Maricopa DJ Takes the Airwaves for Texas Radio, Boosting Funds for Youth Music Education

In a remarkable career shift, Donald Forrest, an individual once entrenched in military and municipal roles, has embraced a new path as an internet rock ‘n’ roll DJ. Known on air as Don Jr., he now serves Texas-based The Big Beat FM from his home studio in Homestead North.

This shift marks Forrest’s first venture into radio broadcasting, a role he has taken on enthusiastically for just one month. “I’m loving it,” he stated, highlighting his enjoyment of the creative process.

The nonprofit station aims to maintain the freeform style of broadcasting while promoting music education for children. As a volunteer, Forrest reflects the station’s communal spirit, noting, “We play a wide variety of rock music, everything from Marvin Gaye to AC/DC and everything in between.”

Forrest emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “We encourage people to become monthly or yearly donors. That helps us to pay the bills as we have to pay royalties, and it costs money for the program that we use to store our music.” His commitment extends to supporting the Save the Music Foundation.

As part of a dedicated team of 10 DJs, all broadcasting from home, Forrest is contributing to a cause that educates middle school students in music arts. He explained, “For every $500 the station raises, four middle school students are educated in the musical arts for an entire year.”

With 26 years of military service and a background in municipal work in Clayton, Missouri, Forrest has transitioned to this role with the help of his modest home studio, where a simple microphone and computer enable him to connect with audiences.

“I have never DJed before, but they could tell I had a voice for radio and the musical knowledge based on being a musician,” he shared. His extensive knowledge allows him to curate the station’s music catalog, which boasts around 8,000 songs.

Listeners interested in supporting the station can do so by selecting donation options that fit their budget on the station’s website.