Pete Fornatale discusses Woodstock

Each generation has its own "sitting around the radio" memories. When the comedy stars and swing bands of the '30s and '40s yielded the airwaves to rock and roll, the DJs who spun the records became an integral part of their young listeners' lives. But as rock became louder, some disc jockeys became quieter.

Listeners who left the AM dial for the more progressive offerings of FM in the early 1970s may remember Pete Fornatale, who began his professional career at WNEW-FM in 1969. Unlike the AM shouters, Fornatale's style was more low key than high volume.

Fornatale will be discussing his radio career and his new book, "Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock," at the Sachem Public Library on Wednesday, 7 p.m. The event is free. For more information, call 631-588-5024 or visit sachemlibrary.org.