MASTERMIND: Rob Reinhart

Born, raised, and educated in Ann Arbor, Rob Reinhart keeps himself so busy, that even if he wanted to leave town; he probably wouldn't have time. If Reinhart's name rings a bell, it's most likely because you've heard him interview hundreds of musical artists on his national syndicated radio program, Acoustic Café. In fact, this June 9th marked the 700th consecutive weekly session of Acoustic Cafe which can be heard on roughly 80 radio stations across the country. In addition to producing, booking artists, selling ads, editing, hosting, and interviewing musicians for the past 13 years; last year Reinhart collaborated with Zingerman's Roadhouse to run Radio Free Bacon, a live, in-person music and variety show. Does the man ever sleep?

Born in 1961 at the U-M hospital, Reinhart is the ultimate native. He went to grade school and high school in Ann Arbor, and of course, college at U-M. Reinhart has never left city, nor sees any reason to ever do so; which isn’t something you hear a lot of Michiganders say these days. 

Reinhart began working in the '80s when he co-owned an ad agency called RM&M. "We wrote and produced radio advertising, a bit of TV and some print," he says of his start in the radio business. "We also did some interesting point-of-purchase audio in the '80s and the coolest thing, syndicated radio morning show comedy bits—for Premiere, Olympia Comedy Networks and ABC Radio Networks through the 90s and into this decade. The comedy was mostly commercial parody," assures Reinhart in his easy-going-manner.  

Eventually, Reinhart ventured out on his own with Acoustic Café, which became a syndicated program in 1995.

Plugged into the unplugged

"The show was born out of a local show I did on WIQB from 1992-94, at the height of the 'Unplugged' boom," said Reinhart. "Acafe," as Reinhart calls it, is a radio program on which musicians perform songs acoustically and take part in interviews with Reinhart. In addition, the show offers up live acoustic concerts or songs from various artists, many of the singer/songwriter type. Reinhart's show has always felt like an intimate experience for the listener, no matter who was playing. 

When asked who some of his favorite guests on Acafe have been in the last 13 years, Reinhart mused; "This is like one of those lines out of 'High Fidelity," teases Reinhart. "It's very hard to do, so let me re-phrase: The two AC guest appearances that I'll remember forever are Willie Nelson and Joan Armatrading." Reinhardt wouldn’t say why but he’s dealt with big egos and nobodies, providing Acafe with an always intriguing guest list. "I love those deep, dark scary artists who turn out to be super nice or kind of geeky," said the Acafe host. "The late Chris Whitley, Michael Hedges and Townes Van Zandt, were all like that. Beck was nothing like I’d imagined!" 

Before Acafe was aired across the country, one of the first five stations to air it was Detroit/Windsor’s CIDR, 93.9 The River. After The River re-launched a few years ago, Acafe got back to its home base (now airing on Sunday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m). It also airs Sunday mornings on 107.1 from 8-10 a.m., and on handfuls of other Michigan and national stations.

Acafe has been such a part of Reinhart's life for so long, it’s almost like his third child; he would never phone it in. Recorded at Big Sky Recording in Ann Arbor, from the beginning Reinhart has done, "pretty much everything," he says, for Acafe. That's a great deal of work and ingenuity. The show is nationally established, which makes Reinhart's job of booking artists a bit easier. "I make the occasional request these days," said Reinhart, "but after 14 years, Acafe has become a part of the regular touring and promotional schedule for artists, labels, publicists…" 

The generation now of today wants instant gratification with everything, including their music. Computers, iPods, and MP3 players have changed the manner in which people listen to music, but so far, it hasn't dampened Reinhart's radio spirit. The fact that the Ann Arbor-based radio show can survive, prosper, and enthuse as long as it has, is no easy feat.

"Mentally [it's] a big problem. I come from an era where radio ruled, and obviously, that's over," stressed Reinhart. "But the problem with the iPod 'revolution' is- no surprise here-that there is absolutely no human connection. And no context, just content. Blah."

Reinhart does get some acknowledgement that kids will still listen to the radio when their iPod is left at home (his son, being one test subject). "Radio still reaches 97% of the population each week. It's free. It's ubiquitous. And you can listen to it while talking to another human being. Try getting a date, directions, medical attention or help of any kind from someone wearing an iPod. You, and they, better know sign language," remarked Reinhart. "Every week I get the 'When will you have a prodcast so I can listen to you more conveniently' question. What nobody understands is that I can't deliver full song performances to an iPod without breaking every copyright law every written!"

That doesn't mean that day won’t ever come, however. 

Makin' bacon

Last summer, Reinhart ventured out of the recording studio to join a team of like-minded individuals to generate an event cheekily titled Radio Free Bacon. The live music/variety program continues this spring and summer on the outside patio of Zingerman's Roadhouse. A few years ago, Reinhart, James Macsay, and Don Levitt  had thrown around the idea of producing some sort of musical experience that was different than anything Ann Arbor has seen (at least in the past few decades). At the same time, two women from the Zingerman's deli were thinking about doing a local radio show about food. The minds got together and wound up with a fabulous team for Radio Free Bacon; another fantastic and unique Ann Arbor event. 

"We all wanted to produce a broadcasting experience that just doesn't happen anymore... Certainly not in a place like A2...," admitted Reinhart. "It's just too damn expensive, so radio stations have just given up. We had to raise the money to make it happen, and now we're makin' it happen." Now every Sunday, from 3 – 5 p.m., performers ranging from a gospel choir, a string quartet or a folk act, will put on their best show at Zingermans. Ann Arbor station WQKL (107.1 FM) picked up Radio Free Bacon. "And it is live, warts and all…," declared Reinhart. 

With Reinhart's longstanding love and duties with Acafe and all of his other various jobs, it's a wonder he has energy come Sunday afternoon for Radio Free Bacon. Occasionally he co-hosts with Carey, but typically does the behind-the-scenes work such as booking the guests and making an outline for each show. Ann Arbor owes a lot to Reinhart; and don't worry—he enjoys all the flattery he can get. Along with his most demanding job of all--raising two boys, ages 6 and 11-- Reinhart also produces and narrates voice-over work at his Ann Arbor home studio (and occasionally in other spots around Metro Detroit), puts his marketing skills to good use as a consulter for non-profit agencies. Oh, and he’s also does some on-camera musician interviews for the Borders Live at 01 webcast series.

We think sleeping must fit in his schedule somewhere.