Denver First Friday Celebration: Sound Power and Beyond

The art communities of Denver have established a tradition with First Friday Art Walks, and this held true for the Santa Fe Neighborhood, a rich and diverse district known for its reflection of traditional and contemporary art. So which chic gallery is known for throwing the best party, serving award winning wine and serving catered hors d'oeuvre? Well actually it is not a gallery at all. My visit to KGNU Community Radio included it all.

Volunteer-powered, the 1390 AM station listeners and supporters braved an unusual chilly September night to join the 4th Anniversary party in celebration of the addition to local radio in Denver. In an unprecedented campaign, 2100 volunteers raised 1,250,000 dollars to purchase the radio station which allowed KGNU to expand independent community radio from Boulder and better serve a growing Denver audience. The remote station located at 700 Kalamath Street is neighbor to another community organization Denver Open Media who recently was awarded a 3 year contract to manage the City and County of Denver community cable airwaves.

It was festive fun-filed evening complete with live music provided by Creative Music Workshop Musicians, which continued the tradition to broadcast live on Denver Open Media channel 57. Many of the Workshop musician members have played together throughout the years stated, Mark Harris in an interview with KGNU station manager and long-standing supporter Sam Fuqua. KGNU provides an open door format evident with programs such as Dusty Groves, BBC News Hour and Alternative Radio an award winning weekly broadcast produced by David Barsamian, highlighting political vocies and activists.