GRAND RAPIDS — Each year, KAXE invites the community to gather for an event that's part annual meeting, part live music celebration, and all about recognizing the people who make this station possible.
This year's celebration featured two free concerts. The evening opened with Rangers, a Minnesota supergroup featuring musicians including Keith Secola, Rich Mattson, Germaine Gemberling, Tim Saxhaug and more. They closed their set with a joyful crowd dance to Keith Secola's classic "NDN Kar."
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
1 of
— 01 Keith Secola dances with KAXE volunteers at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Keith Secola dances with KAXE volunteers at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / kaxe
2 of
— Keith Secola plays with The Rangers at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Keith Secola plays with The Rangers at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
3 of
— 02 Members of The Rangers sing during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Members of The Rangers sing during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
4 of
— 03 KAXE volunteers dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE volunteers Katie Carter, center, and Carolyn King dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
5 of
— 01 Members of The Rangers sing during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Members of The Rangers sing during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
6 of
— 02 Dan Gannon and Bam Bam dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE Volunteer Coordinator Dan Gannon and his dog Bam Bam dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / kaxe
7 of
— 01 KAXE volunteers, David Welle, Jim Gallagher and Julie Crabb, dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE volunteers David Welle, left, Jim Gallagher and Julie Crabb, dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
8 of
— 01 Papa Steve Ross at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE volunteer Papa Steve Ross dances to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
9 of
— 02 KAXE volunteers dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE volunteers dance to Keith Secola and The Rangers during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
10 of
— 01 Keith Secola dances with Kari Hedlund at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Keith Secola dances with Kari Hedlund at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
11 of
— 01 Germaine Gemberling of Rich Mattson and the Northstars applauds The Cactus Blossoms during Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
Germaine Gemberling of Rich Mattson and the Northstars applauds The Cactus Blossoms during Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
12 of
— 01 KAXE Supporters at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
KAXE supporters at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
Following the first concert was the volunteer and community awards. This year KAXE honored:
- Volunteer of the Year: Alyssa Ellyn
- Lifetime Achievement: Steve Ross
- Newcomer of the Year: Jarod
- Bill McKeever Creative Artistry: Paul Kivi
- Debbie Lentz Silent Star, Off-Air Volunteer: Dave Terry
- Jesse Davis Community Bridge Builder: Ashley Brubaker
- Harry Hutchins Conservation Award: Andy Tri
- Kathy Dodge Community Arts Advocate: Katie Marshall
1 of
— 01 An After Dark KAXE volunteer at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
Sweet Melissa, an "After Dark" KAXE volunteer, at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
2 of
— Andy Tri and Heidi Holtan at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Andy Tri, bear project leader with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group, accepts the Harry Hutchins Conservation Award from Heidi Holtan, KAXE director of content and public affairs, at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
3 of
— 02 KAXE Supporters at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
KAXE volunteers Gina the Knife, Mars Debris and Will Owens enjoy the music at Kick it with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
4 of
— 01 ____ speaks at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Ashley Brubaker speaks after winning the Jesse Davis Community Bridge Builder Award at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
5 of
— 01 After Dark KAXE volunteers at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
Kayla and Ashley, "After Dark" KAXE volunteers, show off KAXE stenciled artwork at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
6 of
— 01 Volunteer of the year Alyssa Ellyn speaks during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Volunteer of the year Alyssa Ellyn speaks during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
7 of
— 01 Brenda Greeley and Penny Holcomb at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE staff members Brenda Greeley and Penny Holcomb at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
8 of
— 01 Papa Steve Ross and Kari Hedlund at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE Music Director Kari Hedlund and volunteer DJ Papa Steve Ross pose together at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / kaxe
9 of
— 01 ____ and Heidi Holtan at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Katie Marshall, executive director of the MacRostie Art Center and winner of the Kathy Dodge Arts Advocate Award, accepts the award from Director of Content and Public Affairs Heidi Holtan at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
10 of
— 01 A KAXE volunteer at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
KAXE volunteer Paul Kivi wins the McKeever On-Air Artistry Award at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
11 of
— 01 Board Meeting at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE Board President Jennifer Gorman presents at KAXE's annual meeting at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
12 of
— 01 Heidi Holtan at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE Director of Content and Public Affairs Heidi Holtan speaks at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
13 of
— 01 Sarah Bignall at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
CEO/General Manager Sarah Bignall speaks during the board meeting at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
14 of
— 01 Julia Schrenkler and Sarah Bignall at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE Director of Audience Engagement Julia Schrenkler and CEO/General Manager Sarah Bignall speak at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / kaxe
15 of
— 01 Megan Buffington at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
KAXE reporter Megan Buffington speaks at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
16 of
— 01 Sarah Bignall and ___ at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
CEO/General Manager Sarah Bignall presents the Jesse Davis Community Bridge Builder Award to Ashley Brubaker at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
17 of
— 02 The KAXE team at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
Several members of the KAXE team pose together at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / kaxe
The celebration concluded with a performance by Minnesota favorites The Cactus Blossoms, fronted by brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum. Their signature sound blends early rock 'n' roll, country, and indie influences into something uniquely their own.
1 of
— 01 KAXE supporter dance to The Cactus Blossoms at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
KAXE supporters dance to The Cactus Blossoms at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
2 of
— 01 The Cactus Blossoms' Jack Torrey plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms' Jack Torrey plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
3 of
— 02 The Cactus Blossoms' Page Burkum plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms' Page Burkum plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
4 of
— 04 The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
5 of
— 01 The Cactus Blossoms' Jeremy Hanson plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms' Jeremy Hanson plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
6 of
— 01 The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
7 of
— 01 The Cactus Blossoms' Page Burkum plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms' Page Burkum plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
8 of
— 01 KAXE supporters dance at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 28, 2026.jpg
KAXE supporters dance to The Cactus Blossoms during Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 28, 2026.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
9 of
— 02 Page Burkum's boots of That Cactus Blossoms at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
Page Burkum's boots of The Cactus Blossoms at Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
10 of
— 02 The Cactus Blossoms' Jack Torrey plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms' Jack Torrey plays during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
11 of
— 02 The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
12 of
— 03 The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing in Grand Rapids.jpg
The Cactus Blossoms play during Kick it with KAXE on May 28, 2026, at Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
Thank you for being part of KAXE. This year has been extraordinary as we celebrated our 50th birthday and navigating the loss of federal funding. The outpouring of support reminded us just how much community matters. KAXE remains strong and vibrant because of you.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXETo celebrate KAXE's 50th birthday, Klockow Brewery hosts a night of storytelling featuring stories from KAXE contributors. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new music from Deer Tick, Brian Jackson, Bebe Stockwell, MADMADMAD and Orquesta Akokán. -
Contributed/Grace WilderGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On The River host, Grace Wilder. -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 1. -
Contributed/Jeff EdmondsGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On the River host Jeff Edmonds -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of May 25.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week, we find out more from the longtime "Green Cheese" and "The Dark Side of Love" host and volunteer Julie Crabb. -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of May 18.
-
Contributed/Tom DanielGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from "Backporch Harmony" host and volunteer, Tom Daniel. -
KAXE is headed into its next 50 years with full hearts and a lot of gratitude for our members and volunteers.
