Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Her Voice Still Haunts Me...In a Good Way

by Doug MacRostie

The band name Roma Di Luna translates to 'Gypsies of the Moon' - the name is a mish-mash of different languages and cultures; 'Roma' references the gypsy life-style and the sound in Eastern European folk music, and 'Di Luna' meaning 'the moon' in European and American cultures. This combining of cultures and styles serves as a perfect name to represent the unique and exciting sound that is Roma Di Luna, who take influences from all over the world and combine them into a new style of folk song story telling.

I am very excited to have Channy and Alexei Moon Casselle of Roma Di Luna on Centerstage MN this Thursday night at 6 on KAXE. Husband and wife, Alexei and Channy are the songwriting core of RDL. When I heard their debut release Find Your Way Home back in 2007 I was floored - such moving and compelling vocals with a genuine, bare-bones style of 'new old music.' For their latest release Casting the Bones they expanded to a full band which only served to enhance and elevate the sound further into new sonic territory. Channy's beautifully haunting vocals combined with Alexei's songwriting create a truly original sound that I look forward to talking with them about.

I've also got music from the highly anticipated Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank album Traveling Show which can be pre-ordered at HoboNephews.com. They definitely have a good thing going on and their new CD will be vying for my "MN Album of the Year."

Also, Mason Jennings forthcoming release Blood of Man has arrived at the KAXE Studios, and we'll hear a song off that. Mason has turned up the rock on this new album, but still has his distinct sound and style.

If you missed last weeks show, use these links to listen to my conversation with John Wozniak of Marcy Playground about the new CD Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage and you can listen to my conversation with Matt Ray and Rich Mattson about I.R.O.M.A. and the music scene on the Iron Range.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Bloom & Doom: A Flurry of Phenology

The Phenology Show w John Latimer is almost 26 years old, covering the nature of our area. Or, as John says, "the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate." Phenology is a great example of the high quality, local program produced at KAXE.

This week on Phenology Plus we heard about the crashing Moose population in north-western MN with an unbelievable population decline: 20 years ago there were over 4000 Moose, today the number is estimated to be 84! Very sad news about such a majestic creature. Wildlife biologists aren't sure why this is happening and the research is ongoing; you can help by reporting any Moose sightings to the DNR by clicking here. Mark Johnson is a the Executive Director of the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association and he talked with us about what he learned, click here to listen to that conversation.

A related issue is diseases that are carried by a rising Deer population that are deadly for Moose. The increased Deer population also has an effect on White Pine stands. Click here to listen to our converstaion with retired Forester Keith Matson; we asked if you can have Deer and White Pine too?

You can also use the following links to listen to John Latimer's Phenology Report & Phenology Talkbacks, and John and Harry Hutchins talking about the wild life they've observed during this late summer/early fall during A Talk on the Wild Side.

You can listen to previous episodes, get real time Phenology updates from John Latimer, check out nature videos and pictures and more at The Phenology Page at www.KAXE.org.

This Saturday on "Between You and Me"

By Jennifer Poenix

With Heidi Holtan on vacation in Alaska, Maggie Montgomery and I will be your hosts this Saturday on "Between You and Me." We'll be teaming up on a subject near and dear to both of our hearts: The Beatles!

We'd love to hear your stories, favorite songs, and anything else you want to talk about regarding the Beatles.

You can always leave your comments ahead of time by e-mailing comments@kaxe.org, or calling the Talkback Line: 218-999-9876, or you may join us live during the show by calling 218-326-1234.

"Between You and Me" is our Saturday morning mix of music and conversation, from 10am-noon.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Now Hear This! Recent Audo Highlights from KAXE

At KAXE.org we have twitter updates, YouTube videos, a photo album, 24 hour live stream AND audio highlights like:

All Things Equine and Horse Driving Today
Bobbi talked with Gloria Austin on Modern and Traditional Driving in America today. Gloria reviewed the similarities and differences between modern and traditional types of driving and spoke of the venues for each with explanation of competitions including the upcoming WEG (World Equestrian Games) driving competition. She also talked about types of classes and turnouts and about how to get started in driving. Hear more at All Things Equine.

Daddy's 10 Fishing Commandments
Robert Saxton, 'The Mini-Van Man," shared this audio essay on fishing culture with us on RealGoodWords, about taking his 3 kids out fishing earlier this summer.


