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Music
Volunteers provide almost seventy hours of programming a week on KAXE! Our community members who are passionate about music and love sharing it with us. Join us as we celebrate the people behind the mics in Beyond the Voice.

Beyond the Voice: Heather Kidd

A woman wearing sunglasses smiles next to the Motown Museum sign.
Contributed
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Heather Kidd
On The River DJ and volunteer, Heather Kidd, by the Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan.

Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On The River host and volunteer, Heather Kidd.

Which shows do you DJ?

On The River.

When did you start volunteering at the station?

2024.

How did you first hear about KAXE?

I spent a lot of time in Brainerd helping to care for my Dad during the pandemic. These were the last years of his life and having this time with him was an unexpected blessing. KAXE brought us both so much joy. It helped us to feel connected while isolated. It also gave us the opportunity to continue to share our love of music.

Your favorite recent album or artist?

Sammy Rae and the Friends.

Who got you into music?

My parents both loved music. They took me to my first concert as a little kid - Olivia Newton-John at the Minnesota State Fair back on the '70s.

Most memorable concert or festival?

Joan Baez at the Olympia in Paris on her farewell tour, Patti Smith's 50th Anniversary of Horses concert in NYC last November, Brandi Carlile's concert for Minneapolis this year.

Tell us about your favorite KAXE memory.

The ongoing discussion about "sparkling" (skinny-dipping in bioluminescent algae) that happened one night on Green Cheese.

Favorite fellow on-air DJ at KAXE?

Julie Crabb

What hobbies do you have outside of DJing?

Swimming, baking pies, gardening, weaving.

What's a musical ick for you?

Electronically distorted vocals.

Prince or Dylan?

MUST I choose? If I must....Prince.

KAXE is turning 50 in 2026! Why should KAXE exist for another 50 years?

Northern Minnesota is an even more wonderful place because of KAXE!


Heather's Playlist

In honor of KAXE turning 50, we're spotlighting our volunteers musical choices through a playlist of songs that help tell their musical story.

Find a playlist from one of Heather's On the River shows here to play on your preferred streaming platform!

Dan was born on the south side of Chicago and remembers dancing to Booker T and the MG's as his 1st musical memory. What followed has been a lifelong adventure of hearing new music and being exposed to the people and communities that produced the artists. Forwards in all directions!
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