KCRW Announces $1 Million Grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

KCRW to Expand Coverage
of Underserved Communities in Los Angeles
with a $1 Million Grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

This is the Foundation’s First Large Grant to Public Media

SANTA MONICA, CA (January 20, 2015)—The Los Angeles-based Conrad N. Hilton Foundation awarded Southern California’s acclaimed public radio station, KCRW, a $1 million grant to develop a new multi-year documentary and reporting series examining issues affecting the lives of LA’s neediest residents and underserved communities.

The Foundation’s grant will support KCRW’s news team as they take an intimate look into the lives of Angelenos and find and tell stories illustrating the challenges faced by the city’s most disadvantaged and marginalized residents.

“The Hilton Foundation’s unprecedented support to KCRW will deepen our ability to tell important stories that require time, depth and analysis,” said Jennifer Ferro, President of KCRW.

“Our goal with this gift is to produce important and compelling stories that shed light on the people who find themselves at the edges of our community. This effort is a major part of the station’s ongoing expansion of original programming through our Capital Campaign.”

The Hilton Foundation’s grant comes after KCRW’s emphasis on new award-winning reporting and storytelling projects produced in-house or as part of the station’s Independent Producer Project.

“We’re pleased to partner with KCRW, because the radio station and the nonprofit team that runs it are an integral part of our local community,” said Steven M. Hilton, Chairman, President and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. “We hope our funding will allow the team to produce even more content about vulnerable populations and social issues affecting our region.”

The Hilton Foundation’s grant marks the foundation’s first grant to KCRW and their first large grant to public media.

The gift supports efforts to advance KCRW’s public service mission by expanding original programming—a key goal of the station’s $48 million Capital Campaign.

The Campaign is KCRW’s first major fundraising initiative and is designed to support the construction of a new 35,000-square-foot KCRW Media Center and investments in new programming and technology.

To date, KCRW has secured $36 million, including $28 million from Santa Monica College, licensee of KCRW, with funding from 2008 Bond Measure AA.

Other supporters of the Capital Campaign include the Annenberg Foundation, The Ahmanson Foundation, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, W.M. Keck Foundation, Kayne Foundation (Ric & Suzanne Kayne and Jenni, Maggie & Saree), The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation and Santa Barbara Foundation.

To learn more about KCRW’s Capital Campaign, visit kcrw.com/campaign.

Contact: Connie Alvarez
connie.alvarez@kcrw.org
310 314 4673

ABOUT KCRW

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. KCRW is driven by the spirit of Los Angeles and delivers in innovative ways – on the radio, digitally and in person – to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smartphone apps and online at kcrw.com.

ABOUT THE CONRAD N. HILTON FOUNDATION

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help the world’s disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The Foundation currently conducts strategic initiatives in six priority areas: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance abuse, helping children affected by HIV and AIDS, supporting transition-age youth in foster care, and extending Conrad Hilton’s support for the work of Catholic Sisters. In addition, following selection by an independent international jury, the Foundation annually awards the $1.5 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to a nonprofit organization doing extraordinary work to reduce human suffering. From its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants, distributing $92 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2013. The Foundation’s current assets are approximately $2.4 billion. For more information, please visit www.hiltonfoundation.org.

Station Announcement

Presenting CARGOLAND: An In-Depth Series on LA’s Ports from KCRW

CARGOLAND

An in-depth series about the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

This is a seminal economic story for the new age, as machines move in and people move out. Hear from the people behind the gates and more.

LISTEN / LOOK

KCRW’s Cargoland series takes an intimate and unflinching look at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, taking listeners behind the gates and telling the stories of the men and women on the frontlines of international trade.

Award-winning producer Lu Olkowski (2013 Edward R. Murrow Award for As Black As We Wish To Be), spent over two years producing the 5-part series, offering insight and analysis into the most pressing issues surrounding Southern California’s waterfront.

As the ports turn to technology to stay competitive, the workers struggle to keep their jobs.

She spoke to the pilots who guide massive cargo ships into harbor, the linesmen who tie vessels to the docks, the longshoremen who load and unload the containers, and the casuals who pick up jobs whenever they can, hoping to make a life on the waterfront and riding the waves of supply and demand.

