Put A Face To The Voice Behind The Mic
We are proud to introduce you to KZFR DJs Preston, Jan, Sister Shoshana, Rick, Bill, Tim & Rob.
Blues Bayou host Preston Powers - "I've been hosting Blues Bayou for 1/2 of my life. I began programming at KZFR on the 3rd week of July 1990. I was trained by Big Dan Robles.Auditioned and recorded my first show when we were out at the airport. We had 2 turntables 1 cassette player & 1 CD Player. And we taped our show on a Crown reel to reel with a stop watch. What a difference 30 years make. My program is unique in that it focuses on the history of black music and the black experience through their music of the 20s 30's & 40's refered to as "Race" records. Later to be known as Rhythm and Blues. I like what Johnny Otis called black music "Black African American Artistry."
Ocean of Rock & Roll host Jan Bielfelt - "Music has always been a passion, escape, stimulation, comfort and form of expression for me. Not possessing the natural ability to play, I became a music collector. I have always enjoyed sharing what I thought was interesting music with friends. Having a Show on KZFR has allowed me to continue to do that on a slightly larger scale. I started with the station in Aug. 1990, when we opened the studio at 20th Street, almost 30 years ago. I strongly believe in the station's vision and have been fortunate enough to make many good life long friends there. My other passion is kayaking and I kayak twice a week, weather permitting. I feel extremely grateful to live in such a beautiful area surrounded with an incredible community. I'm a proud member of the KZFR family."
Planet Waves & Roots & Culture host Sister Shoshana - She is your roots music connection. Often featuring the women of reggae on Roots & Culture. On Planet Waves she lifts & inspires her listeners through rhythmic music from around the planet and beyond.
The Latest Craze & Playing Dead co-host Rick Anderson - "I always wanted to be a DJ. As a kid I would sleep with a radio next to my bed and rock all night long. It never occurred to me to do anything else. The journey started 45 years ago and continues at KZFR Chico. The Latest Craze is a show that features newly released music of all genres and occasional artist interviews."
Playing Dead & Creole Stomp co-host Bill DeBlonk - "I’ve been involved with broadcasting nearly all of my life, going back to those commercials I appeared in for places like the Crystal Creamery when I was a little kid. When I was a teenager some friends and I got an FM transmitter and had a neighborhood station. I thought being a radio disc jockey would be a good job, but then the idea of playing pre-programmed music didn’t seem too cool. I’m thankful that community radio and KZFR came along, so I can go on the air and share music from my collection without someone else telling me what to play. I’m proud to be a part of KZFR, which I think is a huge asset to the community."
2 Penny Opera cohost Tim Kemper - "I started Two Penny Opera in 1998. My friend Rick Carr called me and asked me if I wanted to do a show. They had an opening and needed to fill it. I hadn’t really thought about it and he caught me by surprise. I agreed and 2PO has become a way of life for me ever since. Originally there were a few other people helping out, including John D who eventually went on to produce his own show called The Kitchen Sink, Fridays at 9am. I asked my friend Laurie Niles to come on board after a few years to help me because I had kids in sports on the weekends and didn’t want to miss that part of their lives. She’s been my permanent co-host alternating every other weekend. 2 Penny Opera is primarily an acoustic music show mixing folk, Americana, bluegrass and Celtic together. Laurie weaves her version with more bluegrass and Americana while I tend to favor older folk and Celtic influences. Many years ago, I heard Tim O’Brien and Darrel Scott play Darrel’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” at the Calif World Music Festival. I thought that would be a great theme song for 2PO and it’s turned out to be a real crowd pleaser. I love playing music on Saturdays for anyone that wants to listen and we try to keep the music positive with a message of love. That’s what we need in this world, more love. The reason we end our show with The Beatles “All you Need is Love” is because our listeners will have that song bouncing around in their heads for a little while after the show ends… and maybe spread some of it around."
The Sunday Papers host Rob Davidson - "I joined KZFR in 2007 as the engineer for Beatle Nation, a kid's show hosted by my daughter Sophia and her pals Leo & Duncan. The kids eventually became certified programmers themselves, running their own show. That tells you something about the unique opportunities the station offers the local community. (And never fear, Beatle Nation continues with a new crew!) Since 2011, I've hosted Sunday Papers and I currently serve on the station's Board of Directors. I value KZFR's commitment to our community by offering excellent news, information, and music programming."
