Name: WPFW 5th 50th Year Benefit Concert & Film
Start: 2026-11-01T16:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-11-01T18:00:00-05:00
Location: Palisades Hub

WPFW 5th 50th Year Benefit Concert & Film

WPFW is the fifth station of the Pacifica radio network, founded in 1949 by maverick broadcaster Lewis Hill.WPFW began in 1977, in a very modest facility-a single room, divided into four segments. One section served as the on-air studio, the others were the administrative office, newsroom, and a place for volunteers to prepare their programs. WPFW's Blues man Nap Turner recalls the day he first came to the station. He was surprised to find that such a "big sound" was coming out of a corner where the turntables rested on crates. Some twenty-five years later, support from WPFW listeners has enabled the station to have modern facilities, with separate studios for broadcast, program production, and for volunteers to put together shows.From the beginning, WPFW has been the voice for alternative programming in the Washington metropolitan area. In essence, the station started out, and continues, challenging the norm and passionately serving the under-served of our community.WPFW has been and continues to be a unique community resource dedicated to aiding the community in a way that only radio can. In addition, we remain free of corporate sponsorship. Thus, listener support is crucial.Since its inception, volunteerism has been at the heart of WPFW. Our own Von Martin, a volunteer, was the first voice to sign the station on a quarter of a century ago. Von began his first broadcast with Duke Ellington's "Take the ‘A' Train" and we've been the "Jazz Messenger" ever since. To this very day, we have volunteers who have been with WPFW for twenty or more years. Our volunteers are from all backgrounds and cultures, speak numerous languages, and come from all over the world. They come to WPFW and they stay because of their love for the station, its listeners and the craft of broadcasting. Through volunteerism, WPFW provides neighbors, friends, and family members opportunities to learn broadcasting and to gain a better understanding of the global community in which we live.

WPFW 89.3-FM

A inaugural film and some tunes.  Join WPFW for our 5th Fiftyith-Year benefit concert with a film.

Palisades Hub

A inaugural film and some tunes. Join WPFW for our 5th Fiftieth-Year Benefit Concert with a film. The afternoon starts with a screening of Cody Valentine’s (a.k.a. WPFW’s DJ Cody V, The Music Bed) debut film, Purple Velvet Planet and a few words from the director himself and ends with a performance by the brilliant recording artist and trumpeter Brandon Woody.Director Cody Valentine blends the duality of his love for music and storytelling, dropping us into a world where music is regulated, performances are monitored by the government, and musicians need registrations to perform in public venues. As an “undocumented” rapper with no credentials, our main character Light is a talent out of place. Speaking to many of the issues we are facing today, this film will appeal to music lovers, film aficionados, and everyone searching for ways to be more joyous in these troubling times. Purple Velvet Planet aspires to provide a path to personal peace amidst the chaos, through Valentine’s masterful blend of music and story.Born in Augusta, Ga, Cody Valentine has called the DMV home for the past 20 years.Purple Velvet Planet is a surrealistic journey of self-enlightenment, dropping us into a world where music is regulated, performances are monitored by the government, and musicians need registrations to perform in public venues. As an “undocumented” rapper with no credentials, our main character Light is a talent out of place. Speaking to many of the issues we are facing today, this film will appeal to music lovers, film aficionados, and everyone searching for ways to be more joyous in these troubling times. Purple Velvet Planet aspires to provide a path to personal peace amidst the chaos, through a masterful blend of music and story.Trailer: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qd69fWFfxU&amp;t=31s" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qd69fWFfxU&amp;t=31s" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qd69fWFfxU&amp;t=31s</a> Entertainment will continue with a musical set by Baltimore bred and based, BlueNote recording artist, trumpeter, bandleader and composer Brandon Woody with his band Upendo &amp; guest drummer.Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo — Troy Long (keys), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass) — the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.Rooted in Baltimore, Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on its vibrant creative culture and community spirit. His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and the Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “staggeringly self-assured” and “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place,” reflecting both the clarity of his artistic vision and his deep connection to his community.Dedicated to bridging generations through music, Woody has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions across the country. Through both his performances and community work, he uses music as a tool for healing, connection, and joy.

WPFW 5th 50th Year Benefit Concert & Film

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WPFW 5th 50th Year Benefit Concert & Film

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