VIDEO: There's Nothing to be Scared Of Montage

Kitura Main from the Headwaters Science Center in Bemidji came to the KAXE Studios to help us face our fears during the There's Nothing to be Scared of fundraiser. She brought along turtles, birds, and lizards, which didn't have quite the impact as the tarantula spider and corn snake (not to mention the boa).

During the "There's Nothing to be Scared of" fall fundraiser at KAXE we heard from 364 new/renewing members for $45,120, reaching our goal in the last hour of the pledge drive on Friday night. Going into the last day we had almost $12,000 to go. Northern Community Radio General Manager Maggie Montgomery said, "It was a squeaker for sure. I don't think we've ever had that big of a last day before, ever. People in the community came through again and I hope that means we're doing a good job for them."

Breaking the mold of a typical public radio fundraiser, KAXE uses themes and radio theater to give the pledge drive an edge of entertainment, and this year included DJs getting pulled out of windows by zombies and a horde hidden underneath the studio. As the final pledges came in, all was resolved when the zombies were hauled by truck over to Bemidji for the Lazarus film shoot and KBXE Zombie Crawl. After that the zombie horde was, "not our problem" :)

Listener's once again made our fundraiser successful - and people just like you have been our largest source of funding for almost 35 years of independent community radio in Northern MN. If you missed the pledge drive, you can still show your support by becoming a member now by calling 218-326-1234, 800-662-5799 or pledge online.

More info: http://www.kaxe.org
Headwaters Science Center: http://www.hscbemidji.org/

Bring Back the... ?????????

This week on Between You and Me we want to BRING BACK!

We'll talk with author Lesley M. Blume, Style Editor with the Huffington Post, about her new book "Let's Bring Back," it's an encyclopedia of forgotten things like paper dolls and calling cards and wax lips and words like persnickety and corny.

What do you wish they'd bring back? Remember Fat Rascals? How about Three Martini Lunches? How about Midnight Suppers? BRING IT BACK!

Remember Jacks? Doug MacRostie and his mom had talked about Jacks a few years ago - and both wondered if you could find them anymore. After searching Doug found some to give her as a gift. When he did, that little plastic box worth less than $5.27 was one of the sweetest gifts ever.

What do you think they should bring back?

How about Handlebar Mustaches on bartenders? We NEED those back for sure!

Email heidi@kaxe.org with your stories, or call our talkback line 218-999-9876. And tune in Saturday morning from 10-Noon for Between You and Me on 91.7 KAXE.

New 'Slimming' KAXE Coffee Cups

Check out our new coffee mugs! Sexy, right? A solid black with the slick 91.7 KAXE logo in white, these new cups have proven to make coffee taste better and stay warm longer. Not only that, but they also help with self-confidence AND motivation. John Bauer says, "These are very slimming, people are going to love them!" Stop by the station to try one out yourself, or get ordering info on the K-Ware page at KAXE.org.

Load Up Your MP3 Player!

Many of the local programs/interviews you hear on KAXE are archived at our website, and we feature some of them in our "Audio Highlights" (just scroll down at on our homepage). Here is what's currently featured; it's a little 'book heavier' than usual, but that isn't automatically a bad thing... check it! From radio theater to jazz vocalists, from wishing for snow to the Al Franken recount, from 130 voice choir to crazy monkeys and cupcakes...

MN Author Peg Meier and "Wishing for a Snow Day"
John and Heidi talk with Minnesota author Peg Meier about hew book "Wishing for a Snow Day," which is a history of childhood in MN. Check out more on the Morning Show page.

Painting With Her Voice: Connie Evingson
You know that saying, "It's not WHAT you said, it's HOW you said it!"? The same thing applies to singing; it's not what you sing, it's how you sing it. Tone, fluctuation, breathing; all of it can change the mood of a lyric. Minneapolis Jazz-vocalist Connie Evingson continues to put that extra something into her voice - giving the lyrics life, meaning and definitely setting the mood. "I've often wished I could be a painter, because I would really like to be able to create visual art. And singing for me is kind of like painting in the sense that you are using texture, you're using color, in a way. Color in the vocal tone - it's an expression." Read More...