Listen to the 5-part audio series, see photos, and immerse yourself into life at the ports at KCRW.com/cargoland.

Cargoland is part of KCRW’s Independent Producer Project, a forum for supporting the work of independent radio artists.

Rachel Reynolds
Music Publicity Director
KCRW 89.9FM
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-4625 DIRECT
rachel.reynolds@kcrw.org
http://twitter.com/RachelRkcrw
http://blogs.kcrw.com/musicnews/

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Station Announcement

KCRW DJ’s Top 10 Albums of 2014!

KCRW DJ’s Top 10 Albums of 2014!

See them all here

KCRW DJs have selected their favorite albums of 2014 and you can see them all here.

The full length debut from Norwegian producer Todd Terje was the top pick among our 23 DJs who have been supporting him since he began his run of celebrated remixes & edits in 2006.

He was followed closely in a 4-way tie between Ray LaMontagne, Beck, the War on Drugs and Ty Segall. See the full list of KCRW DJs’ Top Ranked Albums.

LaMontagne topped Music Director and Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley’s list, which also includes three bands who made their U.S. radio debut on the station’s famed morning music show: Hozier, Alt-J (in 2012) and Beck (in 1993).

View his full list below and keep an eye on the KCRW Music Blog over the next few weeks for additional year-end lists, including our top EPs, best LA albums of the year, standout singles, top compilations and remixes, as well as the most anticipated albums of 2015.

Music Director Jason Bentley’s Top 10 Albums of 2014

1. Ray Lamontagne – Supernova (RCA)
2. The War On Drugs – Lost In The Dream (Secretly Canadian)
3. Hozier – Hozier (Rubyworks)
4. Spoon – They Want My Soul (Loma Vista/ Republic)
5. alt-J – This Is All Yours (Atlantic/ Canvasback)
6. Ty Segall – Manipulator (Drag City)
7. Flight Facilities – Down To Earth (Glassnote)
8. Todd Terje – It’s Album Time (Olsen)
9. Beck – Morning Phase (Capitol)
10. First Aid Kit – Stay Gold (Colombia)

(Note: Click on highlighted bands to find their KCRW live sessions from this year!)

Events, KCRW Music Announcement

TOKiMONSTA Added to KCRW’s Halloween Party Masquerade

Tickets are Moving Fast for KCRW’s Halloween Fundraiser Masquerade

A Halloween Costume Ball & Dance Party
benefiting the public radio station

Saturday, October 25 – 9p to 2a
At the Legendary Park Plaza Hotel

Just added: TOKiMONSTA!!!

FEATURING

DJ Sets by
BONOBO
LES SINS
TOKiMONSTA
CHRIS MALINCHAK
+13 KCRW DJs,
including Music Director Jason Bentley

Live Performances by:

TOM VEK
HOLLIE COOK
FOOL’S GOLD
NOAH AND THE MEGAFAUNA

+ Harlow Gold’s vintage burlesque revue Blind Tiger
+ Avant-garde circus performers Lucent Dossier
+ The Bella-Donnas
+ Food Trucks
+ Costume Contest

Tickets on Sale Now at
http://www.kcrw.com/masquerade

Limited Press Tickets Available for Coverage

http://www.kcrw.com/masquerade

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 25, 2014) Los Angeles native TOKiMONSTA (Jennifer Lee) has joined the lineup for KCRW’s annual Halloween fundraiser Masquerade. Having previously released records on the influential electronic labels Brainfeeder and Ultra, she recently released her latest mini-album “DESIDERIUM”, via her own Young Art Records and began her North American tour with a sold-out show at the El Rey.

The party returns to The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel on Saturday, October 25 with an array of artists, include 13 KCRW DJs.

They’ll be joined by UK DJ Bonobo, Les Sins, which is the dance music alter-ego of Chaz Bundick (Toro y Moi), and up and coming NYC house star Chris Malinchak.

We’ll host a live performance from one of London’s most enigmatic and exciting musicians, Tom Vek, as well as LA’s own world music mashup Fool’s Gold who have a new album on the way. Hollie Cook will bring her reggae-infused sound to the Haunted Dancehall.

Gypsy jazz collective Noah and the Megafauna will roam the halls as our traveling band.

