Autumn Labbe-Renault's blog

Continuing with my look back and into KDRT as we approach our 5th anniversary, this week's "Speakeasy" will feature:

Four years ago, on Aug. 9, a Brooklyn-born retired steelworker named Lee Renault, a.k.a. The Eclectic Dinosaur, launched a music show on KDRT and has been going strong ever since. Why "The Eclectic Dinosaur?" It's all about the music--a very odd and diverse collection spanning probably seven decades, and full of hidden gems and musical trivia. So, it's eclectic, for sure. And much of it's old, so I think that makes Lee the dinosaur. ;)

Listen to the interview here: http://kdrt.org/node/1679 I had the most unusual opportunity and honor of hosting an enlightened holy man, Swami Paramanandji, in the studio at KDRT today. It was really a privilege and I thank my dear friends Laima, Mary and Sunny for helping it come to pass. The show will repeat next Wed. and will be archived (under Program Archives/Speakeasy) at http://kdrt.org

July 19, 2009

Good morning. My name is Autumn Labbé-Renault. I’m a UUCD member and executive director of the non-profit organization Davis Media Access, home of KDRT 95.7 FM, our community’s low-power radio station. I’ve been asked to share a bit about my involvement in starting and sustaining KDRT, or as I like to call it, “the little radio station that could.”

On the June 10, 2009 episode of "Speakeasy," I interview Sakura Saunders of the Prometheus Radio Project about recent legislative and judicial developments favoring Low-power FM radio. Sakura was one of the original members of the KDRT Working Group abnd helped launch the station in 2004. Listen at http://kdrt.org/station/archives/363

Sharing this press release from our friends at Prometheus Radio Project. This is really poignant because our own battle to save KDRT from commercial encroachment played a role in helping the FCC and courts to understand the strength and community support of LPFMs. Michael Couzens, the attorney mentioned here, represented KDRT as well.

Court vindicates FCC's effort to save small stations from loss of channels

On May 20, I interviewed inimitable local musicians Linda Duval and Cathy Speck. We talked about Cathy's recent diagnosis with ALS, what perspective death & dying brings to living, as well as their life, their love, their music. Includes a track and a half (we ran out of time!) from their forthcoming CD, "Thanks for Waiting." Click here to listen to the interview.

Ever wonder what it takes to keep a business running for 21 years? Tune into KDRT 95.7 FM this Wed., March 18 at 10 a.m. to hear Heather Caswell, owner and style coach of The Wardrobe, share her unique perspective on small business and community activism.

The scene was Friday afternoon, and my daughter was helping set up for the Joe Craven/Aesthetic Cling concert at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall. Rowan was on her way out to recycle an empty pizza box when Joe said, "young lady, don't throw that out!" Good kid that she is, she said, "I'm not, I'm going to recycle it!" Says Joe, "no, don't do that, I might just play it later."

The joint venture between the Davis Odd Fellows and Davis Media Access known as the "First Fridays" Concert Series launched last night, Feb. 6, 2009, with a spectacular show by Loose Acoustic Trio and The Rubber Souldiers.

Loose Acoustic Trio kicked us off with a fine set and an encore. Yeah, we like their hats, and their music too. Big thanks to Richie Lawrence, Ken Cooper and Steve O'Neill. Be sure to find out more about them here.