Int'l Falls' Icebox Radio Theater goes 'Transcontinental'
Audio drama is alive and well in International Falls. Jeff Adams of Icebox Radio Theater talks about the troupe's history and its upcoming role in the Oct. 31 Transcontinental Terror webcast. Check out more on the Morning Show page.

Swashbucklers Go Public in Bemidji
A secret society of swordsmen revealed their talents and charitable aspirations to their home community of Bemidji at the Swashbucklers' Guild Equinox Duello.Check out more on the Morning Show page.

VocalEssense with Philip Brunelle

Interview with the founder and director of VocalEssence, Philip Brunelle, one of Minnesota's most recognized musical entrepreneurs. Founded in 1969 under the name Plymouth Music Series, VocalEssence is recognized internationally for innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments. Each year the organization presents an engaging collection of concerts featuring the 130-voice VocalEssence Chorus and its core group, the 32-voice professional mixed chorus called the Ensemble Singers, along with soloists and instrumentalists. Check out more on the The Arts.

William Kent Krueger and "Vermilion Drift"
What does it take for a critically acclaimed mystery writer to make it to the New York Times bestseller list? MN writer William Kent Krueger thinks it’s serial killers. His latest Cork O’Connor mystery “Vermilion Drift” has to do with a cold case of a serial killer… Hear more book interviews on the RealGoodArchive.

Janet Evanovich and "Wicked Appetite"
Crazy monkeys, cupcakes, gluttony and Salem, Massachusetts all make up Janet Evanovich’s newest series that starts with “Wicked Appetite”. Janet talked to Heidi recently on Realgoodwords and talked about the comic book Uncle Scrooge that inspired her to be a writer. What books inspire you? Hear more book interviews on the RealGoodArchive.

This Is NOT Florida

An interview with Minnesota Journalist Jay Weiner, of MinnPost, about his new book, "This Is NOT Florida: How Al Franken Won the Minnesota Senate Recount." Get more stories from Our History.

Big Belching Bog
If a bog belches and no one is there to hear it does it make a sound? That’s the secret and the question behind a new picture book for children called “The Big Belching Bog”. It’s written by Phyllis Root with illustrations by Betsy Bowen from Grand Marais. Get more nature news on the Phenology Page.

Late Fall Harvest
Maggie talked with Joel Rosen at Park Lake Farm in Carlton County about his practices of when/why to harvest his garden.Get more Local Food stories here.

The Last Word on Fear

Michael has a fear of the news...call it: infobia. Get more contributions and stories at the Between You and Me page

105.3 Is Gone with the Wind

This picture of twisted metal is what's left of KAXE's translator tower for105.3fm in Bemidji. High winds blew the tower down so we have to dismantle it to keep it from falling to the ground. One of the legs broke in the wind, then the others bent as it went down and hung off the edge of the Federal building.

We'll replace the translator tower as soon as we can to bring the signal back to Bemidji. You can still try 91.7fm in that area, or stream online at KAXE.org.

Painting With Her Voice: Connie Evingson

by Doug MacRostie

You know that saying, "It's not WHAT you said, it's HOW you said it!"? The same thing applies to singing; it's not what you sing, it's how you sing it. Tone, fluctuation, breathing; all of it can change the mood of a lyric. Minneapolis Jazz-vocalist Connie Evingson continues to put that extra something into her voice - giving the lyrics life, meaning and definitely setting the mood. "I've often wished I could be a painter, because I would really like to be able to create visual art. And singing for me is kind of like painting in the sense that you are using texture, you're using color, in a way. Color in the vocal tone - it's an expression."

