Time Signatures with Jim Ervin

Time Signatures, hosted by Jim Ervin, features conversations with musicians, industry professionals, and others connected to the blues genre. Primarily focused on the blues, the program occasionally delves into other linked genres (ie. jazz, rock, soul, funk). Many of the episodes are recorded before a live audience at various venues in and around Mid-Michigan. The program is presented by the Lansing, Michigan’s Capital Area Blues Society, a non-profit blues organization dedicated to the promotion of, preservation of, and education about the blues. This is also the main goal of Time Signatures: acting as a digital time capsule, capturing moments in time, and providing a platform for future generations to hear the voices of those who have etched their own “signature” into the blues.

J. Ervin Bates, aka ‘Jim Ervin’ has spent more than 10 years in broadcasting as an on-air personality. He began his career in Bay City and Flint before landing in the Greater Lansing area. During his tenure on the local radio dial, his voice could be heard on Oldies 94.1 (WIBM), Country 102 (WILS), Lite Rock 99 (WFMK), and Country 100.7 (WITL). Erv’s passion for music was fostered and developed throughout his formative years, where he was exposed to every music genre from Big Band to Swing, via his maternal grandparents, to Oldies, Classic Rock and Blues, via his late mother. Erv added the 80’s and Gospel to his collection on his own, and then via the influence of his three children, he was exposed and learned to appreciate music of the 90’s, 00’s and beyond. Erv has often said, he finds music to appreciate in all genres, and he allows himself to do just that.

"Keeping the Blues alive is everyone's goal, but preserving the history of the Blues one story at a time is my mission!" (Jim Ervin)