KBCS DJ Appreciation: Mike Biggins
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’
Tune in Friday Night at 12midnight to hear the latest episode of KBCS Retro Radio Theatre.
KBCS Retro Radio Theatre
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.
Prior to being a volunteer KBCS DJ, he was a listener for several years. He has been a regular volunteer DJ for 34 years and began in 1988 on a show called Risin’ Of the Sun, which he started and named. It aired from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM every Saturday. After 15 months, he received a slot hosting two shows per month on Our Saturday Tradition. He also substituted other folk shows, including Lunch With Folks, Folksounds, The Outskirts, Sunday’s Hornpipe, Walkin’ the Floor and Bluegrass Ramble. He retired as a regular host in 2022. Since then Larry has hosted the fifth Saturday shows on Our Saturday Tradition. Tune In this holiday weekend November 30th, to catch Larry hosting Our Saturday Tradition!
Larry Lewin describes his concept of folk music consists of the following six sub-genres with a favorite example from each sub-genre.
The format for the examples are listed: Artist / Song / Album
1. Contemporary Folk: Nanci Griffith / Let It Shine On Me / Lone Star State Of Mind (1987)
2. Traditional Folk: Doc and Merle Watson / Make Me A Pallet / Memories (1975)
3. Celtic: Tommy Sands With Moya And Finionan (His Children) / Young Man’s Dream / Let the Circle Be Wide (2009)
4. Country: Joe Ely / Circumstance / Satisfied At Last (2011)
5. Blues: Mike Dowling / Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me / Swamp Dog Blues (2000)
6. Bluegrass: Shearwater / The Letter / Shearwater (2008)
KBCS is very appreciative of Larry Lewin’s long-time contribution to the broadcasts on listener-supported community radio and the contributions he has made to the folk music community.
THANK YOU LARRY!
Larry Lewin
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.
Winona Hollins-Hauge’s secret talent is being an On-Air DJ for Living the Blues and Gospel Highway on Bellevue College’s radio station 91.3FM KBCS HD-1
For over 20 years Winona Hollins-Hauge and her friend Oneda Harris rotate as KBCS DJ volunteer co-hosts of Wednesday night’s, Living the Blues and Saturday mornings Gospel Highway.
Living the Blues celebrates its 13th Anniversary this year and Gospel Highway is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Congratulations!
The interest in sharing music to more people through radio began after she was recruited to be the Manager for Clinical Trials and Outreach at the Fred Hutchinson Center to bring in people of color and marginalized patients with chronic health conditions like sickle cell anemia and other diseases requiring high-cost care. Hollins-Hauge’s office was filled with bright colors and a low volume of inspirational music. Later as a private practice therapist and consultant, during one of the therapies, she brought with her to her current office some musical intervention. That seed of using music to lift peoples spirits inspired Winona to learn how to share music on the radio.
Hollins-Hauge shines her light in service to the Mount Zion Church family and numerous community endeavors, and has utilized her servant leadership role as key church and community organizer for two major outreach efforts.
One with the Seattle Public Schools Partners at TT Minor School, the Urban League, Urban Impact, Grandmothers Against Gun Violence, National Council of Negro Women and Mount Zion Women’s Ministries, where she partnered with Together Washington, to raise funds for family food box pick-ups, on the school site where the kids could pick up homework, food for their family and neighbors during school lunch hours complete with a COVID Awareness flyer containing information on safety and health resources.
KBCS is grateful for all the music, information and inspiration Winona Hollins-Hauge has provided to our listeners and brought to the community for over 20 years.
THANK YOU WINONA!
Tune in tonight at 7pm for LIVING THE BLUES on 91.3FM KBCS HD-1 www.kbcs.fm
KBCS DJ Volunteer: Winona Hollins-Hauge
WA SEN Virtual Constitutional Day Event: Shaping the Future Through Civic Engagement
91.3 KBCS WA SEN Virtual Constitutional Day Event Recap
On September 17, 2024, the WA Student Engagement Network (WA-SEN) hosted its annual Virtual Constitutional Day Event. This event brought together students across Washington to highlight the importance of civic participation and share their experiences. Hosted by Kayla Hoy, a 2023 PSU graduate, and co-hosted by Monica Yu, WA-SEN King Region Coordinator, the event inspired attendees to become more engaged in their communities.
Meet Monica Yu: Student Leader & Cultural Advocate
Monica Yu is a second-year transfer student at Bellevue College, where she is pursuing a business transfer degree. She completed her first degree in International Business Management from FIT NYC’s South Korea campus. During the event, Monica encouraged students to recognize their own “civic superpowers,” emphasizing that everyone can make a difference. She also reminded participants to ensure their voter registration is up to date.
Active on her campus, Monica is involved with the Associated Student Government, the Japanese Exchange Club, and Makerspace. Her passion for fostering international connections and advocating for cultural awareness made her a standout speaker at the event. Monyu’s commitment to creative expression and community involvement is an example of how students can use their skills to contribute meaningfully to society.
Richie Martinez: Building Strong Communities
Richie Martinez, WA-SEN Columbia Region Coordinator, shared his insights on building strong communities through civic engagement. As a senior studying Cyber Security at Columbia Basin College, Richie highlighted the significance of post-secondary credentials to meet the growing demand for 740,000 jobs. He stressed the importance of sharing personal stories with legislators, particularly those from students of color, to advocate for policies that impact them directly.
Richie’s involvement with WA-SEN began in 2022 as a student liaison. Now, as a regional coordinator, he continues to inspire students to participate in civic activities. He encouraged attendees to apply for WA-SEN internships, which provide stipends without affecting financial aid, making it easier for students to gain experience and influence public policy.
