The clock strikes 9 p.m. and the on-air light shines a deep red. The small, crowded room falls quiet as the man behind the microphone leans forward and announces his welcome to “The Garage.”

“The Garage,” a radio show on 105.1 Channel Q hosted by Tony Tarbox, features an hour of music from regional and local artists.

In its second year of production, “The Garage” has helped numerous local bands promote their music by gaining exposure through the radio.

Tarbox said he wanted to do the show because, at the time of its creation, there wasn’t a diverse local music show on the radio where you could put two bands from very different genres right next to each other.

Stephen Beck, junior in chemical engineering, said he has heard the show a number of times and enjoys listening to local music.

“Things like ‘The Garage’ are good ways to expose myself to new stuff I may not have heard before,” Beck said.

“Listeners can benefit from a locally formatted show such as ‘The Garage,'” Beck said. “Not only are listeners exposed to the talent hidden in their own town but they can also hear a band on ‘The Garage’ and decide if they want to see them live.”

Tarbox said the show not only allows him to stay current with the local music scene, but also broadens bands’ fan bases and gives them a chance to share their creativity.

“‘The Garage’ is a way to showcase what you are doing, all the hard work you put into each of your songs, and allows that to go over the airway,” he said.

Eddie Buntenbach, drummer for local band Innerelement, has been on the show several times and says being on ‘The Garage’ is a great opportunity and has allowed his band to network with other bands, promote shows, and expose its music to new audiences.

Tarbox said sometimes he has two bands in the studio on one night and, because of that, different bands have networked and formed friendships that may not have happened if it weren’t for the diverse nature of the show.

“‘The Garage’ makes you feel like a rock star,” Buntenbach said. “It gives you that local Midwest feeling that you’re doing something good.”

Despite his gratitude for the show, Buntenbach said he wishes ‘The Garage’ could play more music than the 12 songs the one-hour show can fit.

“The Garage” isn’t the only radio show to feature local musicians. Lazer 103.3 in Des Moines hosts a radio show called “Lazer’s Local Licks” which features regional and local musicians.

Now with both shows, Iowa musicians may finally start getting the attention they feel they deserve.