Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

Radio Free Knoxville

Unlike other media (this newspaper you're reading, for instance), radio belongs essentially to the public. The frequencies that stations transmit over are public domain, and the government regulates who can use these frequencies for the good of the public. Or that's the way it's supposed to work. Unfortunately, as so often happens, those with the money are the ones who enjoy the privilege. But all around the country, including Knoxville, there is a movement to claim a small slice of those airwaves for everyone.

For several months, a small group of music lovers, leftists and environmentalists has been operating Knoxville First Amendment Radio, or KFAR, at 90.9 FM. They sell no ads and are open to anyone who wants to get involved. The results have so far been a bit uneven, but of any station in Knoxville, this one has the most potential. Heck, if you want to make it better, they'll give you some training and let you start your own show (try that at WUOT or Extreme Radio).

Think no one's listening? Well, not long after 90.9 started broadcasting a healthy dose of hip hop in Knoxville, the neglected genre quickly started getting more attention on the University of Tennessee's college station, WUTK, and soon after that, 98.7 switched from smooth jazz to hip hop and dance. Perhaps those programming changes would have happened anyway, but KFAR was the first to address the need. The station also broadcasts an eclectic mix of alternative news, indie rock, reggae, Americana, and other genres.

You can find out more about the station, help support it and enjoy some great tunes Saturday, May 18th, at Barley's Tap Room. Playing the $5 benefit will be Todd Steed, Kat Brock, Hans Rotenberry (of the Shazam) and Melatonin. KFAR's show schedules will be available, as well as info on how to get involved.

Talkin' Smack

The much-anticipated loser-leave-town death match between local bands the Pink Sexies and Haggus has finally been scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at the Pilot Light. The free wrestling-styled extravaganza will pit the two bands in a no-holds-barred rock and roll free-for-all; each band will play a single song, then yield the stage to its competitors, until a winner has been determined.

Pink Sexies singer Hamo, who has baited thrash rockers Haggus from the stage at several of his band's recent performances, says he's never seen Haggus play, but is eager to run them out of Knoxville.

"I don't know what their songs are about," Hamo says. "But they're all death metal, so I assume their songs are all about killing people and stuff. I see Haggus as equal to Osama bin Laden. I see Haggus as equal to Saddam Hussein. I see Haggus as equal to Adolf Hitler. I see Haggus as equal to Robin Williams in Patch Adams. They must leave town. Goodness, the red, white and blue, and the Pink Sexies will prevail."

Hamo says he's putting his band's future in Knoxville on the line as a public service.

"It's very important that you mention this is a free show," he says. "I'm doing this for the public, so one of these bands will be leaving town. The loser does have to leave town, preferably that night. And remember: the ladies get in free. And so do the gentlemen."

Hamo says the judging for the show has not yet been established, but maintains that the winner will be clear, whatever system is set up.

Aprés le Deluge

Local jazz fans can rest easy—the Donald Brown show that was rained out at Sundown in the City on May 2 has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 30. As a side note, AC Entertainment majordomo Ashley Capps says the concert, which was wiped out by a storm of near-tropical frenzy, was the first outdoor show he's ever had to cancel because of weather. Here's hoping it's the last.

Go.

Thursday: Kevsn Kinney at Market Square. Drivin' 'n' Cryin' frontman brings rock to the masses, free of charge. Afterward, check out Mad Happy (Gothman Mike Ill's latest project) with Pegasi 51 at the Pilot Light.

Friday: Bobby Rush and His Review at The Platinum. Old school soul/R&B review complete with leggy dancers and wisecracks.

Saturday: Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets with Sam Myers at Blue Cats. Authentic blues.

Sunday: All-Night Strut at Oak Ridge Playhouse. Last chance to see this evening of jazz, blues and standards.

Monday: Just in Time at Farragut High School Auditorium. Local all female a cappella scat specialists directed by Wendel Werner.

Tuesday: Southeastern Craft Innovationsat KMA. Last chance to see the best that this region's craftpersons have to offer.

Wednesday: The Octopus Project with the Passport Again at Pilot Light. Smells like indie spirit.

—Emma "Aprés moi, le donut" Poptart with Joe Tarr, Matthew T. Everett, and Jesse Fox Mayshark