Spotlight

Jackson Buck

Interviewed by Cyn Collins

Occupation: KFAI Marketing and Underwriting Director. I was a KFAI programming host for eight years.

Organizations/Affiliations: To paraphrase Groucho Marx, “I’d never be a member of an organization that would allow me to join them.” Sometimes being a member of the human race is difficult enough. I stay clear of the politics of organizations, even those I truly believe in.

SSP: How many years were you a radio program host?
JB: I was a KFAI program host for eight years. Before that, I was a DJ for a couple years on KOPN, a community radio station in Columbia, Missouri. Before I came back to Minneapolis, I was on WMBR in Boston for one year. It was programmed half by students and half by community members, like if you mixed Radio K with KFAI. There was 23 hours of music a day. There wasn’t news and political programs like KFAI has.

SSP: How did KFAI’s Jackson’s Juke Joint Music Series begin? [featuring live musicians on the radio show Wednesday 3-6 p.m., then at the Viking across the street from 7-9 p.m.]

JB: It was three years ago. It was a spin-off of my “Jackson’s Juke Joint” radio show on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. on KFAI. I talked to George Bell, [manager of the Viking] about getting some music in. George told me to do whatever I wanted to do. I’m honored he trusted me that much.

The Jackson’s Juke Joint radio show was originally the Jackson Buck show. When I came up with a [live] music series, I named it something that would transition from KFAI to the Viking. It was an immediate hit. I tried to do special themes like the Mardi Gras party, that’s now an annual party.

SSP: What are some highlights of the Jackson’s Juke Joint series?
JB: When Victoria Williams and Mark Olson played Jackson’s Juke Joint, it was wall to wall people, and people outside. They were playing at other places for as much as $15. They were free at the Viking.

Pat Donohue, Dan Newton and Gary Raynor from Garrison Keillor’s show ... they were playing the Viking for not much money, and the next week they’re playing the Hollywood Bowl for the “A Prairie Home Companion” premiere.

We had Charlie Parr play before he developed the huge following he has now.
Those stand out. I wanted to get people who didn’t always play together, play together. A mix and match, like a living room situation, people hanging around and playing together. Now there are mostly established acts, not such a mix. The Liquor Pigs can always be counted on for that. Rusty Jones also plays with the Rockin’ Pinecones, and Randy Webb and Dave Babb are also the Summit Stunt Pilots (SSP), which evolved into the phenomenon of the Liquor Pigs. They still play as the SSP sometimes. There are so many highlights!

SSP: What is your approach to live music hosting?
JB: It’s not about me; it’s about the music, getting people together and creating an environment. Mary Leinfelder said to me once, “You don’t have an ego; it’s about the music.” That’s how I always approached radio, too. I like to play the music and keep my mouth shut. I try to make it like we’re a bunch of friends sitting around the living room, drinking and listening to music, having a conversation.

SSP: What happened when you moved?
JB: When I moved first to Florida after the hurricane, and then to Boston, Papa John Kolstad, Dave Babb, Harold Tremblay, and Charlie Lawson ran it, but kept calling it Jackson’s Juke Joint. It was quite an honor they kept the name.
Harold Tremblay started as a listener to Jackson’s show, then did the weekly calendar, “What’s Happening, Harold?” When I left there were proposals and Harold got the show. He continued having the live music segment with the help of the others I mentioned.

SSP: How does it feel to be back?
JB: I missed dearly the Twin Cities, the music scene, my friends ... and its nice to be in a Blue State. I stepped back into it running, as though I’d never left.
I and Beth Shaw are filling in for [KFAI’s} Urban Folk since the death of Bob Feldman, until the station decides what to do with the timeslot. I fill in for other shows such as “Sugar Shop” and “Rockin’ in Rhythm.” I liked doing “Dig Up the Roots” on the Fourth of July.

SSP: And when you came back?
JB: When I got the job at KFAI and came back, I took up Jackson’s Juke Joint again. It’s still there. I’d like to keep it going as long as it’s still fresh and entertaining. We mix the style up. All the acts are real, talented musicians. By and large it’s worth their while to have us do it. I feel a loyalty to the Viking. In some ways its one of the few places that has heart and is solid, and its not the big clubs, not like a Clear Channel booked club. There’s still room for local musicians to be heard. They don’t have to play politics to be heard.

