To provide some context, KPVL was the only local news source for residents after one of the largest and most expensive immigration raids in U.S. history took place in Postville on May 12, 2008. Then-Station Manager Jeff Abbas, whose position I fill with the utmost amount of respect, played a very important role in the community during that time and found himself playing talking-head on NPR, Al-Jazeera English, and CNN, in addition to being quoted in the NY Times. This was very much, and still is, a national immigration news story and KPVL is a small part of that story.
Indie filmmakers Luis Argueta and Vivian Rivas are currently in post-production on abUSed - The Postville Raid, a full length documentary that weaves together the personal stories of the individuals, the families, and the town directly effected by the raid. CLICK HERE to view the film's trailer, which features Mr. Abbas' friendly, well-worn, radio baritone in the introduction piece. Naturally, after losing nearly a third of its residents, the town is unfortunately still struggling and in economic crisis. Another documentary called In the Shadow of the Raid was independently released in Sept. 2009.
The past few years have been hard on KPVL as well, but thanks to a few very dedicated community members & businesses, the station has opened a second studio in downtown Decorah and has received a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that has strengthened its broadcast signal so that it now covers the entire four-county area of northeastern Iowa. Needless to say, this is a very exciting opportunity for me to work full-time leading a community-driven nonprofit organization in an area so unique and rich in culture.Indeed, moving out of the Twin Cities will be somewhat difficult, but the opportunity to utilize the skills and experience I've gained here in a more rewarding and holistic manner is very appealing to me and it overrides the drawbacks of leaving. The opportunity to make a living doing something I am passionate about has always been the ultimate goal for me and, due to a number of legitimate factors, that has eluded me here in the Cities. I am proud of the diverse experiences I've had and also understand the necessity, especially as an entrepreneur, of "wearing many hats", but the back of my ears are a little drier these days (or at least I'd like to think so). This happens to be a time of change / growth for both myself and this station, and with a bit of luck, who knows, maybe in a few years--and in a better economy--I'll be well-suited for return to MPLS under more favorable circumstances.
With all that said, I can't say I won't miss living in the state I've resided in for my entire life. For example, MN's unprecedented arts initiatives like the Arts & Cultural Legacy Amendment and our tireless support & advocacy organizations like Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Springboard for the Arts, and the various Regional Art Councils, make the Twin Cities and whole state a one of a kind locale (for young people particularly) to pursue a career in the arts and have contributed to the region's emerging national reputation as haven for the arts and culture industry. I know there has got to be folks on both the coasts marveling at the political cunning involved in how cultural leaders secured dedicated arts funding for the next 25 years by getting it written into Minnesota's state constitution by joining forces with the NRA and other hunting, conservation, and wildlife leaders in a ballot initiative that passed in '08 by a wider margin than Obama beat McCain in MN. Minnesota gets it done and knows how to party.
So even though I'll still be in & out of the area (I will continue my Driftless Music series at the Acadia Cafe on the third Friday of every month), I want to personally thank the following Twin Cities-based groups / individuals for their unyielding support over the past two years: the local arts and music professionals involved in the nascent Minnesota Music Coalition; the dedicated board & volunteers of the Diverse Emerging Music Organization; the staff of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; Noah & Laura at Springboard for the Arts; Sue & Chris at McNally Smith College of Music; Ted, Deb, & Christian at Acadia Cafe; Bob Burns & everyone involved with the Metro Regional Arts Council; Barbe Marshall at Sample Night Live; Ozzy, Josh, and the old Limerick crew; my friends in the Skull & Poems Literary Society; my dear friends in The Brilliant Beast; my new friends in Imaginary Jack; Bryan & Neil in Koo Koo Kanga Roo; Aaron at MNska; Eli at Qwerkshop Photography; and the countless amount of independent musicians I've been fortunate enough to book, promote, or work with.
