Alan Freed, where are ya, baby? Sure, payola killed the Moondog, but now all that ill-gotten lettuce is taking a detour from fat-cat pockets to help promote Rochester music. With money from the New York State Music Fund, WXXI began shooting its live concert/interview show, "On Stage" earlier this year. The fund was set up by the Attorney General's Office from fines imposed on various radio stations caught doing the pay-for-play mambo.

In the spirit of "Austin City Limits," "On Stage" offers an intimate, live performance with Rochester bands from a wide variety of genres. Show host Julia Figueras' brief, between-set interviews give the musicians a platform to explore and explain further, thus giving the audience a deeper appreciation and understanding of the music. This season's final episode with The Hi-Risers was taped last night and was absolutely brilliant.

What can you say about straight-ahead, three-chord, 4/4 rock 'n' roll? Nobody does it better than The Hi-Risers. For those of us nasty, greasy types, the band's wholesome politeness and charm may be a little off-putting; I mean, they're just such genuinely nice guys. However, the way all three brandish their instruments is nothing short of deadly. Greg Townson is the king of the pop song as the entire in-studio audience proved, singing along to everything from "She'll Be My Ruin" to "Wild Romance" to "One Note Joe" where Townson pulled off a one-note guitar solo with more panache and style than most cats get with a furious cascade. Drummer Jay Smay played unmasked and as snappy as his suit. This man drives the band and gives it its shake appeal. And bassist Todd Bradley left his vocal chords in the basement where they boomed on excellent takes on "18 Wheels Of Love" and "Johnny, Jim, And Jack."

The crowd howled, sang along, and unsuccessfully resisted the urge to cut some rug. This is a great band. But like so many great bands in so many great cities, if the great media ain't behind 'em, ain't nobody gonna know about 'em. Hell, I'm doing the best I can. And so is WXXI. My hat's off to 'em.

--- Frank De Blase