SSP: What is something you’re hoping for the future?
JB: One thing I’m looking for now— I’d like to open the stage for younger musicians as a second act to give them experience on stage—that’s something we can offer—an opportunity to hone their skills. I’m thinking of some kind of mentoring program where younger people can play with veteran performers. We get people like Bobby E. and Pat Donohue —I don’t want to leave any out—I think a lot of them would like to pass it on.

SSP: If you could change anything, in this country, what would it be?
JB: I wish American people would wake up and realize they’re being manipulated by the methods this administration uses to divert attention from real issues. The spin doctors and media manipulators such as Karl Rove have the ability to lead people down the wrong path.

SSP: What would you change on the West Bank?
JB: I’d like to change the false perception of the West Bank—that going down to the area to listen to music is an unsafe activity. I’ve never been involved in or seen an unsafe activity. I’ve never seen a fight, or anything unsafe.
The people at the Viking are so appreciative. They tip extremely well and applaud solos and musicianship. They’re not there to wear today’s fashion, be trendy or be seen. They’re there for the music. It’s a warm, friendly environment. I’ve seen more trouble in suburban bars.

SSP: I heard you like to play a political song or two on your show ...
JB: Yeah, I like to throw in a zinger or two, just to get people thinking. I grew up in an era when those types of songs and artists could get airplay. Now, with giant corporations that control radio—such as media conglomerates—there’s not much room for thought-provoking music. I feel the responsibility to not only play music that people like, but to challenge their thoughts and beliefs. I think we have to do that.
Thinking about issues—it isn’t like I try to hit people over the head with a message because I’m not smart enough to do that. I want people to make up their own minds.

SSP: Tell me about your experience in Florida after the hurricane?
JB: I have a lot of respect for the well-intended individuals who are out there with their hearts, wallets and work.
I have no respect for the government and agency bureaucracy, such as FEMA. They were incompetent and weren’t there when people needed them and trusted them. Once you’re in the middle of it, and see it happen, as I did, it has deep impact. I’ve seen people sitting on the curb, with their belongings blowing away, and wondering how they’re going to survive.
While I was in Florida, George Bush flew over. And we were supposed to look up and wave at him? Kerry came in and put on his work shirt and talked to the poor neighborhoods. I guess that was propaganda too, but it was better. Bush wasn’t concerned, even then, three years ago.

SSP: What is a favorite experience being a radio programmer?
JB: I can play music all day my peers would like, but what I really enjoy is when a younger person calls in and asks about music they’ve never heard before, and they might take that and develop their own tastes. When they call in and say, “Tell me more about that.” I really feel proud when I can pass it on to younger people and they pick it up.

SSP: How do you feel about the state of music today?
JB: I see a yearning by some young people, a movement back to the roots and earthy music, away from the prefabricated, mechanized hodge-podge. There are people out there who appreciate real musicians. You can’t fault people who haven’t been exposed to that music for listening to the pablum of commercial radio that the music industry feeds them. That said, there does seem to be a significant movement away from that and an appreciation for true musicians and artists.

SSP: What’s kind of music do you like?
JB: Most non-mainstream kinds ... those that emphasize artists and musicians; that aren’t produced simply to make money. I’m especially fond of roots and Americana and lots of variety.

SSP: Who was one of your favorite guests on “Jackson’s Juke Joint”?
JB: I’ve had a lot of guests I’ve truly enjoyed. One of my favorites was Dave Ray. Dave used to come onto my radio show a number of times and perform, and tell stories and jokes, and bring in old music. He’d always bring in obscure music. He exposed me to music I and many people were unfamiliar with. He’d just chat and we’d walk over to the Viking and visit and he’d tell jokes. He’d come over with this book of a hundred songs. He turned me on to a lot of good stuff. You can’t mention that [West Bank] scene without mentioning people such as Dave Ray and Willie Murphy.

SSP: What’s happening next Wednesday [July 19] on “Jackson’s Juke Joint”?
JB: Jimmy “Primetime” Smith. He’s one of the most highly regarded blues guys in town. His mom was a blues woman in Chicago.

“Jackson’s Juke Joint” Upcoming Schedule:
Aug. 2–Get Up Johns
Aug. 9–Joe Price @ 7 p.m.
Morhan & Arbuckle @ 9:30 p.m.
Aug. 19–Jimi “Primetime” Smith acoustic performance
Aug. 26–Erik Koskinen
Special Friday Night Edition of “Jackson’s Juke Joint”:
August 16–Randy Weeks CD Release Party at 9:30 p.m.
Front Porch Swingin’ Liquor Pigs at 7 p.m.