Connie will be my guest this week on Centerstage MN. Originally from Hibbing, her latest album is music of jazz legend, and St. Paul native, Dave Frishberg called "Little Did I Dream." Not only did Dave Frishberg write the music, but he also accompanies on piano. From some seriously upbeat swing to slow and moving ballads, this album flows through the full range of emotion and presentation with Connie's beautiful voice leading the way. There is a reason her 8 albums with Minnehaha have charted in the top 50 in both the U.S. and Canada.

Connie Evingson will be joining the Sam Miltich Quartet on Thursday, Nov. 4th for a benefit concert for Advocates for Family Peace starting at 7pm at Davies Theater, ICC.

Last weekend I got to see The Sunny Era perform in Bemidji and really enjoyed their music - it's creative, edgy, beautiful and unpredictable all at once. They are a 3 piece multi-instrumental and vocal ensemble fusing folk music, indie rock, middle eastern and Spanish styles, based in Minneapolis. We'll hear the intro cut to their 2nd CD "The Darkness of Love," which came out last year.

I've also got new music from The Marc Gartband (Marc Gartman is the founder of Two Many Banjos, the Gartband is his music when he isn't playing a banjo). Discovering the Irish Bouzouki a few years back has clearly been inspiring for Marc, all the songs for "Fatwa" were written on the bouzouki. It's excellent stuff as usual.

And we'll hear some new music from Wise-Magraw - the duo project with Dean Magraw on guitar and Marcus Wise on tabla. And new music from indie-acoustic artist Ellis out of Minneapolis, her new CD is called "Right on Time." 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 and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 10, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursdays at 4pm. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul. Often featured on MNartists.org.

RealGoodMysteries

Tonight at 6 on Realgoodwords Heidi Holtan talks with MN mystery author William Kent Krueger about his latest Cork O'Connor story "Vermilion Drift." Also bestselling mystery author Janet Evanovich talks about, "Wicked Appetite" - a supernatural mystery that starts a new series with pastry chef Elizabeth Tucker at center.  Realgoodwords is every Wednesday night from 6-7 and Sunday morning from 9-10 on KAXE.

New Pix: Zombie Crawlers, Zombie Musicians & Zombie Hunters

Check out pix from the KBXE Zombie Crawl, including the zombie-version of The Sunny Era (left). Plus, the Lazarus Film shoot & sexy zombie hunters.  See the pictures here. We've also got pix from Kazyak, Mark Olson and Aurora Baer live in-studio. Got pix to share? Email them to photo[at]kaxe.org!  Many of the pictures are sent to us by listeners - please include your name and location.

Goal Reached and Fears Overcome

During the "There's Nothing to be Scared of" fall fundraiser at KAXE we heard from 364 new/renewing members for $45,120, reaching our goal in the last hour of the pledge drive on Friday night. Going into the last day we had almost $12,000 to go. Northern Community Radio General Manager Maggie Montgomery said, "It was a squeaker for sure. I don't think we've ever had that big of a last day before, ever. People in the community came through again and I hope that means we're doing a good job for them."

Breaking the mold of a typical public radio fundraiser, KAXE uses themes and radio theater to give the pledge drive an edge of entertainment, and this year included DJs getting pulled out of windows by zombies and a horde hidden underneath the studio. As the final pledges came in, all was resolved when the zombies were hauled by truck over to Bemidji for the Lazarus film shoot and KBXE Zombie Crawl. After that the zombie horde was, "not our problem" :)

Listener's once again made our fundraiser successful - and people just like you have been our largest source of funding for almost 35 years of independent community radio in Northern MN. If you missed the pledge drive, you can still show your support by becoming a member now by calling 218-326-1234, 800-662-5799 or pledge online.

What's New on KAXE

Paul McCartney & Wings "Band on the Run"
Elton John & Leon Russell "The Union"
Buddy Guy "Living Proof"
Raza de Oro "Los Cenzontles"
Santana "Guitar Heaven"
Bob Dylan "The Witmark Demos: 62-64"
Ray Charles "Rare Genius"
The Ghillies! "Meet the Ghillies!"
Read more on the Currents Playlist...

