Davisville, Feb. 17, 2025: Recreating downtown

Several changes are pending in downtown Davis. To counter problems with public safety, the district is adding volunteer ambassadors and hopes to gain a police officer assigned to patrol the area on foot or bike; it plans a “rediscover” event for people who have concluded downtown is no longer for them; it’s tracking the effects of reduced parking, new downtown housing, potential changes from a new underpass at the train station to Olive Drive, and whether the new car-free space on G Street (pictured on a recent Wednesday afternoon) delivers benefits that outweigh the disruption it has caused.

Proposition 36, which Californians approved last November to permit felony charges and stiffer sentences for certain drug and theft crimes, is also a factor. We talk about all this with Brett Lee, executive director of the Davis Downtown Business Association and a third-generation resident of Davis, as well as a former mayor.

The Electric Compost Heap – Feb. 14, 2025

ICYMI: This week's Electric Compost Heap with DJ Dug Deep features some tracks that have nothing to do with Valentine's Day. Also spotlighted, some tunes from David Johansen (pictured at left) — the former member of the New York Dolls is battling cancer and complications and can really use your help right now. Stream the replay and visit David's Sweet Relief fund to show your support.

 

Leyna K. and Quy Tran in the studio on Listening Lyrics, Feb. 14, 2025

Sometimes, the best moments happen on a whim. While riding my bike, I heard music drifting through the air and followed the sound. That’s when I found Leyna on piano and Quy on guitar—two students completely lost in their moment of zen. Though music isn’t their major, it’s their passion, and their talent was undeniable. I knew I had to invite them to share their gift. After all, this is community radio—an hour of heartfelt conversation and music, from them to you. Enjoy.

ICYMI: LIVE DiRT with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founder John McEuen and DJ Rocky Outcrop!

Grammy award-winning banjo legend John McEuen is a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  He joined DJ Rocky Outcrop for another edition of Live DiRT  on Feb. 3 — stream it here. John and his band also appeared at venues in Grass Valley, Mill Valley, and Livermore. Learn more at JohnMcEuen.net.

Musicals! On Audio Ecotone, Feb. 14, 2025

In the 1930s and 1940s, musicals provided a weary world a little bit of respite and reminders of joy to help revive and recharge the spirit. Sadly and incomprehensibly, this is needed again. On this Valentine's Day,  my valentine to you, faithful Audio Ecotone listeners, is a little bit of escapism, with favorite selections from musicals from the 1920s to 1980s as well as a surprise appearance by the Nicholas Brothers! Listen live at 3 p.m. Pacific on KDRT 95.7 FM in Davis or online at kdrt.org. The show replays at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, and is archived for two weeks at https://kdrt.org/program/audio-ecotone.

For more show and music announcements, follow me on Bluesky at @eddy-owt.bsky.social.

IMPLOSION – 12 February 2025

The one, the only Nick Saloman brings you the grooviest tunes from Sam Gopal, Charles Earland, the Factory, the Pistols, the New Rotary Connection, and more. The fun commences on IMPLOSION at 5 p.m. Pacific time, right here on the one, the only KDRT 95.7 fm | KDRT.org. Stream thereafter via the web or your favorite podcast apps!

Jazz After Dark, Feb. 11, 2025

On tonight's show:

  • Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra, Pompton Turnpike
  • Artie Shaw And His New Music, Free Wheeling
  • Erskine Hawkins, Tippin' In
  • Don Byas, I Got Rhythm
  • Louis Armstrong, When You're Smiling
  • Gerry Mulligan, Sextet
  • Etta Jones, Bye Bye Blackbird
  • Herb Alpert, A Taste of Honey
  • Eubie Blake, Tricky Fingers
  • Clark Terry & Chico O'Farrill, The Peanut Vendor
  • Ella Fitzgerald & The Tommy Flanagan Trio, Night and Day
  • Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela, Besame Mucho
  • Sonny Rollins, And Then My Love I Found You
  • Art Pepper & George Cables, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
  • Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola & John McLaughlin, Manhã de Carnaval

Divine Intervention – Feb. 7, 2025

Finally, finally, Jess Goddesse has arranged her brain in such a way as to enable a Best of 2024 feast for your ears, coming your way at 6 p.m. Pacific on Divine Intervention. You'll hear tunes from near and far — from Sacramento's Th' Losin Streaks to Sweden's Goat and more — right here on your favorite freeform community station, KDRT 95.7 fm | KDRT.org.