Why Aren't You Naked on the Cover?
John Wozniak of Marcy Playground about the new album Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage from Centerstage MN w Doug MacRostie. Marcy Playground: http://www.marcyplayground.com/


Stereotypical Northern MN BWCA Discussion
Regular contributor Aaron Brown penned this radio satire for Between You and Me on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Check out Aaron's blog at www.minnesotabrown.com



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Green Smoothie Challenge


Today on the Morning Show the topic was health. It went from exercise to wellness to making livable communities to green smoothies.

Geri
stopped by and talked about her 40 day Green Smoothie Challenge - along with Jamie ... the most hard core green smoothie drinker around!

What's in a green smoothie you ask? ANYTHING you like. I made one today that had swiss chard, carrot tops, raspberries, banana and yogurt in it. Packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Plus I had to trudge to the garden for most of the ingredients (the banana tree is not in bloom yet) so I got some exercise to boot.

Here's a green smoothie recipe to try from Geri's blog:

1 cup spring salad mix
1 cup green tea
3 very ripe peaches
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup ground pecans
2 cups pure juice (I made this in my juicer: 2 apples, 2 pears, 2 kiwi)

If you do not have a juicer, any 100% juice is a good choice.

Report Your Moose Sightings

We talked with Mark Johnson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, about what he learned as a member of the "Moose Advisory Committee". The Minnesota moose population is facing a lot of biological and natural threats, and has seen sharp declines in the Northwestern part of the state. While the decline has not been as dramatic in Northeastern Minnesota, biologists and others interested in moose populations are still concerned.

Mark indicated that we have a lot to learn about what is affecting the population, and one of the ways that you can help is to report your moose sightings on a special website. Please log your sighting(s) at http://www.nrri.umn.edu/moose/general/sightings.html

Read more about what's happening to moose in Northeastern Minnesota on the "Moose in Minnesota" website.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

"The Cup" Comes to Grand Rapids



by Scott Hall

The Stanley Cup, professional hockey's championship trophy, came to Grand Rapids Wednesday, August 19th. Grand Rapids native, Alex Goligoski, is a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, this year's champions. Alex graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 2004, and played three years with the Gophers before signing with the Penguins. Hundreds of kids and families stood in line for hours to have their picture taken with Goligoski and the Cup. Here Zach Stejskal poses with the Cup, and Sydney Watland and Katherine Roy got Goligoski's autograph and souvenir pucks and sticks.





Alex signed autographs and posed for pictures non-stop.

Click here to see the pix in our Online Photo Album.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I'll Ask, "Why Aren't You Naked on the Cover?"

by Doug MacRostie

The first time I picked up an electric guitar I was 12 years old (I think)...it was my Uncles "Terminator" (that's all I remember of the name, my cousin might remember the brand...it had a built in speaker that got nice and distorted if you turned it up loud enough :D). Back in high school, one of the albums I sat in my room and learned all the songs on was the self-titled Marcy Playground. Not just "Sex and Candy", but amazing tunes like 'A Cloak of Elven Kind" and "Opium" (one of the best songs EVER). The unique sound and style continued to evolve on Shapeshifter (1999) and MP3 (2004). But I think my favorite album from Marcy Playground is the new release Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage, and I am SO excited to have John Wozniak on Centerstage MN this Thursday night at 6 to talk about it.

Guitarist and singer with Marcy Playground, John Wozniak's songwriting for the Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage is his most personal to date. Seriously, I want to ask him why he didn't put himself naked on the cover! There is lost love, found love, self-reflection and pure emotion presented with John's trademark soft-yet-intense vocals & melodic music which twists and jumps through life's experiences through the eyes of John. Marcy Playground songs often sound sad, but hopeful; and I'll ask John about his inspiration for songwriting, where the music comes from and what it's like opening yourself up and sharing in such a personal way.

I'll also be talking with Matt Ray and Rich Mattson, founding members of the Iron Range Original Music Association (I.R.O.M.A.), a non-profit group of musicians working to support and promote original music on Minnesota's Iron Range, where there is a blossoming and growing movement of original music.

We'll also hear new music from the Above the Earth EP by If You Will, an alternative rock trio from St. Paul. Their music ranges from hard-edged rock to progressive-roots music, which is why I'll be playing it along with Bemidji's Uncle Shurley, the areas foremost interpretive roots/rock band :D And, I'll play a song from Roma Di Luna's latest release Casting the Bones, a wonderfully unique and orginal form of roots and Americana music. As their website says, "we make new old music." Tune in for this preview of next week's episode, when I talk with Alexei Moon-Cassell from Roma Di Luna.

