KXT 91.7 launches tomorrow 7AM

Some 10 years ago, KERA eliminated its 90.1 At Night music programming entirely from its on-air schedule. Little did we know that KERA had a secret plan ever since then to raise a ton of money and purchase a local low-end spectrum radio frequency (91.7 was formerly KVTT Christian Talk Radio).

The advent of a 24-hour Public Radio Music station here in Dallas is possibly the best thing for local music since the Deep Ellum area had its heyday back in the late 80's/early 90's. This elevates DFW radio to the level of a precious few other metropolitan areas in the country that have both a local Public Radio newstalk station and a Public Radio music station. (KCRW Santa Monica is a worthy comparison.)

KXT will host in-studio visits by terrific touring artists that don't fit into the Classic Rock mold. And let's face it, no commercial music station really does artist interviews anymore anyhow. Those commercial music stations are almost completely out of the concert promoting business these days.

If the broadcast tests being conducted this weekend in advance of tomorrow's official launch are any suggestion of the eclectic nature of the music that KXT will be playing for DFW, then we're really in for a treat.

Elvis Presley - Mystery Train
Debussy's Beau Soir - Philadelphia Brass Ensemble
John Coltrane - Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise
AC/DC - Problem Child
Louis Armstrong - West End Blues
Peruvian Folk Music
Enya - Orinoco Flow
Victor Wooten - Can't Hide Love
Willie Nelson & Asleep at the Wheel - South

But the main benefit here is to have a proper music station here in town that will support touring acts that come through Texas but also home grown artists from Denton, Dallas & everywhere in between Terlingua, Austin & Ft. Worth.

Good luck to KXT! Welcome to the community's airwaves. Long may you run.