WGTS 91.9 Hosts First Live Concert in 15 Months

Story by Jerry Woods

On a recent Sunday in May, the wait was over, and our listeners and staff were definitely ready, says Jitesh Ram, WGTS 91.9 community engagement director.

More than 3,000 listeners gathered in person for the first time in more than a year for a live concert hosted by WGTS at the Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Md., to hear Micah Tyler and MercyMe on their Live & Outside tour. Despite a hot day and some long general admission lines, the mood was charged with positivity and filled with happiness. “We spoke with people lined up outside the venue before the doors opened, and the feeling was one of joyous celebration,” says Johnny Stone, who was there with his wife, Stacey, from the station's afternoon show. “We greeted hundreds of people who we knew from past events, and many new people as well.”

During the concert, it was clear that the crowd was enjoying it, singing along to the songs and generally having a great time with the artists who were also excited to be back on the road performing for a live audience. The artists performed a mix of familiar favorites and a few new songs.

One staff member says, “It was the most enjoyable evening I’ve had in a long time. I was able to see and greet some of our volunteers, and it was so great to see them after many months.”

Staff and volunteers were there to greet people and share bumper stickers, notepads, pens, pencils, hand sanitizer and many other WGTS 91.9 goodies. Meanwhile, listeners generously provided food, as well as diapers and other baby basics to help mothers in the area. This Hands and Heart project has been ongoing throughout the month of May, with several hundred pounds of food and several hundred diapers coming in during this event.