KBCS DJ Appreciation: Mike Biggins
KBCS DJ Appreciation: Tom Keeney
Tom Keeney – KBCS DJ Appreciation Profile
Bluegrass Ramble first aired on KBCS in the early 80s, and Tom started hosting the show in 2000. You can hear him on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays from 12noon to 3pm.
As he starts his 25th year, he feels just as passionate about this music and how it resonates in our community as ever. Tom played banjo in bluegrass bands which helped him develop a working knowledge of the music.
Before Bluegrass Ramble, Tom was always the one to make mix tapes for parties & road trips. He’s always had a love for blues, jazz and rock with a lot of time spent with long Grateful Dead jams. Big, deep grooves can be found in all these genres and Tom especially loves them in bluegrass. Hot Rize is an example of a band Tom says has crafted that groove so well, blending new approaches to traditional & original songs. He would also point you to all 6 of the Bluegrass Album Band recordings made during the 80s as the place to start if you’re new to bluegrass. They reinterpreted the old classic first generation of bluegrass songs with a fresh, new approach that inspired generations of artists that followed.
Tom says he feels like a bit like a chef as he curates a show, thinking of what tunes complement each other to how to create something bigger than the sum of the parts. Tom’s goal is to never make you want to change the station as he keeps the flow surprising and engaging. He feels he owes a huge debt to the music that he loves and he wants KBCS listeners to feel the same way. He says that bluegrass can be so beautiful and unique because of the gorgeous harmonies, the virtuosity of its practitioners, the stories being told, the fortitude of its founders and the adventurous spirit of the innovators who push and erase the boundaries. Tom has found a tear in his eye on many occasions watching live bluegrass when the joy just wells up and overtakes you.
He’s also been fortunate to connect on a national level to the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and serve on the showcase band selection for the annual convention/festival and on the awards eligibility committee. Attending that event nearly every year for the past 10 years has energized him and brought him closer to many of the artists you hear being played on Bluegrass Ramble. Staying up till 2 or 3 in the morning for 5 nights in a row watching his favorite and new bands performing and jamming brings a delight unlike any other. Tom has also helped out at Wintergrass as an MC over the years, being part of a KBCS presence to that incredible festival.
Thank you Tom Keeney!
Tom Keeney
Tom Keeney
Tom Keeney in Home Studio
Tom Keeney Thank You
The KBCS Retro Radio Theatre PRESENTS:
Coming to you TONIGHT this Friday! on KBCS at 12 midnight, the KBCS Retro Radio Theatre presents listeners with classic radio theater dramas:
DARK FANTASY: ‘Rendezvous with Satan’
and
THE SHADOW: ‘The Gibbering Things’
KBCS DJ Appreciation: Tracy Yang
Program and airtime: K-Wave, Fridays @ 9pm
KBCS is excited for Tracy Yang to bring K-Pop and this fresh sound to the KBCS airwaves and listening community. Tracy shares more with our DJ KBCS Questionnaire
THANK YOU, TRACY!
How long have you been hosting your show?
I have been hosting K-Wave since March 2024, so about 9 months. I have so much fun sharing my love of K-Pop with KBCS listeners!
What song or album do you most identify with, which inspired your energy to be a DJ?
Hmm….currently, I am loving Babymonster’s 1st full length album, Drip. Babymonster also serves as K-Wave’s opening background track. J I like to play music that makes people want to get up and dance or feel happy and I always want to dance whenever I hear Babymonster!
Your most recent concert:
I just saw Usher at the Climate Pledge Arena! It was a SPECTACULAR show! I have a wish list full of artists that I want to see live in concert and Usher was on that list. So glad I had the opportunity to check that off my list!
Recent Feature film or a Favorite film:
My favorite movie of all time is Sleepless in Seattle. I know, I know. Super cliché, but hey, it ended up bringing me to the area!
Favorite recommended song or album for the evening:
D.O.’s 3rd Mini Album “Blossom” – you will especially love it if you’re an acoustic music junkie like me or you want a nice chill evening.
