Beginning today, Rich Mars, is back on "weekly" on WMSE.

In January 2005, after 6 1/2 years, Rich Mars ended his morning show on WMSE, 91.7 FM. "The main reason was burn out," he told me.

Since then, he's been substituting, mostly on the Wednesday night 6-9 p.m. shift. "Alternative Farm Rock Show," which is usually hosted by the DJ known as (Hello My Name Is) Richard.

In recent months, Mars has appeared on the show once or twice per month and, in one case, for three weeks in a row. "Richard Stuntebeck finally asked me if I wanted to officially share the slot," said Mars. "I said I think we already are doing that!" he added.

So, after the station's spring membership drive, management figured out a new show for Mars, and "beginning with my appearance this week, I came up with an incredibly snappy show name for the weeks I'm on -- 'City Rock Showgram' in contrast to Richard's 'Farm Rock.' Like "Alternative Farm Rock," the title "City Rock Showgram" is meaningless in terms of the music. I just needed a name for the show," said Mars.

While this is a new weekly show, Mars says it's a "show-sharing" arrangement similar to the "Midnight Radio" show on Tuesday nights, which is co-hosted by Bob Midnight and Radio Dave. "Richard and I will not be on the air at the same time every week -- we will take turns and the goal is that we'll each be on the air about half the Wednesday nights," said Mars.

If you're a Mars' or WMSE fan, here's what to expect. "During the night shift, I rock more than the old morning show but I still can't help but playing some of that quirky stuff like Jonathan Richman and Alex Chilton. I'm happy to be back doing a regular gig and hope to continue spreading the gospel of cool, independent music that's listenable."