GORDON, Neb. - People of all ages enjoyed the weather, great food and live music at the Twister Summer BBQ in Gordon this weekend. The Twister, a radio station that serves 14 million acres across Nebraska and South Dakota, is part of NCN’s Flood Communications.

During the event, a live band played dozens of songs, including "Margaritaville." The country classic is one of hundreds of songs longtime radio personality Mitch Gallant knows by heart.

“We had Wolfman Jack on the air. He was on LP—a big record where we had to play four sides,” Mitch said.

Mitch is the operations manager at The Twister. He’s been spinning tracks and sharing stories across 14 million acres of Nebraska and South Dakota since 1990.

“In 1990 we had paper logs that you had to write all the times the commercials and programs were on,” Mitch said,

This weekend Mitch tuned in to his audience in a different way—live and in-person at the Twister Summer BBQ in the Gordon City Park.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet some of the listeners,” Mitch said.

In addition to live music, dancing and door prizes, the picnic in the park also of course featured summer food favorites, like hamburgers and macaroni salad. 

“I think we’re going to play a few games if we can squeeze them in,” Mitch said.

Entertainment that brought out people of all ages, including Judy Dorsey and her son, who’s visiting from California.

“I love it, especially when it’s so nice outside,” Dorsey said.

And just like the age-old way of a handshake to interact with others, radio’s tune is not fading. According to Nielsen's 2023 Total Audience Report, radio remains the most popular media in America, reaching 84% of those 18 and older.

“I know there is a lot of competition and ways to get information, but I don’t know that any are as timely as radio,” Mitch said.

A timely classic, connecting communities—whether it’s Margaritaville or Gordon, Nebraska.