A few people have already told me some variant of "I didn't know you were interested in radio" and my answer is usually "Neither did I!" Sure, I guess I spent time working for my college radio station, happen to be a regular listener of the Current, and currently produce a regular podcast, but I'm sure there were other people interested in this job that had a stronger "radio background". What appealed to the station about me is similar to what appeals to me about the station: The chance for me to utilize my marketing, arts admin, and entrepreneurial experience to engage an entire community and build up a member-supported music non-profit, integral to the culture and economy of the region. Radio, or our programming, happens to be the medium for me. Being a trusted content filter, an independent voice for volunteers & the community, the local news source, the sound of familiar tunes, the rare service of eclectic niche programming, the wisdom and expertise of regional characters & leaders, and lots & lots of homegrown music. The creative possibilities are seemingly endless...
So with all due respect (and deference) to the career experts, I believe I can develop the technical expertise necessary for this job with a little initiative, some hard work, and endless amounts of research, trial, & error. From web design to graphic design, from audio engineering to all the technical work I did working in the St. Mary's iT Dept; I have consistently been able to familiarize myself this sort of technology. In fact, some training / learning has already fell into place: Radio K Program Coach Amy Daml has graciously agreed to give me a tour of station's facilities in the coming weeks and I'll also be attending the National Federation of Community Broadcasters annual conference on June 9-12, which "just happens" to be hosted by KFAI this year at the Crowne Plaza in downtown St. Paul.As for this community I speak of, a few people have also pointed out to me over the past few months that "the Twin Cities is not in the Driftless Region" :) or even suggested that by naming this blog "Driftless Music" I may unconsciously have a wish to return to the region...and I guess I don't dispute either of those claims. My roots in the area, the connections I've maintained, and my continued fascination with the landscape & culture there all have a significant pull on me.
I'm looking forward to working with, meeting, re-connecting with, getting to know better, partnering with, doing business with, and otherwise interacting with the following groups / individuals: Michelle Lynn & Adam Ptacek; Brahman Shaman; Amalia Vagts; Joe & Vicki Price; James Lieder; Cori Waters; Kevin Walsh; Sustainable Decorah / Decorah WE CAN; Oneota Community Food Co-op; Benji & Aryn of Inspire(d) Media; Seed Savers Food Exchange; David Cavagnaro with the Pepperfield Project; Beth at Lutheran Summer Music Program; Paul at DecorahNews.com; Jordan with Recession Fest 2010; Lea & Kristen at Art Haus; Liz at DecorahNow.com; Oneota Film Festival; Jason at Blue Brain; Rusty at Kephart's Music; the NE Iowa Community Benefits Alliance; The Spectrum Network; Agora Arts; Vesterheim; the Windemere Institute; The Center for Regenerative Society; and anyone in NE Iowa that is passionate about music, art, culture, or community.
I don't start at KPVL until May 3 and have am involved with several events here in Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the month of April. Come enjoy some local music with me!
- April 16th - Driftless Music Showcase at Acadia Cafe feat. True Mutiny, Melissa Czarnik, Forever Erratics, Ruben, and Zach Johnson. 8pm No Cover All Ages.
- April 22nd - DEMO "Girl Power Super Show 1" at Acadia Cafe feat. The Changeups, The Planktonics, Michelle Lynn, Sasha Mercedes, and Debra Hadraba. 8pm $5 Donation All Ages.
- April 23rd - DEMO "Girl Power Super Show 2" at St Paul Eagles Club feat. Aquafox, Pogmatone, Half Demon Doll, Michelle Lynn, and the Screaming Cherry Blossom(s). 7pm $5 Donation 18+
- May 1st - DEMO & KFAI present: North by Midwest Music Fest on the Palace Stage at Wild Tymes feat. Patches & Gretchen, Red Flags, Middle States, The Brilliant Beast (EP release show!), and Al Grande. 8pm No Cover 18+.
Best,
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P.S. any PSA / radio promoters looking to contact me should e-mail me at 891kpvl@gmail.com or call 563-382-6920. DO NOT promote your programming to my driftless e-mail address.
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