A spectacular feast for all the sense, there is absolutely no party like it in town. From stilt walkers, aerialists, and burlesque dancers to ghost stories, food trucks, and some of the most creative costumes you’ve ever seen thanks to our imaginative attendees themselves, Masquerade goes far beyond a traditional dance party.

It all takes place at The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel inside five themed rooms and around the property.

Advance tickets are now available for $100. They include a one-year KCRW membership (with eligibility to win ticket giveaways and a Fringe Benefits card) for non-members. Proceeds for the event support the public radio station’s programming.

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the night of the event for $125.

Masquerade is 21 and over and all tickets are general admission.

About KCRW: KCRW-FM, licensed to Santa Monica College, is National Public Radio’s flagship station for Southern California. The station serves Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura Counties, as well as parts of San Diego, San Bernardino, Kern, and Santa Barbara Counties and the greater Palm Springs area. Check here for our coverage area: http://www.kcrw.com/about/coverage-map

About KCRW:

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Events, KCRW Music Announcement

KCRW in NYC: Mikky Ekko and Flight Facilities on Oct 1 at Sonos Studio

KCRW at Sonos Studio NYC

The LA public radio station will host an evening with Mikky Ekko and Flight Facilities on October 1

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 23, 2014) Public radio station KCRW has partnered with Sonos on a series of live events in Los Angeles and will host an event featuring Nashville singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko and the Aussie production duo Flight Facilities as part of a week-long series of programs at Sonos Studio NYC.

It will take place on Wednesday, October 1 at NeueHouse in the Flatiron District.

There are limited press tickets available (please reply to this email), however it is not open to the public.

The show will be hosted by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley and recorded for future broadcast on Morning Becomes Eclectic and his Saturday night dance showcase Metropolis.

Soulful pop singer Mikky Ekko seems destined for stardom. He first hit the charts when he sang on Rihanna’s 2013 track “Stay” and is forging his own path as a solo artist with his new single “Smile”.

KCRW has been a longtime supporter of Flight Facilities and recently premiered the new single from the band’s highly-anticipated forthcoming full length. They also performed on the station’s SXSW showcase in 2013.

KCRW last visited the East Coast to host a sold-out show with Cut Copy, in collaboration with NPR Music, celebrating the relaunch of Metropolis.

In Los Angeles, KCRW has hosted performances from everyone from Little Dragon to Pretty Lights at Sonos Studio. Recent sessions with Jose James and Banks will be airing on Morning Becomes Eclectic on October 3 and October 13, respectively.

Sonos Studio is an acoustically designed gallery that explores the intersection of music, art and technology. During their weeklong stint in NYC (September 30-October 5), they will also feature sound installations, creative workshops, film screenings, engaging discussions, and listening parties.

DETAILS:

WHAT: KCRW at Sonos Studio NYC feat. Mikky Ekko and Flight Facilities
WHEN: Wednesday, October 1
WHERE: NeueHouse (110 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010)
TICKETS/RSVP: The series is invite-only and RSVP is required to attend.
**Press can request review tickets by replying to this email.

About KCRW:

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Station Announcement, Station Announcement

KCRW Names Kevin Systrom to Board of Directors

Co-Founder and CEO of Instagram brings expertise in technology to innovative content distribution platform

KCRW today announced that Kevin Systrom has joined its Board of Directors. Systrom, the co-founder and CEO of Instagram, will join the board effective immediately, bringing the total number of members to 25.

“Kevin is an industry leader and it is our great honor to welcome him to the board,” said Jennifer Ferro, KCRW General Manager and KCRW Foundation President. “KCRW’s goal is to inspire, inform and engage people no matter where they live and Kevin’s reputation and experience in the digital space is exactly what KCRW is looking for to take us beyond the radio dial. Kevin will help us as we explore new ways to connect with our audience in the rapidly changing media landscape and prepare to build and unveil our new facilities in 2016.”

“I’ve been listening online to KCRW for years, and I’m thrilled to join the Board and have the opportunity to work to further its mission,” said Systrom, 30. “KCRW was built around a community of creative and passionate people, and I’m excited to help them explore new ways to reach more listeners.”

