As the holid A y se A son A ppro A ches, I find myself reflecting on the incredible community we have built together. This time of year is all about connection, gratitude, and hope — a perfect opportunity to celebrate the variety of cultures and traditions that enrich our lives.
At KMUN, we believe in the power of the FM dial to facilitate inclusivity. Each of you — our dedicated members, volunteers, and listeners — fervently bring unique experiences and perspectives to KMUN and that contributes to our mission of being the
Holiday Season Hopes
Focus on community in the darkest months
voice of the Lower Columbia Region. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or any other holiday, we honor and embrace the richness of your traditions.
This season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hope radiating from our shared experiences. It’s a time to gather, reflect on the year past, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we have made significant strides in bringing more people to the airwaves, and it’s your unwavering support that has made all the difference. We have some big plans for 2025!
As we celebrate, I encourage you to reach out to one another, to share
On Saturday, November 2, the Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors held their annual member meeting in the Astoria Elks Lodge. Returning board members Todd Lippold and Bonnie Lively were both reelected to their seats, and Jon Tullis, host of River of Songs , was elected to one of the remaining open seats.
Volunteer awards were presented to members of the KMUN community who made a particular impact on the organization this past year. See page 11 in this issue for an overview of the awards and recipients.
More information about the Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors can be found on our website: kmun.org/tillicumfoundation
stories and to extend kindness to those who may be struggling. Small acts of generosity can create ripples of hope and joy in our community.
In the spirit of community, we welcome you to become a part of KMUN as a listener, volunteer or a member. Or all three! I invite you to join the KMUN family — your presence is what makes this radio station truly special. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and community-minded holiday season and may that extend into 2025!
Warmly, Susan S
Go Over the Edge with Brandon as we push our boundaries with progressive music from all decades. Every other saturday 8-10pm ON KMUN
THE TILLICUM FOUNDATION STAFF & GOVERNANCE TEAM
Stewards of KMUN, KTCB, and KCPB -- from the content to the cables.
STATION MANAGER
Susan Peterson
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Jack Harris
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Keegan Fifer
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Viri Haugen
NEWS DEPARTMENT
Katie Frankowicz Director
Skyler Butenshon Host
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Emma Geddes
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Andy Eddy
BOOKKEEPER
Jennifer Rasmussen
WEB DEVELOPER
Paul Brady
NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
Dave Neys
ENGINEERING SUPPORT
Sunset Empire Ham Radio Club
Gray Haertig
Michael Johnson
David Klann
John Mackey
Nevada Sowle
EDITOR / DESIGNER
TILLICUM FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Larry Scott President
Randy Vogt Vice President
Sturges Dorrance Treasurer
Todd Lippold Secretary
Bonnie Lively
Mick Mortlock
Jon Tullis
The Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors meets the 4th Wednesday of every month at 5 pm. The meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Meeting links and more information available at kmun.org under the “About” tab.
COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
Alex Carney Neal Lemery
Natalie Mallis
Tita Montero
Laura Swanson
Sherry Zeilstra
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) evaluates KMUN’s programming for opportunities to further the station’s ability to accomplish its mission. Learn more about the CAB at kmun.org under the About tab.
Emma Geddes COPY EDITOR Katie Frankowicz
Lowell Benner
Brian Bovenizer
Teresa DeLorenzo
Heather Douglas
Keegan Fifer
Katie Frankowicz
Barbara Hansel
Jack Harris
Reid Johnson
Mark Meadowlark
AD SALES MANAGER Andy Eddy
Jentzen Mooney
Susan Peterson
Joanne Rideout
Kamila Swerdloff
Skyler Wells
The Tillicum Foundation’s mission is to serve the Lower Columbia Pacific Region through commercial-free community radio programs and services that enrich life by illuminating the role of the arts, promoting cultural and educational growth, and bringing focus to current issues of local and regional public interest while providing a forum for diverse and under-served groups.
Want to help us further our mission? Visit kmun.org to learn more and get involved today.
Send Your Comments, Corrections & Kudos: feedback@kmun.org 503-325-0010
@KMUN91.9
@KMUNtv KMUN
COVER ARTIST: Skyler Wells
Skyler frequently fills in on The Son of Dario Charnay for DJ
Dario Charnay, whose jet-setting lifestyle and dubious habits keep him away from the mic more often than not. Skyler enjoys worm farming, night digging, bone sculpture and long walks on the beach at sunset. This cover piece is done in pen & ink and watercolor.
The Current is designed & printed in Astoria, Oregon. The Tillicum Foundation is tax-exampt and all gifts, grants, and contributions to it are tax deductible to the extent of the law. KMUN broadcasts 5000 watts of power at 91.9 MHz from its main transmitter on Megler Mountain, 250 watts at 89.3 from a translator located in Cannon Beach, and 10 watts from translators in both Wheeler (104.3) and Astoria’s south slope (91.3). KTCB broadcasts 400 watts of power at 89.5 from Cape Meares, serving Tillamook County. The Tillicum Foundation also operates a second program service, KCPB, which broadcasts at 400 watts from Megler Mountain at 90.9 MHz.
Gary Longo suddenly had a sinking feeling.
He was searching for what he thought would be small genetic differences across a single species of ocean-dwelling fish: Pacific sardine.
