Following its expansion to San Francisco in March following the acquisition of 92.7 KREV (now KEXC) Alameda, AAA 90.3 KEXP Seattle is launching its first show that will air exclusively in the Bay Area.
92.7 KEXC will debut a local music show “Vinelands” on Saturday nights from 6-9pm Pacific, while KEXP will air their Pacific Northwest local music show “Audioasis”. The new show will be hosted by Kelley Stoltz and Gabriel Lopez from the studios of Public News/Talk 88.5 KQED-FM as part of a partnership between the stations that will see all of KEXP’s San Francisco staff members work out of KQED, other KEXP hosts will broadcast when in town, and additional programming collaborations may take place.
Stolz is a musician, record store clerk, and producer. He commented, “I am really looking forward to sharing my favorite songs and artists from the Bay Area’s rich history to the present day. I remember it was such a thrill when my songs first got played on KEXP 20 years ago, and I’m so glad I get to share that feeling with other musicians here in the Bay Area.”
Lopez began his career in college on KZSC Santa Cruz and has worked on internet stations Lower Grand Radio and Hyde FM. He said, “My main goal with Vinelands is to build a bridge between KEXP listeners and the rich musical history of The Bay. This is a place that birthed Sylvester AND The Aislers Set, SOBxRBE AND King Woman. It is truly an honor to give some shine to a place I am truly grateful to call home.”
KEXP morning host and Creative Director for On-Air, John Richards said, “KEXP was built on the support of our local music scene in Seattle. Our local scene responded by supporting and championing us in turn. We have always been lucky to be rooted in an area that has an amazing and diverse music community, and we see the same opportunity in the Bay Area. We want to champion and give a voice to musicians who may have never been played on the radio before. We want this community to have a home on the air. That will begin with Vinelands, and with stellar curation from Gabriel and Kelley.”
KEXP is also seeking a Bay Area based co-host for their Latin music show “El Sonido” who will rotate hosting with current host Albina Cabrera.