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friday ◄
3.20.98 ◄
six.a ◄
Step up to the mike: Age not a factor
Radio station KAW broadcasts amateur acts by teens and KU students
story by emily c. forsyth ● eforsyth@kansan.com
Jesse Miller usually rides his bike or hangs out with friends after school. But on Wednesdays, the 14-year-old Central Junior High student spins tunes on his radio show, "The Mosh Pit."
Many KU students also have begun amateur radio shows on KAW 88.9 FM since the station's inception last year.
Despite ongoing licensing battles with the Federal Communications Commission, the station celebrated its first anniversary on March 9.
The community radio station, which thrives on an eclectic mix of spoken and musical shows, has more than 60 disc jockeys with segments ranging from 30 minutes to two hours.
The program schedule includes a wide range of shows including "Animal Tales," featuring music and poems about animals and by animals; "Inside Lawrence," which explores local issues, and "Borrowed Goods," which highlights music from the private collections of community members.
Other curious show titles include "Beautiful Songs for Ugly Children," "Spooky Death Music Hour," and "The Enchanted Cesspool."
Jesse first conceived the idea for "The Mosh Pit" after his dad, Tim Miller, started a show called "Less Corn and More Hell."
"I just thought it would be really cool," Jesse said. "I wanted to do it, but I didn't really think they'd let me because I was a kid."
Tim Miller said that KAW filled a vital gap in the community by giving voice to ideas that might not otherwise be heard.
He said that it was not the presentation of the programs that mattered but their content.
"I think it's great that we have real community access, and that kids can have shows, and really almost anyone can have a show there." Tim Miller said.
The title of Tim Miller's show came from a historical speech given by populist Mary Elizabeth Lease who said, "What the farmers of Kansas need farm and more hell."
"Less Corn and More Hell" is predominantly a political talk show that discusses social issues, literature and the arts.
"It's pretty scattered and disorganized in some ways and that's what makes it beautiful," Tim Miller said.
"The Mosh Pit," one of the station's most popular shows, is all about rockin' and having fun.
Inside the mosh pit
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Jesse and two friends arrived at the station armed with candy and cookies, ready to expose Lawrence listeners to alternative music, sports news, and some good old junior high humor.
"Good afternoon. Hey, hey kids! This is the Mosh Pit, Lawrence's radio show for kids and teenagers." Jesse said before playing the first tune "No Regrets" by Vibrolush.
Jesse and his friends, Lee Dunfield,14, and Karl Byleen-Higley, 13, stumped over each other to access the microphone, reading public service announcements and interjecting random thoughts.
Lee, a regular on the show, gave a sports report about college basketball, reciting facts and figures from memory.
"Lee talks about college basketball: part 47," Karl ioked. "It's like the Rocky movies."
In his regular commentary segment called "the gripe," Lee attacked the motives of the NBA and its players. "In my opinion, they're just a bunch of stuck
up rich guys who want more money and popularity." Lee said.
The show's format is loose and the philosophy simple: Anything goes as long as it's entertaining and gets a laugh from one of the three.
Jesse said he liked the freedom that KAW allowed him and his guests in expressing themselves through music and opinions.
"We can do almost anything we want on the air." Jesse said.
Ringo Witkowski, Wayne, Neb., senior, cues up a track during the "Spoken Blurb Show." Witkowski's show features commentary and comedy and focuses on political and social issues.
"It's not really the alternative music that's really mainstream music, but really alternative rock, ska and punk," Jesse said. "We try not to play too much of the same music as the other radio stations, like the popular radio stations, the commercial ones."
The music played on "The Mosh Pit" is what Jesse likes to call "alternative alternative."
Some of Jesse's favorite bands are the Mommy-heads. Ben Folds Five and They Might Be Giants.
Jesse said he thought his show attracted a variety of listeners. "A lot of kids listen to it," he said. "But, also some college students and adults listen to it."
In addition to listeners' support, local businesses have helped "The Mosh Pit." A local music store loans Jesse two CDs each week to play on his show.
Erin Wilke, Newton junior, works the boards during her show "Voices of the Women." Wilke plays mostly female singers on her 90-minute show. Photos by Geoff Krieger/KANSAN
Jesse has also been able to give away donated tickets for concerts, including the Jayhawk Music Festival, Weezer and Reel Big Fish. Musical guests have appeared on the show, including Frogpond and Uncle Dirty Toes.
"To listen to that and hear what kids are doing and what they think and what they're into, I just think it's great," Wilke said.
"I just play different women singers, songwriters or instrumentalists," she said. "I do women's world music also, like Latin American women and African women."
Wilkey said that KAW contributed an important service to the community by providing a forum for anyone to articulate their views.
Wilkey also has a show on KAW called "Voices of the Woman."
TUNE IN
"I can actually get on and feel free to voice my perspectives and opinions," Wilkey said. "It's so available to everyone."
Big kids play too
Erin Wilkey, Newton junior, said she enjoyed listening to Jesse's show.
Intrigued? Wondering when you can catch these folks in action? Wonder no more! Erin Wilkey
"Voices of the Woman"
2:30 4 p.m. W
Ringo Witkowski, Wayne, Neb., sophomore, has also taken advantage of the opportunity to express himself on the air. Witkowski's program is called "The Spoken Blurb Show" and highlights one or two artists each week. Witkowski plays spoken word selections by poets, activists, musicians and public speakers, often focusing on political and social topics.
Witkowski said he did not think of "The Spoken Blurb Show" as his own radio show, but as a contribution to the members of the community.
Featured artists have included Jello Biafra and Noam Chomsky.
"I really enjoy giving this information to other people," he said. "If people are listening, I think it could possibly do some good."
Jesse Miller
"The Mosh Pit"
46.90 W.
4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays Ringo Witkowski
■ Ringo Witkowski
"The Spoken Blurb Show"
3:4:30 p.m. Thursdays
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