Hometown boy still spinning the tunes
IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City Summer Fest brought both residents and visitors to the downtown area, many of whom renewed friendships as well as making new friends.
On the Saturday of the Summer Fest, an Imlay City, native returned home, albeit for a few hours.
Tony LaBrie, a disc jockey for Banana 101.5, set up shop near the intersection of Third Street and Main, spinning tunes for the local crowd and his faithful listeners on the station.
LaBrie said he was glad to be back in Imlay City doing what he loves.
“It’s great to be back in Imlay City,” he said in an interview. “I graduated from Imlay City in 1992 and started playing in bands. I quickly found out I was not that skilled and still wanted to stay involved with music, so I went to Specs Howard (communication college).”
After his graduation from Specs Howard in 1995, LaBrie went to work in Port Huron spinning tunes from the oldies and country and later went to Wings 103 in Lapeer. He has spent the past 25 years in Flint at Banana 101.5.
“Back in the day, it was radio station vs. radio station for having the best programming,” LaBrie recalled. “Now, in 2026, it’s every platform you can think of going against each other. The industry has changed so much. It’s a heck of a ride and I love it and plan to keep doing it as long as I can.”
Through his years of working the industry, LaBrie says he has had numerous opportunities to see top rated artists.
“We’ve been fortunate to have The Machine Shop in Flint where a lot of artists have come through, including some big names,” he recalled. “I was also able to fly to New York to introduce AC DC at a concert. That was an awesome experience.”
The Imlay City native said his station was recently at the Eastern Michigan State Fair, although he was not one of the crew that came to the fair. He was happy to return to Imlay City.
“It’s home,” he said. “My family has been involved in the community for years. My mom retired from Churchill Insurance and we lived right in town. It’s a blast to be back.”
