Kari Hedlund
Music DirectorThe Music Director since 2014, Kari (pronounced Car-ee) Hedlund oversees the music programming and content you hear each day on KAXE. She hosts Headwaters every Wednesday (9 a.m. and 10 p.m.), occasionally on Mondays, and is co-host to Heidi Holtan on the Thursday Morning Show.
Kari oversees all programming and web content related to music for this rural community, people-powered radio station. She has participated in many panels over the years at various industry conferences discussing the importance of equity and community, and its place in public radio, particularly the impact in rural areas.
KAXE has worked toward a 50-50 gender representation on the air since the early 2000s. Kari has continued to push that as a priority into this next era, along with expanding into equity of all kinds on the air and within festival and concert lineups.
Kari also coordinates Grand Rapids Riverfest, held each September on the banks of the Mississippi River. A venue with a 3,500 person capacity, she leads the charge on artists each year, booking, marketing and community efforts, along with day of details.
She also coordinates and books other KAXE events throughout the year including our various concert series', Live at the Historic Chief Theater (Bemidji), summer concerts under the tent at KAXE, Bemidji Block Party, and other one-time shows.
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Oct. 29 is Public Radio Music Day. This year's theme is "Live, local, essential," to highlight the vital role stations like KAXE play in communities across America. -
In a conversation about his new book of short stories, Parr explained writing stories actually came before songwriting — and for him, the two have always been the same process. -
MusicCheck out highlighted songs from Dry Cleaning, Genesis Owusu, Big Thief, Blue Moon Marquee and Northern Cree, Jeff Tweedy, Cate Le Bon, Jon Batiste and Geese. -
MusicWhile presented in a shiny package, Say She She channels optimism in "Cut & Rewind" through sound, and keeps it grounded in realism through words. -
MusicLouisiana born bluesman Buddy Guy honors the blues genre in his latest album, "Ain't Done With the Blues," released on his 89th birthday. -
The people were amazing, the weather was questionable and the music was incredible. Here's a look back at Grand Rapids Riverfest 2025 through the lens. -
MusicSparhawk, of the band Low, will open Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025. He talked about making deeply personal music with TbT, longtime friends and fellow Minnesotans. -
Music"Puff of Smoke" by The Wood Brothers is KAXE's Album of the Week for Aug. 4-10, 2025. -
Music'Dog Eared' by Billie Marten is KAXE's Album of the Week for July 21-28, 2025. -
MusicListen as the KAXE Music Team puts a wrap on music released in June and other great listens in the "Monthly Music Recap," part of "Headwaters" on KAXE.
