Longtime Pittsburgh 'Soul Show' returns to airwaves this weekend

WYEP’s loss is WZUM’s gain.

WZUM, an independent nonprofit jazz radio station, announced it will begin airing the “Soul Show,” with its longtime host Mike Canton returning to the airwaves and producing the show as well.

The “Soul Show” will be broadcast Saturdays from 2-5 p.m., after the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, on 101.1 FM, 88.1 FM and AM 1550. The program presents R&B, jazz fusion and other related genres in its weekly mix.

The “Soul Show” was carried for 27 years on 91.3 FM WYEP, a Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation station. The show had been hosted by Canton for the last 13 years before it was abruptly canceled at the end of August.

“The ‘Soul Show’ continues and is now back on the Pittsburgh airwaves,” Canton said. “I have admired the mission of Pittsburgh Public Media since its inception, and it is an honor to be part of the programming team. Also, my goal is always to preserve the legacy of the ‘Soul Show’ founders, my friends Don Patterson and Stef Chatman. Onward and forever.”

WZUM General Manager Scott Hanley said he was excited to welcome Canton and his program to the station.

“We and Michael have often crossed paths and shared interests in supporting the scene in Pittsburgh. This chance to collaborate and create even more synergy is a great opportunity all around,” Hanley said.

Pittsburgh Public Media President and CEO Chuck Leavens said the “Soul Show” will fit in well with WZUM’s other programming.

“The music of the “Soul Show” is very jazz-adjacent and the artists and local activities that Michael shares on his program have a great deal of crossover with WZUM’s mission in the region,” Leavens said.

The station broadcasts from Braddock and operates primarily with the financial support of its listeners.