Saturday, September 5, WSLR 96.5 LPFM radio programmers, volunteers, and listeners hosted “Dining On Air” fundraising dinner gatherings – some held in private homes, some at restaurants — throughout Sarasota, to raise money to support the non-profit, community radio station.

Among the many attending were Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton, WSLR Station Manager Arlene Sweeting, and local artist Pam Marwede.

I went to one of the events — the one put on by Zest! of Sarasota where Chef John Arico and his wife Nina put on a dinner that blew my mind. It was a New Orleans-themed dinner and I’ve never been to the Big Easy, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But the Arico’s wow’ed me with gumbo so good I scarfed it down like a mad dag, yummy mini-crab cakes, a SUPER good Sauvignon Blanc, and an absolutely-to-die-for Cajun Catfish (I think it was cajun spice!) with a side dish of corn and other veggies that was so fresh and yummy it was all I could do to stop myself from licking the plate.

WSLR supporters Debbie and Bruce Zeilman with Chef John Arico, owner/chef of Zest! of Sarasota Catering.

Louisiana Gumbo Show radio host John Osgood and Attorney Adam Tebrugge.

An after-dinner dessert, art and music party was held at Arts Center Sarasota, where scrumptious desserts, wine, beer, and coffee were provided by local businesses such as Pastry Arts, Publix, Carr’s Corner, and Gyro the Great, among others. The after-dinner crowd also enjoyed live music by Los Rumberos.

“Louisiana Gumbo” program host John Osgood greets local realtor Christina Pitchford (one of BIZ 941’s recently named “People to Watch”) at the Arts Center After Party.

WSLR enthusiasts enjoy the art(s) of conversation.

WSLR has over one hundred volunteer programmers from the Sarasota and Manatee communities providing diverse, non-commercial radio shows that include everything from arts, to local and political commentary, to Native American issues, and a broad range of music programming including blues, classical, zydeco, and world beat. Visit www.wslr.org to learn more.