Summer Membership Drive The Transcendent Power of

crowd of listeners at KEXP's 2011 Ballard Hood-to-Hood broadcast nike air max shoes
photo by Dave Lichterman

I was talking with the lovely DJ Michele Myers just the other day about the Summer Membership Drive (starting TODAY on Shake the Shack). We were having one of those passionate “friends-talking-about-something-they-love” conversations about why we think supporting KEXP is so important.

And I thought to myself, “The amazing thing about the KEXP Community is that I could be having this conversation with anyone who loves the station.”

It really comes down to values. I value the arts. I value the power of philanthropy, and that we each can choose how we impact the world. And I value what KEXP has meant in my life.

I’ve got a lot of medical problems. Way more than your average 29-year-old should have. But despite how undependable my health has been, KEXP has been a constant.

My husband and I have attended the free Concerts at the Mural together, when the ability to go to an evening show was unavailable to us. We’ve cooked together in the kitchen, listening to everything from the latest world music to rockabilly. We’ve gone to the farmers’ market on the weekend Tissot Watches, spending a mellow morning with Positive Vibes and Preachin’ the Blues. And we’re friends with the incredible people -– staff, volunteers, and donors -– who make this all possible. KEXP plays a much bigger part in my life than I feel I could ever pay back with my Amplifiers Club donation.

As the Summer Drive starts today Nike Air Max 90, I want to preemptively thank everyone who shares these values with me and makes the decision to support this extraordinary community.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to vote for your ‘hood when you make your donation. Hood-to-Hood Day is the BEST day of the year, and we’d love to celebrate music and community in your neighborhood for a day!

Aubrey Bean
Assistant Director of Development, Annual Giving