The July 4th Collection

America – Land of Discovery Harrah’s Lake Tahoe The Sacramento Union, KRBK-TV 31, KHYL Oldies 101, KSAC 1240 Sports and Cal Expo Harness Racing Present The 1992 July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular Produced By: Don Early Narrated By: Tony Cox Written & Directed By: Richard Irwin Recorded at STUDIO Z RECORDING Special Thanks toZack Boles [Description by Uncle Ricky] This was the last July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular produced by Don Early, and it was the last show I wrote and directed. It had been 500 years since 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue, so the theme was “Land of Discovery”. It had more sponsors than ever before, was the shortest and had the smallest attendance and fireworks budget. We DID have a 600-foot “Wall of Fire” effect that was impressive, however. The future of Harness Racing at Cal Expo (the State Fairgrounds) was uncertain, and in fact, changed hands after 1992. We had two radio stations (with different owners!) to promote the event. Both KSAC 1240 Sports and KHYL Oldies 101 were sponsors. We simulcast the program on both stations. A newspaper, TV station and the Racing Association joined the major sponsor, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. The audio production for this show was simple, and it was definitely G-rated in every way. I like to think we went out small and stylish. We had done bigger (and better?) shows, but the event was always sensational. It kept me excited about July 4th for months. It was always fun and it was always rewarding.    The 1992 Pyromusical Spectacular was one of ten programs featured during the REELRADIO Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon on July 4, 1998. ©1998 – 2012 Richard W. Irwin and REELRADIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Choice Of Freedom: The KSFM-102/MAGIC 1380 1988 Pyromusical Spectacularat the California State Exposition and Fairgrounds. Produced for the California State Fair Executive Producer: Peter Sugar by Showtime Production Services and Don Early  CREDITS  Written and Directed by:Richard W. Irwin Program Director,KSFM-102:Brian White Operations Manager,MAGIC 1380:Les Tracy Musical Production: Dennis Newhall Pyrotechnical Design:Ian Gilfillan Show Communications:Martin Ashley Production Assistant:John Balestrini Program Narrator:Tony Cox Voice of Courage:Chris Collins Voice of Faith:Lara Mann Voice of Hope:Cory Miller Produced in Sacramento at STUDIO Z RECORDING Additional Music Production at FM-102 and MAGIC 1380 Studios. [Description by Uncle Ricky] Advertised as “Northern California’s Largest” July 4th Fireworks Display, The 1988 July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular at the California State Fairgrounds was sponsored by The California State Fair, Sacramento’s top CHR station, FM-102 (KSFM) and their AM sister (an automated oldies hybrid), MAGIC 1380. The attempt to resurrect KROY by Great American Broadcasting had failed. I was still working for 1240AM (which inherited the KSAC call letters), so my participation in this show was as a contract employee for ShowPro, working with the Producer and my buddy, the late Don Early. The theme for our 1988 Pyromusical was The Choice Of Freedom. We wanted more “interactivity” than previous years, so we asked the audience to “Applaud America” whenever they heard the Liberty Bell. To assure that they did, we asked our Pyrotechnics contractor, Ian Gilfillan, to synchronize a big shell with each toll of the bell. Of course, it worked — people always scream and yell at a big burst of color and noise. This year, we built in some “quiet” places following the biggest pyrotechnics. Experience had taught us that the crowd was so loud after the big explosions that they could never hear the soundtrack anyway. This show also included an all-new effect which we had seen demonstrated in May 1987 at the 50th anniversary celebration of The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It was a “Fireworks Firefall”, in which large roman candles were hung upside down from a cable. When ignited, they produced a curtain of gold and white fire! We didn’t have a bridge at the fairgrounds, but we did string a 500-foot cable in the firing area for our FIREFALL OF FREEDOM. I can’t remember how tall it was. I do remember it took a significant piece of the fireworks budget, but it was a great effect — over in about 30 seconds. Prior to the Pyromusical, this event also featured live entertainment. Arista recording artist Taylor Dayne and WEA artists The Dynatones performed on a stage we built inside the race track, along with local favorite Elvis Monroe and The Sacramento Freelancers, an award-winning 128-piece drum and bugle corps. My friend Rick Gillette had left for Detroit, and Brian “The Blind Owl” White (KCBQ, 99X, KFRC) was the FM-102 PD that year. Les Tracy (WLUP, KZAP) was the MAGIC 1380 Operations Manager. FM-102 Morning ZooMaster Chris Collins appeared as the Voice of Courage. The narrator was my old friend Tony Cox.    