And here is a little exciting news for you (or ME)! Most of my interview with The Brothers Burn Mountain has been published in American Songwriter - a 25 year old national publication :D, how cool is that?!?! A BIG thanks to Brian Skinness from Terrapin Station for writing the article and originally introducing me to The Brothers Burn Mountain - an exceptional experimental duo.

If you missed it last week, click the links to hear live music and conversation with Amy & Adams, and Les Crawford talking about EvTAP (Eveleth Venues in Technology, Art and Performance).

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Double Raspberry Pie recipe

Baked (9 in.) pastry shell
1 cup crushed raspberries (about 2 c. whole)
4 T water
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 T all-purpose flour
1-2 cups whole raspberries
Put the crushed berries in a medium-sized saucepan. Add water and let come to a boil. Add sugar that has been mixed with flour. Cook until thick. Cover pie shell with whole berries. Pour cooked berries over whole berries in the pastry shell. Cool and serve with whipped cream.....and coffee. :)

Thanks to Kristen for her recipe!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Guido's Arts Round-Up



>by Steve Downing

Bemidji: Bemidji Community Art Center: “Reveal” by Heidi Holtan & John Bauer, photo-portraits & stories, as powerful an exhibit as you’ll ever see & hear, hitting the road now, @ BCAC through 8/29. More art at Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub, Gallery North, Wild Hare, Bad Cat, and elsewhere---it is Bemidji.

Brainerd area: benefit wine tasting tonight 8/13 @ 4:30 for the Crossing Arts Alliance @ Prairie Bay in Baxter w/food, music & art. Saturday 8/15 @ 6:30 the Crosslake Outdoor Music Series continues w/Boss Grant Johnny Cash Review in Town Square. Next Saturday 8/22: the Squires Band. Sunday 8/16 @ 7 the Summer Concert Series in Staples presents Eric Neznik @ Northern Pacific Park or Centennial Auditorium if it’s raining. Note: the “Lakes Bluegrass in Pine River” program scheduled for 8/27-8/30 has been cancelled. brainerd.com

In Crosby tonight 8/13 @ 6: Cayuna Range Music in the Park. Tomorrow 8/14 @ Terrapin Station in Nevis @ 8: Greg Herriges, who’ll also be in Virginia @ the Lyric Center @ 7 Saturday 8/15. In Walker next week 8/20-8-22 it’s Cajun Fest 2009 under the Big Top @ Northern Lights Casino 11 a.m.-10 p.m. all 3 days.

Ripple River Gallery near Deerwood: Bob & Amy have an exhibit up now by Charles Beck, the woodcut master, opened yesterday 8/12 & runs through 9/13---reception this Sunday 8/16. Classes the next two Saturdays: 8/15, pastels w/Denise Bunkert & 8/22 basketry w/ Tina Fung Holder.

Jaques Art Center/Aitkin: now through 8/22 the 4th Annual Plein Air Event exhibit. Up next: “What’s So Funny?”---the fine art of cartooning---exhibit & events 8/28-10/3. Brown bag lunch next Thursday 8/20 @ noon.

Edge Center/Bigfork: this Saturday, 8/15 @ 7, the Piano Bar Event, on stage, music to dance to (think “Stardust” & “Sentimental Journey” & “Misty”) by the Northern Lights Trio. Saturday 8/22: folk music w/John Perkins. Sunday, 8/30 @ 2: Expressions Concert, featuring area youth. In the gallery through 9/5: “Threads of Art: Explorations of Textiles”, a group show by some of the best fabric artists around here. Friday 8/21: Wine in the Wilderness, a wine-tasting fundraiser at Richie’s in Marcell.

Lyric Center for the Arts/Virginia: (besides Greg Herriges) in the gallery, “From the Woods”, watercolors & field drawings by Bonnie DuFresne through 8/29. First Mondays on the First Stage: spoken-word-art @ 6:30.

MN Discovery Center/Chisholm: “Scoop on Poop” for another 3 weeks. Tomorrow 8/14 it’s the Dweebs @ 8:30 (doors open @ 7). On 8/22 @ 2: the Golden Dragon Acrobats. Tuesday through Sunday during the summer the Iron Range History Players do 3 short interactive shows on the history of northeastern Minnesota.