But Longo, a contractor for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, seemed to be looking at two completely different species. Had he accidentally swapped sample plates?
Pacific sardines are small but ecologically important fish. For fishery management purposes, they are grouped into three subpopulations. Longo was part of a group looking to see if these stocks were genetically distinct from each other.
Gradually, Longo and Matt Craig, a research geneticist with the center, realized the DNA they were looking at was still a sardine, but a species of sardine they had never detected along the West Coast of North America before. It was Japanese sardine, thousands of miles away from home.
In a paper published in October, Craig and Longo theorized that unusually warm waters in the North Pacific Ocean
Researchers find evidence of different sardine species off West Coast
may have created a sort of bridge, allowing Japanese sardines to move from their usual habitat in the West Pacific over to the East Pacific.
To the researchers, it’s another chapter in the story of how shifting ocean conditions are rapidly reshuffling species. In the last few years, market squid temporarily shifted north. Atlantic bluefin tuna appeared in fisheries hundreds of miles north of their usual summer feeding grounds. And now: sardines.
The discovery could also complicate efforts to understand the Pacific sardine population off the West Coast at a key moment.
NOAA is in the middle of attempting to develop a plan to rebuild the species following years of dramatic decline and amid litigation over the agency’s response. The West Coast population of Pacific sardines were declared overfished in 2019. A court rejected NOAA’s rebuilding plan earlier in 2024, but a new rebuilding plan will need to be in place by June.
Sardines form an important base to the food chain as fodder for larger animals that humans like to eat. They are a helpful species to study if you want to understand shifts in ocean temperatures, Longo said. A highly mobile fish, they are able to live in a wide range of habitats and respond quickly to changing temperatures.
Pacific and Japanese sardines so close-
ly resemble each other that it is nearly impossible to tell them apart just by looking at them until you dive down to the level of DNA.
For Longo and Craig one of the biggest questions they have — besides the obvious question of whether the Japanese sardines are here to stay — is if Japanese and Pacific sardines will hybridize. That is, interbreed and produce viable offspring.
If the two sardine species aren’t able to interbreed and the Japanese sardines stick around, they could end up competing with Pacific sardines for resources. S
A version of this story aired on KMUN in October 2024. Did you know we also publish digital versions of our original reporting? Find this story and other news at kmun.org/local-news
Do you have a news tip or a story idea? Let us know. Email the KMUN News Department at news1@kmun.org
Hear Local News on KMUN Weekdays 8:00 - 9:00 am and 5:00 - 6:00 pm during Morning Edition & All Things Considered
Brandon Bandy Brandon Mackley Brian Bovenizer Brian Dillon Bruce Watts
Radios
by Jentzen Mooney
Jack Harris, Program Director
As I wr I te th I s , A utumn I s st A rting to think ahead to winter, the stores are well into the Holiday season and I can’t help but feel the low-level stress and apprehension of the impending election. I’m not sure what the state of things will be when this is published. I’m not sure anyone knows what to expect. That fact alone is a big difference from my memory of previous presidential elections. At this point, a routine count of votes and transfer of power seems wildly optimistic. There are moments when it seems going
Gratitude A perennial reminder
back in time to a place where things are slightly less crazy is tempting and maybe that is the place I write this from. So, I am grateful.
I am grateful for KMUN and how it knits our part of the world together. Seeing our bumper stickers and t-shirts out and about in the listening area gives me a feeling of solidarity. Working with our myriad of volunteers, whether on air or otherwise, is inspirational. My co-workers on staff here at the Tillicum House motivate me every day to do my best. I am grateful for this community and opportunity.
I am especially grateful when I get to teach others how to get their voices, their music and their ideas onto the airwaves. The light that goes on in people’s eyes
when they realize the power they wield behind the mixing board and on the mic is remarkable. To a person, they have been awed and humbled by the potential of radio and the responsibility it entails to be on the air. I am grateful to relive those revelations through them.
No matter what the election and post-election has brought us, we will be celebrating holidays, the sun and moon will continue to rise and set, the seasons will keep changing and KMUN will continue to keep the lower Columbia Pacific awash in great music, relevant public affairs, interesting voices and yes…news. I shall continue to be grateful. S
RADIO HAIKU
Classical Music Donation
by R eid J ohnson
KMUN would like to thank All Classical Radio and Director of Music and Programming John Pitman for their generous donations to the KMUN classical music library, deepening and broadening our hosts’ and listeners’ access to wonderful music.
Clint Carter Dave Neys David Paul David Rasmussen Dayle Olson
PROGRAMMING
DEPARTMENT
Teresa DeLorenzo, Skinnamarink
The Piano Classical music just for kids
On O ct O ber 12, 2024, the weekly show Skinnamarink, for children of all ages, was all about the piano. Astorian Jennifer Goodenberger joined host Teresa DeLorenzo and made the show magic.
Jennifer Goodenberger is a concert pianist, composer, recording artist, and ensemble pianist. Her style is a mesmerizing fusion of classical, improvisational and contemporary music. She has released nine solo piano CDs. Her recordings are often used in the healing arts and as film soundtracks. For a time, Jennifer played keyboard with the Brownsmead Flats. And she was a classical music programmer on KMUN for four years, starting in the station’s second year, 1984.
Skinnamarink’s piano show began with Jennifer describing how she has made a life and living with the piano.
