Radio active

If you're a talk-radio fan, you can thank Jerry Williams. If you're not, you can blame the same guy. The late radio personality (above, in 1960), who brought call-in radio to Boston in 1957 went word for word with politicians, veterans, and the Washing Machine Lady (as part of his annual sex survey). You can hear clips and learn about "The Dean" of talk radio tonight at "Burning Up the Air: Celebrating Talk Show Legend Jerry Williams." Authors Steve Elman and Alan Tolz, who wrote a book about Williams called "Burning Up the Air," join WRKO-AM host and Williams protege Howie Carr to talk about the genre and participate in an audience Q&A. 8 p.m. Free (book is $28). Boston University Dance Theater, 915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 617-267-8484. commonwealtheditions.com