The FM-102 1988 Pyromusical Spectacular was one of ten programs featured during the 8REELRADIO Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon on July 4, 1998. ©1998 – 2008 Richard W. Irwin and REELRADIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A Salute to Lady Liberty, the 1986 FM-102 Pyromusical Spectacular at the California State Exposition and Fairgrounds. [Description by Uncle Ricky] CREDITS Narrated by: Rick Gillette, KSFM (FM-102) PD Lady Liberty: Susan Hayward Kate Smith Introduction: Zack Boles Produced at Studio Z Recording, Sacramento BACKGROUND This is the original “Performance Master” (mono), processed for psuedo-stereo and online presentation. There may have been a genuine stereo master at one time, the one that was broadcast on July 4, 1986 on KSFM FM-102 (Woodland/Sacramento). Rick Gillette, KSFM PD at the time, is the narrator. Rick went on to many years of success in Detroit, (at WHTZ) and later as VP of DMX Music, and as of the debut of this exhibit (July 4, 2006) PD of WCKS-FM in Chicago. You’ll also hear Rick whispering “FM-102 Pyromusical Spectacular” during the extended music segments of this exhibit. What a great idea! Tell your listeners what station they are listening to… Producer Don Early (ShowPro) insisted that the show be revised (just in time, we had already started production) to include Kate Smith, who had passed away on June 17, 1986. For this event in show business history, the fat lady actually started the show. God Bless America!    The KSFM Sacramento 1986 Pyromusical Spectacular was one of ten programs featured during the REELRADIO Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon on July 4, 1998. ©1998 – 2006 Richard W. Irwin and REELRADIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A Salute to Sacramento, the 1985 KSAC 97 FM Pyromusical Spectacular at the California State Exposition and Fairgrounds. COME SEE THE WORKS! KSAC and Cal Expo Racing Association present The July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular. This is northern California’s biggest Indpendence Day celebration — featuring a world class fireworks display synchronized to music. You’ll see an absolutely incredible variety of the most exciting pyrotechnics ever, including special effects visible only from the Cal Expo Grandstand. A full day of harness racing precedes the sky show — Post time is 3 p.m. All day admisssion just $2, with children 12 and under, and seniors 62 and over admitted free! Come early for best seating. See this show from the grandstand at Cal Expo, Thursday, July 4th! [Description by Uncle Ricky] CREDITS Sky Sorceress: Tara O’Leary Narrator: Zack Boles Old Prospector: Richard W. Irwin Produced at Heavenly Recording Studios, Sacramento Original Sky Sorceress Music by Ray Elzey. John Baccigalupi, Chief Recording Engineer. Dennis Newhall, Music Editor. INTRODUCTION “Tonight, we present a celebration of American Freedom! Our Salute to Sacramento is a tribute to the rich history of the River City. Our Pyromusical combines narration, music and fireworks – choreographed and synchronized electronically. We’ve put them all together to tell a story. It’s a story of courage, determination and victory … a true story of American freedom. The settlement that became Sacramento celebrated July 4th for the first time in 1847. Tonight, KSAC dedicates its first July 4th Pyromusical to the Sacramento of today, and to the people that make it such a great place to live!” BACKGROUND This is a copy of the 1985 “Mix Master”, before the commercial and closing announcements were added. It was encoded from the original 15IPS two-track stereo master (stored tails-out with paper leader!) and the fidelity is exceptional. Of particular interest is the opening “Sky Sorceress” music, written and performed just for this Pyromusical by talented Sacramento musician Ray Elzey. This was the first and only July 4th show presented by KSAC 97 FM (formerly KROY-FM) and paid attendance was just under 30,000.    The KSAC Sacramento 1985 Pyromusical Spectacular was one of ten programs featured during the REELRADIO Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon on July 4, 1998.   ©1998 – 2005 Richard W. Irwin and REELRADIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved

OUR BEST SHOW YET! Golden State Racing Association proudly presents the KROY July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular, this year featuring Fireworks by Grucci, winners of the Monte Carlo International Fireworks Competition, and a special laser performance by Laser Media, Inc. Come early for the best seating—see this show from the grandstand at Cal Expo. Racing begins at 3 p.m., fireworks and lasers at dark. General admission $3; 12 and under or 62 and over free! [Description by Uncle Ricky] A Celebration of American Freedom, the 1984 KROY Pyromusical Spectacular at the California State Exposition and Fairgrounds, featured three themed segments: 1984 – THE YEAR OF BIG BROTHER (lasers, synthesizers and techno-pop) THE TRADITION OF AMERICAN FREEDOM (patriotic, space and movie theme segment) 1984 – AS IT REALLY IS! (olympics, sky songs and grand finale) Bobby Ocean was listed as the official Narrator, and appears in the final segment (beginning at 23:30). The Olympics were held in Los Angeles in the summer of 1984, and this segment pays tribute to that International event. In addition to Bobby, performers included Richard W. Irwin as Big Brother, Traffic Manager Marilyn Curry as a Political Dissident, and Music Mixmaster Dennis Newhall as Patrick Henry. And of course, Dennis did all the music mixes with turntables, reel decks and razor blades. KROY and Fourth Of July fireworks shows go back to the ’60’s, when smaller, hand-fired shows were presented elsewhere. The electrically-fired “Pyromusicals” didn’t begin until 1982. That was the last year for 1240 KROY, which became 1240 KENZ by 1983. The 1984 show was believed to be the 12th consecutive year that KROY (AM or FM) presented a July 4th show at Cal Expo. By July 4th, 1985, KROY-FM had become KSAC-FM. However, KROY-FM returned to Sacramento and a KROY-FM July 4th Show returned to Cal Expo one last time in 1987.    