A Storied Reader In memory of Belinda Kruger
One O f the five O riginal B edtime Stories readers, Belinda was an integral part of the start-up KMUN, and continued to read bedtime stories every week for over ten years. She reached out, reading stories at local school libraries.
She produced the occasional special, including the first KMUN salute to Cinco de Mayo.
Her day job, and her passion, was women’s health care. She spent a few years as a labor and delivery nurse at CMH, fol-
lowed by over two decades as the Women’s Health Care Provider at Clatsop County Health Department. Her respect for the dignity of every woman who consulted her was well known in the community.
In her later years, KMUN radio programs brought her great comfort. Her sing-a-long favorite was Morning Folk.
In her memory, please read a story aloud to the nearest child. S
Hear Bedtime Stories on KMUN
Sunday - Thursday, 8:30 - 9:00 pm
Jennifer selected and performed wonderful piano music to accompany the reading of three stories about famous pianists of the past and present. In addition, selections were played from Jennifer’s CD of piano music composed by Clara Schumann, and from a CD of Jennifer’s own compositions.
Special thanks to Bonnie and Scott Thompson for the loan of their piano, and to Program Director Jack Harris and Programmer Todd Lippold for moving the piano in and out of the KMUN studio.
Skinnamarink plays every Saturday from 11 am - noon. The second Saturday show highlights all things classical – music, musicians, instruments and composers. S
Hear Skinnamarink on KMUN Saturdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jennifer Goodenberger at the piano in the KMUN studio. Photo courtesy of Teresa DeLorenzo.
IN MEMORIAM: BELINDA KRUGER by Barbara Hansel, KMUN Volunteer
Belinda Kruger, early KMUN volunteer. Photo courtesy of fellow volunteer, Barbara Hansel.
Illustration by Heather Douglas in Astoria, Ore.
Annual KMUN Volunteer Awards
On Saturday November 2nd, the Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors and staff presented the following awards to some of the exceptional volunteers who continue to make KMUN a vital resource for the Lower Columbia Pacific region.
Mark Meadowlark
2024 Volunteer of the Year
For volunteering carpentry, design, and building skills to improve the beauty and safety of the Tillicum House.
Hear Mark on Caribbean Moon
Every other Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
lori Pastor
2024 Rookie of the Year
For filling the cinematic audiophile needs of our community precisely and thematically every week.
Hear Lori on Reeled In Every Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
teresa delorenzo
2024 Yellow SUBmarine
For genre-jumping and overall willingness to fill in anywhere on the broadcast schedule.
Hear Teresa on Sunday Opera, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm & on Skinnamarink, 2nd Saturdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
reid Johnson
Community Calendar King
For translating calendar submissions into comprehensible on-air announcements for all to hear and enjoy. Find the Community Calendar at kmun.org
The Tillicum FoundaT ion Board oF direcTors award
for extraordinary contributions and serV ice to the tillicuM foundation and the stations of coast coMMunity radio.
roger rocka
scratchy Vinyl (aka Peter hurney)
2024 DJ of the Year
For a consistently crazy, yet compellingly kaleidoscopic, production that celebrates audio. (Insert sound FX here.)
Hear DJ Scratchy on The Scratchy Vinyl Show
Every other Thursday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
steV en aM aya
2024 Public Affairs Show of the
Year
For crafting compelling portraits of the vast diversity in parenting techniques and experiences on Father Figures.
Hear Steven on Father Figures 2nd Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:00 am
Michael wilson The Steady Hand
For staffing the front desk during countless last-minute shifts and providing stellar support to both the hosts and staff.
kelli daffon 2024 Sound Nerd of the Year
For pushing the boundaries of editing and going deep into sound design on Watershed Moments.
Hear Kelli on Watershed Moments 4th Mondays, 9:30 - 10:00 am
Roger was appointed in June 2011 and served the board for 7 years in var ious roles including vice president, president and event coordinator. He also hosts The Human Beat, and has filled in on shows from ARTS to Evening Jazz.
John steV enson
For service as the board treasurer May 2018 to November 2023, and as longtime host of both Lost Highway and Gospel Train. John has also filled in on countless shows whenever called upon.
“With Celtic Aire introducing me to the likes of Celtica, Battlefield, and Celtarabia, how can I NOT donate?”
BARBARA in ILWACO
“Thanks, Lloyd and Janet, for turning me onto this treasure of a radio station. I’m hooked!”
GENIE in DAYTON
“Great show today. Loved the ‘Stoned in the 70s’ edition. Just a lot of my favorite old artists. (In the Groove) is becoming one of my favorites to be sure to listen to each week.”
WAYNE in TILLAMOOK
“Since I began listening to KMUN over a year ago, I did notice that classical music is played every morning. Even I am beginning to appreciate it since the first thing I do in the morning is turn on KMUN. I also noticed that (the DJs) are pure admirers and love sharing their knowledge.”
DIANE in TILLAMOOK
Comments? Critiques? Fan mail? Send it all to feedback@kmun.
Brian’s Country Corner
Brian Bovenizer, host of the North Coast Range , plays a selection of alt-country and country adjacent music with a focus on new releases. Here are a few of the new.
Highway Prayers Billy Strings
If you haven’t heard of Billy Strings, you must not be listening to KMUN. Threetime IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Assoc) Entertainer of the Year, Billy blends bluegrass, psychedelic rock and jam all in one entertaining package. For fans of music and happiness.
