Packed House - Amy Goodman in Everett

EvCC Campus

It's one thing to have the nerve and stamina to set up a tour of 100 cities in 100 days.  But imagine doing it without missing work!?

Amy Goodman's Election 2012 Silenced Majority Tour rolled into Everett this weekend and the KSER listeners packed Jackson Conference Center at Everett Community College loved every minute of it.

Amy Goodman at Jackson Center  by Christophoto

 Amy and Denis Moynihan, co-authors of The Silenced Majority, both spoke to the sold out crowd and Amy spent more than an hour going beyond the mainstream media’s obsessive focus on the latest poll numbers and candidate gaffes. She told great stories about how people are organizing; how the massive influx of campaign cash following the Citizens United decision is changing how our democracy works and she campaigned for support of independent public radio stations around the country.  She reminded the crowd how lucky we are to live in a community that does have an independent station....because many cities and towns do not have a KSER.

Amy Goodman; Denis Moynihan  by Christophoto

Amy and Denis started this whirlwind tour at the political conventions and not only have they not missed a scheduled event, but, as regular KSER listeners know, Amy has figured out a way to not miss a single one of her daily radio shows.  Not just her regular daily shows, but she's also done special coverage from the conventions and special coverage of each of the four political debates including her own Democracy Now "Expand the Debate" coverage which included third-party candidates.

Amy Goodman signing books at EvCC  by Christophoto

During her talk, Amy told the crowd of KSER listeners “There is no longer a mainstream media, it’s an extreme media.”  She said balanced reporting of topics is no longer the norm, pointing out that of nearly 400 newscasts by four major broadcast stations about the run-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 logged only three reports with anti-war leaders.

And she talked about some of the people she knows in the television news world, who she referred to as 'personalities' and not journalists, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. "Television tends to quote the same pundits who are talking in a circle, It is a waste of precious airwaves."



She reminded the audience that when Occupy Wall St. started, in the media capitol of the world, right under the noses of mainstream media, it was ignored for nearly a week by the major networks even thought the reporters, anchors, producers and executives had to fight their way through the thousands of protesters just to get to work.

“What we need is media to cover power, not cover for the power,” she said. “It’s the Fourth Estate, not for the estate.”

Amy's inspiring message and tireless efforts are a good reminder of  the importance of KSER and the hundreds of other independent radio voices in the U.S.  We can't thank Amy Goodman, Denis Moynihan and their staff enough for making this visit to Everett and helping to support KSER.

Thanks also to KSER's Sondra Santos for being on hand to introduce Denis and Amy; and thanks to the KSER volunteers and board members who helped with tickets and seating for the event.

But mostly, thanks to our listeners and contributors who support KSER and help make sure the North Puget Sound has an important independent voice.

If Amy's views inspire you to help in that effort, whether you made it to her talk yesterday or not, you can always help support KSER here.

We learned two important things this weekend: Next time Amy comes to Everett, we need to rent a bigger auditorium. And don't get in Amy Goodman's way when she has a plane to catch for her next stop in supporting public radio!

Tony Lucca visits KSER

You never know who's going to stop by KSER to talk with one of our DJ's and play a few songs.

We're researching it, but we think today was the first time ever a Mouseketeer has appeared on KSER.  Tony Lucca stopped by the Sunlit Room and talked with KSER's Ron Taffi.

KSER's Ron Taffi (left), with Tony Lucca

 Tony gained world-wide fame this year when he appeared on NBC-TV's hit show "The Voice."  He also had a starring cameo role on NBC's "Parenthood."  His songs have been featured on TV’s “Friday Night Lights,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Shark,” and “Felicity” and in Kevin Costner’s feature “Open Range.” He has been seen on E! Entertainment Television and A&E, and performed numerous times on NBC’s “Last Call With Carson Daly.”

And he's been working on this show-biz thing for a while.  When he was just 14, Tony auditioned for and won a cast-member role in Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. It was Mouseketeer Tony from 1991 to 1995. In fact, Entertainment Weekly included Tony as one of their 10 most famous Mouseketeers.  (Talk about info you won't hear on Democracy Now!)

First the Mickey Mouse Club. Then Carson Daly. The Voice.  And now, KSER. This guy's going places!

