For press information, contact Simone Notter Wilson, 901-678-4164

WUMR will host its eight-day “Jazz for the Holidays” Radiothon XI Nov 30-Dec. 7. Volunteer jazz lovers will take pledges by phone, while holiday music by jazz greats and new artists entertains listeners from car to kitchen. Donations will help the station play jazz not only for the holidays, but all year. (To make a pledge, call 901-678-4000 or 877-955-5299).

This year’s Radiothon offers many premiums, including the Music Medley, a compilation of CDs selected by Malvin Massey, WUMR’s music director. Every donor will receive the 2009 WUMR calendar, which includes photos of the University of Memphis’ Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra, renowned jazz saxophonist Bill Easley, and many more jazz and on-air talents.

WUMR staff and listeners will close out the Radiothon with a holiday celebration featuring live jazz and Soul Burgers Dec. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Earnestine and Hazel’s, 531 South Main Street. Sunday night DJs Phil and Steve will host their Christmas radio show, “Jazz and Moore,” from Earnestine and Hazel’s, while U of M jazz musicians perform. There is a $10 cover charge for the general public.

WUMR (U-92 FM) is the only jazz station in the Mid-South. Known as “The Jazz Lover,” the 25,000-watt station serves listeners within a 60-mile radius of Memphis and anywhere in the world through live streaming. The station’s playlist blends contemporary and traditional jazz with a touch of fusion, Latin, and New Age music.

As the radio voice of the University of Memphis, the station serves the area with educational, sports, and community service programming. It also functions as a learning laboratory for students, providing experience in announcing, news reporting and writing, talk show hosting and sportscasting. In addition to on-air positions, students serve in management roles in various departments, such as music, production, traffic, news, and sports.