio.” She got her start on Atlanta’s pioneering radio stations, WGST and WSB.
Recorded sound in those days was practically unusable -- performance straight-to-wax disk rendered an output that was scratchy and a pure pain to listen to. So, performance on radio was LIVE. Music, drama, news and commentary had to be performed in-the-moment and sent straight into the ether with no chance for editing. Pure theater writ large. My mother’s singing partner on the air -- Atlanta native Bert Parks -- brought her to the attention of NBC New York executives, and the two of them decamped to the Big Gritty City to join the nightly network forays into American homes nationwide.
Some years and a world war later, my mother and I ended up back in Atlanta, our home becoming a southern rally point for her former broadcasting cronies. I could return home from school to find our living room crowded with musicians, actors, artists, broadcasting talent and executives and general creative riff-raff. As radio was still a dominant power in the day, they instilled in me an awe of the “voice in the night,” “the company on the car-seat,” “the calming voice in crisis.”
I was well and truly hooked.
So I followed my mother into the family business, tracing the labyrinthine path of the day to break into radio, and then cheerfully spending the greater part of several decades on the air. When radio went relentlessly corporate, I moved on to other enterprises...but, I simply never lost the love of the “magic medium.”
Inside the Gates Radio has given me the opportunity to share this enthusiasm with a new generation of listeners -- and hopefully to remind those who grew up under its influence just what that magic felt like.
Shiraz Alikhan
Live Show: San Francisco Nights Mondays at 6:30 pm (EST)
Shiraz Alikhan was born in the Fiji Islands and grew up in northern California where he came of age during the exciting San Francisco music scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He took in great musical performances at the Fillmore West, Winterland, Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Civic Auditorium and other venues while he also performed in coffeehouses and was a member of several bands who performed at wedding receptions and dances.
Shiraz attended San Francisco State College and eventually got his BA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. He and his wife, Kat, met while working at Bank of America in San Francisco and married in 1982. Both worked their way to executive level positions in the information technology department. Kat left the corporate life after a while to pursue her MPA degree and then work as the executive director and/or a board member at several non-profits while Shiraz continued his career as an IT executive at Charles Schwab. This led to a move to Phoenix for five years before the move to the Atlanta area in 1998 for a job opportunity. They have been happy residents of the Blackwell Creek neighborhood in Big Canoe since 2004. Since moving to Georgia, Shiraz has performed at social gatherings in Big Canoe as a solo performer and as co-founder of the band Off the Record. Most notably, he has been a regular performer at the monthly Acoustic Showcase events. Shiraz feels inspired in his performances by the natural beauty of Big Canoe and the wonderful friendships that he and Kat have enjoyed here.
His love of music led him to an opportunity to host a radio program on ITG Radio in July of 2019 where he focuses on music from the San Francisco scene.
Live Show: San Francisco Nights Mondays at 6:30 pm (EST)
Shiraz Alikhan was born in the Fiji Islands and grew up in northern California where he came of age during the exciting San Francisco music scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He took in great musical performances at the Fillmore West, Winterland, Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Civic Auditorium and other venues while he also performed in coffeehouses and was a member of several bands who performed at wedding receptions and dances.
Shiraz attended San Francisco State College and eventually got his BA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. He and his wife, Kat, met while working at Bank of America in San Francisco and married in 1982. Both worked their way to executive level positions in the information technology department. Kat left the corporate life after a while to pursue her MPA degree and then work as the executive director and/or a board member at several non-profits while Shiraz continued his career as an IT executive at Charles Schwab. This led to a move to Phoenix for five years before the move to the Atlanta area in 1998 for a job opportunity. They have been happy residents of the Blackwell Creek neighborhood in Big Canoe since 2004. Since moving to Georgia, Shiraz has performed at social gatherings in Big Canoe as a solo performer and as co-founder of the band Off the Record. Most notably, he has been a regular performer at the monthly Acoustic Showcase events. Shiraz feels inspired in his performances by the natural beauty of Big Canoe and the wonderful friendships that he and Kat have enjoyed here.
His love of music led him to an opportunity to host a radio program on ITG Radio in July of 2019 where he focuses on music from the San Francisco scene.
Dale (All Good In The) Hood
Live Show: “Beautiful Noise” Thursday Nights at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Born in Nagano, Japan in 1955. I was raised a
Military Brat for the first 18 years of my life. I moved every 3 years, traveling and living abroad as well as here in the U.S. No matter where I lived, Music was my closest friend and constant companion, as it was very difficult building relationships when always on the move. I graduated high school and married my first wife in my third year of college while living in Ohio (Go Buckeyes). I am blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, who have in return
blessed me with 4 amazing grandchildren
They all currently live in Arizona and Florida. Two years ago my grandson gave me the news that I was going to be a Great Grandfather. I could not be happier!