If you’re in the mood for something upbeat or want something to hype you up before you head out for a fun evening – Karina’s (aespa) solo track “UP.”
Favorite recommended song or album for sunset:
DAY6 – You Were Beautiful – A heartbreaking power ballad that is a K-Pop classic.
Favorite recommended song or album for the morning:
Young K’s “Bungee Jumping” if you want something light and mid-tempo. Or, if you’re like me and you like dancing the moment you get out of bed, NCT Dream’s “Hello Future.”
Favorite recommended song or album for dawn:
Bang Yedam’s 2nd Mini Album “Good Vibes” – I mean, ‘nuff said. The title of the album says it all!
What album do you love or really enjoy that might surprise your listeners?
Prince’s 1988 album “Lovesexy.” Yep, I’m a Prince fan! I’m from the Twin Cities area though so, this should come as no surprise. Something I really miss about living in the Twin Cities is hearing Prince’s music wherever I went.
What album do you feel changed your life?
S.E.S’s 2nd Album “Dreams Come True.” If I never heard that song or that album, I don’t think I would have become a K-Pop fan.
Pen, typewriter, computer, device: My phone! I can do nearly everything on it, and I must have it on me at all times.
Favorite 21st Century read (book, poem, essay, writing):
“The Latehomecomer” by Kao Kalia Yang – As a first-generation Hmong American, this book was very impactful for me. Reading it played a big part in why I decided to return to school to finish my undergraduate degree. If you like books about culture or want to learn more about the Hmong, I highly recommend reading this book.
Favorite piece of art:
Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker.” The beauty and sophistication in its simplicity is like none other to me.
A favorite quote or song that keeps you going:
“Good things take time; better things take a little longer.” – Sanhita Baruah
I love this quote. I have it on a post-it note next to my computer. I’m not the most patient person so seeing that quote reminds me to practice patience.
Tracy Yang
BAS Digital Marketing Student
Bellevue College // Class of ‘24
Thanks TRACY!
Tracy Yang
KBCS DJ Appreciation: Larry Lewin
Larry Lewin has been one of the longest running KBCS DJ Volunteers, even though retired from regular weekly hosting, Larry fills-in for Our Saturday Tradition for every 5th weekend and deserves special KBCS DJ Appreciation.
KBCS DJ Appreciation: Winona Hollins-Hauge
With this season of gratitude, it is imperative for KBCS to try and share thanks and appreciation to our many DJ Volunteers. Throughout the next few weeks and into the new year, KBCS is going to bring weekly posts to the community giving focused attention to one of our many DJ Volunteers.
Thank you so much for your support to these DJs and to 91.3FM KBCS HD-1, listener supported community radio since 1973 a public service of Bellevue College.
We present today a dedicated individual to the inspirational power of music, Winona Hollins-Hauge. (more…)
Grateful Hearts: Thanksgiving Wishes from your friends at KBCS
Dear KBCS Friends and Supporters,
As many of us gather with our friends and loved ones this Thanksgiving, our hearts are filled with gratitude for loyal supporters like you. Your dedication, generosity, and support for Community Radio KBCS have kept this iconic Pacific Northwest cultural tradition on the air for over 50 years. With your continued support, we plan on another fifty years of eclectic, locally hosted music, progressive news, talk, and educational programming. The great diversity in our programming is our hallmark and reflects the unique ethos of life here in our beautiful corner of the world.
The KBCS Retro Radio Theatre PRESENTS:
Coming to you this Friday! on KBCS at 12 midnight, the KBCS Retro Radio Theatre presents listeners with classic radio theater dramas:
INNER SANCTUM: ‘House of Doom’
and
SUSPENSE: ‘Lord of Witch Doctors’
Tune in Friday Night at 12midnight to hear the latest episode of KBCS Retro Radio Theatre.
