Rock & Roll On The Radio & A Long, Strange Road Trip

Scanning the dial on a recent road trip, one station I heard was KPND, Sand Point, Idaho. KPND plays what we called Progressive Rock, or Adult Album Alternative. The music of the Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Warren Zevon… KPND is owned and operated by Blue Sky Broadcasting and is home to a couple of radio personalities who have visited this blog.

The KPND website says, John Christopher Kowsky – Weekend personality at KPND, has enjoyed a rich and rewarding career, and covered a lot of territory since he first began broadcasting both radio and television at a very young age in his hometown, Bellingham, WA. Introducing audiences to his name and style in Wenatchee, Spokane and Seattle, WA, his journey ultimately led to his hosting of television’s “PM Magazine”, which in turn resulted in John’s appearances on NBC Television’s “Star Weekends” where he worked with some of the top Hollywood performers and producers of the time. When he’s not on the air, John is involved with the Porsche Club of America, Golfing at Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club, and is a Lifetime Associate of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Marie LaMarche/Marie McCallister – Marie McCallister is now middays at KPND Sandpoint, ID. Started radio in 1977 in a small Idaho town and more to a slightly larger Idaho town shortly thereafter. Moved up to the big city of Spokane to KREM AM/FM, then to KJRB/KEZE. Moved to Seattle and worked weekends at KISW. From there, down south to Los Angeles for a weekend gig at the infamous KNAC. Later to Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Pocatello (as PD), then back to Spokane to KXLY. Currently, PD at KPND Sandpoint/Spokane.
Our road trip adventure, in the middle of a heat wave, included a couple of water parks, roller coaster rides (I took a double-dare), bad fast food restaurants and hotel swim pools. Although I didn’t get a chance to hear these two talents specifically, I did enjoy listening to KPND. KPND is at 95.3 FM, the jocks are local and they keep the music rolling with only a few short interruptions.