When KWAX 91.1 FM takes to the airwaves Oct. 14-15 for its seasonal on-air fundraiser, the voices of familiar hosts and timeless music will be joined by something new — an urgent appeal for support.
This year’s drive carries added importance: the station, a self-supporting program of the University of Oregon, is facing the loss of $100,000 in annual funding following the shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Despite that challenge, KWAX Station Manager George Evano remains optimistic.
“It’s gratifying to see that hundreds of listeners have already increased their annual gift, and many others have contributed to the station for the first time,” Evano said. “We hope that many more listeners who appreciate the music we play step up and make a gift to help bridge the gap.”
KWAX has deep roots at the university. Founded in the 1950s as a 10-watt, student-run operation, it has grown into a 20,000-watt professional station serving 26,000 weekly listeners in the Eugene area and beyond. From symphonies and concertos to intimate chamber works, KWAX curates a rich blend of the classical canon and lesser-known gems that define the breadth of the genre.
Professional hosts Rocky Lamanna and Kimberly Powell offer their live shows weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with specialty programs — devoted to piano, guitar, choral, Latin music and more — filling evenings and weekends. The station also carries broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and other world-renowned ensembles.
With the fall arts season in full swing, KWAX plays a key role in connecting listeners with the region’s vibrant cultural scene. More than 20 partner organizations, including Chamber Music at Beall, the Oregon Humanities Center and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, rely on KWAX to reach audiences passionate about the arts.
Powell is the station’s newest voice. She joined KWAX last February after an award-winning career in Oklahoma. Her new series, KWAX Connects, highlights local musicians and arts leaders such as James Boyd of the Oregon Bach Festival and Eugene Symphony Music Director Alexander Prior.
On KWAX Presents, which airs most Thursdays at 10 am, Powell plays a live concert broadcast from one of the partners, colored with program insights and commentary from the artists.
Listeners can tune in at 91.1 FM in the Eugene area, across Oregon via the station’s network of translators or stream live at kwax.com — where they can also make a gift of support.
“It will show that you both support public radio,” Evano said, “and the richness classical music brings to our lives and community.”
—Top photo: George Evano, Kimberly Powell and Rocky Lamanna of KWAX host the station’s fall fund drive Oct. 14-15 at 91.1 FM and KWAX.com. Nic Walcott, University Communications