HARTFORD, CT - After 13 years, 634 weekly programs, 34,266 songs and 309 interviews, Beef Stew is bringing his Sunday Night Blues radio program on The Rock 106.9 WCCC to a close. His last show will air at 6:00pm on February 24th.

Beef Stew said, "It’s been a great run. I've made a lot of friends and I'm very grateful. However, after 13 years it's time to create something new for myself and my family. This is totally my decision and in no way reflects upon 106.9 WCCC. They are my friends and always will be."

Stew was already on air at the legendary 50,000-watt rock station in 1995, when he began his program with only 1-hour on Sunday nights. His mix of contemporary and classic blues-rock, interviews and contests, combined with an irreverent, good-time attitude clicked with New England radio listeners. Sunday Night Blues became a hit and expanded to 6 hours, consistently landing in the top ratings spot.

Beef Stew (Stew Crossen) has over 40 years in the Connecticut music scene. At age 7, Stew began playing guitar and drums. He was in several bands and studied drums privately at The Hartford Conservatory. More than a musician, Stew also took home 3 awards as a Cable TV show host/producer and worked for 6 major radio stations in Connecticut. He also owned several businesses and raised a family. This month, Stew received a 2008 KBA award for radio from The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN.

So, what’s he going to do now? He’s got a lot on his plate. Stew plans to stay on with Marlin Broadcasting at their Classical Music station Beethoven Radio (WCCC AM1290, 106.9 WCCC FM HD2, www.Beethoven.com ) which he helped launch in 2000. Outside of radio, Stew produces voice-over and audio projects for a variety of clients and teaches voice-over at Manchester Community College. He hopes to launch a radio talk show, finish a children’s book and record several original songs.

Beef Stew added, “I'm going to miss my Sunday night radio home at WCCC. I'll miss the listeners and advertisers who made my job the best job in the world. And thanks to my radio family at The Rock 106.9 WCCC for 13 years of support and friendship.”