Rita Small / DJ

Rita Small is a passionate bluegrass enthusiast who discovered the genre around 2005. Despite considering herself a relative newcomer to the music, she has embraced it wholeheartedly.

Over a decade ago, Rita received an invitation from a friend to a local public radio station in the Cincinnati area. There, she filled in for a DJ and discovered her love for broadcasting. She teamed up with guitarist Tim Strong to host “Bluegrass in the Valley” on Cincinnati’s WAIF. Their two-hour show aired on Saturday mornings, and they later expanded to a second weekly show on WOBO in Batavia, Ohio, broadcasting on Thursday nights.

Rita’s show welcomes all forms of bluegrass music, from traditional to contemporary. She appreciates both new and established artists, recognizing that each style contributes to the rich tapestry of bluegrass. Her philosophy is “I know it when I hear it,” a sentiment shared by many bluegrass enthusiasts.

When it comes to her favorite bluegrass form, Rita leans toward contemporary bluegrass. Bands like Turning Ground, Balsam Range, and Dale Ann Bradley resonate with her musical sensibilities.