Bright Future Adrianne Lenker
Not quite country, not quite folk, the Big Thief vocalist’s latest solo album is the kind of melancholy that makes you smile. For fans of not so country rainy mornings and quiet sunset empire evenings.
Tiger’s Blood Waxahatchee
Frontrunner for the Country Corner’s First Annual Album of the Year, songwriter Katie Crutchfield joins producer
Brad Cook (Hiss Golden Messenger, Brent Cobb) for a masterclass in indie-folk-country-ish production. For fans of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Brandi Carlile.
Rodeo Junkies Noeline Hoffman
Produced by Pat Lyons (Colter Wall), this is a fairly straight ahead country songwriter EP that is destined to catch fire on the next album. (Not just because I played lit-
tle league with Lyons). For fans of Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams.
Woodland
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Speaking of Gillian Welch, she and David Rawlings have a new album named after their studio, “Woodland.” Full band, folky arrangements accompany the signature Rawlings jangly acoustic guitar and unique vocal harmonies. For fans of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.
Other great artists with new albums: Lake Laconic, Fruition, The Deslondes, Melissa Carper, Swamp Dog, Kimmi Bitter, Ramsay Midwood, Weezy Ford, Charlie Parr, Sierra Ferrell.
Hear North Coast Range on KMUN Alternating Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Middaugh
Schleif
Community Calendar
December 2024 - January 2025
Clatsop animal assistanCe Fundraiser & Holiday party
12/4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Lovell Showroom, 14th & Duane in Astoria
“deCked!” a Holiday play by Ginna Hoben
12/6-21, variable showtimes
The Ten Fifteen Theater, 1015 Commercial St. Astoria
tHe roGue trio & Holiday CraF t Fair
12/15, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Barbey Maritime Center, 2042 Marine Dr. Astoria
Horse Hair raku Fire Class
12/21, 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Ilwaco Artworks, 109 First Ave. North Ilwaco
Veteran’s break Fast
1/2, 8:00 - 10:00 am
Lum’s Auto Center, 1605 SE Ensign Lane Warrenton
Cameraless pHotoGrapH y & Cyanotype WorksHop 1/18-19, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Sou’Wester Lodge, 3728 J Place Seaview
Find these events and many more on the Community Calendar at kmun.org
Submit your event to be included on the KMUN website and in live on-air announcements. Find the submission form on our website.
Gifting a KMUN Membership
It feels l I ke 2024 went by I n a bl I nk ! t hanks to you, this year was full of great programs, connections, and community. Your support is truly a gift. Speaking of gifts consider giving the gift of a KMUN membership to a friend or family member this holiday season! Simply fill out the membership form on this page and mention that it is a gift. The recipient will be sent a letter educating and welcoming them to KMUN and they will have the option to be added to our communication lists! S
B ecome a mem B er today ! D onation F orm
Every donation to KMUN includes NAME: a one-year membership, which gets PHONE: you The Current mailed to your ADDRESS: doorstep and a vote in the Board election at the Annual Member EMAIL: Meeting in November. AMOUNT: $_____________________
Larry Scott
Laura Swanson
Linda Anderson
Linda Perkins
LinMarie DiCianni Lisa Smith Liz Harris Lloyd Bowler Lowell Benner
Marc Ward Margarita Cullimore Marianne Monson Mark Meadowlark Mac Burns
KMUN PODCASTS
A n A dventure in H istory with Mac Burns & Alana Kujala
A weekly look back at historical tidbits big and small, produced by the Clastop County Historical Society.
B e A c H G r A ss r oots with Emma Geddes
A monthly feature on local nonprofits, in collaboration with the Astoria Co+op’s Change for Community program.
F At H er F i G ures with Steven Amaya
A monthly program about the complex experiences and impacts of parenthood in all its forms.
F ood t A lk with Merianne Myers & Linda Perkins
Bimonthly chats with two prolific home cooks on their successes, failures and inspirations.
t H e H um A n B e At with Roger Rocka
Monthly interviews with community members about our people, issues, environment, history, and the joys of living in our region.
i n s e A son with Teresa Retzlaff
A monthly dive into farms, gardens, and wild spaces of the north coast, from food production and flowers to wildfires and willows.
Find these local shows in your favorite podcast app! Subscribe today and never miss an episode. These and more archived programs are always available at kmun.org/podcasts and in the KMUN App .
kmun s peci A ls
A wide range of recordings from public forums, KMUN station updates and other community events.
p oems F or c ompA ny with Brian Dillon
A monthly theme-based program featuring poems from all eras and styles. Topics include manual labor, unrequited love a nd more.
t H e p reservAtionists with Astronemis Ray
Monthly interviews with students and professionals in historic preservation, from the Lower Columbia Preservation Society.
t H e r e G ister with Zachary Stocks
Weekly, bite-sized biographies of some of Oregon’s noted historic Black individuals, produced by Oregon Black Pioneers.
r iver W riters with Marianne Monson & Sean Davis
A monthly chat with local and visiting writers on the craft of writing, produced by the Writer’s Guild.
t A lk o F o ur t o W ns with Donna Quinn
Monthly interiews with movers and shakers from throughout the north Oregon and south Washington coastal region.
