We're building The Stage at KDHX

Pretty soon, I hope to be rocking out at The Stage at KDHX: a brand new venue, café space and bar in the heart of Grand Center. 

We've been raising money for a while now from larger donors and grants to build the Larry J. Weir Center for Independent Media, as well as the venue inside the new radio station.

Now, we're in the final, grassroots, crowdfunded phase. That's my favorite phase. I like that we've always supported our non-profit station largely through monthly contributions, gifts, memberships and benefits. It helps keep us unique, non-commercial and unlike any other radio station in the country. I always say we're like NPR's cooler cousin. And, as our NPR friends also know, it's no small feat -- running a radio station isn't cheap at all.

We have been hunkered down in an old bakery on Magnolia Avenue for around 25 years, and we've simply outgrown a building that is falling apart. During our last pledge drive, a giant roof leak was too close for comfort next to DJs spinning records. Plus, it would be great if the whole community could actually join us where we live, and be a part of what we do up close.

So, KDHX is launching its first ever Kickstarter project from now through July 26th to raise money for The Stage at KDHX: an intimate, 125-seat venue in, what most people know, is the old Creepy Crawl building (It's actually the Federal Brilliant Sign Company Building, the place that created the iconic Bob's Big Boy restaurant sign). The Stage at KDHX will live in the Larry J. Weir Center for Independent Media, which will also house our new studios, recording facilities, in-studio performances, cafe and so much more fun stuff for the entire community to enjoy.

But enough from me: South City legend Fred Friction lends his voice to a pretty cool animated short that runs down the whole thing at the Kickstarter page.

If you're a fan of the radio station, or excited about what we're up to, or just like the idea that KDHX exists in an increasingly corporate world ... now is the time to help us make that final push! I hope you'll tell your pals and spread the love.

Independently yours,

Chris Ward