Youngstown’s Musical History to be Shared in New WYSU Programs

A forthcoming radio talk show on WYSU-FM will delve into the rich pop-music history of Youngstown, Ohio, with its premiere scheduled for May 1. The weekly program, known as “Rat Race,” is set to air every Friday from 2-3 p.m. and will be led by two well-seasoned Mahoning Valley rock musicians, Dean Anshutz and Anthony LaMarca.

“Rat Race” aims to explore Youngstown’s extensive recording background through engaging interviews with both past and current artists along with industry insiders. This venture falls under WYSU’s endeavor to introduce more localized content to its lineup, with another show dedicated to the polka legacy of Youngstown slated to debut on May 3.

Anshutz and LaMarca share a profound fascination with the musical heritage of Youngstown, having dedicated years to delving into the archives of Peppermint Recording, located on the city’s south side. Their efforts have unearthed numerous unreleased and forgotten tracks recorded by prominent local bands, stretching back to the early 1970s.

Collaborating with Peppermint owner Gary Rhamy, the duo has curated several compilation albums featuring these musical treasures, culminating in the release of the “Rat Race” compilation album in 2022. This collection includes tracks from renowned Youngstown acts such as Glass Harp, Human Beinz, Blue Ash, Morly Grey, and LAW, who achieved recognition both regionally and nationally.

Additionally, Anshutz and LaMarca played a pivotal role in overseeing the music compilation for Blue Ash’s latest album, “Dinner at Mr. Billy’s,” which hit the shelves in January. Anshutz, who doubles as the drummer for Red Wanting Blue, also operates Cycle Breaker’s record store within Westside Bowl on Mahoning Ave.

The launch of “Rat Race” and other locally-focused programs underscores the intrinsic value of Youngstown’s musical tapestry, bringing to light the city’s remarkable contributions to the cultural landscape. Through these initiatives, WYSU-FM seeks to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Youngstown’s vibrant music scene, ensuring that it remains an integral part of the community’s identity and heritage.