Just got back from the American Music Producers in Public Radio (AMPPR) conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Besides enjoying the balmy weather (50 degrees F warmer than where I live), it was great seeing the passion these folks have for music. The folks attending this conference are all music producers for various radio stations. Most of the stations are either classical or jazz stations, and passionate doesn’t begin to describe their commitment.
Whether they come from major cities such as Chicago or Dallas, or smaller centres across the United States, every person is deeply involved in the musical life of their communities. They know the local concert presenters, they know the musicians, and they will do just about anything to help them succeed.
There were also several overseas guests, Rick Fuller from Deutschewelle, the international service of German public radio, and Ekaterine Diasamidze and Shorena Kopaleishvili from Radio Musa in the Republic of Georgia. They travelled more than 30 hours to get to the conference.
In the midst of very difficult political circumstances during the past year in Georgia, they have kept their classical music station going. It’s the only full-time classical station in the country. If you would like to check them out, you can listen online at www.radiomuza.ge. I have added a link to the station in the links section. Every Tuesday and Friday, they have a program dedicated to Georgian music and performers where you can hear music that doesn’t often make it to North America.
More later, it’s finally spring here and I need to be outside!
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