Off-topic and out-of-market, I couldn’t help but note the innovative new format adopted by 101.7 KXBB Lake Havasu City AZ. “Badass Blues” is a commercial 24/7 all-blues station, the likes of these we haven’t seen on an “indie” broadcaster for some time now. Blues in general, tends to appeal to older demographics & is usually a genre found on campus/community FM’s as a specialty program. In our region, John Kessler’s excellent “All Blues” can be enjoyed Saturday & Sunday evenings 6pm – midnight on 88.5 KNKX. Sampling “Baddass Blues” via their stream today shows a deep library of cuts in addition to those more familiar to non blues purists. I was also impressed by the number of local ads I heard. Station owner Sanford Cohen gives a passionate & personal explanation for the format flip on the website. Congratulations to a broadcaster for taking a chance & breaking out of the mold of stale, tepid, cookie-cutter radio to try something different. Innovation seems to be sorely lacking here in the metro Seattle market. Here’s hoping to the success of “Badass Blues 101”.