Deputy Secretary of State Randy Bolerjack: Your Story Matters
Randy Bolerjack, Washington’s Deputy Secretary of State, closed the event by urging students to stay involved in policy discussions. He reinforced the idea that voting is just one aspect of the democratic process. Randy emphasized that sharing personal stories with policymakers can have a lasting impact on legislation. His message was clear: “Learn, listen, and let your voice shape the future.”
Randy also highlighted the value of public administration as a career path for those interested in policy-making. He encouraged students to explore opportunities to engage with local and state government to drive change.
Support Your Community Radio
The WA-SEN event showed that student voices matter. Opportunities to participate are still available through internships and grants. Civic engagement builds stronger communities, and your story has the power to make a difference. Also, 91.3 KBCS and WA SEN have one major goal in common, informing the community of its civic powers!
At KBCS, we believe that student voices are essential for shaping the future of civic engagement and public policy. WA-SEN’s Virtual Constitutional Day was a powerful reminder that every story can create change. To continue supporting important programs like this, we need your help. By donating to 91.3 KBCS, you enable us to keep producing meaningful content that empowers the next generation of leaders. Your contribution matters.
Discover the World with “Travel with Rick Steves” on KBCS
Every Friday from 12 PM to 1 PM, join us on 91.3 KBCS for Travel with Rick Steves. This program is perfect for travel lovers and trip planners alike. Hosted by the well-known Rick Steves, the show takes you on a global adventure, offering a fresh way to experience different places.
Through lively discussions with expert guests and insightful callers, Rick brings each destination to life. Whether it’s the streets of Europe or the vibrant markets of Asia, he helps listeners feel like they’re right there. Plus, Rick’s travel tips on when to visit and how to blend in with the locals make your journey easier and more enjoyable.
Hidden Gems
Take a break from the ordinary and discover hidden gems. Travel with Rick Steves goes beyond typical tourist stops. Whether you’re tuning in during a commute, relaxing at home, or planning your next trip, each episode will inspire you to see the world in a new way.
Rick’s storytelling is engaging and informative. He links each location’s history with its modern-day appeal, making your journey both fun and educational. Each episode dives into unique features like local cuisine and must-see spots, enhancing your understanding of each place.
Tune in every week to Travel with Rick Steves on 91.3 KBCS for an adventure that expands your horizons. Support KBCS to ensure that programs like this keep bringing enriching travel content to your radio. Every donation helps us continue to offer stories, tips, and travel insights.
So, if you love exploring the world with Rick Steves, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your generosity keeps our programming going and helps us deliver the travel stories you love.
Support KBCS and Keep Exploring with Travel with Rick Steves!
Travel with Rick Steves” airs on KBCS, offering you a weekly escape to new and exciting destinations.
If you enjoy traveling the world with Rick Steves on KBCS, please consider supporting the program. Your donations help keep this enriching content on the air, allowing us to continue bringing you the captivating travel stories, tips, and insights you love.
Two Things Bellevue College & Japan Have In Common
Mountain Views & Golden Week…
Well, perhaps I’m reaching by calling Bellevue College’s Japan Week “Golden Week”, but the celebration of Japanese culture and spirit is just as impressive. While Golden Week in Japan is one of the most anticipated holiday seasons, filled with national holidays like Constitution Memorial Day and Children’s Day, Bellevue College’s Japan Week offers a similar vibrancy right here in the heart of Bellevue.
Golden Week is a special time in Japan. Families take vacations, businesses close, and cities fill with festivals and travel. It’s a time for the country to pause and celebrate its rich history and traditions. Similarly, Bellevue College’s Japan Week creates a lively and immersive experience for the community, allowing everyone to appreciate Japanese culture.
October 5, Bellevue College will transform into a hub of authentic Japanese experiences. You can enjoy Japanese musical performances, Manga Swap, Flea Market, and Origami Contest performances. Japan Week brings a piece of Japan right to the Pacific Northwest.
Just as Golden Week inspires pride in Japan, Bellevue College’s Japan Week fosters an appreciation for Japanese culture that goes beyond the classroom. Whether you love Japanese food, art, or entertainment, this celebration offers a unique chance to explore Japan’s rich heritage at Bellevue College.
Join the celebration! Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Japan Week has something for everyone.
Sincerely,
Jalisa Bass
Student Operations Assistant
At KBCS 91.3 FM, we provide programs that inform, inspire, and connect our community. But we need your support. Your donation keeps cultural features and global voices on the air.
💪 Be part of something bigger. Your contribution fuels independent media, amplifies underrepresented stories, and keeps our airwaves vibrant with fresh perspectives.
Uncover the Stories That Matter on KBCS’s “Making Contact” Program
Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’re a longtime listener, 91.3 KBCS Regional News is committed to bringing you personal life experiences from all angles. That’s why we’re inspiring you with award winning programs like “Making Contact”, a unique blend of storytelling and critical analysis that tackles some of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Each week, we bring you voices from across the globe, sharing stories of real people and the challenges they face. 91.3 KBCS Regional News “Making Contact” is a weekly radio program that delves into social justice issues with depth and compassion. The show goes beyond the surface of the news to find the people whose lives are intertwined with significant social trends and events. From environmental struggles to human rights, “Making Contact” provides not just information, but insight and empathy.
If “Making Contact” has made you think, feel, or take action, consider supporting KBCS. Your donations help keep programs like this on the air and ensure that important stories are heard.
