Radio enthusiasts celebrate ‘Golden Age’

Eastsiders looking to take a trip down memory lane may have the opportunity to do just that as part of the Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound’s Showcase 2012, taking place June 22-24 at the Bellevue Coast Hotel in downtown Bellevue.

Eastsiders looking to take a trip down memory lane may have the opportunity to do just that as part of the Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound’s Showcase 2012, taking place June 22-24 at the Bellevue Coast Hotel in downtown Bellevue.

In it’s 20th year, the old-time radio showcase aims to celebrate the classic storytelling of the “Golden Age of Radio,” by way of first person accounts from the people who lived, breathed and starred in classic radio programs.

In addition to panels, interviews and discussions with some of the top radio talents of yesteryear, the convention will feature reenactments by a number of noteworthy radio performers: Bob Hastings (“McHales Navy”), Don Hastings (“As The World Turns”), Frank Ferrante (as Groucho), Larry Albert (“Imagination Theatre”), Bob Hudson (“Little Orphan Annie”), Terry Moore (Come Back Little Sheba) and Beverly Washburn (Star Trek) – to name a few.

Also attending this year’s conference is radio and television star Gloria McMillan. Known for her portrayal of Harriet Conklin in the television version of “Our Miss Brooks,” McMillan got her start on KGW radio in Portland, Ore.

Her radio credits include appearances on The Lux Radio Theatre, The Great Gildersleeve, The Jack Benny Program, The Baby Snooks Show, and Meet Corliss Archer.

A highlight for convention-goers each year, attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the Showcase Store, a go-to for those seeking a variety of classic radio memorabilia: autographed items, books, records and posters, as well as MP3s, CDs and DVDs of classic shows.

The weekend will also include a dinner and brunch with the stars, at which attendees can mingle with some of the showcase’s special guests.

The Showcase Store, located in the Evergreen Room at the  Bellevue Coast Hotel is open to the public and registration to Showcase 2012 is not required to drop in and visit the store.

For more information, and to register for the convention, go to repsshowcase.com.