I had been in the grocery retail industry since I graduated college, working for various major chains in Ohio and Arizona, where I met my wife and soulmate Cherie. After moving to Florida and before retiring, I spent the last 25 years of my working for a living life, with Publix Supermarkets(Where Shopping is a Pleasure).
The Mountains of North Georgia came calling in the summer of 2019 and now we make this awe inspiring community of Big Canoe our Home.
Music, my childhood friend and companion has never left or abandoned me in all these years, instead, now he has taken me to my new playground where we play for you the absolute best music there is to offer on Inside the Gates Radio. I hope you will Listen and Play with us!!
Live Show: “Beautiful Noise” Thursday Nights at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Born in Nagano, Japan in 1955. I was raised a
Military Brat for the first 18 years of my life. I moved every 3 years, traveling and living abroad as well as here in the U.S. No matter where I lived, Music was my closest friend and constant companion, as it was very difficult building relationships when always on the move. I graduated high school and married my first wife in my third year of college while living in Ohio (Go Buckeyes). I am blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, who have in return
blessed me with 4 amazing grandchildren
They all currently live in Arizona and Florida. Two years ago my grandson gave me the news that I was going to be a Great Grandfather. I could not be happier!
I had been in the grocery retail industry since I graduated college, working for various major chains in Ohio and Arizona, where I met my wife and soulmate Cherie. After moving to Florida and before retiring, I spent the last 25 years of my working for a living life, with Publix Supermarkets(Where Shopping is a Pleasure).
The Mountains of North Georgia came calling in the summer of 2019 and now we make this awe inspiring community of Big Canoe our Home.
Music, my childhood friend and companion has never left or abandoned me in all these years, instead, now he has taken me to my new playground where we play for you the absolute best music there is to offer on Inside the Gates Radio. I hope you will Listen and Play with us!!
Jeff Weigl
Live Show: Beats Working Fridays 4:00 to 7:00 (EST)
Although I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I grew up in the suburb of Menomonee Falls. Having 4 older brothers influenced my tastes in music. In primary school while my friends were listening to bubble gum pop music, we were listening to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and many others that are now classic rockers. Two of my brothers were Disc Jockeys for a time and when I got the opportunity to host a show at radio station WSRM at the University of Wisconsin, I jumped at the chance. Being pragmatic, and seeing my brothers struggle to get by, I saw the radio industry was not a secure career choice. Instead, I geared my studies to finance. Although I didn’t intend to spend my entire career working in Insurance, that is what happened. I started as an agent, migrated into Marketing and then Underwriting, where I worked for almost 30 years. Due to various opportunities, we moved several times and ended up living in 7 states. While moving is not always fun, I did find some radio stations in different cities that I still like to listen to, and where I find songs and artists that are worth a listen. Also, we were able to see many artists we enjoy in a variety of different venues. I have been fortunate to see Lyle Lovett and Los Lonely Boys at Gruene Hall in Texas, Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton together in Madison Square Garden, Gregg Allman and Government Mule in Asheville, Bruce Springsteen (multiple times), the Moody Blues at the Fox Theatre, The Smithereens with Crowded House at the World Theatre in Chicago and the J. Geils Band at the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee to name a few. Following music and keeping up with new songs and artists has always been a keen interest of mine. Wherever we are, we try to see the local university teams play, as well as visit minor league baseball fields, hiking trails, national parks, and local pubs.
In 2018 we were fortunate to find Big Canoe. After one visit we decided it was a place where we wanted to retire. The community has so many activities and when I found out there was a radio station, the possibility of being a DJ again and being able to play songs on the radio piqued my interest. I enjoy being on the air and appreciate the feedback from our listeners who enjoy the great music. Having the late Friday afternoon and early evening timeslot allows me to kick off the weekend with music that is more high energy. I like to play music back from early rock and roll of the 1950s all the way into the 2020s, and all decades in between. If you listen in, I hope you will enjoy not only the songs I play, but also the stories behind the songs and will be entertained while listening. Beats Working is all about enjoying the music, singing and dancing along, and happily rockin’ in the weekend.