KBCS Retro Radio Theatre
The KBCS Retro Radio Theatre PRESENTS:
Coming to you TONIGHT! on KBCS at 12 midnight, the KBCS Retro Radio Theatre presents listeners with classic radio theater dramas:
LIGHTS OUT: ‘The Sea’
and
THE SHADOW: ‘Circle of Death’
Tune in TONIGHT at 12midnight to hear the latest episode of KBCS Retro Radio Theatre.
91.3 KBCS Revision Arts Exhibit Coverage: A Queen Exhibit at King St. Station
King Street Station is often described as both an eyesore and opulent, but on this night, it transformed into something extraordinary. Known for its historical charm, the building became the backdrop for a dynamic cultural event. 91.3 KBCS covered Revision Art, an exhibition that redefines the role of art in society. As trendsetters, activists, and artists gathered, the station explored the intersection of art and inclusivity.
91.3 KBCS Revision Arts Coverage at King Street Station
On this Tuesday evening, King Street Station transformed into a cozy, turtleneck jazz gallery. This space became a cultural hub, filled with Seattle’s most innovative thinkers. The station now houses the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, making it the perfect venue for an avant-garde gathering of artists and activists. As 91.3 KBCS reflects on this new generation of artists, we consider how Revision Art captures the spirit of inclusivity.
This transformation feels natural, considering the building’s iconic place in Seattle’s landscape. 91.3 KBCS’s Jalisa Bass observe the next generation’s reflection of what art means. Barbra Oswald, a long-time advocate, brought inclusivity to the arts, shaping Revision Arts. She created a platform where all voices, especially underrepresented ones, are celebrated. As 91.3 KBCS covers this story, we see how Barbra’s legacy thrives through her dedication to empowering others. Embrace in imagination how a little girl with love for her unconventional big brother gave wings to the Queen of Inclusivity.
The Rise of Inclusive Art at King Street Station
In these times, the authenticity of art is being challenged. Barbra’s legacy lives on through talented artists like Megan Gottfried, an artist from North Carolina, showcased her piece “Sisters.” Born in North Carolina and educated in Pennsylvania, Megan Gottfried brings a fresh perspective to each piece. This bold 3D quilted canvas explores the complex relationships between siblings, invoking personal memories for me. Her use of Material Hierarchy reflects economic oppression, making her art not only visually striking but thought-provoking. Megan’s ability to navigate multiple dimensions in her art speaks to her creative brilliance.
91.3 KBCS Revision Art: Conversations on Creativity
I’m excited to share a rare moment when I had the opportunity to capture one of the most joyful and memorable experiences with my two dear friends, Drew King and Jacob Luckey. Together, they introduced me not only to Seattle but also to myself. Our conversations ranged from garage sales to art galleries, skeletons, and even the debatable success of Captain Planet.
Jacob’s ability to breathe life into his upcycled wood creations is simply astonishing. Listening to him describe how he imagines and constructs each piece gives a true sense of the full circle of Barbra’s Revision Art Exhibition. Every ounce of energy he pours into his sculptures reflects the depth of his creativity. His charisma, humor, and quick wit bring a unique energy to everything he touches, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by his passion. Through these discussions, you truly understand how art connects us all, especially through the power of Revision Art.
Join the Movement
My time spent with Barbra Oswald and Jacob Luckey showcased the vibrant spirit of artistic collaboration and creativity that fuels Seattle’s dynamic arts scene. Jacob’s talent for turning reclaimed materials into thought-provoking sculptures, paired with Barbra’s visionary leadership of the Revision Art Exhibition, made the experience unforgettable. The exhibition perfectly captures the essence of creativity, inclusion, and transformation, offering a platform that connects artists with audiences in ways that challenge traditional views.
Supporting 91.3 KBCS helps us continue telling these vital stories of community and creativity. Your donations ensure that underrepresented voices remain on the air, providing inspiring and thought-provoking content to our listeners. By donating today, you can help amplify these stories and support a thriving artistic community.
