NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: The Voices of History

Bringing local history to the air, WCFA 101.5 FM is proud to partner with the Center for Community Arts’ Black History Committee to present a new monthly program, debuting this April.

Produced by the Committee, each episode will share the rich oral histories of our community—preserving voices, stories, and lived experiences that shape our region’s cultural legacy.

When we think of Cape May, we think of Victorian architecture and its roots as a seaside resort, but there 's more -- as old as Cape May's history.  Since its beginnings, the area has been shaped by the voices and events of the Black community. We are happy to announce a new show and its special introduction on Monday, April 20th at 11:00. Voices of History is presented by The History Committee of The Center for Community Arts. Each program will bring you stories of local history and conversations about the people of Black community told by members of the committee and guests. Join us at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 20th for our special first show. 

Stay tuned to Cape May Radio for this important new series.

"Opening Night" at The Jackson Street USO Club, 1944. Attendees were there for the dedication and to see artist-actor-activist Paul Robeson perform. 

NEW SHOW on WCFA: The Ripple Effect

Join Steve and Dennis for The Ripple Effect — a weekly journey through the ever-expanding universe of the Grateful Dead and the music they inspired. From classic live jams and deep cuts to other bands carrying the torch of improvisational rock, The Ripple Effect connects the past and present through free-flowing sets, concert memories, and stories from the community.

If you love the Grateful Dead, or not sure how you feel about them, this show brings a variety of perspectives, information, fun stories, humor, and most importantly, music to enlighten you. Gain a new appreciation for the music phenomenon spanning generations of fans.

How many shows have you been to? If the answer is none, you may at least feel like you were there on some level after listening to The Ripple Effect: Thursdays at 2 pm on WCFA 101.5 FM and live-streaming on CapeMayRadio.org.

Laughing With Lizards on WCFA featured in Jewish Community VOICE publication (March 2026)

Laughing with Lizards? What does that even mean? "Laughing with lizards" (Yiddish:

lakhn mit yashtsherkes) is an idiom that meansto laugh on the outside while crying on the inside. It represents laughing out of bitter irony, despair, or profound sadness rather than true joy. 

From this article, linked here, “Recognizing the cultural importance of this work, Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties has pledged to underwrite the program, ensuring that the distinctive Jewish music and storytelling broadcasting from Cape May can continue to reach listeners locally and beyond. “This radio show is a true cultural gem,” said Rachel Waldman, Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.”…

…”Reflecting on the cultural significance of his work, Bendich says, “Klezmer and Yiddish music are about survival, history, and identity. The Holocaust tried to erase it, but the culture lives on. People are finding ways to make it relevant, to explore their identity in creative ways. That’s a really positive thing.”

Bendich also highlights the role of small independent stations like WCFA. “Analog radio is special. It’s tangible, immediate, and community-driven. It reaches Jewish audiences and also people who don’t know much about our culture. It’s a place for education, for sharing, and for connecting people to music they might never hear otherwise.”

Aaron Bendich can be heard Laughing with Lizards every Sunday at 11 AM eastern time on WCFA 101.5 FM or streaming around the world. This is an example of the importance of community radio in telling the stories of culture through music and talk.

Gusto Brewing Company Hosted Fundraisers to Support Our Station

As one of Cape May Radio’s committed and supportive underwriters, Gusto Brewing Company offered to host a fundraiser in support of our station — and what a night it turned out to be! It was so good that WCFA volunteer radio host and local extraordinary musician, Tom Naglee put it all together in a two-part series of recordings that will air for all to experience. Whether you were there or missed it, you can hear incredible performances from regional musicians who came together to support WCFA.

Thursday (3/19) from 3–4:30 PM and Sunday (3/22) from 5–6:30 PM, WCFA Presents… Part I from Cabin Fever Sessions and the same times on the following week, Part II — recorded live at Gusto Brewing Company after a long winter.

Thanks to Zachary and Adriana Pashley and the entire Gusto team, we were welcomed into their brewery for an evening of Trivia and Bingo, laughter, and community spirit. A huge thanks as well to Eddie Castagnetta, Jerry Ruane, and everyone who came out to play, and support local radio. The energy in the room was pure Cape May — friendly, quirky, and full of heart.

Not only that, Gusto Brewing Company took it to the next level and hosted an evening of music to benefit WCFA: The Cabin Fever Sessions hosted by WCFA volunteer, MQ Murphy. Selling out tickets in under two hours, it is clear that the community needed this! The vibe of the evening was full of community spirit and an appreciation of live music. WCFA is grateful for the musicians who donated their time and talent to support our community radio station were: Dan Barry, Hannah Stone, Vernon-Murphy Band, Marnie Lengle, Nate Kennedy, Rick Ferrante, Tom Naglee, Jeffrey Hebron, Amy Hufana, Mark Ternosky, Michael Curley, John Bohannon, Christian Bauman, and Vinny Smith.

WCFA and the Center for Community Arts extends our gratitude to Gusto Brewing Company for their generosity and creativity in bringing people together for a good cause.

