I made Buffalo my home 25 years ago. Bought a great house near Kleinhan's Music Hall and love my community. My first day on WYRK in 2003, I gave away tickets to "Jamboree in the Hills", which originated in my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia! That's right, next to Brad Paisly's hometown of Glendale. He used to sing the Star Spangled Banner at my nieces' high school basketball games! My favorite compliment was given to me from a WYRK listener: "Jolene, if Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton had a love child, it was you." Ha! I love that. And I love talking to you and playing your requests. WYRK fans are the best audience ever.
Jolene Baller
In the Buf with Jo – SantaCon 2017
I had heard about SantaCon on the Chippewa Strip the last couple years, so my son and I decided to go check it out.
In the Buf with Jo–Blue Collar Christmas!
Meet Jimmy Rigby's family...of the Manchester, Tennessee Rigbys. I met Jimmy and his lovely wife Carol on eBay a couple years ago. I knew Joseph would love a new talking Larry the Cable Guy doll like the one he had as a kid 15 years ago. I wanted it f...
In the Buf with Jo: NO shopping gene here.
I just didn't get the "shopping" gene. So please DO NOT look here for Black Friday sales, coupons or tips. Ain't gonna happen. I'll happily be on the air at YRK filling in for the hardest working man in radio, Brett Alan. (And of course the Saturday Night All Request show!) I like ...
In the Buf with Jo- Radio: Career? Or 40 year sentence?
Picture it: 1977...(I'm channeling Golden Girl's Sophia) Jim Roberts, Program Director and morning guy from WKWK in Wheeling, West Virginia & Bill Murdock, News Director, talk me into doing overnights. 2 turntables...waaaaaalls of vinyl LPs & 45s...TEAC Reel to Re...
In the Buf with Jo-Vote kitties!
I was always taught not to talk about religion or politics in a social situation because it always causes arguments. It's the same on social media, as I'm sure you've noticed. Everyone has been so angry lately by this old hippie's standards...
In the Buf with Jo – Children’s Hospital Saved my Boy’s Life
I had to express at home and bring my milk to the hospital. It was like having a baby on layaway and gave me a whole new respect for cows.
Veterans Day Tribute to My Father
A very special tribute on this Veterans Day.
In the Buf with Jo: At the Garden Walk!
On behalf of ALL of Buffalo's West Side, let me welcome the suburberatti!! We smile and say "Good morning!" here. Do NOT be afraid. (Some suburbanistas will look at my neighbors and I like we're in a zoo! We porch sit and have 'cawfee tawk'.)
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In the Buf with Jo & Joe: At the Ballpark!
Is there anything better than spending the day or evening enjoying a ballgame? Maybe, but I can't think of any right now. Joe and I are suckers for anything that includes hotdogs, ice cream, peanuts, cheering and dancing! Their fireworks are off the hook...
In the Buf with Jo, and Joe…On the Excalibur!
"MORE BUMPY RIDE!" Joe takes up that glad shout every time he sees Captain Jim.
The Excalibur is one of our favorite destinations every summer and fall. I always wanted Joseph to experience everything any able-bodied kid would love. We needed to go fishin' & boatin', dammit!
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In the Buf with Jo – Mother’s Day ’66 at Baller’s Bar
It's in my blood. There's no doubt in my mind that we were rich when I was a kid. My dad owned "Baller's Bar" when I was in grade school at St. Vincent de Paul. I never understood why my mom wouldn't let me give out "Baller's Bar" pens to all the nuns there. It ...
In the Buf with Jo – No Illusions Reunion
Make no mistake, I AM a Buffalonian. I have now officially lived here longer than my beloved hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia. There's something about WV that never leaves your heart. But that's for another "In the Buf..."
I moved to Buffalo after a two-year stint in early 80s LA working for an independent record promoter named Tony Muscolo (who had grown up on Buffalo's West Side, bt