PRINTER'S NO. 2206
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
497
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY PETRARCA, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Designating October 17, 2015, as "Rhythm Sweet & Hot Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The arts play an important role in education, in
reduction of juvenile crime, in economic development, tourism,
quality of life and community revitalization; and
WHEREAS, Rhythm Sweet & Hot is a musical variety program,
heard on WESA 90.5 in Pittsburgh, that entertains audiences by
capturing the essence of musical culture from the 1920s to the
1940s; and
WHEREAS, The program is celebrating over 30 years on air.
Started in 1981 by Ken Crawford, a native of Crafton,
Pennsylvania, and Mike Plaskett, the show is an opportunity for
listeners to hear the well-known, big names of swing and also to
discover the music of nonjazzy "sweet" bands, few of whose
recordings could be found in music stores; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Crawford was well known in music circles for his
vast collection of original records and his many acquaintances
among swing musicians. Mr. Crawford frequently provided his
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
copies of rare records to record companies for inclusion in
vinyl releases; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Plaskett had worked in the promotion departments
at KDKA and WJAS in the 1960s. He also hosted a show for several
years on WNUF, in those days a big band station in Millvale; and
WHEREAS, The two friends joined forces to share their common
love for big band and swing. In 1982, the program moved to WDUQ,
broadcast from Duquesne University and remained there until
2011, when the station was sold; and
WHEREAS, Dale Abraham was a producer for the program in the
late 1990s and later took over the cohost spot after Ken
Crawford's passing in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mike Plaskett and Dale Abraham broadcast the
program live every Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, The show appeals to listeners both young and old who
appreciate the timelessness of the music which many consider the
greatest period in American entertainment; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate October
17, 2015, as "Rhythm Sweet & Hot Day" in Pennsylvania.
20150HR0497PN2206 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19