Nicole Oppenheim: Ear Candy writesWhat CHIRP Means to Me: Nicole Oppenheim

Hi there!  I'm Nicole Oppenheim, Secretary of the Board of Directors and DJ at CHIRP.  I'm happy to say that I've been volunteering with CHIRP for almost 6 years.  I'll be honest.  The main reason I volunteer with CHIRP is because it's fun.  I have made many friends in the organization--some best friends--and it feels good to interact with people who like independent music as much as I do.

It's so satisfying to be part of a large organization of people willing to work hard and give independent artists a voice in a big city like Chicago.  Everyone in CHIRP does this work because we love it.  We're a non-profit, so we're not out to make money.  Our goal is to focus on independent, local, and generally lesser-heard music as well as to give local community artists, activists, and other interesting people a voice in the conversation.

We are loyal to Chicago, but our focus is not narrow.  We play music from all genres, all eras, all locations.  Major stations and broadcasting companies may speak louder than we do, but we are here nonetheless and we're committed to being the best independent media outlet in the city.   Unlike the bigger stations, we don't take money from advertisers or special interest groups.  We are listener-supported and our programming reflects that.  You won't hear lengthy commercials or the same bland songs played over and over.  Our DJs bring you the best of independent music, local and otherwise, and we strive to create and maintain the best soundtrack possible for our listeners.

As a member of the Board of Directors and a DJ, I support CHIRP with my time, my money, my voice and my ever-growing music collection.  I am proud of what I have helped to build.  If you are interested in joining us, by all means check our website to see when the next Volunteer Orientation meeting will be held.  We'd be glad to have you on board.  If you don't have the free time to commit to CHIRP, please consider making a donation, large or small.  We would not be here without your support and we truly appreciate each and every one of you.