Thanks to a successful premiere comeback performance in April, "Radio From Downtown" is returning to the historic Avalon Theater in Easton, Maryland, for a series of bimonthly performances beginning July 8th. The whimsical live-to-tape radio program will be broadcast July 9th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on public radio station WESM (91.3 FM) in Princess Anne, Maryland.

The lineup for the July performance promises a fun evening for the whole family, according to executive producer Van Williamson. "We'll have a range of talent unparalleled in the civilized world as we know it", says Williamson. "Even though we have lowered expectations for the protection of the audience, the range of the entertainment is so frigtheningly broad we have agreed to have a fully equipped hospital staff standing by, should patrons be overcome by the splendor of it all". In a continuing effort to establish a huge mercantile empire, Williamson says there will be fabulous logo-enhanced T-shirts available for purchase the evening of the performance.

The upcoming show will feature bluegrass band Bitter Creek, fresh from their tour of the outer planets ( Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto, etc) and classical music violin-cello duo Denise Carlson and Linda Kapusciarz. Renowned Easton author Helen Chappell ("Tales of Oysterback") will read from her work, and surviving Bellows Babe Brenda Miller will wield her accordion menacingly. Thomas Looker, author od "The Sound and the Story -- NPR and the Art of Radio", will discuss his book, and sign copies at intermission and at the end of the performance. The house jazz band, Swing Shift, will provide music before and during the radio performance, and the Downtown Players will present the return of the Eastern Shore's favorite private eye, Biff Delmar, as he tackles a nefarious plot to rig bingo games on the Delmarva Peninsula. The show will also feature the Flamingo Brothers, Phil and Ramone.

The July 8th performance begins with a Swing Shift set at 7:30, and the radio production starts at 8:00. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, and children under 12 will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be available at the door, or can be reserved by calling the Avalon Theater at (410)-822-0345. The theater is located in downtown Easton, MD at 40 East Dover Street, Across from the Tidewater Inn.

An all-day workshop in radio production, theater, and performance is being offered in conjunction with the upcoming presentation of "Radio From Downtown". Participants will get a first-hand look at how the show is assembled, including the set-up for broadcast and for in-house sound, run-throughs for the radio play, music sound checks, lighting preparation and the hundreds of details that must be worked out to ensure a smooth live show.

All students between the ages of 15 and 22 are welcome. There is no charge, but space is limited, and MUST be reserved by calling (410)-548-5086 no later than July 7th. Preparation for the show begins at 9:00 AM and showtime is 7:30 PM.

"Radio From Downtown" was broadcast on WSCL-FM from 1989-1993, and received an honorable mention from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters in 1992. The program has been variously supported by the Talbot County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council, and by the public through the purchase of tickets. The show is produced and hosted by Van Williamson, a producer at National Public Radio.