Range Creative Art Center/Hibbing: summer art camp 8/24-8/28 for kids in grades 3-7. And check out their website, where the Featured Artist right now is Jeff Warner: some very powerful photos of postwar Bosnia & Croatia, especially Sarajevo.

MacRostie Art Center/Grand Rapids: 17th Annual Juried Exhibit through 8/31. Juried work in the MacRostie Gallery, juror Jordan Acker Anderson’s work in the Minnesota Gallery (big bold bright paintings). Sponsored by Grand Rapids State Bank. macrostieartcenter.org

Brewed Awakenings: tomorrow 8/14 @ 5:30 a drop-in writers workshop w/Nathan Bergstadt. In the gallery Kelly Urevig. Wednesday 8/19: jazz w/Sam Miltich & friends @ 5:30. Thursday 8/20: jazz w/Jon Dallas & Pat Downing.

Friday & Saturday (8/14 & 8/15): “2 on 4th”, a show & sale by Donna LaBeau & Glenna Olson at their studios across the street from one another on NW 4th AV in Grand Rapids, the 1200 block, (Fri. 3-7, Sat. 10-5, 218.326.6167) and the “3rd Annual Art in the Garden Show”, 6 miles north on the Scenic Highway (follow the yellow flags) featuring work by Joan Beech, Mary Augustyn & Stephanie Stevens (Fri. 10:30-6, Sat. 10-2:30, 218.245.3994).

At the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center tonight 8/13 it’s the Itasca Orchestra & Strings Program’s summer concert @ 7---free!---several different groups, large and small, of youth, although Itasca Orchestra staff will be joining the kids for certain numbers. “Indies on Tuesdays” only has two more screenings @ 7:30 both nights, “In Love We Trust” 8/18 & “Under the Bombs” 8/25, the films provided by the Grand Rapids Area Library, underwriting by Rivers Italian. reifcenter.org

Out of town: the New York International Fringe Festival opens tomorrow 8/14 and runs through 8/30. 200 theatre companies from all over the world---and some of them look to be from parallel universes. 20 different venues all across the city, including parking lots and bridges. Some of it’s even free. www.fringenyc.org

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

A Spider in Your Guitar... or Just Happy to See Me?

by Doug MacRostie

Trying to fit bands and musicians into categories and genres is one of the trickiest parts of my job. You can either WAY over simplify and go with the basics like rock, folk, blues, et cetera. Or you can WAY under simplify...case and point, the last time I had Amy and Adams on Centerstage MN they suggested the genre name, "eclectic folk-rock tin-pan-alley bluesgrass," which sounded about right to me :D

Amy and Adams is the husband and wife songwriting duo of Amy and Mark Adams-Westin from St. Paul. They write and cover music with positive themes and will be debuting music from their still-being-recorded new CD due out by the end of the year. The focus will be enjoying some live music on Centerstage MN, but I'll also talk to them about what's changed since they stopped by last year and what's different as the approach their new album.

I'll also be talking with Les Crawford, an organizer with EvTAP, the Eveleth Venues in Technology, Arts and Performance group. EvTAP is working to re-open the Auditorium in Eveleth for music, arts and community events. They have a goal of supporting local artists and are community oriented. Mixed in with our conversation will be some Iron Range music with Colmekill, Virgil Caine and The Mojosaurus Blues Band.

Also, new music from The Pines hot-off-the-presses release "Tremelo" and a song from Bemidji folk-punker Shannon Murray.

My guests next week will be John Wozniak of Marcy Playground and Rich Mattson and Matt Ray from I.R.O.M.A. I'll talk with Wozniak about the new MP CD "Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage," a very personal and intimate album - it actually might be my fav Marcy album to date :D And then Rich and Matt are founders of I.R.O.M.A., the Iron Range Original Music Association, a non-profit organization comprised of musicians who are located on the Iron Range of northern Minnesota. I.R.O.M.A. performers all have two elements in common: most of them live, work, and reside on the Iron Range & they perform ORIGINAL music!! We'll talk about the organization and their upcoming fundraiser concert on Sat. Aug 29th in Chisholm.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Shore Lunch






KAXE Thursday morning host, Chad Haatvedt, recently went fishing with our Early Bird Fishing Guide, Jeff Sundin. They caught fish and Chad brought back these pictures of Jeff and their mouthwatering shore lunch.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

They Don't Call Him "Sneaky" Pete Cuz He's Quiet

by Doug MacRostie

The effect that a "rhythm section" has on any piece of music is profound; if the music is the mood, the rhythm is the attitude (and vice versa), and we'll hear a few different approaches to rhythm tonight at 6 on Centerstage MN, ranging from pow wow drumming from the Red Lake Singers to the foot stompin' of "Sneaky" Pete Bauer.

