Radio Connects Us All

Dear Friend of KPTZ,

This has been an incredible year for KPTZ, perhaps nearly as momentous as going on the air for the first time, nearly nine years ago. Donations from people like you and a few key grants are allowing us to build new state-of-the-art studios at Fort Worden in Building 305, keystone of the developing Makers Square. Joining the arts community at Fort Worden is a wonderful opportunity for KPTZ, allowing us to deepen our collaboration with other organizations like Centrum, PT School of the Arts, and others.

Today, as I write this letter, construction of our new studios and offices is proceeding rapidly, and our dream is taking shape! Thank you for helping build that dream!

As the end of the year approaches along with holiday cheer, for many of us it is the time when we consider gifts to causes that matter to us. If building a strong KPTZ future is important to you, I humbly ask you to consider making your year-end gift to our local community radio station.

Thank you, and may you have a joyous new year!

Robert Ambrose, Board President

NOTE: KPTZ now has capacity to accept donations of securities and stock, with significant tax benefits for donors. Likewise, directing Required IRA Distributions to non-profit KPTZ results in the distribution incurring no federal income tax.

Photo: New studio construction at Fort Worden Bldg 305 by Barney Burke, burkedigitalpix.com

December 26 Update: Alas, technical challenges prevent KPTZ from broadcasting live the Crush in the Slush games planned for Friday, December 27 starting at 6:30pm.  The Port Townsend Basketball Club games will still occur, so we encourage you to attend in person. Starting at 6:30pm, Port Townsend High School plays the Granite Falls Girls, followed at 8:45 by the PTHS-Granite Falls Boys game. In its place, FreeSpin (5-7pm), ReSpin (7-8pm), and Friday Night Blues (8-10pm) will air as per our normal schedule.

Much appreciated supporters for KPTZ’s association with Crush in the Slush are First Security Bank of Washington, FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers of Port Townsend and Sequim ~ and the many listener supporters of KPTZ!

Led by president Alex Little along with tournament planner Josh Colvin, the nonprofit Port Townsend Basketball Club has been organizing the famous Crush in the Slush basketball tournament since 2006. The event hosts 14 high school teams (boys and girls) for 48 hours of playoff intensity. Held in Port Townsend shortly after Christmas each year, Crush in the Slush has been the site of some of Washinton’s most intense and memorable high school basketball games.

As media partner with PT Basketball Club for the event, KPTZ joins the community to applaud this year’s tournament sponsors: Coldwell Banker, Homer Smith Insurance, Jefferson Healthcare, Subway, The Business Guides, the YMCA, and PT Leader.

As your grandfather clock tolls the final two hours of the night before Christmas, KPTZ would like your good company for a gift package of songs, tunes and readings for the Solstice season, with host Phil Andrus. For KPTZ’s Solstice to Twelfth Night Special, from 10pm to midnight on December 24, Christmas Eve, you’re welcome to email Phil at [email protected]. He will read your greetings on the air.

Perhaps you have memories you would like to share with other listeners, memories of Christmases past or Hanukkah’s celebrated. Memories from childhood or from yesterday. Or, you may have greetings to send to a special someone, or to everyone, through your radio partners on KPTZ. Featured music will be “Brother Heinrich’s Christmas” by English composer John Rutter, a tale of melody-making and a musically-gifted donkey.

We hope you’ll join Phil (and Emmy Lou too) on Christmas Eve for this special night of holiday magic. 

We all know it’s cold outside, yet some of us don’t have a roof over our heads and depend on shelters for a safe night’s sleep and a meal. Locally those in need can go to the Jefferson County Winter Shelter. To benefit the shelter, for the 5th year, local musician and friend of KPTZ, maestro Paul Rogers is presenting this year’s Holiday Hi-Jinx Concerts for two shows ~ on Saturday and Sunday, December 21st and 22nd. The fun begins at 6pm Saturday at Finnriver in Chimacum, and 4pm Sunday at Port Townsend’s American Legion building on Water Street.

KPTZ is media partner for these two upcoming benefit performances. The hilarious Holiday Hi-Jinx show has become a Port Townsend tradition, featuring Paul’s original tunes and a cast of top notch local talent. This year it includes Kurt Festinger, Tom Svornich, Dirk Anderson, and John Maxwell, with Carla Main singing solo at the Sunday event. And Rogers is importing SF Bay Area musicians Tim Eschliman (Commander Cody, Etta James) and Austin de Lone (Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Fabulous Thunderbirds) from the legendary SF Bay Area Christmas Jug Band to round out the ensemble. 

Paul has also been playing with the CJB for over 30 years. They will be performing selections from their new CD Live from the West Pole.  This non-stop sleigh ride of laughs and holiday delight is open for all ages. Tickets available at both venue doors and at BrownPaperTickets. Warning ~ this is an upbeat holiday benefit event, and it just might take till June to wipe that smile off your face!