KSER Manager's Mailbox

Fall is in the air, leaves are on the ground, Amy Goodman is headed to the Northwest, politicians are still campaigning and the KSER Manager's Mailbox has binders full of pithy queries. So, proceed, Governor...

Dear Tom@KSER.org: One of my favorite KSER DJ's is Mark on the sunlit room.  He has a really cool voice and plays great music.  I love his Daily Dose of Dylan.  But, Mark's only on once a week. Does that add up? Shouldn't it be a Weekly Dose of Dylan?!?  Erin, Langley

Erin:  Look, we have a 5-point plan to present Bob Dylan. Six different organizations have studied our plan, and it works. Of course it adds up. And besides, alliteration comes before precision. In the dictionary and at KSER.


Dear Tom@KSER.org:  I've seen those pictures of your DJ Uncle Pat in the studio wearing those crazy yellow chicken shoes.  I listen to his show every Thursday night at 7 p.m.  He plays some great music. But I hope that picture was just a stunt and he doesn't always wear those chicken shoes.  Dick, Arlington

Dick:  Uncle Pat doesn't always wear yellow chicken shoes.  But when he does, he also wears a cape and patriotic headgear.  Stay chicken-footed, my friend.

Uncle Pat, host of KSER's Good Times

Dear Tom@KSER.org: My husband and I bought tickets for the Amy Goodman speech at Everett Community College on October 27th.  But we're not that familiar with the campus.  Can you tell us where on campus, she'll be speaking? And is there parking? Ginny, Mill Creek

Ginny:  Amy will appear at 1:30 p.m., Saturday afternoon, October 27 in the Wilderness Room of the Jackson Conference Center on the campus of Everett Community College.  Once you reach the campus you should see several Amy Goodman directional signs to the center.  It's building #8 on this map. Plenty of free parking.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Thanks to KSER for broadcasting the presidential debates.  I've been able to watch the last parts of them, but I'm always in my car when they start, so I'm glad you're putting them on the radio.  I know there's one more; will KSER do that one?  Marvin, Everett

Marvin:  The last debate is this Monday at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL. We'll carry it live on KSER starting at 6 p.m. And don't miss the special Amy Goodman day-after-debate coverage Tuesday morning at 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  I'm really disappointed in KSER for broadcasting the presidential debates. I can't take anymore of this stuff. I can't wait until it's over and you guys get back to normal.  Doyle, Lynnwood

Doyle:  There's only one left.  Then it's over.  Listen to the last one on Monday evening and then chill out with Caribbean Sounds.  KSER DJ Noel Williams will lower your blood pressure.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: Would KSER mind if I carved a pumpkin with the KSER logo?  Dianne, Arlington.

Dianne:  Carve away, and send pictures!

More Odds & Ends...Mostly Odds!

This is odd, but true.  I was standing in line at a coffee shop this week and trying not to eavesdrop on the two guys in front of me.  But one said to the other, "If I don't get tickets to see Amy Goodman, my wife is gonna kill me."  I could tell by his tone that he wasn't excited to see Amy, but his wife apparently was. I'm glad KSER is doing it's part to keep marriage strong.  By the way, if you haven't bought your Amy Goodman tickets yet, there's still time.  What better way for a happy couple to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon than listening to the host of Democracy Now!  Ticket info here.

We know that some listeners get tired of our Pledge Drives at KSER.  But we always remind people that we only do a few per year and usually only for 7 to 10 days at a time.  And, on the air, the pledge breaks are still less time-consuming than the commercial breaks you hear on most stations.  But if you made a donation, thank you! And if you were getting tired of hearing about it, it's over! And if you thought about donating, but just didn't find the time, you can still donate online.

Speaking of odd, a number of people have asked us about the over-sized yellow egg-timer our on-air hosts used to time pledge breaks during our recent pledge drive.  People wanted to know if they could buy it, really. So we may offer it at auction in our next pledge drive!  By the way, someone inadvertently brought another over-sized egg-timer, this one blue, into KSER. We come in one morning, and there was something new! 