Live Show: Beats Working Fridays 4:00 to 7:00 (EST)
Although I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I grew up in the suburb of Menomonee Falls. Having 4 older brothers influenced my tastes in music. In primary school while my friends were listening to bubble gum pop music, we were listening to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and many others that are now classic rockers. Two of my brothers were Disc Jockeys for a time and when I got the opportunity to host a show at radio station WSRM at the University of Wisconsin, I jumped at the chance. Being pragmatic, and seeing my brothers struggle to get by, I saw the radio industry was not a secure career choice. Instead, I geared my studies to finance. Although I didn’t intend to spend my entire career working in Insurance, that is what happened. I started as an agent, migrated into Marketing and then Underwriting, where I worked for almost 30 years. Due to various opportunities, we moved several times and ended up living in 7 states. While moving is not always fun, I did find some radio stations in different cities that I still like to listen to, and where I find songs and artists that are worth a listen. Also, we were able to see many artists we enjoy in a variety of different venues. I have been fortunate to see Lyle Lovett and Los Lonely Boys at Gruene Hall in Texas, Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton together in Madison Square Garden, Gregg Allman and Government Mule in Asheville, Bruce Springsteen (multiple times), the Moody Blues at the Fox Theatre, The Smithereens with Crowded House at the World Theatre in Chicago and the J. Geils Band at the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee to name a few. Following music and keeping up with new songs and artists has always been a keen interest of mine. Wherever we are, we try to see the local university teams play, as well as visit minor league baseball fields, hiking trails, national parks, and local pubs.
In 2018 we were fortunate to find Big Canoe. After one visit we decided it was a place where we wanted to retire. The community has so many activities and when I found out there was a radio station, the possibility of being a DJ again and being able to play songs on the radio piqued my interest. I enjoy being on the air and appreciate the feedback from our listeners who enjoy the great music. Having the late Friday afternoon and early evening timeslot allows me to kick off the weekend with music that is more high energy. I like to play music back from early rock and roll of the 1950s all the way into the 2020s, and all decades in between. If you listen in, I hope you will enjoy not only the songs I play, but also the stories behind the songs and will be entertained while listening. Beats Working is all about enjoying the music, singing and dancing along, and happily rockin’ in the weekend.
Delaine Faris
Live Show: “The Journey” Wednesday Nights starting at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Text during Live Show 404-444-2070
I was born in Houston, TX and grew up in the 70’s - 90’s when music came to us in mediums old and new: spanning vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CD’s, and TV. I started building radio kits from our local Radio Shack at 10 years old and became fascinated with electronics and the ability of radio to inform and entertain. It was only natural that after graduating from the great Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, I went to work for Radio Shack and was there for the next 15 years. That career brought me to North GA, as a District Sales Manager. Moving from that first phase of my career, I spent the next 22 years in corporate roles primarily in operations, marketing, and tech project management. Mostly in the Atlanta area, but also in California and Canada.
My husband, Steven and I share 5 beautiful daughters and 3 amazing grandchildren. My family is my daily inspiration and the joy of my life. After a search of amenity-focused communities in 2020, we found the mountains, waters, and wonders of Big Canoe and the best streaming radio station in the world, Inside The Gates Radio.
Speaking of life’s joys. rock music in all its genre’s has been my lifelong soundtrack. The songs of a lifetime, as we say on Inside The Gates Radio and I am so happy to play this music for you.
On my show, The Journey, we will explore Classic Rock through today’s latest ….and everything in between. You will hear all rock’s various genres and all the music genres that deeply influenced rock like R&B, Soul, Americana/Folk, and a little Funk. We will also tell the stories behind the music and a few of my personal insights from the many live shows and chance artist encounters I have had while roaming around this wonderful world. Join me on The Journey!
Live Show: “The Journey” Wednesday Nights starting at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Text during Live Show 404-444-2070
I was born in Houston, TX and grew up in the 70’s - 90’s when music came to us in mediums old and new: spanning vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CD’s, and TV. I started building radio kits from our local Radio Shack at 10 years old and became fascinated with electronics and the ability of radio to inform and entertain. It was only natural that after graduating from the great Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, I went to work for Radio Shack and was there for the next 15 years. That career brought me to North GA, as a District Sales Manager. Moving from that first phase of my career, I spent the next 22 years in corporate roles primarily in operations, marketing, and tech project management. Mostly in the Atlanta area, but also in California and Canada.
My husband, Steven and I share 5 beautiful daughters and 3 amazing grandchildren. My family is my daily inspiration and the joy of my life. After a search of amenity-focused communities in 2020, we found the mountains, waters, and wonders of Big Canoe and the best streaming radio station in the world, Inside The Gates Radio.
Speaking of life’s joys. rock music in all its genre’s has been my lifelong soundtrack. The songs of a lifetime, as we say on Inside The Gates Radio and I am so happy to play this music for you.
On my show, The Journey, we will explore Classic Rock through today’s latest ….and everything in between. You will hear all rock’s various genres and all the music genres that deeply influenced rock like R&B, Soul, Americana/Folk, and a little Funk. We will also tell the stories behind the music and a few of my personal insights from the many live shows and chance artist encounters I have had while roaming around this wonderful world. Join me on The Journey!