It's GO TIME!!!

Already today we've heard from Deer River, Tower, Grand Rapids, Breezy Point, Swan River, Meadowlands, Pine River, Bemidji, Chisholm, Morton, Memphis, TN, DeKalb, IL, and many other places all over Minnesota and beyond - and we need to hear from YOU right NOW with your support for independent local radio: 218-326-1234, 800-662-5799, or pledge online.

This is the last day of our fall fundraiser, "There's Nothing to be Scared Of." We are in the final stretch, making the final push, working to make our budget for the next year. Listener support is our single largest source of funding, and no matter draws you to KAXE and has you listening, you need to look at your budget and pledge what you can afford. There is strength in lots of people doing what they can - it's worked for nearly 35 years - be a part of Northern Community Radio today!

Centerstage MN Goes Wild with The Beastman Band

by Doug MacRostie

Everyone once in a while you hear something that truly stands out; it'll get into your head and make your inner-animal instinct cryout with pure emotion.  That happened last week to me with Danny Friedman and the Beastman Band, a 3 piece hybrid of rockabilly, R&B, Country-folk and hard funk out of Duluth MN. They've just put out their self-titled, debut album. I'll be talking with Danny Friedman about the many layers to their music tonight at 6 on Centerstage MN.

Why the Beastman himself supports KAXE, "It's essential. Support of a station like KAXE is essential. It's really what binds us together; and I know I'm starting to sound like Obi Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, but really that's what it's about, right? It's about a group of people believing in a common way of being, and a common environment, and a common culture. And as a resident of Grand Rapids KAXE was huge for me. It was right down the street and I would listen all the time. And what you do is get a different voice in everything that you're hearing. Seems to be that the general voice doesn't want people to get together and doesn't want people to build community. KAXE flies right in the face of that, which is one of the reasons I support it and think it's such a vital part of north country living." ~Danny Friedman and the Beastman Band.

There's nothing to be scared of! Support KAXE! The first 5 pledges during Centerstage MN will get copies of Danny Friedman and the Beastman Band. In the last 3 years Centerstage MN has become a vital part of the MN music scene and you need to support independent local radio while we support independent MN musicians!

Tonight we'll also hear some excellent highlights of recent live performances on Centerstage MN incuding Mayda, Aaron Kaercher, the Urban Hillbilly Quartet 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 and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Creepy Crawlies Are Nothing to be Scared Of

Everyone has something that gives them the creepy crawlies; snakes, worms, toads, spiders. While unique to each individual, they have the commonality of extreme discomfort; sweaty palms, shaky knees, dry mouth, flushing. Kitura Main from the Headwaters Science Center in Bemidji came to the KAXE Studios to help us face our fears during the There's Nothing to be Scared of fundraiser. She brought along turtles, birds, and lizards, which didn't have quite the impact as the tarantula spider and corn snake (not to mention the boa).

Doug MacRostie, who has a long history of conflict with spiders, was uncomfortable days before the tarantula arrived, and nervous and sweaty just being in the room to take pictures, faced his fears and held the spider. "I thought the tips of her legs would hurt when they touched me...like pierce my skin, or scratch, or maybe just kill me instantly. But really, she was slow and gentle...and ******* scary looking."

Heidi Holtan, who has long had a discomfort with even small snakes, jumped right in and was the first person to hold the corn snake. "I didn't even think about it, I just did it," she said. Co-host John Bauer added, "It's because she's one of the Iron Range Maiden roller girls now, she's fearless, empowered."

KAXE Engineer Dan Houg noted, "We've all overcome something this afternoon, and I think it's because we're doing it together. That's building community at it's core." And that's what we're all about: building community in northern Minnesota.

