For decades, jazz lovers in Southwest Alabama tuned to Catt Sirten’s Sunday live jazz brunch show. When Catt died unexpectedly while producing the show, the show died with him. It was August 6, 2023 – the day the music died in Mobile.
Now, officials at 92 Zew (WZEW) have announced that the show is being resurrected. It’s exactly what Catt Sirten would want. I’m certain of that.
The show will be hosted by Mobile attorney Chip Herrington, a 30-year friend of Catt’s and the conductor of the Mobile Big Band, which plays much of the same jazz that Catt played. How appropriate.
The Sunday Jazz Brunch returns starting Labor Day Sunday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will broadcast live from the brunch at Penton’s Bistro, 219 Conti Street in downtown Mobile.
Catt Sirten was one of Mobile’s most beloved and well-known radio hosts for over 40 years on local airwaves. He aired over 2,000 broadcasts, including his Jazz Brunch, Radio Avalon, and Brown Bag in Bienville.
Sirten was instrumental in the formation of Mobile area radio station 92 ZEW.
A jazzy Celebration of Life was held for Sirten at the Saenger Theater. The host was Chip Herrington conducting members of his Mobile Big Band.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler is a freelance writer about the colorful and positive in Alabama — her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
