DJ Appreciation Post – Tom Voorhees alternating host of Bluegrass Ramble
January 17, 2025 - 12:00 pm

Join us every other Sunday to enjoy Bluegrass Ramble at noon on 91.3 KBCS co-hosted by Tom Voorhees. Thank you, Tom for bringing bluegrass to public radio at KBCS and keeping the sound alive in the Seattle area. We asked Tom some questions to learn more about him and what motivates him to share his love of bluegrass with the greater Seattle community.
About Tom Voorhees
Ann Arbor, Michigan was my home for my first thirty years. It could be called an oasis in the mid-west. I Through high school listened to the rock stations out of Detroit. In the summer of 1971, the Doors released “Riders on the Storm”. Every time a thunderstorm would be in the area you could count on hearing that song on the radio.
Discovering Bluegrass
Later that year, I was spinning the dial and came across a station that had rather different music than I had ever heard. Fascinated I began to listen every Sunday to a bluegrass show hosted by John Morris, founder of Old Homestead records. He would have musicians from his label on occasion come to his basement and invite listeners. I met Rural Yarbrough, Charlie Moore and a young Larry Sparks among others. I was hooked on bluegrass.
Moving to Seattle
A dozen or so years later I moved to Seattle to get a MFA in Printmaking. Soon after I was out in my yard working on the gardens listening to a radio. It was a Sunday and nothing much was on. As I was spinning the dial, I came across a bluegrass song. Couldn’t believe it! Then they played another. It was The Bluegrass Ramble. I organized my week around it so that I could always hear it (this was before digital archives). Later I took the Basic Broadcasting class the college offered. After I was given a slot from 4 to 6 on Saturdays. It was a time when probably very few would be listening and a good place to practice, I suppose. Got very few calls, though one guy called and the first thing he asked was “Are you as stoned as I am?” I still chuckle at that. Then I subbed on Lunch With Folks and Walking the Floor. One Sunday I was asked to sub on The Ramble. I was so excited.
Joining KBCS
As I was driving in I-90 traffic was stopped at the tunnel. Seems as if there was a truck fire. That was before I had a cell phone. As I pulled into the parking lot at KBCS, the Sunday Folks DJ was playing the Bluegrass Ramble theme. Don’t really remember much about doing that show, but it must have been a very shaky start. When a slot opened op for a Ramble host, I accepted the offer joyously. Have never looked back. Through the years I have made many fast friends not only from the station, but listeners I meet at festivals and who email. To me that is the greatest gift I have received from bluegrass music and KBCS. My hope is to become friends with many more of you. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!
Note from KBCS
Thank you, Tom Voorhees for DJ’ing with KBCS and allowing community radio to thrive!

Tom Voorhees