Jimmy Latham
Live Show: “The Big Canoe Lounge” Tuesday Nights at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Text during Live Show 205-799-3348
Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, my first experience with radio was when my high school assistant principal bought an Army surplus AM transmitter and let students pretend to be top 40 DJ’s during their study hall (free period). Our booming signal reached the lunch room, smoking court, and right to the edge of the parking lot!
Later at Auburn University, I did air shifts and served for 2 years a music director for WEGL-FM, the campus station. Because our station had such diverse programing, I discovered a whole world of music, way beyond the hits of the day. My fascination with all music has never stopped.
After a lifelong career in the construction industry, Beth and I began to search for the right place to retire. Big Canoe checked all the boxes! We built a new home in the Bluffs and moved here in June 2022. Big Canoe is truly amazing and we are all lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
I am more than excited to be back on the air after a 45-year vacation! My show, the Big Canoe Lounge will explore the world of smooth jazz, with a little funk and soul mixed in for good measure. It’s all about the music… so open your favorite beverage, take a comfortable seat in the cool, dimly lit back corner….and relax in the Lounge!
Live Show: “The Big Canoe Lounge” Tuesday Nights at 6:30 P.M. (EST)
Text during Live Show 205-799-3348
Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, my first experience with radio was when my high school assistant principal bought an Army surplus AM transmitter and let students pretend to be top 40 DJ’s during their study hall (free period). Our booming signal reached the lunch room, smoking court, and right to the edge of the parking lot!
Later at Auburn University, I did air shifts and served for 2 years a music director for WEGL-FM, the campus station. Because our station had such diverse programing, I discovered a whole world of music, way beyond the hits of the day. My fascination with all music has never stopped.
After a lifelong career in the construction industry, Beth and I began to search for the right place to retire. Big Canoe checked all the boxes! We built a new home in the Bluffs and moved here in June 2022. Big Canoe is truly amazing and we are all lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
I am more than excited to be back on the air after a 45-year vacation! My show, the Big Canoe Lounge will explore the world of smooth jazz, with a little funk and soul mixed in for good measure. It’s all about the music… so open your favorite beverage, take a comfortable seat in the cool, dimly lit back corner….and relax in the Lounge!
Mike (ipod) Podsedly
Webmaster and Writer
I am not one of the DJs but I do what I can to support their efforts. In addition to maintain the website and apps I provide tech support as issues arise.
Mike grew up on the mean streets of Flint, Michigan. He led his high school basketball team to the state semi-finals. He played one year of small college ball before a knee injury forced him to stop. Mike graduated from Michigan State and later earned his MBA from UAB.
Mike retired from his telecom career in 2001 and moved to Big Canoe a year later. He then worked as a custom market researcher for the Chicago office of an international firm. He completed several market related projects for large and medium companies. After eight years he retired again for good.
He and his wife, Judy, traveled extensively since the first retirement. We were able to celebrate our 50th anniversary trip to Scotland and England before she succumbed to leukemia shortly afterwards. He has remained close to her brothers who enjoy visiting Big Canoe and surrounding areas.
When Craig Looney asked me to participate in his effort to start an internet radio station, I jumped at the chance. It has been an interesting journey to bring this great station to streaming 24/7. Though lacking any musical training, I was able reconnect with the music he grew up with. Connecting the songs with life events has been very rewarding. Inspired by the music in the radio library, Mike writes articles for the Big Canoe newspaper and Blog focusing the impact of music in our lives.
Webmaster and Writer
I am not one of the DJs but I do what I can to support their efforts. In addition to maintain the website and apps I provide tech support as issues arise.
Mike grew up on the mean streets of Flint, Michigan. He led his high school basketball team to the state semi-finals. He played one year of small college ball before a knee injury forced him to stop. Mike graduated from Michigan State and later earned his MBA from UAB.
Mike retired from his telecom career in 2001 and moved to Big Canoe a year later. He then worked as a custom market researcher for the Chicago office of an international firm. He completed several market related projects for large and medium companies. After eight years he retired again for good.
He and his wife, Judy, traveled extensively since the first retirement. We were able to celebrate our 50th anniversary trip to Scotland and England before she succumbed to leukemia shortly afterwards. He has remained close to her brothers who enjoy visiting Big Canoe and surrounding areas.
When Craig Looney asked me to participate in his effort to start an internet radio station, I jumped at the chance. It has been an interesting journey to bring this great station to streaming 24/7. Though lacking any musical training, I was able reconnect with the music he grew up with. Connecting the songs with life events has been very rewarding. Inspired by the music in the radio library, Mike writes articles for the Big Canoe newspaper and Blog focusing the impact of music in our lives.