"Sneaky" Pete Bauer is a back-to-basic blues, roots and Americana musician. He doesn't need much to set up; just a place to sit with his guitar and harmonica where can stomp on the floor and bellow out the music. With contemporary songwriting, Sneaky Pete brings old (and starting to fade away?) styles and sounds to the forefront of his songwriting and cover-selections. His first CD back in 2006 was called "Back Porch Sing Alones" and his latest CD from earlier this year is called "Songs to Drink By." I'll be talking with him about his music and just where he found his sound and style. Sneaky Pete will be performing this Sat. at the Crow Wing Food Co-op Extravaganza, a fundraiser for the Co-op happening all day at the Franklin Arts Center parking lot in Brainerd.

The Red Lake Singers produced the new CD "Old Times" to preserve and capture old songs and the "old-style" of singing of the Ojibwe people of Red Lake, one of the most traditional Indian communities in the country. The Red Lake Singers fathers, grandfathers and uncles taught the songs to them when they were young boys, as early as the 1920s. I'll be starting off Centerstage MN with two songs from the new CD, a pow wow song, and "Warrior Song," and I hope to work out an interview/feature with The Red lake Singers for a future episode of Centerstage MN.

We'll also hear a new song from the forthcoming Wookiefoot CD (which will be released at Harvestfest 2009, the trans-cosmic tribadelic space carnival in Geneva, MN Sept. 10th-13th), and another new song from Marcy Playground's "Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage," and more.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Trampled by Dave w a Banjo Cult at 10KLF

by Doug MacRostie

The 4 days of music that is the 10,000 Lakes Festival is one of my favorite weekends of the year, and it was made all-the-more special this time around as my 6 month old son Escher was along for the ride with my wife Sarah and I (last year he was in utero, so he could probably hear the music better this time around...). With amazing music and excellent people-watching, we had an outstanding time. You can see a highlight reel I put together on KAXE's YouTube Channel including most of the bands I'll be mentioning, or check out pictures in KAXE's Online Photo Album.

We arrived Wednesday morning to set up camp at a friend of a friend's place and worked our way over to the camping area by Soo Pass Ranch to meet up with some friends of ours - then it was off to catch the 10K kickoff w Gomez and Widespread Panic on the main stage. Sunny skies, a happy crowd of hippy-types and live music...perfect! Panic did a great set (surprise surprise :p) and Escher made it all the way into their second set (this being his first camping-festival) before we decided to head back to camp. He did sleep AT the concert some, but we figured we didn't need to push it the first night.

The first night of sleep in a tent went great for all of us - I'm sure the wonderful over-stimulation of a music festival helped tire the little guy out; he did wake up a little when a train went by, but was easy to get back to sleep. That's important, because he had 3 more days of music to rest for...

Usually I have a general idea of the bands I plan to see each day, and Thursday had Mason Jennings and Atmosphere at the top of my list. But, one of the fun things about festivals is the bands you haven't heard, and I was pleasently surprised by the Akron Family Band; a crazily rockin' group! When we first walked up, there were a lot of people sitting as they started to play, and not 15 minutes later they had the crowd on their feet and gathering at the front of the stage. In that previously mentioned YouTube Reel, you can see their bass player eating his guitar :D Very orignal, very experimental and very high energy, it was great.

After the Akron Family, we headed over to Blue Ox camping and randomly caught the MN band Dalia playing on the stage there. Wow, cool stuff. Hip-hip lyrics, vocal harmonies, hand drums, & acoustic guitars - they had a hoppin' crowd when we came wondering over and it was another wonderful find wandering the festival.

We made it back to mainstage to see Mason Jennings, one of the first mainstage bands to have intelligable vocals (not to bash Panic or Gomez, but they were less about words and more about vibes) . Mason did some new songs from his upcoming release and also slowed things down and did some solo songs with his electric guitar. Then it was Wilco, who did a higher-energy set than I was expecting, but we decided to leave maybe halfway through. It was a bummer to miss Atmosphere, but having a well rested baby was worth it. There was a thunderstorm that night, and Escher slept right through it, which was awesome. Day 3, here we come...