Never trust those Blues

Talk about dedicated volunteers. Many people know that nearly all of the on-air hosts at KSER are volunteers. Volunteer DJ's do their own show prep, pick their own music, put their shows together and do their shows at the same time every single week.  And some of them have been at it a long time.  Take, for example, Jim Hillmar.  Jim is the host of Frettin' Fingers which is on KSER every Saturday morning at 11 a.m.  Next month will be Jim's 15th anniversary of hosting the show.  That's a frettin' long time!

Jim Hillmar

If you can't be near a TV for the Presidential and VP debates (or if you just can't stand to watch anymore) you can hear the remaining debates on KSER.  The next one is this Thursday, October 11th at 6 p.m. with Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.

Tickets are on sale now for KSER's annual Voice of the Community award ceremony.  The event is Saturday evening, November 10th.  You can find out more about the nominees and how to order tickets here. 

During our pledge drive, not only did people donate at KSER.org and call our pledge line (425-303-9070) but some people actually stopped by our studios in downtown Everett. On Saturday several visitors were admiring the "cardinal" color of Van Ramsey's KSER T-shirt and wanted to know how to get one.

KSER Shirts come in Many Colors!

You can buy all of our shirts and tchotchkes at the KSER Store.

KSER - Voice of the Community

KSER's annual Voice of the Community Awards Ceremony is coming up next month. 

Award recipients and finalists will be announced at the KSER Voice of the Community Award Celebration Saturday evening, 7 p.m. Nov. 10, 2012. This year's event will be held at the Weyerhaeuser room, top floor of Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave. in Everett.

Last year, Dr. David Beyer, President of Everett Community College was presented the KSER Voice of the Community Award for Community Impact.

Dr. David Beyer

And the KSER award for Cultural Impact was presented to Joe McIalwain, Executive Director, Edmonds Center for the Arts.

Joe McIalwain

There is an impressive list of nominees for three different categories for the 2012 KSER Voice of the Community Award. You can see a complete list of nominees and order tickets for the event here. If you want to spend a fun Saturday evening with some of the people who have make a positive impact on the region, order your tickets now.

The KSER Voice of the Community Award was started in 2008 as a way to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses who make a positive contribution in the north Puget Sound by giving voice to important community or cultural concerns.

KSER Pledge Drive Update:  We wrapped up the KSER Fall Pledge Drive Saturday night. If you were one of the many listeners who pledged financial support during our campaign, Thanks!!  If you didn't find the opportunity to contribute, you can still make a tax-deductible donation at any time at the KSER website.

Amy Goodman ticket update:  There are still good seats left for Amy Goodman's upcoming KSER appearance at Everett Community College. There's not a bad seat in the house at the Jackson Conference Center and it'll be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Everett.  Read more about Amy Goodman's October 27th Everett visit here.  You can order tickets for Amy Goodman here.

You're in the Front Rowwwww!!!

UPDATE!
The Front Row Tickets for Amy Goodman are now gone. But there are still plenty of seats left for Amy's Saturday afternoon, October 27 appearance at Everett Community College. Ticket info here.


There's still time to buy tickets to see Amy Goodman when she comes to Everett, Saturday afternoon, October 27.  You can buy tickets here.

But you can also purchase a pair of reserved front-row seats. The only way to do that is to listen to the KSER pledge drive that's going on through Saturday.  There are only 10 pairs of front-row seats available and they may go fast. So, if you want to be in the front row when Amy Goodman speaks at the Jackson Conference Center at Everett Community College make sure you tune into 90.7fm or listen online at KSER.org.

 

And we'd like to send out a special thanks to all of the volunteers who've pitched in this week at KSER during our Fall Pledge Drive. We're having picture-perfect Fall weather, but our volunteers are spending their time in KSER's Pledge Palace! They're here every day and evening...even Saturday and Sunday.  They're answering the phones, taking your questions, taking your pledges, supporting the station and helping to make sure KSER stays on your radio!

If you've already pledged, thanks!  If you haven't there's still plenty of time to call 425-303-9070.  Or you can donate easily at any time online. 

And don't forget another upcoming KSER event that will give you an opportunity meet some of your neighbors, have a great evening, honor some true community heroes and support KSER.  The annual KSER Voice of the Community Awards ceremony is Saturday evening, November 10, 2012. You can read about the nominees and get ticket info here.