KAXE celebrates 50 years of handpicked music during the 2026 summer member drive

From Heather Johnson

Contributed

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Heather Johnson

If anything in the world is magic, it must be music. Music helps us slip away from reality, but it also connects us. My son Alex’s beloved, longtime art teacher, Jake, is moving on in the fall. During the last week of school, Jake handed out some of the CDs that he played for his students over the years. Alex proudly brought home a familiar album: Blues Traveler’s Four, a signed (by Jake) copy.

Alex (who is really into ‘90s pop right now) told me, “I already think of Jake when I hear these songs. My whole class probably always will.” Wherever they end up as adults, it’s fun to think that 25 former seventh graders will be transported right back to Jake’s art room when they hear a familiar harmonica solo.

Since 1976, KAXE has been connecting people through music. Listeners remember the exact moment they heard their favorite song on KAXE. They know if they were in the kitchen, in the car, in the barn, or out on the pontoon. And they definitely remember what was going on in their lives.

Music is powerful and personal, and music that is not chosen by a corporation or AI is needed now more than ever. Simple things, like humans sharing songs with each other, are irreplaceable. KAXE has real people creating playlists and driveway moments that can turn a bad day into a good one. You can't find this anywhere else.

Lorie Shaull

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KAXE

When You Give, You Choose Connection

I strive to “accentuate the positive,” but many days feel like a hailstorm of bad news.

During stormy times, it’s easy to forget that regular people like you and me have power too.

Volunteers make the music magic possible on KAXE. Alyssa Ellyn, Volunteer Coordinator Dan Gannon, DJ Ironsides

Here's the thing: We can’t stop the weather, but we can choose to wait out the storm together. When you support KAXE, you choose community instead of disconnection.

With the loss of federal funding for public media last year, our future looked bleak. You helped us recover. That funding will not return, but because of you, we are not defeated.

We still need your support. Donate now to get our summer member drive off to a strong start.

Can you help KAXE raise $50,000 this week?

Thanks to some confidential members, your donation can go even further! Listen for matching funds challenges all week to help KAXE earn these extra dollars.

Don't miss this fun during the member drive:

• Hotdish Time Machine returns with hosts Scott Hall, Steve Ross, Kristi Miller, Dan Houg, Brandon Chase, and Brian and Caige Jambor.
• Choose our new "Just Say No to Algorithms" T-shirt with your donation of at least $20/month or $240.
• Live Music BINGO at Bemidji Brewing, Thursday, July 30th at 6pm (FREE).
  

Become a Member Now

Now is the time for you to support KAXE. Whether you are donating for the first time, increasing your sustaining membership, or mailing in your yearly renewal, your help is needed and appreciated.

• Donate online
• Call 218-326-1234
• Text "Donate" to 218-326-1234

As always, we invite you to tune in, as we will have lots of amazing guests and volunteers on the air. And we want to hear from you, too! What's on your summer playlist? Text your answer to 218-326-1234!