We made it to the concert bowl in time to catch Cloud Cult and WOW - they were awesome! They had so much energy with such a unique style, made all the more interesting with the "string section," which I heard getting a lot of positive exclamations during their performance. Another cool thing during their show was two people painting with-the-music; as in - painting to the rhythm of the music, and the paintings were then auctioned off afterward. And seriously, they were on the Barn Stage (the 3rd largest) and SHOULD have been on the Field Stage (2nd largest) because they had that area packed full of people.

I was really looking forward to seeing Trampled by Turtles on Mainstage Friday night, but things got uber-cool when Rich Mattson (founder of The Tisdales, owner of Sparta Sound recording studio) bumped into me and told me he would be singing a couple songs with Turtles that night. He took me backstage and I got exclusive footage of a warm-up of Rich & Turtles in the dressing room backstage at 10K (that video highlight is on the way :D) - VERY cool. Turtles put on an excellent, high-energy performance and the crowd was lovin' it! I don't think I've ever seen a band rock that hard without even standing up :)

Widespread Panic was on again after Turtles, and while I enjoy them; two nights was a little much and we snuck out early (bummer to miss Wookiefoot, but again - good to let the little dude get some sleep - we was LOVIN' the festival experience and didn't want to miss a thing, heh).

The final day of 10KLF was a very good day; which is important, considering we missed a wedding to attend - but hey, Dave, Banjos and Snider? hard to pass up! The day started off with Todd Snider saying "People tell me my music keeps get more and more opinionated...I'm not here to change your mind or tell you what to think, I'm going to sing these words because they rhyme," and he did an excellently raw solo-acoustic show.

Then we were off to see Two Many Banjos back at the Blue Ox Stage. I have wanted to see TMB for a LONG time and they were everything I was hoping to see. Authentic music complete with two banjos, washboard, stand-up bass and fiddle. They had the biggest crowd I saw at a campground stage and the majority of them were dancing. TMB's feet were stompin', fingers were flyin' and the harmonies rang out to an eager crowd. And it was nice finally getting to meet Marc Gartman in person (he's been on Centerstage MN 3 times and counting), and he gave me a new CD he recorded with a different band that we'll be hearing in the coming weeks. Anyway, I know Sarah said they were her favorite band from 10KLF 09, and I agree - TMB was just great!

I forgot to mention that before Todd Snider, we went ahead and set up our chairs to have good spots to watch Dave Matthews Band close the Mainstage. I had never seen Dave before, but had heard only good things...nothing could have prepared me for how awesome it was!

Dave Matthews Band probably had 20,000 people packed into the concert bowl (the biggest crowd I'd seen at a 10K yet...) and even the people in the very back could feel the emotion and energy they put out. The musicianship was second-to-none and just as much as I enjoyed Dave's singing and playing, I enjoyed his antics and dancing on stage. I don't know how 10KLF plans to top Dave next year.... It seemed like I was the only person in the world who hadn't seen DMB before and it's nice that I am now past that stage in my life, hehehe. The single coolest moment though was when they broke out into a cover of The Talking Heads "Burning Down the House." It was phenominal!

Would I call it the best 10KLF yet? Yes, but that's true after every one I've been too, hehehe. I really liked the variety of MN bands and of course, the national acts like DMB and Panic. The crowd was friendly, the weather was great and the music rocked... what more could we ask for? I know! A KAXE booth by the entrance to the Soo Pass Ranch next year...then it would be perfect...

Still to come, some highlight videos (as mentioned) and some amazing pictures taken by KAXE Photographer Forrest Ross (seriously, just wait 'til you see his pix!)

Every Member Helps!

By Jennifer Poenix

Summer is fading fast (evidenced by the fallen orange maple leaf I found outside), and that means the end of KAXE’s fiscal year (September 30) is approaching quickly too. Right now, we are nearly $15,000 away from meeting our membership budget for the year.

It’s important that we meet our membership budget in order to keep the programs you rely on everyday on the air. We also want the opportunity to keep improving to make KAXE an even better radio station for everybody.

It’s true that KAXE won’t automatically disappear if you don’t renew/begin your membership, but less funding does make it more difficult to provide what our listeners have come to expect. Things like news from National Public Radio, Car Talk, and the World CafĂ©.

Last week, a letter was sent out to over 300 households whose membership has lapsed within the past year, asking them to renew their membership. We've been seeing a good response this week. We hope the trend will continue. New members help make a difference too!

You may pledge online, or call 218-326-1234.Thanks to everybody who is currently a member, and if you're not, we hope to hear from you soon.