University of Lethbridge based community radio station CKXU, 88.3 turns 40 this year, but is just starting to grow up.
Fundrive is not just about raising money, it’s about community according to CKXU station manager Aaron Trozzo.
“It’s not just about lining somebody’s pockets, it’s about community building. It’s about the vibe it creates from everyone working together for the greater good,” said Trozzo.
“ We just had a very successful ‘Love and Records’ event so it would be easy to burn out, but everyone gets what they put into it, which is where the motivation comes from.
The University of Lethbridge based community radio station is holding a variety of events throughout the week OCt. 19-26, to raise money for their annual pledge drive, which enables them to pay for equipment, a few salaries and all of the little things behind the scenes which enable them to broadcast.
This year they have set a goal of raising $12,000 in pledges.
Donors receive a variety of CKXU swag including their popular zipper hoodies, their trademark hot sauce and most importantly a CKXU Friends card, which gives discounts at a variety of local businesses, which Trozzo said contributes to CKXU's role in the community.
Some of the DJS themselves have created innovative prize packages of their own. One f them incudes a Cookie Monster costume.
“We are always willing to think about creative ways to help businesses who might not have huge marketing budgets who might otherwise fall to the wayside,” Trozzo said.
CKXU, 88.3, FM, broadcasts a variety of different music you won’t hear on any other radio station. At any moment you will hear up and coming indie rock bands, dance and techno music, hop hop, a lot of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta musicians plus blues, metal, old school punk, folk music, classical music and some interesting spoken word programs.
“We’re growing up. We desperately want to increase our range. I think we could be a force in media. We want to get cutting edge technology to improve the listening experience,” Trozzo enthused adding the money is mostly designated towards technological upgrades to improve broadcast quality and a bigger transmitter and antenna.
“ We’re part of the volunteer driven engine in Lethbridge,” Trozzo said.
He is looking forward to the events this year.
FunDrive begins Friday, Oct, 19 at Essies with a massive dance party featuring several DJs including Sheset Steez from Calgary who plays Electro house music, CKXU DJ Reverin, playing bass music, former CKXU DJ Pez playing techno music, former CKXU DJ Streeter playing Electro house music playing electro house music and former CKXU DJ Plush playing progressive house music. A suggested donation of five dollars will be taken at the door.
“ We haven’t done an electonica themed event for a while, so we’re working with Bassworks. We have several CKXU alumni coming,” he said.
The other big event is Pride of the Prairies, CKXU’s annual cover night at the Slice, Oct. 20. The event features Lethbridge bands Concrete Towns, Planet Telex, Sugar Mountain, betterthird and Shipbreaker covering a variety of popular songs from bands based out of the Prairies.
“ The quality of music coming from the Prairies over the past 20-30 years is impressive,” Trozzo said, adding the event is also a costume party where patrons are encouraged to dress as their favourite prairie image or personality.
“ We have bands covering Neil Young. Planet Telex is doing a Smalls set. Other bands are doing a mix of Calgary indie rock. It’s going to be mixed up and it’s going to be weird,” Trozzo said.
Admission is $15 at the door.
CKXU is hosting an array of lower key events, all ages events as well including their annual cupcake eating/ cooking contest in which people submit their favourite and strangest cupcake recipes. There is no cost to attend, but cupcakes cost two dollars each to eat. It takes place from 2-4 p.m. downstairs in the Downtown Library.
They are also bringing back their board game night at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Oct. 30. It will be a laid back evening of board games as CKXU DJs spin their favourite tunes.