WCFA and GUSTO Partner to Raise Funds for Community Radio in Cape May

WCFA 101.5 FM is teaming up with Gusto Brewing Company for a night of fun, community, and fundraising! Join us Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 6–8 PM for trivia and three rounds of bingo—all bingo proceeds support Cape May’s community radio. Enjoy treats from the Off the Leash Hot Dog Truck and grab a WCFA magnet with a donation. Come for the games, stay for the brews, and support your local radio station!

New Show Alert! TEENS OF THE HOUR

WCFA 101.5 FM Cape May Radio has proudly partnered with Cape May Cares to launch an exciting new show created by Teens for everyone in the community! In their very first episode, they will be featuring a SPECIAL GUEST, Chief Dekon Fashaw, who is the Chief of Police for Cape May City. Be sure to tune in and listen as Teens of today engage thoughtfully with one another and with various members of the Cape May Community, bringing fresh perspectives and meaningful conversations on air Friday from 4 to 5 pm.

Teens of the Hour Broadcast — A Shining Success!

We’re thrilled to share that Teens of the Hour was a complete success! The broadcast drew a wonderful audience.

Thank you to Patricia Caputo, whose energy and passion made this project possible. Patricia, who previously hosted Beachtime Blitz with WCFA, put that on hold after starting a new job, but volunteered to work directly with the Cape May Cares teens to prepare, practice, and produce the show. Her dedication truly made the difference.

The Teens of the Hour, Alivia and Jay put in work, thought, creativity, time and poise under pressure of live radio and should feel so accomplished with this very first live broadcast.

Much appreciation goes out to the team at Cape May Cares Shelly Richards, Lisa Boecker, and Keith Lafferty of Cape May Cares for their wonderful support and collaboration throughout this project. Their guidance and enthusiasm were key to helping the teens shine on air.

Special thanks as well to Cape May Police Chief, Dekon Fashaw, who joined the broadcast as a guest, And to David Cassidy for his involvement In orchestrating this new partnership, and assisting with conceptual development. This collaboration represents a true win-win — a shining example of community engagement and a positive partnership for WCFA as we continue to build momentum and move forward. 

Routes of Black Travel: The Green Book in Cape May and Wildwood Exhibit

The Center for Community Arts History Committee and friends toured the Routes of Black Travel: The Green Book in Cape May and Wildwood exhibit at Cape May MAC with Steven Olszewski who curated the show. He selected photos and objects from the CCA’s Nash Archives and committee members reviewed the text for accuracy. CCA and MAC have partnered on an annual exhibit since the late 1990s.  

Photo left to right: Joyce Gooch, Gene Dempsey, Hope Gaines, Steven Olszewski, Emily Dempsey, Yvonne Weight-Gary, Wanda Evelyn and Rachel Dolhanczyk. 

Open selected dates: January 18-March 23, 2025

The Negro Motorist Green Book, later renamed the Negro Travelers’ Green Book, was an annual guidebook that gave African American travelers essential information about safe places to stay, dine, and obtain services while traveling in the segregated United States during the Jim Crow era. Jim Crow laws forced racial segregation and lasted close to 100 years until 1968, and were enforced harshly, often with violence. The Green Book and similar publications helped keep Black Americans safe and provided them with some measure of freedom to travel. Learn how Esso stations created safe havens for Black motorists to fill their gas tanks and how hotels such as the Banneker House, the Hotel Dale, and Richardson’s Hotel, among others in Cape May, along with guest houses in Wildwood, gave Black visitors safe spaces to relax at the seaside on holiday or for business.

Free admission.

 

Carroll Gallery

The Carroll Gallery is home to changing exhibits that bring Cape May's history to life throughout the year. Visit scenes from the Victorian era or explore Cape May’s African American heritage; reminisce on years past or become a kid again when the Gallery becomes a holiday wonderland.

The Carroll Gallery is located in the Carriage House, on the grounds of the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. The building is the first one on the left-hand side as you come in the driveway. The Carriage House also has a Vintage restaurant and our Carriage House Museum Shop.

More information:: capemaymac.org/experience/carroll-gallery

CCA Wins Award for Black Voices of Cape May/A Feeling of Community Book

CCA’s multi-award-winning community history program was recently cited by the New Jersey Historical Commission for an Award of Recognition for our publication of “Black Voices of Cape May/A Feeling of Community.”  The award recognizes contributions to and the preservation of New Jersey History. In 2021, CCA was given a Champion of Diversity award jointly by the Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (one of three made to Southern New Jersey organizations) and received a Library Champion award from the New Jersey Library Association for our work in saving and restoring the Franklin Street School, and its repurposing as a branch of the Cape May County Library.

ART DEPOT CREATIVE REUSE CENTER

Since mid-December we have collected 1,732 pounds of gently used and no longer needed arts and crafts supplies, saving them from being deposited into a landfill. Thanks to all our donors for making the effort to deliver goods to our store. Everyone benefits when we respect the value of what we have and practice Reuse for the good of our planet. So don't throw all those unused supplies away, donate them to the Art Depot! We are open 12-5 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 1301 Bayshore Rd. Unit 202, Villas.

Creative Reuse Center sponsored by the Center For Community Arts