W Aters H ed m oments with Kelli Daffron
A monthly program produced by the North Coast Watershed Association about the ecosystems they serve.
W ill A pA n Ature n otes with Kathleen Morgain
A weekly window into the diverse flora and fauna of our region, produced by the Friends of the Willapa Wildlife Refuge.
Jazz on the ‘MUN
A conversation with Lowell Benner
Iopen every show “ sw I ng I ng for the fences” so to speak: upbeat, with a cut from the Jazz Soul Seven’s tribute album to Curtis Mayfield called Impressions of Curtis Mayfield, followed by Shirley Scott & The Soul Saxes covering More Today Than Yesterday.
Jazz music can be challenging to the listener or at least that’s how many people perceive it. I like to play tunes that are familiar, have a groove yet maintain that jazz feel. I like to close most shows with a tune related to the next show, Bedtime Stories
— In My Room by Larry Goldings, Golden Slumbers by Brad Mehldau or Pure Imagination by the Bill Charlap Trio.
The DJ that inspired me most was a fella named Chuck Niles on KJAZZ down in Los Angeles. He was a musician who knew and loved jazz music. He had a deep knowledge of the genre; he was also funny (on and off the air) and approachable. Horace Silver wrote a song about him called The Hippest Cat in Hollywood. When Chuck passed away in 2004 jazz radio in the area just wasn’t the same.
My approach to the show is definitely not minimalist. I was a history teacher for 25 years and loved reading and talking about people from the past and present and hopefully connecting the two in some capacity. Same with jazz. I want listeners to know who’s playing the solos, what influences can be heard and various tidbits about the artists.
For instance, how did David “Fathead” Newman get his nickname? It’s a funny story. (You’ll have to look it up.) I read biographies, Downbeat and Jazziz magazines, and the bios provided by the
record companies to find more stories to tell our listeners.
I can’t point to a particular episode that stands out, but I find introducing new artists to be particularly satisfying. There are so many wonderful up and coming or established, yet under the radar artists to play for KMUN jazz fans. Jun Iida, Artemis, Jihee Heo, Warren Wolf, Emmet Cohen, Terri Lynn Carrington and Bill Charlap are a few that I love to play.
My first foray into jazz — jazz rock is a better descriptor — was in the mid-1970s. I was in high school when I discovered a German band called Passport and their 1975 album Cross-Collateral. Next step was Weather Report’s 1977 Heavy Weather album. They were my first jazz concert ($7.50 front row seats) with Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius leading the band — I was hooked. It was a nice jumping off point and started my lifelong love of jazz music that has continued to evolve.
A preview of coming attractions? I love hearing jazz artists reimagine The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Web or other pop artists. The Great American Songbook is changing, and I hope to incorporate those artist on Jazz on the ‘MUN . S
Hear Jazz on the ‘MUN on KMUN Every other Monday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT
Mark Meadowlark, Host & DJ
Free J oseph listens to KMU n in his upstairs living room with his wife Wini Dean.
But every-other Friday, when Free Joseph is reporting LIVE FROM DOMINICA, he heads to his studio downstairs to speak to us, because, as you are surely aware, when you are TALKING LIVE on the radio and LISTENING to it in the same room, you get BLASTED OUT with feedback. It sounds like you’re lost in a bottomless Utah canyon echo chamber- or suspended in the vortex of a Slinky.
For a few months a year Wini listens to KMUN by herself. She might have a neighbor over if the tropical rains are pounding on the metal roof — maintained lovingly by Free, himself — of their family home in Dominica. It’s good to visit and share the living room radio (on the KMUN app) while Free Joseph is away working in New York.
Who is this Free Joseph dude?
Free Joseph is a singer, songwriter, producer and musician. He is also The Chief Outpost for our very own Caribbean Moon radio program. But he does plenty more than report on the status of the actual moon over the Caribbean, or work tenaciously repairing hurricane damage to their roof.
Caribbean Outpost An international guest & contributor
A multi-instrumentalist of the flute, bass, guitar, melodica, and drum percussion, Free has won “Best Instrumentalist” awards for his flute (twice) in a national music competition in Trinidad and Tobago. He migrated to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, formed the High Science Band and spent many years in the United States recording and performing on stage with Joe Higgs, Burning Spear, The Wailing Souls, and the mythical Augustus Pablo. He’s also best buds with blues man Taj Mahal.
When Wini is listening to KMUN by herself, it’s because Free is working in New York. He travels back and forth from Dominica to Jamaica, Queens to immerse himself in the busy music scene, constructing “backlines” for major acts and festivals there. He also informs our KMUN community about current musical influences during the Caribbean Moon show — sometimes from the back of a truck! (Thanks, KMUN app).
These days, Free Joseph shares his music via Youtube and listeners will taste his latest mixes via Caribbean Moon. His main purpose? “To give mankind soul-searching music that can help heal the wounds of tribulation.” We give major thanks to Free and Wini for supporting the station all the way from Dominica where he says in his delightful island accent, “You can’t get radio like KMUN in Dominica.”
Listen to Caribbean Moon whether you’re in your living room with your beloved, or downstairs in your own studio, or even if you’re cruising the streets of
Astoria in your work-truck, by yourself, with KMUN on your radio. Or you might be located in a distant land, listening on the KMUN app. No matter where you are listening from, you can allow Caribbean Moon to also help you to “heal from the wounds of tribulation.” S
Hear Caribbean Moon on KMUN
Every other Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Free Joseph. Photo courtesy of Mark Meadowlark.
The Tillicum House has a new (old) look!
Thanks to grant funding from The Kinsman Foundation, The Autzen Foundation, and The Swigert Foundation, KMUN was able to give the station house in Astoria a beautiful new coat of paint.
Thanks also to locally owned and operated JAMS Painting for doing a fantastic job and for being so pleasant to have around the station! The next time you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to take a moment to appreciate their work to make our home on the hill shine a bit brighter.
Olivia Palmer Pam Trenary Patty Marks Paul Verano Pete Serafin
Peter Hurney
Joanne Rideout, Host & Producer
One of the things I love about our maritime world is how much of it goes on right under our noses, and we often don’t notice it.
Some examples of this locally here are the drawbridges that we use in the Astoria/Warrenton area to get around in areas where vessels also need access. We drive over them all the time, and in fact, avoiding them would require a lengthy detour. So they are essential, but generally overlooked by most drivers.
Drawbridges are bridges whose roadbeds can move out of the way in order to accommodate boats that need to pass underneath but are too tall to fit under the bridge in its normal configuration. When boats need to pass under the bridge, they contact the bridge operator. There’s no fee for boats that need to use the drawbridge. Traffic will wait until the boat has passed safely through and then the bridge goes back to normal and traffic can pass.
Locally here we have three draw bridges: the New Youngs Bay Bridge, the Old Youngs Bay Bridge, and the Lewis and Clark River Bridge.
The most common types of drawbridges found today can be divided into three main categories. These are Swing Bridges, Bascule Bridges and Vertical Lift Bridges. We have all three
Drawbridges
Essential and varied
types here locally.
Swing Bridges pivot or turn on a center pivot point. There are railroad bridges here in Clatsop County along the rail line that used to run between Astoria and Portland that are pivot bridges, and when that line was in use, bridge tenders would come and move them manually to allow vessels and/or trains to pass through.
Bascule Bridges operate on the principle of the lever. The word “bascule” comes from the French word for a lever or seesaw. These bridges often split the roadbed in the middle and each roadbed section tilts up out of the way of the vessel passing through. The Lewis and Clark River Bridge and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge are bascule bridges.
Vertical Lift Bridges are constructed with two or more towers on either side of a movable span. Cables connect to the roadbed and pass over huge pulleys attached to the towers. The other end of these cables support a counterweight which lowers as the bridge span lifts and raises as the bridge span lowers.
The New Youngs Bay Bridge is a vertical lift bridge. The next time you travel over the bridge, keep a lookout for the massive concrete counterweights that lift the roadbed when the bridge opens. If you are lucky enough to be on the bridge when it opens, you’ll get to see how this complicated structure works. S
Hear The Ship Report on KMUN Weekdays 8:48 - 8:58 am
Dancing in the Dark with Kamila Swerdloff
The name D ancing in the D ark is intentionally open-ended. One week, the show centered on atmospheric techno blended with drum and bass; the week before, it was alté — a fusion of afrobeats, dancehall, and R&B that promotes unique forms of self-expression — paired with neoperreo, a reggaeton subgenre characterized by community and inclusivity.
Curating an hour and a half of music that makes you want to move is both a challenge and a thrill. I love exploring different dance styles and parts of the world through sound. When deciding on a theme, I often start with a song or two that I’m really vibing with, building the set around those tracks.
The concept of “dancing in the dark” resonates deeply with me. In the dark, pretense and judgment fade away — both from yourself and others
— allowing a rare sense of freedom, if only for a little while.
I grew up listening to KMUN, tuning in even when I lived out of state to feel connected to home. KMUN and its listeners hold a special place for me, and it’s a privilege to be part of this community.
This show is an invitation to move, explore, and connect with yourself and the music. Dancing in the dark removes barriers, encouraging you to feel, to let go, and to be unapologetically you. You might have a profound experience, or you might just have fun. Either way, I hope you tune in. S
Hear Dancing in the Dark on KMUN Every other Tuesday, 10:30 pm - 12:00 am
THANK YOU TO KMUN’S BUSINESS MEMBERS!
ACTIVISM
Columbia Riverkeeper
Crag Law Center
Friends of the Willapa
National Wildlife Refuge
North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection
Pacific County Immigrant Support
Wash Away No More
ANIMAL CARE & SERVICES
Astoria Grooming
Astoria Pet and Home Services
Jack Russell Rescue
Kite Hill Canines
AUTOMOTIVE
Lum’s Auto Center
COMPUTER & NETWORK
Roland Schorr & Tower
CONSTRUCTION
B Ruff Construction
Beerman Creek Construction
Corey Harn Builders
Old World Renovation
FARM & COUNTRY
46 North Farm
Blackberry Bog Farm
LaNa’s Conscious Farm
West-Davies Farm
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bank of the Pacific
Northwest Lending Group
Thrivent Financial
Wauna Credit Union
FOOD & BEVERAGE
42nd Street Cafe & Bistro
Astoria Coffee Company
Blue Scorcher Bakery and Cafe
Bornstein Seafoods
Bowpicker Fish & Chips
Columbia River Candies
Columbia River Coffee Roaster
Fort George Brewery & Public House
Gaetano’s Market and Deli
Gathered Bakeshop & Market
Little Island Creamery
Merry Time Bar & Grill
North Coast Food Web
Peaceful Ferments Brewing Co.
Salt Hotel & Pub
South Bay Wild Fish House
Tokyo Teriyaki
Wanda’s Cafe & Bakery
Xanadu Astoria
HEALTH CARE & SERVICES
Astoria Chiropractic
Columbia Memorial Hospital
Kathleen Moore, Full Circle Counseling
Lower Columbia Clinic
Nehalem Bay Health Center
Providence Seaside Hospital
Seaside Wellness Center
Three Treasures Acupuncture
Tracy Erfling, ND
Watershed Wellness
HOME & GARDEN
Arcadia Organic Landscaping
Arbor Care Tree Specialists
Brim’s Farm and Garden
Hauer’s Lawn Care & Equipment
Jack Russell Wildlife Control
Sigil Cleaning Services
LODGING
Adrift Hospitality
Beach Property Management, Inc.
Capt. Johnson House
Commodore Hotel & Broder Strand
Land’s End at Cannon Beach
McMenamins Gearhart Hotel & Sand Trap Pub
Twin Gables Inn
PERFORMING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Brownsmead Flats
Cascadia Chamber Opera
Coaster Theatre Playhouse
Finnish American Folk Festival
KALA Performance Space
Kim Angelis Music
Liberty Theatre
NCRD Performing Arts Center
North Coast Chorale
North Oregon Coast Symphony
Rhythm Method
Water Music Society
PERSONAL CARE
Blue Faded Barber
Simply Human Art
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Beveridge Geo-Services
Environmental Consulting
Blair Henningsgaard, Attorney at Law
Excalibur & Associates-WA, Inc.
Haglund Kelley LLP
Oregon Natural Forestry LLC
Ray Raihala Insurance Agency
Seaside Attorneys
REAL ESTATE
Andrea Mace, Realty One Group Prestige
Andrea Mazzarella, Vesta Realty Group
Astoria Real Estate
Clatsop Association of Realtors
Covert Properties
RETAIL
Astoria Co-op Grocery
Astoria Vintage Hardware
Beach Books
Cannon Beach Book Compnay
Englund Marine & Industrial Supply
Fine Art Supply
Finn Ware of Oregon
Four Winds Canvas Works
Garbo’s Vintage Wear
Gimre’s Shoes Astoria
Godfather’s Books
Harmony Soapworks LLC
Holly McHone Jewelrs
The Kite Factory
Lucy’s Books
North Coast Runners Supply
Old Town Framing Company
Phog Bounders Antique Mall
Reclamation Marketplace
Short Wave Astoria
Sweater Heads
Time Enough Books
Walnut Studiolo Leather Goods
VISUAL ARTS & EDUCATION
Appelo Archives Center
Astoria Visual Arts
Azure Glass Works
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Don Frank Photography
Dragonfire Gallery
Fernhill Glass
Greg Navratil Art
Imogen Gallery
Patrick Barker Woodworking
Sou’wester Arts & Ecology Center
Wild Weed Studios
OTHER
Astoria Downtown Historic District
Association & Astoria Sunday Market
Astoria Underground Tours
Northwest Women’s Surf Camp
Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club
The Ship Report
KMUN is funded by community support from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Your donation is tax deductible, and is proof to our grantors that the community believes in our work. That means that your donation is multiplied every time.
Become a member today at kmun.org or give us a call at 503325-0010 during business hours: Mon-Fri, 9-5.
Thank you for supporting your local voice since 1983!
Make sure to thank these fine folks for supporting KMUN!
“Entrant in the Triple Crown of LP Racing for Audiophiles”
Mail your completed puzzle to PO Box 269 As toria OR 97103 before 2/1/25 to enter to win a KMUN tee shirt! Include your full name and phone number to qualify.
NAME: ______________________________
PHONE:
Submit a 1-panel comic to The Current!
Send your radio-related illustration to emma@kmun.org by January 1st to be considered for the next issue. Please include your name, city, and favorite KMUN radio show in the email.
FROM KMUN DJS
Some recent favorites from across the KMUN broadcast schedule.
View complete DJ playlists, new & old: kmun.org/playlists
NOTHING
Flipper, Generic Flipper (1982)
Subterranean Records
SLOW MOTION
Oh! Penelope, Milk & Cookies (1997)
Independent Release
IN THE LIGHT OF TIME
Flying Saucer Attack, Further (1995) Drag City Records
IN THE PINES
Amythyst Kiah, Single (2024) Rounder
CORLEONE
Nathy Peluso, Graza (2024) 5020 Records
WHERE BERRIES GROW
Ana Egge, Sharing in the Spirit (2024)
StorySound Records
Use KMUNRADIO instead of the numerals 1-9.
