Spring ON-AIR Pledge Drive
Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 17th! We will be holding an ON AIR Pledge Drive all weekend long. There will be special programming all day and we will be auctioning off merchandise from local businesses you love. Please consider supporting us through a pledge and enjoy our weekend long broadcast! So, tune in May 17th, 18th, and 19th!
Love Your Waterfront Awarded MWNHA Grant of $5,250
Kevin Coleman (left) and Dan Tucker (right) recording KMRE’s Love Your Waterfront, airing every other Thursday at 5:30 pm.
The award that KMRE will receive through this grant will further provide us with the tools and ability to bring you more in-depth stories, news and events from around our region that showcase how diverse, and rich in maritime heritage, our shorelines are. Thank you to Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, the Washington Historical Trust Society, and to all our listeners who tune in for our broadcasts!
”On behalf of the Love Your Waterfront team, we are grateful to have our efforts recognized with this grant. Dan, Kevin and Paul have established deep roots in our Salish Sea Maritime community and are doing a great job bringing these great stories to life.” – Producer Susan Lindsey
A&E Spotlight
Marla Bronstein and Margaret Bikman pictured in a call with Fran Lebowitz talking about their mutual love of books and Fran’s event at the Mount Baker Theater.
Want to find out the people behind the best theater, music, dance, visual arts, and literature events taking place in Whatcom County and beyond? Margaret Bikman and Marla Bronstein connect you with movers and shakers in our talented community who entertain and delight you on their Arts & Entertainment Spotlight podcast, broadcast at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and noon Saturdays at KMRE 88.3. Currently, there are 188 episodes and counting!
Margaret was Entertainment News Coordinator at The Bellingham Herald for 27 years and a contributor to Entertainment News NW for four years. She is also a reference and instruction librarian at Whatcom Community College. Magaret enjoys performing and visual art events of all kinds, dancing, hiking, and traveling to exotic places like Cuba, Alaska, the Yucatan, Nova Scotia, and New Orleans.
Marla Bronstein has retired from everything work-related that kept her busy for the past three decades since she moved to Bellingham. She currently keeps herself very busy volunteering and doing things that look like they may be fun– like writing and creating videos and podcasts.
Here’s what they said when we asked them “Why is local radio important?“:
“It’s hard to separate my personal life from my professional life. That’s why it’s important for me to let you, the listeners, know what’s happening in our town and beyond. I don’t review; I enthusiastically promote. I will let you know about some of the shows and events you may know about already (but I will give you some details you may not know); and I will inform you about people who are creative and not necessarily famous in our community. As Michelle Obama said, ‘The arts can enrich all of us in this nation as individuals. The arts can enrich all of our communities and the country. And the arts can connect us to each other like nothing else can.'” –Margaret
“Local radio/social media/news is important because it keeps us aware of each other. I like working with KMRE radio because I get to meet so many artists that I might never have communicated with before. Along with producing Margaret’s show and helping her share her guests’ events and stories with my community. I find both of these incredibly fulfilling.” –Marla
Local News
If you enjoy listening to KMRE’s local news, you can support us for just $5 a month! KMRE News is a daily broadcast of local and regional news reported on by Whatcom County people. Help keep local news accessible to the whole community!
Volunteer Spotlight: Carlos Braga
KMRE News staff member, Carlos Braga, is interested in using his skills, and helping the community. He sat down with Connor Willis to talk more about what drives him to be a volunteer.
What brought you to KMRE?
“Broadcasting, be it radio or television, has always been a fascination of mine.”
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
“It’s the feeling that I’m contributing to something tangible, contributing to something important and the results can be heard on air. I’m listening to a news item that I wrote for broadcast. Local radio is something that has a very honorable place in our community. It’s an amazing feeling and that’s what gets me out of bed.”
What are your thoughts on local radio? What is the value of local radio?
“The local radio community gives people an opportunity to become closer to the city by learning more about what’s going on. There’s a lot of things that I learn in terms of news items and the inner workings of city government that I probably would have never found out about if I hadn’t done volunteer work for KMRE.”
Carlos Braga, KMRE News staff
Carlos has a deep passion for media, writing, and various hobbies such as playing the guitar, watching classic movies, and following sports. Currently studying at WWU, he plans to pursue a communications degree with a minor in journalism, reflecting his love for writing and learning about history.
New Shows At 88.3FM
Spirit Matters
Sundays at 8AM
Host: Tessie Mandeville
Spirit Matters podcast encompasses all manner of spirit and spirituality, as well as the creative arts. We cast a broad and deep net — vitally important in this complex, multicultural, multi-dimensional, pluralistic world in which we live.
Songbird Listening Hour
Wednesdays at 9pm
Host: DJ DOS
Songbird Listening Hour is a show that dives into the nuanced history of country, folk, and Americana music. Showcasing timeless tunes and the diverse voices that formed these authentic genres.
Island Time
Thursday at 5:30pm
Host: Kevin Smith
Island Time is the show that discusses artists from the San Juan Islands. We interview local and visiting musicians and connect you with the shows and events happening on each island!
