Contact: Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
330-474-5032
Press release images available at pbswesternreserve.org/press/photos
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Season of "Studio C Sessions" Showcases Local Musicians and Rising Stars
In partnership with The Summit FM, Season 9 of "Studio C Sessions" will premiere on PBS Western Reserve on Saturday, April 4 at 10:30 p.m.
Akron, Ohio — March 16, 2026 — In an era when artists can no longer count on physical record sales or social media algorithms to build an audience, The Summit FM and PBS Western Reserve joined forces to offer something rare: a real stage, a real audience, and a platform with no cost barrier. Together, they're giving musicians — local, national, and international — the spotlight they deserve.
The Summit FM and PBS Western Reserve bring new local artists and international rising stars to Northeast Ohio with "Studio C Sessions," a series of intimate live performances filmed in the heart of Akron. Season 9 will air Saturdays on PBS Western Reserve at 10:30 p.m. beginning April 4.
The season will feature genre-spanning performances by Youngstown's JD Eicher, Megan Bee of Athens, Ohio; Mississippian artist Paul Thorn; Akron's own indie rockers Wishgarden; and more.
"Studio C is a platform where local artists can showcase their work, and where music lovers across our region can enjoy music discovery with no cost barrier," said Ryan Donchess, PBS Western Reserve's Chief Content Officer. "It's a privilege to continue working with The Summit on the show, and we're thrilled to bring a fresh slate of performers with Season 9."
"The artists we work with are filled with gratitude, knowing that our public media organizations are true champions for their work. Using every platform available to showcase their talents is a privilege we take very seriously," said Tommy Bruno, General Manager of The Summit FM.
All episodes of "Studio C Sessions" are also available for on-demand streaming through the free PBS App and the PBS Western Reserve website.
To attend a full, live in-studio recording session of the series, one must be a member of The Summit FM. The series is a collaboration between The Summit FM and PBS Western Reserve, both nonprofit, public media organizations that rely on community donations to operate.
Those interested in supporting these local public media organizations in the aftermath of federal funding cuts can visit PBSWesternReserve.org/support and TheSummit.fm/membership.
About The Summit FM
The Summit FM (WAPS) is a nonprofit public radio station broadcasting on 91.3 FM in Akron, 90.7 FM in Youngstown, and 90.1 FM in Athens. Rooted in the musical heritage of Northeast Ohio, The Summit FM is dedicated to music discovery, community engagement, and public service. Studio C offers Summit FM members the unique opportunity to experience exclusive, intimate live in-studio sessions with local and nationally recognized artists. WAPS operates as The Summit FM and relies on the support of its members and community to serve the region. Learn more or become a member at TheSummit.fm.
About PBS Western Reserve
PBS Western Reserve is a community organization that empowers Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through the impact of accessible public media and educational services to foster connection and lifelong learning. PBS Western Reserve presents cultural, scientific and artistic programming for awareness and enjoyment; local storytelling and access to trusted regional, state and national public affairs; experiential opportunities and community outreach for people of all ages; and educational initiatives that support the healthy development of youth.
PBS Western Reserve is made up of two separately licensed public television stations (WNEO and WEAO) and an Educational Services division operating under one 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. (NETO). WNEO was established in 1971, is licensed to the city of Alliance and serves the Youngstown designated television market. WEAO went on the air in 1975, is licensed to the city of Akron and serves the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated television market. All programming is simulcast on both stations.
##
