KERA Arts Story Search



Looking for events? Click here for the Go See DFW events calendar.

KXT: Scenes from a Launch


by Anne Bothwell 9 Nov 2009 7:18 AM

Party atmosphere – well, as party as you can get at 7 a.m. –  upstairs in the KXT studio.   Mary Anne Alhadeff, KERA’s CEO, spoke the first words on the new station, and then turned things over to Gini Mascorro, who, as Stephen already told you, played Santana’s “She’s Not There.” Jeff Ramirez, VP […]

CTA TBD

kxt-launch1

Party atmosphere – well, as party as you can get at 7 a.m. –  upstairs in the KXT studio.   Mary Anne Alhadeff, KERA’s CEO, spoke the first words on the new station, and then turned things over to Gini Mascorro, who, as Stephen already told you, played Santana’s “She’s Not There.” Jeff Ramirez, VP of both radio stations,  whose head is blocked in this shaky shot, and Eric Bright, engineer extraordinaire, stood guard.  It’s been a round-the-clock adventure for all the folks launching the new station. Hopefully, they’ll get to catch up on their sleep soon. Meantime, you may want to tune in around 3 this afternoon, when Sarah Jaffe visits Joe Kozera in the studio. And let us know what you think of the music.

SHARE
  • Why is Sony involved? Why not go without corporate music sponsors?

    • Stephen Becker

      Tom –
      Knowing full well the can of worms I’m opening … I think getting all caught up with which label a band is signed to or who is putting out the record is a waste of time. Just so we’re clear – i don’t have anything to do with what they program on KXT. But my guess is that they are interested most in playing music that the listeners will like. If that happens to come from a band signed to a major label, fine. If it comes from a local act not signed by anyone, that’s fine, too. But the idea that not being affiliated with a major label is some sort of virtue for a musician is an error in logic.
      OK, the floor is yours. Let’s have it…

  • Rawlins Gilliland

    What a wedding day with Gini and the lead off and then Joe. I know every one of these people and to the person they are just flat out special and talented and lovely personally and professionally dedicated. I’m hoisting a can of Cherry Coke to all of you in hopes this is a long and happy affair.

  • AlligatorShoes

    Maybe this is not the forum but can anyone confirm whether Abby Goldstein is involved in this new venture and whether this may mean her return to D/FW?

    I’m listening to the new station and loving the music but when you go to break I want to hear HER voice. I miss her energy and enthusiasm for the music.

    • Stephen Becker

      @AlligatorShoes – Abby is currently the Program Director at New Hampshire Public Radio, and I don’t know of any plans for her to return to town.

  • Codway Twotty

    I’m listening. I’ve been listening this whole week. I’m enjoying the music very much. It’s a great mix. Unfortunately, every time you go to break, I hear the sound of tires squealing and angels vomitting. I really, really want this to work. I really do. The music is a welcome oasis in a vast wasteland but I don’t think we’ll ever get to drink the water because the sherpa is a blind moron. Also, I’m a little disappointed in this Texas Mix.

    Allright, let’s get back into the music now.

  • Tom

    Are they playing any blues or blues/rock?