THE ROUTE HOSTS MAUREEN RICH AND DAVE KANE ANNOUNCE THEIR RETIREMENT
Maureen Rich, host of “Road to Joy” and Dave Kane, host of “Breakfast with the Beatles” on The Route (WRUR-FM88.5/WITH-FM 90.1) announce today their retirements. Rich took listeners on a musical journey of happiness, comfort, and joy every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. for the past 11 years. Kane shared his vast knowledge of the Beatles with fans on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the last three years.
Maureen Rich joined WXXI in 1995, working in radio operations for WXXI Reachout Radio, a radio reading service for people who are blind or print impaired. After helping to get the station up and running, she began producing award-winning specialty shows on health issues, book reviews, pet care, and elder issues, which were broadcast on radio reading services across the country. Rich was a producer until the radio reading service was phased out due to advancements in technology. She then moved into radio operations, where she scheduled and coordinated on-air content.
In 2014 Rich was asked to fill in for a host on The Route who was taking a leave of absence. After a few months, she was asked to stay on and host her own show, “Road to Joy,” where she has shared her love of music — songs that have made up the soundtrack of her life.
“I am really humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share the ‘Road to Joy’ that has taken me throughout these last years of my time on the radio,” said Rich. “I am retiring from radio, but not music. I’ll never leave the music behind.” She is the lead singer and plays the ukulele in the Tug Hill Band and the Tasty Parker Band, performing at many local venues, including The Little Cafe, Irondequoit Brewing Company, Abilene, and Genesee Brew House. Rich’s last show will air Tuesday, September 9.
Dave Kane hung up his mic in 2021 after 40 years at 96.5 WCMF, but came out of retirement in September 2022 to bring his beloved “Breakfast with the Beatles” show to The Route. The weekly, two-hour program celebrates the art, the influence, and the legacy of the music of The Beatles with Kane taking a deep dive into The Beatles’ expansive catalog, as well as their solo work. Producing more than 100 shows in just three years, Kane gave a historical perspective and discussion on the everlasting impact of the Fab Four every Sunday.
“It's been an extremely fulfilling three years for me, both personally and professionally,” said Kane. “Being able to do this show on The Route and share my and the audience's mutual love of the timeless music of The Beatles has been nothing less than what I consider my 'Retirement Reward!' I am so very grateful.”
In 2019, the Rochester Music Hall of Fame presented Kane with a “Special Merit Award” during the induction of WCMF. He was also nominated for a prestigious “Radio Personality of the Year” Marconi Award and is a six-time nominee for Billboard Magazine’s “Music Director of the Year.” Kane’s last show will air Sunday, August 31.