HCR brings the blues back to Huntley

Huntley Community Radio always had rhythm. And now it has blues.

Mike Ptak hosts “Blues Is My Business” on Huntley Community Radio broadcasting as WHRU-LP on 101.5 FM, guiding his audience through a variety of blues songs and artists. He also entices the audience with the back story to those songs.

Ptak said, “My musical sense and taste in music is the sum of varied experiences growing up in the city, working on Chicago’s South Side for some time, and an appreciation of all people and their contributions. I have played keyboards professionally in various bands in many different venues.”

When did he start following the blues circuit?

Ptak said, “We went to all the venues in Chicago as kids. We went where the music was. 79th and King Drive, 63rd and Cottage Drive, we were there to hear the music.”

Chicago blues was one of the most significant influences on early rock music. Chuck Berry originally signed with Chess Records — one of the most significant Chicago blues record labels. Berry met and was influenced by Muddy Waters in Chicago.

When did Ptak start playing the blues?

Ptak said, “I played the blues on the accordion. I played ‘The Birth of the Blues’ When I started playing the piano, the first song of course was the blues.”

How did he get interested in hosting a musical program?

Ptak said, “I saw an ad that ran in the Sun Day. I’m indebted to Jim Eggers for giving me this opportunity to do the program. I enjoy music, I enjoy the blues, and I have a large collection of songs. I wanted the opportunity to share my music collection and my knowledge of the blues.” Ptak said.

Eggers said, “Mike is great to work with, he is knowledgeable and knows his music. We can pre-record some shows, so there are no interruptions to his weekly shows.”

Recently, Ptak attended a blues festival in Marquette, Michigan, enjoying the entertainment, but also doing some research and recruitment for his radio show.

Ptak said, “Kitten of Blues, Ivy Ford, stole the show. She was incredible. She is a singer, musician, entertainer. She is Waukegan-born and raised, and she is quite the up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. I did give her my business card. It would be great if we could get her on my program.”

Ptak’s program brings a mix of everything blues, blues-rock, contemporary blues, and blues-based classic rock.

Ptak invites you to join him in enjoying 30 minutes of blues every Friday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and rebroadcast Saturdays from 4:30 to 5 p.m.

How can you listen? Turn the dial to 101.5 FM or listen on Huntley Community Radio’s website.

Ptak said, “The streaming of the show from the website makes it possible for anyone to listen to my show. I have friends as far as Canada and Texas who have tuned into the show.”

Visit Ptak’s website at huntleyradio.com/hcr/blues-is-my-business/ to listen to previous broadcasts of “Blues Is My Business”.

Ptak suggests that when you tune in, to “turn up the volume.”

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