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Filling big shoes on Sunday Simcha

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published October 21, 2005

The challenge of replacing a legend can be accompanied by fear and trepidation, but Marc Rosenwasser and Kevin Frye are taking on their new role with excitement, respect and honor.

Rosenwasser and Frye are the new hosts of the Sunday Simcha on WMNF-FM 88.5. The longstanding broadcast airs from noon to 2 p.m. Sundays and is the only media outlet specifically devoted to the Jewish community.

Mike Eisenstadt hosted the show for nearly 20 years. He played different types of Jewish music, including klezmer, Israeli and Hasidic songs, and made the show a clearing house of information for local events and national and international news.

Eisenstadt died Sept. 2 after a battle with lung cancer. Rosenwasser filled in for several weeks, and the station made him and Frye the official hosts earlier this month. They did their first show together Oct. 16.

"We had a great time," Rosenwasser said. "We could tell we were successful because listeners called in and said, "You're having a good time and you're playing great music."'

Although the first broadcast went well, both Rosenwasser and Frye said they realize they have huge shoes to fill. In fact, Rosenwasser said they can't fill Eisenstadt's shoes. The goal is to help the show remain relevant to listeners.

"It's an enormous responsibility because the Sunday Simcha has become a huge part of the Jewish community," Frye said. "We have people call and say, "I haven't heard that since my parents played it on the radio when I was a kid.' It brings the Jewish culture to Tampa Bay."

For Rosenwasser and Frye, accepting the responsibility is easier because they were both friends with Eisenstadt. Frye played trumpet in Eisenstadt's band, a popular choice for bar mitzvahs and weddings.

The new hosts said it's important that all Jews, from reformed members to orthodox member, continue to support the show. They also welcome and enjoy hearing from people outside of the Jewish community.

"I'm amazed at how many people who are not Jewish listen to the show," Frye said. "They listen because the music is cool."

For the pair, today's challenge will not only involve carrying on Eisenstadt's legacy but helping WMNF raise funds. The Sunday Simcha will be part of the community station's annual fundraising drive, and if Rosenwasser and Frye can raise $15,000, WMNF officials will name the station's live music studio after Eisenstadt.

"I like to say when, not if, we meet the challenge," Rosenwasser said. "I'm fairly confident, not because anything special we're going to do, but because of the significant impact Mike Eisenstadt had on the community.

"It'll be the community thanking him."

The station has set up a special phone line for anyone who would like to record their favorite stories about Mike. The number is (813) 238-8001, ext. 616. WMNF will play the messages on air.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden surprised some lucky servers at local restaurants this week.

Florida Department of Citrus has a campaign going that encourages waiters and waitresses to offer orange juice to breakfast diners. If the server offers one of the department's mystery diners, they get a reward.

On Tuesday, servers at Perkins and Denny's near Raymond James Stadium got an extra treat: a Gruden handshake and tickets to the Nov. 13 Washington game.

Speaking of the Bucs, Simeon Rice's Feel The Rush 3 party is still on tonight, despite the expected inclement weather. And after initially being an invitation-only event, it's now open the public.

Tickets for the event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino are $50 and available at www.ticketmaster.com Last year, the party was held on the casino's spacious pool deck. This year, both the pool deck and the casino's ballroom are being used, just in case of bad weather.

Along with Rice, Bucs Michael Clayton and Booger McFarlane and America's Next Top Model winner Naima Mora are expected to attend.

Doors open at 8, and proceeds benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.

[Last modified October 21, 2005, 18:50:11]