Think of why you listen to KAXE, (or "Like" us on Facebook or Twitter, or stream us online, or check out our Photo Album). Whatever draws you to KAXE is something special that is made possible by listeners just like you who take the next step and pledge their financial support. Whether it's $5 a month, or $1 a day, every member is vital to our continued success as local, independent media. Pledge online, or call 800-662-5799.

Big Belching Bog

You'll often hear John Latimer talk about the wonders of bogs on KAXE's Phenology Show on Tuesday mornings.... he talks about the flora and fauna that you can find there.

There's a new book out for kids about the ecosystem of a bog - it's called "Big Belching Bog".  Phyllis Root is the author and Betsy Bowen does her amazing woodcut illustrations.  Inside you'll find things like "If you come to the big bog go slowly (you can't hurry a bog) and listen."

We've got copies of this vibrant book available if you pledge your support to KAXE at $10/month $120/year....218-326-1234 or 800-662-5799.  You can pledge online too!!!

Thanks to the University of Minnesota Press for their generous contribution of books!

ScArY Headline Highlights

Professor I. D. Bunker and his assistant Petra Fayed present the headlines for our "There's Nothing to be Scared Of" fundraiser with daily updates, highlights and philosophical discussions. Follow along:
ScArY Headline 4
ScArY Headline 3
ScArY Headline 2
ScArY Headline 1

Rev Dave's Legendary Head-Gong [VIDEO]

To help motivate new members to KAXE, the Sinister Minister, the Hostile Apostle, the Pastor of Disaster, the Freakin' Deacon, (and former Volunteer of the Year) the one and only Rev Dave offered to slam his head into the gong to ring in a new member.

Here is the result.

Support independent local radio - 218-326-1234 or 800-662-5799, or pledge online at http://www.kaxe.org

Childhood Fears: There's Nothing to be Scared Of

This is a big, important day for our fall fundraiser, There's Nothing to be Scared Of. We had an excellent opening day/weekend and need to build the momentum up for the last 5 days. Listener support is our single largest source of funding, and it's small contributions from people just like you that make community radio/media possible.

We're talking about childhood fears today, and one of Scott Hall's came true during the Morning Show today.

As a child, Scott worried about hitting his shins. It scared the hell out of him. And twice, TWICE, this morning, he walked into the stage that is still set up from the Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman concert last Friday. Not only is he working hard on local news and announcements, but he's battling himself both physically and emotionally [see photo].

What did you fear as a child? Is it something you overcame, or is it still with you? Do you look back and laugh, or cry? Leave a comment and let us know, or email comments@kaxe.org.

From a true mix of music, chosen by volunteers from all over Northern MN, where you really could hear anything at anytime to the high quality, hyper-local stories and features about the people that make this such a unique and beautiful place to live. Whether you listen for 10 minutes a day or 10 hours a week, you already know the amazing things that KAXE does - and now we need you to overcome your fear and pledge your support. 218-326-1234, 800-662-5799 or pledge online.

There's Nothing to be Scared Of

The first day of our Fall Fundraiser is underway, and there is Nothing to be Scared Of! Just ask Professor I. D. Bunker and his assistant Petra Fayed, they'll be keeping tabs on any strange events or amazing revelations during the membership drive.

Listen to the first episode of ScArY Headlines here.

We are an independent community radio station and our single largest source of funding is listener members - and you haven't pledged yet, so do it now. We have an amazing mix of music programmed by volunteers who come in and put on music they care about. We have programs that showcase Northern MN like the Local Food Scene, Centerstage MN and The Phenology Show.

For the next week you'll have the opportunity to hear a million reasons why to support Northern Community Radio, tune in and enjoy the There's Nothing to be Scared Of fundraiser...you never know what will happen during a KAXE membership drive ;)

KAXE Membership Disclaimer

KAXE MEMBERSHIP DISCLAIMER
WARNING: pledging your support to KAXE may cause the following (click link above to listen). Our "There's Nothing to be Scared Of" fundraiser goes from Friday the 15th - the 22nd. Listener support is our single largest source of funding, and it's vital for us to continue as an independent, local, community radio station. Call with your support, 800-662-5799, or pledge online.

