Few things create a special, lasting memory as having a heartfelt love song sung to you.
Surprise your beloved this Valentine’s Day with a musical telegram from Ohm Radio, Charleston’s first local radio station.
“It’s really one of my most fun days of the year because I’m not really into the sappy Hallmark holiday stuff, but something like this makes a big impact,” said Rob Bouton, volunteer singer and member of the Ohm Radio board. “I would much prefer to do something like this than go to some forced Valentine’s dinner. My wife would much prefer to have something like that done as well — you know, somebody show up and sing a good love song.”
Bouton volunteers alongside other local musicians, both professional and amateur, across the Charleston area to bring this sixth annual offering together.
“It’s hilarious. It’s all over the board because usually these people do not know we’re coming,” he said. “At first, it starts out as a little bit of single-out embarrassment but then, you can tell how special it is to a lot of these people — we’ve seen a lot of tears and seen a lot of applause happen.”
Several options available
Gift-givers can choose from four different singing telegram options, all scheduled 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14.
Choose from a list of love songs for an in-person musical performance for $45, or opt for a personalized song choice for $60.
Tune into the station at 96.3 FM to deliver a love song and an on-air radio shoutout during the Valentine’s Day scheduled hours for $15.
If your lover is difficult to reach, a digital video performance for $20 can be delivered to any location in the world.
For standard song options, tickets and more visit City Paper Tickets.
A pit-stop at MUSC
His favorite singing Valentine memory happened at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where 20 people stood in line waiting for their prescriptions.
“Obviously we didn’t know what the person looked like, so we had to ask where Tracy was, and she came out looking at us like, ‘What are y’all doing here?’ Then we broke into ‘You’re Beautiful,’ by James Blunt,” Bouton said. “She cried and all of her coworkers hugged her. It was such a touching moment.”
“Her husband had delivered flowers, as well, that we delivered to her. She was really taken aback at how special it was,” he added. “I think she didn’t expect that, so hopefully her husband got some kudos for that.”
Grace McNally, Ohm Radio station manager, describes it as an eclectic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
“The community loves it — it’s part of the reason we do it every year because it seems to resonate with people,” she said. “It really uplifts people and makes their day; I think music is the perfect medium to do that.”
Ohm Radio’s approach to connect the community through music is exceptional.
“It’s aligned with our values of community, and spreading joy and love through music — so that’s kind of our mission with it,” McNally said.
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