Thin Air Radio moves to 89.9 FM

KYRS-FM (95.3, Thin Air Radio) received some excellent news a week ago.

Spokane’s popular low-power community station was granted permission by the FCC to move its signal from 95.3 to 89.9 FM.

This was crucial to the station’s future, since KPND-FM, the adult album alternative station out of Sandpoint, is building a new transmitter on Hoodoo Mountain, much closer to Spokane. KPND also transmits at 95.3, so its signal might have swamped the low-power KYRS signal.

KYRS station manager Lupito Flores said the ruling was a relief, since people at the station have spent a year “worrying whether we would be able to stay on the air.” The alternative would have been to move its transmitter 10 miles farther south, at a cost of more than $12,000.

Flores said they will make the switch to 89.9 in late November, after installation of a new antenna and other engineering changes.

The majority of KYRS listeners won’t even have to reprogram their radios. Many people listen to the station on a translator at 92.3 FM, which provides a clearer signal.

“For most people, it will go unnoticed,” said Flores.

Yet without the switch, the translator signal would have been in jeopardy, as well.

Party with the arts

The Spokane Arts Commission is past due for a party.

“We figured that since we survived 30 years, we ought to throw a to-do,” said Karen Mobley, city arts director.

So the commission will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a free reception Monday evening at the Kress Gallery on the third level of River Park Square.

It will take place right after the presentation of the City of Spokane Arts Awards at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. At that point, everybody can file across the street to the reception.

The unofficial guests of honor will be everybody who has been involved with the commission since its inception. Yet the event is open to the public as well. The reception has been privately funded by donations.

This would be a good time to reflect on the difference the commission has made to the city. For one thing, the commission is responsible for 72 pieces of public art, enlivening public spaces all over town.

CdA Summer Theatre

The Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre has announced its 2007 lineup:

“ “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the ‘20s flapper musical based on the 1967 movie, June 9-23.

“ “The Full Monty,” the musical based on the hit movie about unemployed workers who expose themselves to show business, June 30-July 14.

“ “Putting it Together,” the musical revue featuring Stephen Sondheim’s songs, July 19-29.

“ “Kiss Me Kate!” the Cole Porter backstage musical based around “The Taming of the Shrew,” Aug. 5-18.

Coming up this spring: A benefit concert version of “Carousel,” March 31.

All performances are at North Idaho College’s Schuler Auditorium. Season tickets are available by calling (800) 4-CDATIX.

Youth Symphony debut

The Spokane Youth Symphony kicks off its new season with a concert today at 4 p.m. at the Spokane Masonic Center, 1108 W. Riverside Ave.

This concert will feature two of the group’s major orchestras: the Junior Symphonic Orchestra, under the direction of Collins Loupe, as well as the Spokane Youth Orchestra, the senior orchestra under the direction of Verne Windham.

Tickets are $3 general admission at the door.

‘Frontline’ tackles West story

The PBS documentary program “Frontline” has scheduled a program for Nov. 14, 9 p.m., of unusually high interest to the Spokane market.

This is “Frontline’s” in-depth look at the controversial scandal involving Spokane’s mayor, Jim West. The title: “A Hidden Life.”

It will air locally on KSPS-7.

Inland Crafts reminder

Just a reminder: Inland Crafts (also known as Inland Craft Warnings) will take place Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and next Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This 93-artist exhibition is the best place in the city to find unique, handmade Christmas presents. It will be at the fancy new Spokane Convention Center, 334 Spokane Falls Blvd., and it’ll cost you only $6 admission for the whole weekend.

Forbert in Moses Lake

Remember Steve Forbert?

He’s the singer-songwriter who had a top 20 album in 1980 called “Jackrabbit Slim.” He’s coming to Moses Lake’s Wallenstien Theater at Big Bend Community College on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students), available at the door or by calling Columbia Basin Allied Arts at (509) 793-2059.