Here’s a quippy press release about a radio show I hadn’t heard yet. Definitely sounds like it’s worth giving a listen. I know Blake Butler from waaaay back, and Lesley Groetsch is the former Orange Peel diva who helped bring kick-ass musicians into Asheville. They’re addressing hot local issues in a fun way. Check ’em out.
Local Edge Radio Reaches Fifth Week On the Air Without Being Cancelled, Progressives Rejoice
880am The Revolution, a progressive talk station broadcasting to most of Buncombe County recently added a two-hour local “news and views” program featuring a veteran of the local political scene and former club owner/go-go girl/mother of three (watch out, Sarah Palin). Blake Butler, one-time Buncombe County Democratic Party Chairman and frequent political fundraiser joins long-time friend and co-founder of the Orange Peel, Lesley Groetsch every Saturday on the air from 1pm – 3pm to discuss politics, issues, health, fitness, live music and local arts. The show is called Local Edge Radio.
“This is a dream come true for us,” said Butler, “Lesley and I have been talking about this show since 880am first began broadcasting as a progressive talk station.” For her part, Groetsch began lobbying the station several months ago after returning from a year in New Orleans helping friends and family recover from the devastation of Katrina. She said, “I sat down with Brian Hall and basically begged for a shot at this. Asheville needs local progressive talk. I’m no DJ, but I can talk and I’m passionate about politics, issues and of course, music and art.”
The show began on a high note, featuring phone interviews with North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson, both facing aggressive opposition from Republicans in their upcoming reelection bids. Guests have also included Holly Jones, Carol Peterson, and K. Ray Bailey, all candidates for Buncombe County Commissioner.
Blake and Lesley inject a little humor into each week’s mix. They produce a regular spot aptly named “Chasing Carl Mumpower,” a “recording” of Blake’s repeated attempts to interview Carl Mumpower, usually late at night (fictitious attempts, it should be noted). In addition, Lesley’s Sarah Palin granted an “exclusive radio interview” while hovering above the wilds of Alaska in a helicopter, shooting wolves. Lesley’s Palin called it a “great afternoon of family fun” and touted the importance of ridding Alaska of the “menace” of wolves.
Live musical guests round out the show in a segment that has produced a couple of stunning acoustic performances by Kellin Watson and the Cheeksters.
On the heels of a gas crunch, an economic crisis of historic proportions and facing what may be the largest voter turnout in history, Local Edge Radio has plenty of material to address. “We had planned to focus as much on good news as possible, but times are tough and people want information and a local perspective,” said Blake. “I agree. We don’t revel in the bad news, but we certainly take advantage of the gaffs and missteps of our political leaders, oh, and our would-be Vice President!” laughed Lesley lapsing into a Tina Fey-esque Palin impression.
This week, Local Edge Radio will feature an interview with Kay Hagan, candidate for U.S. Senate seeking to unseat one term Senator Elizabeth Dole in what has turned into a war of negative advertising and political sparring. Also joining the show will be Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) founder and producer Jennifer Pickering, who will preview the event’s fall lineup.