The KROY Sacramento 1984 Pyromusical Spectacular was one of ten programs featured during the REELRADIO Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon on July 4, 1998.   ©1998 – 2014 Richard W. Irwin and REELRADIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved

[Description by Uncle Ricky] Of the ten July 4th Pyromusical Spectaculars I wrote and directed between 1982 and 1992, the KROY Sacramento 1983 July 4th Pyromusical Spectacular was my favorite. Subtitled “A July 4th Fantasy”, it chronicled the adventures of Captain Science and Billy on their light flight for freedom, seeking a place of freedom and justice. This was before the Internet, remember, so our heroes consulted the Oracle of Truth, (of course!) She gives them some rhyming advice: “Look to the sky, and travel with light, on through the skywheel, and past colors bright. Beware the Time Warp! Your answer will be in the home of the brave, and the land of the free. It was all an excuse, of course, to light the evening sky with lasers and an awe-inspiring fireworks display, all synchronized to music. Throughout the program, we added gobs of percussive accompaniment, keyboard and explosive SFX. (My one and only recorded music performance appears here on the “Synth Drum”, a drum pad-like device that made cool electronic sounds.) As you listen, remember that when the narrator or characters spoke, we fired no pyrotechnics, but used the lasers liberally. (In reality, the Oracle of Truth was a column of shimmering light.) Likewise, as you hear the powerful orchestrations of Star Trek/Wars and other dramatic compositions, imagine the music booming through a giant sound system enhanced by tens of thousands of dollars of synchronized pyrotechnic displays. We had the advantage of a closed venue — a race track — and much of the show featured low-level pyros for the paying customers. 97 KROY FM and GOLDEN BEAR RACEWAY present the 1983 JULY 4th PYROMUSICAL SPECTACULAR A July 4th Fantasy Pre-Show Announcer: Dennis Newhall Original Music: Alleluia! and God Bless America written and performed by Charlie Peacock. Narrator: Martin Ashley (Wonder Rabbit!) The Oracle of Truth: Susan Hayward Captain Science: Dennis Newhall Billy: Sharle Davis Computer: Marilyn Curry Control: Dick Irwin Recorded at: Heavenly Recording Studios and 97 FM / 1240 AM KROY RADIO, Sacramento From the Official 1983 Program: We hope you enjoy tonight’s all new KROY July Fourth Pyromusical. Our show employs state-of-the-art technology to synchronize over 1,000 lighting, laser and pyrotechnics effects. Tonight, our heroes, Captain Science and Billy, take a fantastic “Light Flight for Freedom.” Hang on tight when we go through the skywheel, and stand by the color blasters in the time warp! Our special thanks to the Oracle of Truth, for showing us the way to freedom and justice. Join us in tonight’s festive fantasy – a contemporary tribute to American freedom and ideals. And although we had access to both 24 and 4-track recording equipment, and created the master mix on the four track 1/2″ (tape) machine, the majority of music edits were created by Master DJ Dennis Newhall using two turntables and a sharp razor blade. We tried to use as much KROY-FM music as was reasonable. Since much of the program is classic Pop and Rock, I think it still plays well after twenty years. And what great fun to create a “radio drama” for a fireworks show! Beat It vs. Whip It was cool. So were the Color Blasters and the evil Chroma Clouds, and finally defeating those doo-wop dudes in the Time Warp. If you don’t care to hear a radio program for fireworks, (even though the finale is a good excuse to rise and salute America) then please listen to the opening segment, which consists of two original songs composed and performed by Charlie Peacock. They were recorded at Heavenly Recording Studios, at the time, (owned by KROY). They came about as the result of a production problem. The show followed harness racing, and the track was fully lit. It took about 10 minutes to get all the lights turned off. One State employee had to go all the way around the track pulling breakers. So, we needed “warm-up” material. Charlie’s wonderful songs were a fabulous extra arranged by my late friend Don Early. As for Charlie Peacock, he left Sacramento in the mid to late ’80’s for a successful career in Nashville. Charlie was named by Billboard’s Encyclopedia of Record Producers as one of the 500 most important record producers in music history, and we thank him for allowing us to feature some of his early work here.    The KROY Sacramento 1983 Pyromusical Spectacular was one of ten programs featured during the REELRADIO Pyromusical Spectacular Marathon on July 4, 1998.   ©1998 – 2004 Richard W. Irwin and REELRADIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved