March features big events for two Wasatch Front radio stations. KXRK FM (alias "X-96") celebrates its one-year anniversary next week, and today is the beginning of KRCL's (FM-90.9) annual late-winter radiothon.
- KXRK will celebrate with many festivities, including free food, free dancing, discounted skiing and a concert."Bessie," the station's official vehicle, has been working undercover for the past year as "Xavier the X-96 Bull." Her true and original identity will return, however, on Wednesday.
She was born in the summer of 1990 when then Gov. Norm Bangerter heralded her arrival together with more than 1,500 people at the State Capitol. Just over a year ago, she and more than 20 employees jumped ship from KJQN and took the modern rock format to X-96, where it continues to flourish.
The vehicle - painted to look like a cow - temporarily changed its identity because of legal concerns.
Free lunches will be provided at noon Wednesday, March 10, by X-96, Cream O' Weber, Pepsi and Country Crisp to those who attend the festivities. The "Road Warrior" and his dog will also be on hand from the Utah Department of Transportation commercials. UDOT is also a sponsor of the recycling campaign.
"Wherever we go this summer, we're going to be encouraging recycling and the `Don't Waste Utah' campaign," said program director Mike Summers.
X-96 will be gathering paper, plastic, glass and aluminum. Proceeds will go to Tree Utah.
Other birthday events include:
Thursday, March 11 - X-96 presents a ski day at Snow Basin. Anyone who shows an "X" when buying a lift pass will receive a $9.60 discount.
Friday, March 12 - the station presents club night. Those who show an "X" at the door will get in free to at least two Salt Lake dance clubs. Listen to X-96 for more exact details.
Saturday, March 13 - X-96 tops off its birthday celebration with a 7:30 p.m. concert at the Fairpark Coliseum featuring The Sundays and Ali Ali Oxen Free. Tickets are $9.60 and are available at SmithTix outlets. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
- KRCL wants listeners to put their money where their radio is with its call for "Radio Activists," through March 15.
During that period, the station will have more than 150 volunteers working 24 hours a day raising money with musical specials interviews and pleas to listeners for donations.
"Radiothons are our bread and butter," said David Young, KRCL station manager. "Being a community radio station isn't just a label for us. It's the ominous truth."
KRCL estimates that 80 percent of all contributions to the station are from individuals who give $50 or less.
The station signed on in 1979 and has been serving Utah with music, public affairs and alternative points of view, not found anywhere else. Regular women's, ethnic and culturally oriented programming make up that unique voice not found elsewhere along the Wasatch Front.
Musical specials planned during the fund drive period include:
Prefab Sprout, March 6, 9-11 p.m.; U2, March 9, 8-10 p.m.; David Bryne, March 10, 1-3:30 p.m.; The Grateful Dead, March 11, 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m.; Ministry, March 13, 9-11 p.m.; and three specials on March 15 - Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne, 6-9 a.m.; Joan Baez and Cat Stevens, 9 a.m.-noon and Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Lynn Arave