Todd Lippold Tom Brownson Tom Hernandez Tony Baldwin Troy Hill Zachary Stocks
Audio Astrology with Lady Litha
ARIES 3/21 - 4/19
The new year rings in potential for positive growth in your career, Aries. You may face frustratingly complex tasks, but the rewards can bring great strides. Your soundtrack: Morning Edition
TAURUS 4/20 - 5/20 It’s time to shake off the staleness of inaction, Taurus. Progress will be gradual, but this is the moment to start toward those larger goals. Your soundtrack: Sonidos Latinos
GEMINI 5/21 - 6/20
Momentum is in your charts as the year starts fresh, Gemini. Stay focused and keep your wits about you to harness this motion toward a fruitful year. Your soundtrack: Watershed Moments
CANCER 6/21 - 7/22
The calendar on your wall may be refreshed, but some of the past year’s complications still linger. Stay patient and present to move through with grace. Your soundtrack: Hearts of Space
LEO 7/23 - 8/22
Some new opportunities are coming your way in the new year, Leo. Take your time deciding what to pursue, but don’t take too long or you may miss out. Your soundtrack: Over the Edge
VIRGO 8/23 - 9/22
Your personal life needs your undivided attention this winter, Virgo. It’s a good time to slow down and listen openly. Quality time may be the balm you need. Your soundtrack: Woodsongs
LIBRA 9/23 - 10/22
This season will bring a mix of ups and downs for you, Libra. Goal-setting and careful financial planning can help you keep your head in spite of the chaos. Your soundtrack: Noches Eclécticas
SCORPIO 10/23 - 11/21
You may soon face an unwelcome, but likely necessary, reality check. Lead with humility and this feedback from the universe can bloom into a great boon. Your soundtrack: Take a Breath
SAGITTARIUS 11/22 - 12/21
With a bit of hard work and a lot of luck, you are primed to succeed in those plans you’ve laid out, Sagittarius. Embrace the win whatever its form. Your soundtrack: BirdNote
CAPRICORN 12/22 - 1/19
Energy and ideas are your strength this season, Capricorn. Follow their electric threads to liven up your work and personal life on into the spring. Your soundtrack: The Mellow
AQUARIUS 1/20 - 2/18
Brace yourself for a very productive year, Aquarius. Take action on those long-considered plans. Jump in with both feet, but keep both eyes open. Your soundtrack: Exploring Music
PISCES 2/19 - 3/20
Winter can be a frustrating season for you, Pisces. Remember that the stillness allows for reflection, and your innate patience is a gift in times of suspension. Your soundtrack: Locus Focus
SHIFT + WHEELER: Handmade bags and clothes for fats, queers, and everyone! 1062 Marine Dr Astoria. 11-5 every day.
I SAW YOU: Mouth of the Columbia River, 11/19, diving for salmon. Would love to join for a dip. Bellow near the pier any given Tuesday to connect.
CALL FOR ART: We’ve misplaced our radio. Can you draw us a new one? Send to classifieds@kmun. org at earliest convenience.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS HOSTS NEEDED! Email jack@ kmun.org to sign up for PAs 101 this fall, and bring important information to your community through your own radio show and podcast.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you sat down and aimlessly plucked some grass, like we used to on field trips to Riverfront Park in 1998? Just an idea.
-----------------------
ISO: Activist-leaning folk music enthusiast, to host biweekly radio show. Is it you? Email jack@kmun.org to apply.
DID YOU MISS YOUR FAVORITE SHOW? Listen for up to 2 weeks at kmun.org/ archives
-----------------------
QUEST: Seeking 4-6 adventurers to retrieve small box from local cavern. 3 days journey. Safety not guaranteed. 100 GP reward. Inquire at The Tavern.
KMUN SEEKS VOLUNTEER DJS to bring listeners something they’ve never heard before. Inquire within: jack@kmun.org
GET THE CURRENT IN THE MAIL: Any annual donation to KMUN qualifies. Donate now at kmun.org!
BUSU: Japanese street food made with love. Donation based restaurant. Temple of the mushroom. 275 11th St Astoria.
-----------------------
YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM CALLED: It wants you to take some nice, deep breaths and drink a glass of water.
SAVE THE SILVERSPOT BUTTERFLY: Plant native early-blue violets (viola adunca) in your garden today.
SEND US PHOTOS of you listening to KMUN! We’ve always wanted to see through the frequency. Send to: classifieds@ kmun.org
LOST: 10-gallon hat. Brand new. Taken by the wind near Short Sands. Did you find it?
CIVIC ACTION BEGINS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Talk to your neighbor today to unlock new and exciting ways to see and improve your world.
-----------------------
COMMUNITY RADIO is YOURS. Tell us what you want to do with it. feedback@kmun.org
THE PIZZA SPOT: Pizza, wings, and more! Open 7 days a week. 395 11th St Astoria. 503-839-6605
“Sound is made by those wanting to be seen.” - Someone, probably.
SUBMIT YOUR WISHES to classifieds@kmun.org to see your name in “lights.”
PRETTY MUCH IS.
KMUN is your community voice in the Lower Columbia Pacific region.
The Tillicum Foundation stands firmly against racism and inequity in all forms.
In our programming and administration, we pledge to continue the work of pursuing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in ways that reflect, represent, and serve the truth and complexity of our communities.
We hope that you will join us in this effort to create a more just future. Visit kmun.org to get involved.
KMUN and KCPB broadcast throughout the unceded lands of the Cayuse, Chehalis, Chinook, Clatskanie, Clatsop-Nehalem, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Siletz, Umatilla, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Willapa peoples. Visit native-land.ca to learn whose land you are on, and how to support Tribal projects and initiatives in your community.
