DJ Ralph Trilli to Bring Motown Sounds to Monessen City Park Series

Last Updated on Friday, 29 August 2014 13:55

His participation in the free entertainment series at City Park in Monessen on Sunday, September 7 will be a homecoming of sorts for Ralph Trilli.

"We are very pleased that Ralph will be here to enhance the series of programs at City Park," said Monessen councilwoman Patricia Foster Bukowski of the committee coordinating events at the revitalized amphitheater at the park. "We would encourage Monessen residents to welcome him home and enjoy an afternoon of great music and fun."

Trilli, co-host of Cruisin' Sunday on WJPA in Washington, will present Motown Sounds from 2 to 5 p.m. at the September 7 event, which is free and open to the public.

"We had numerous requests for a Motown celebration at our first session at the amphitheater," Bukowski. "Ralph will answer those requests in a big way."

The initial event was a Doo-Wop gathering featuring oldies from the 1950s and '60s with DJ Dennis Wince. Between 250-275 people were in attendance.

Trilli began his DJ career as a protégé of the late Jim "J.D. The D.J." Dudas in March 1983 at WESA in Charleroi. He continued that affiliation when Dudas until his death in August 2011 and made a transition to WJPA in 2000 after WESA and the station went off the air.

In addition to the regular Sunday program, which also features oldies, Trilli also presents special shows on such holidays as Labor Day and the Fourth of July. His annual countdown is featured on New Year's Day and involves a marathon of music and special contests for the listeners.

Trilli also takes his talents on the road for oldies dances at clubs, fire halls and other sites in the region; class reunions, car shows and other events.

He is the regular DJ for the successful oldies dances at the Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department's social center.

The amphitheater committee is headed by Matt Shorraw, president; Jackie Pierce, vice president; Karla Spangler, secretary; and Karen Lewitsky, treasurer. Other committee members include Delmar Hepple; Val Weible; and Dennis Wince. Lucille D'Alfonso and Pat Bukowski are the liasons from the Monessen City Council.