Learning Ojibwe: Gashkendam

From Chelsea Annette's book, "Discovering the Little Brothers"


Gashkendam: She/he is sad

Listen

In "Discovering the Little Brothers", when Nagamowin-bineshiinh, the little songbird, can't find an empty tree, mitig, to make a nest, wadiswan, gashkendam, he is sad.

Mark Olson Guest DJs Centerstage MN

by Doug MacRostie

When MN music legend, and founding member of The Jayhawks, Mark Olson came to KAXE for a house concert, I asked him to join me and a microphone in the MN section of the KAXE music library for him to pick out some of his favorite MN musicians. It's a fine mix, from Paul Metsa to Martin Zellar, Boiled in Lead to Koerner, Ray & Glover. You can enjoy Mark's ramblings as he flows through the alphabet of MN musicians this week on Centerstage MN.

We'll also hear another song from Aurora Baer; considering I only have a "not my first actual release" CD, the music is amazing - she opened for the previously mentioned Mark Olson KAXE House Concert.

And we'll hear from MN legend Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchant's new CD "Royal Blue Cadillac." And a folksong favorite from The Bitter Spills, representing the Iron Range.

And there will be a set representing the Twin Cities with Mason Jennings, The Golden Chariots of Mars and The Idle Hands.

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 and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

What's New on KAXE

The Guggenheim Grotto "The Universe is Laughing"
Elvis Costello "National Ransom"
John Lennon "Power to the People: The Hits"
KT Tunstall "Tiger Sun"
The Secret Sisters "The Secret Sisters"
RTO "Ride or Fly"
Raul Malo "Sinners & Saints"
Paul Mark "Mirage Cartography"
Nelly McKay "Home Sweet Mobile Home"
Neil Young "Le Noise"
Read more on the Currents Playlist...

Visual art on the radio, 10/7, 8 a.m.

Strom's Mother and Child

by Travis Ryder

It's a particularly visual-art-heavy edition of the arts, culture, and heritage segments brought to you every other Thursday morning.  These images might make the whole experience more rich and rewarding.

  

Jon Strom can make a lot of things from wood: from spoons and bowls to entire homes to amazing fine-art sculpture.  He lives in the northwoods in an off-the-grid log house of his own design.  His sculptures most often depict people and the relationships between them.  He was part of a group exhibition at MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids this past June, and we'll hear his comments about his work from the opening reception.

Voss' Reading Chair

Then, Paula Brandel of MacRostie Art Center joins us to talk about the October exhibitions there.  Professional artist Todd Voss has a prodigious display of oil paintings.  Subjects run the gamut from still life studies to exteriors of modest homes, waterfronts, pastoral scenes, and one of a donkey.  I'm taken by the use of light and shadow in the piece shown to the left, Reading Chair.  I also wonder about what's out of the frame - what's out the window, the apparent light source to the right?  Where did the reader go after leaving the book on the seat?  Did the phone ring?

Cowboy Job ponders salve for his skin sores

Reasor self-portrait

Itasca Community College art instructor Mick Reasor spent his most recent sabbatical on a couple of projects, the more Biblical of them being a retelling of the Old Testament book of Job in cowboy verse.  He wrote the charming, rhyming poetry and painted the illustrations with shades-of-grey gouache.  Reasor's son-in-law, Justin Cook, interviews him for us.  We also hear Reasor recite excerpts from the book, which is available for preview and/or purchase here.

The originals of these illustrations, as well as Reasor's other project depicting tractors, are on display in the hallways of Davies Hall at the ICC campus in Grand Rapids.

These segments and more will air at 8:10 a.m. Thursday, October 7 on 91.7 KAXE and streaming live at www.kaxe.org.  Archives of these segments will appear in short order on the Morning Show page.

These segments are made possible with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.