If you’ve ever turned on the radio and stumbled upon “Heidi’s Happy Hours of Polka Power” or “The Reverend’s Dreamix,” then you’re listening to the Denton-based station KUZU 92.9 FM.
“We have over 80 citizens of Denton that we have trained as official KUZU producers (and) on the air right now, we probably have about 60 currently doing shows,” he continues. “One of the things we always tell our producers when we go into training with them (is) we’re not going to tell you what to play — you can play whatever you like. But we do tell them, please, try and educate our listeners … and seek out songs that you don’t normally hear on other stations.”
This year, KUZU is celebrating its 6th anniversary on Saturday, July 22nd with the first-ever Revolution Records Convention during the day and the KUZU: Revolution 6 benefit concert in the evening.
Revolution Records Convention
KUZU is holding the Revolution Records Convention from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center in Denton.
Salisbury said the idea for the record convention came from the fact that records are having a bit of a Renaissance right now and that most of the producers and DJs at KUZU are record lovers themselves.
“We have several individuals that come in and do vinyl-only shows,” he explains. “And a lot of us involved with the station have an affinity towards analog media like vinyl, which is kind of the reason why it has stuck around so long and still is a great source for listening to music. Obviously (as a) radio station, we’re highly involved in music … so it seemed like a no-brainer for us to throw an event like this.”
The radio station partnered with Recycled Books, Records, & CDs to make this event possible. “We thought (they were) a perfect partner to do a record convention with (as) such a long-standing and well-loved establishment, Salisbury says.
Although the convention is completely free for the public to attend, Salisbury says they are selling early bird tickets for $10 for special collectors who want first access to the vendors and can enter the convention an hour early at 10:00 am.
As of press time, vendor registration for the convention had sold out and Salisbury said there will be 50 vendors in the showroom area.
In addition to record and memorabilia vendors, the Revolution Records Convention will also feature panel discussions, interviews, and special appearances throughout the day.
For example, the panel will feature music pros like Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Stuart Sikes, artistic director of The Kessler Theater Jeffrey Liles, and owner/producer of Gitmo Records Keldrick LaShae Scott.
Additionally, Salisbury says radio personnel will be conducting interviews with other industry guests throughout the day, such as Isaac Hoskins, a local Denton musician who was highlighted in season 5 of Yellowstone, and Daniel Huffman, who is a colored vinyl art presser and has worked with national bands like the Flaming Lips and Tobacco.
Revolution 6 Concert
Then from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, KUZU will be taking over all three stages at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios for its Revolution 6 anniversary concert celebration.
Two stages will feature bands, while a third stage will present the Mike Weibe & Frenemies comedy show. And different KUZU DJs will present their music programs in the venue’s bar area.
Bands expected to perform include Nicaraguan singer-songwriter Ceci Ceci, hardcore punk freaks Laughing Matter, and industrial electronics artist Shane English.
Admission for the benefit concert is $10, however, Salisbury says those who purchase the early bird ticket for the Revolution Records Convention will receive free admission to the concert.
“We definitely encourage anyone who’s ever listened to KUZU to come out and support the station,” he adds. “This is our major fundraiser for the year and we’d love to see everyone out having a good time all in the name of radio.”
Become a DJ
If you would like to learn how to be a DJ at KUZU, Salisbury says they will be holding a producer training in August. Sign up by filling out their online application. “We’re always looking for new ideas for radio shows,” he adds.
Additionally, KUZU will also hold a Youth Producer Program training in August. Salisbury says so far they have trained six youth producers through the program. Two are still going strong at KUZU — one is currently 17 and started when he was 12, and the other is an eighth grader starting this summer.
For more information on the Revolution Records Convention, click here. For more information on the Revolution 6 concert, click here. And for more information on KUZU visit their website or like them on Facebook.