DJ Ricardo

Check out The Soul & Reggae Show Tuesday 7:00pm – 9:00pm –

I’ve had a love of music from an early age, probably acquired from listening to the music my Dad played on his ‘blue spot’ gram, also in my younger days I fancied myself as a promising DJ playing at rocking parties and venues in Brixton, South London.
My Dad’s musical influences rubbed off on me and my siblings, with artists like;
Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Count Bassie, Fats Domino, Eartha Kit, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the early Ska sounds from Jamaica and Motown, I also remember hearing him play Jim Reeves and John Holt but mainly on a Sunday, and for me this was a proper education.

I eventually got involved in the family disco doing gigs in pubs, clubs and house parties across South London, we had a quality, crisp sound.
Even though we played mainly reggae music, I had a leaning towards soul music such as Luther Vandross, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, Cameo and Shalamar.
At the time it was very rare to hear this genre of music on popular radio or TV, with few exceptions when Radio London and Capital Radio had special soul and reggae shows.

In the end I left the family disco to my brothers and sadly became a closet DJ – that is, only playing music at home.
I’d always wanted to get back to performing in public but was far too busy with work and family however eventually I felt the need to get back to DJing, and so having heard about Ridge Radio in the community I made contact.
I was invited to an interview and was lucky enough to be given this prime evening time slot, when I can broadcasting live to the world.
I also enjoy receiving feedback from my listeners (near and far) so send me an email when I am on air, studio@ridgeradio.co.uk
I also have two superb producers; Dash and J who help with ideas for my show.
So join me on my weekly show The Soul & Reggae Special every Tuesday 7:00pm – 9:00pm, and repeated on Sunday 10:00pm to Midnight.

On 16th May 2023 I interviewed Dr Shaun Wallace, The Dark Destroyer one of the chaser’s from ITV’s The Chase, hosted by Bradley Walsh. He visited the Ridge Radio studio and we chatted about his musical choses and his time on TV.

My dad is in the hat

Amanda Weston

Thursday 10:00am – 13:00pm Amanda’s Mighty Mad Mix Show

Hi, I’m Amanda, a young 21 year old (I wish) LOL
Married to Steve and Mother to Billy.
My real job is a bus driver taking children to and from school, throughout my life I have had various jobs, although this has been my longest.
Over the years Billy has occupied much of my time fighting his corner, trying to get him the education he needed. He was diagnosed quite late on with Autism, Dyslexia and Executive Processing Disorder. My advice to you is never give up fighting for your child, it will pay off.

My younger brother Troy, had Spina Bifida and spent a lot of time in Queen Mary’s Hospital for children in Carshalton, Surrey. Sadly he passed in 1997. I used to volunteer at the hospital radio station, it was called ‘Radio Lollipop’.
I remember one Christmas when it had snowed, a Fire Engine from the local fire station and the singer Adam Ant were both due to visit the hospital. The fire engine got stuck in the snow, but Adam managed to get there and was fab! He gave every child a camera and a copy of his album, he then stayed to have his picture taken with each one, including their siblings, how fantastic!
As a volunteer it was my job to go around visiting the children and taking requests, then back at the station sorting out the vinyl records for the DJ’s to play. Oh how I ached to be the DJ but never had the chance.

Anyway fast forward about 25 years and I’m finally here at Ridge Radio! One day I attended an open day at one of their old studio’s, and was given the chance to do a show. Although I was nervous and I tried to get out of it by saying I had a cold! They insisted I come in and try out, but proceeded to move to the other side of the room when I entered LOL, they were so welcoming I knew I’d found my radio family.

Although my passion is for 80’s music, my show spans many decades, especially as I know my relations are listening in, so I will throw in some older tunes just for them.
I love a good laugh so check out my funny half hour, when I play old comedy songs.
No show is ever the same, so join me for madness, mayhem and a bit of trouble.

Peter Rubin

The PR Rock Show Friday’s from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

 
My PR Rock Show every Friday wants you to “Rock with the Rubster!”
I play a mixture of classic rock and pop sounds mixed with new lesser known bands and singers who may not be on a major record label.
Plus artists who range from, Heart, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and loads of new music.
 
In the past I have worked on pirate radio stations including Radio Caroline and Pipeline radio and I do not believe in imposed play lists.
I like to support new bands and live music venues.