It’s likely that San Diego musicians have no greater friend than Tim Pyles. Currently the host of FM94.9’s local music showcase, The Local Pyle, over the past decade he has helped local music hit the national spotlight through airplay and show promotion. A perennial presence at area concerts, Pyles’ love of area artists is evident in nearly everything he does. “I’ve only been involved in radio since the late ’90s, but I’ve been into local music way before that,” recalled Pyles. “The first show I saw was Johnny Kat at the Presbyterian Church on the top of Mt. Soledad. That must have been in the late ’70s!” The idea of going into broadcasting soon followed. “With radio, I think my biggest fascination with it involved Dr. Demento’s weekly show,” he recalled. “I listened to his show religiously and even taped it almost every week. I still have quite a few copies of his shows.”In addition to on-air activities, Pyles also promotes a series of free concerts each month at The Casbah, helping to put the spotlight on deserving artists old and new. On Jan. 28 he will host the latest in the series, this time out featuring an eclectic bill of Action Andy & His Haunted Honky-Tonkers and Jezebel, with Barbara Trentalange performing between bands in the Atari Lounge, plus special guests. Making sure the night is a nonstop blur of activity, Pyles will broadcast his radio show live from the back booth at the club, with free food and other giveaways to entice music fans into checking out area talent. “It’s organic as to how I pick the artists to play at these shows, but I love to be able to tie it into a band’s CD release party,” explained Pyles. “Theme shows are also good, so anytime I can work that in, I will,” said Pyles. “Basically, I love supporting local music any way I can. These shows are just one way. But my favorite part is getting these various bands radio support.” He does consider part of the event’s success as being down to The Casbah’s hip reputation. “It’s like CBGB’s was in New York,” he mused. “Now that’s gone. Casbah, never say die!”The number of hit artists emerging from San Diego has risen dramatically over the past decade, and Pyles sees it as a testament to the quality of the artists here, as well as a solid support system backing them. “Our scene, which over the years has given us everybody from Iron Butterfly to Louis XIV, is healthier than ever,” he remarked. “Most of the bands here have no idea how good they have it, what with so much support of local music on local radio and in the other media. KROQ (radio) in L.A., one of the biggest alternative stations in the country, finally has a local show after almost 30 years in the market.” Scott Mercado of Via Satellite, which played in Pyles’ November show, agreed that radio is the key to winning over a bigger audience – with Pyles a big factor in many artists’ success. “Anytime a radio station takes interest in local music, it’s special,” he said. “But Tim Pyles is crucial to San Diego’s music community. He’s Gandalf to our Lord of the Rings.”For his part, Pyles considers himself to still be a just a lucky music fan, albeit one with a good-size radio audience who gets to promote some of his favorite acts. “Music is my life,” he said. “I love when I get chills hearing a new song. It’s magical.”The Local takes place at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Sunday, Jan. 28. For more information, visit www.casbahmusic.com.