Family and Friends pay tribute to Dave Rogers during Offbeat Roadhouse
By WTJU
Date: 08/07/2026
Time: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dave Rogers, known on-air and beyond as Professor Bebop, passed away on July 6, 2026. For a half century, he was a fixture of WTJU and the whole community. By day, Dave spent decades working as a public school teacher and then principal. By night, he transformed into Professor Bebop, sharing fantastic music with his trademark on-air presence every Friday night.
Coming up this Friday night in place of Offbeat Roadhouse, WTJU’s signature concert series, family and close friends of Dave Rogers will share both memories as well as a few musical selections which remind them of Professor Bebop’s almost five decades on air. This will be available to listen to at 91.1FM, online at wtju.net, and via WTJU’s app. An all new Offbeat Roadhouse returns August 14 with Valerie McQueen.
Offbeat Roadhouse is supported by The Happy Cook in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. For nearly 50 years The Happy Cook has provided culinary inspiration for novice cooks, professional chefs, or those who just love to entertain. Learn more at THE HAPPY COOK DOT COM.
Dave Rogers shared his passion, his knowledge, his talents, his joy, and his whole self. He improved the lives of thousands of people in Charlottesville and beyond.
A celebration of Dave Rogers will be held at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, Virginia, at 3 p.m. on August 8, 2026.
Contributions in his name may be made to WTJU, Hospice of the Piedmont, Blue Ridge Respite, or Virginia Organizing.
