UKNY For May 2

Is it possible to be heartbroken, but happy for someone at the same time? I'm thrilled that Vin Scelsa has set sail for the next exciting chapter in his life, post-DJ demands, but I'm shattered too: I cannot imagine a New York no longer narrated by his effortlessly cool radio raps, his candid insights, his wry angles on the world, his adventurous, poetic sets and that amazing voice — hearty, mellifluous and comforting at the best of times, and the worst too. Life is free-format at its core — and Vin represents all that is good about being alive.

As Vin's producer for nearly a decade, at WXRK and WNEW-FM in the '90s, I might have gotten very little sleep (faithful listeners recall that Vin's marathon Sunday night shows often stretched way past 2am, nudging to 3), but I had the best job in New York City, next to Vin, of course. Words fail me and emotion takes over when I try to explain just what Vin means to me, as a kind friend, a wise and inspiring mentor, and the closest to a brother I'll ever have. It's because of Vin that I'm at WFUV too; being his colleague here for the past six years has made me twice lucky. So tonight's UKNY at 11 is utterly devoted to Vin: nothing but artists, bands and songs that he loves or that will always make me think of him, ranging from Dusty Springfield to Belle and Sebastian to Sandy Denny. The British connection is there, of course, but it's New Jersey's own Vin who drives tonight's show.

Thank you, dear Vin.