In 2010 Systrom co-founded Instagram, a community of more than 200 million who capture and share the world’s moments. He is responsible for the company’s overall vision and strategy as well as day-to-day operations. Instagram, which was acquired by Facebook in 2012, has become the home for visual storytelling for those with a creative passion. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

In addition to Ferro, Systrom joins current KCRW board members Michael Fleming, Stu Bloomberg, Tom Donner, Norris Bishton Jr., Scott Brittingham, Jay Borzi, Shawn Colo, Donald de Brier, Shahram Delijani, Donald Girard, Paul Haas, Matt Kline, Jay Markowitz, Rod Perth, Rob Rader, Deborah S. Ramo, Lee Rierson, Victoria Riskin, Christine M. Robert, Monica Shilling, Tom Wertheimer, Karyn L Williams and Adele Yellin.

ABOUT KCRW
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. KCRW is driven by the spirit of Los Angeles and delivers in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smartphone apps and online at KCRW.com.

To learn more, visit http://www.kcrw.com/about

KCRW Music Announcement, Programming, Station Announcement

KCRW Announces First ALL MUSIC Broadcast Station

KCRW Announces First ALL MUSIC Broadcast Station

Starting today, KCRW’s all-music stream Eclectic24 will broadcast on 106.9FM in Santa Barbara

Total listener hours for Eclectic24 have quadrupled since it launched five years ago.

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 15, 2014) Starting today, KCRW’s famed music programming will take center stage in Santa Barbara on 106.9FM, which will air the LA public radio station’s 24-hour music stream, Eclectic24.

This is the station’s first all music terrestrial broadcast.

Launched almost exactly five years ago, KCRW’s online music destination, Eclectic24, has been a huge success, with total listener hours quadrupling in that time.

The popularity of the stream extends worldwide, with steady online listenership in Canada, UK, France, Germany, Mexico, Australia and more. Expanding the stream to a larger audience in the station’s own backyard was a natural evolution.

Curated by former Music Director and current DJ Chris Douridas, Eclectic24 shares an eclectic menu of artists drawn from the playlists of the station’s talented stable of deejays – as well as exclusive live performances recorded in our studio – 24 hours a day. You can view real-time playlists here.

“Eclectic24 presents the best music on the planet – from all styles, past and present, including rare demos, unsigned artists, and exclusive live on air performances,” said Douridas.

“It has grown steadily and swiftly and its expansion onto the airwaves in Southern California satisfies a real demand for unique programming with a personal touch, all day, every day.”

KCRW’s on-air offerings can now be heard on a new frequency in Santa Barbara, 88.7FM, with local news programming.

Eclectic24 can be found online here and is also available to HD Radio users.
To best satisfy the growing demand for KCRW’s music programming, the station has actively pursued expansion on multiple platforms and with numerous partners, including a notable presence on services like Spotify and YouTube, as well as app development for mobile and much more.

The station continues to explore every opportunity to reach our fans and new listeners worldwide.

About KCRW:

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Events, KCRW Music Announcement

Talent Announced for Masquerade: A Halloween Costume Ball & Dance Party Benefiting KCRW

Talent Announced for Masquerade:
A Halloween Costume Ball & Dance Party
Benefiting KCRW

Saturday, October 25 – 9p to 2a
At the Legendary Park Plaza Hotel

FEATURING

DJ Sets by
BONOBO
LES SINS
CHRIS MALINCHAK
+13 KCRW DJs,
including Music Director Jason Bentley

Live Performances by:

TOM VEK
HOLLIE COOK
FOOL’S GOLD
NOAH AND THE MEGAFAUNA

+ Harlow Gold’s vintage burlesque revue Blind Tiger
+ Avant-garde circus performers Lucent Dossier
+ The Bella-Donnas
+ Food Trucks
+ Costume Contest

Tickets on Sale Now

Limited Press Tickets Available
Photos Available for Preview Coverage
*Please email rachel.reynolds@kcrw.org *

http://www.kcrw.com/masquerade

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 9, 2014) —KCRW’s annual Halloween fundraiser Masquerade returns on Saturday, October 25 and the public radio station is thrilled to announce the talented artists providing the soundtrack for this wildly popular event.

KCRW DJs like Jason Bentley, Valida, and Jeremy Sole spin at some of the biggest venues and most exclusive events in town – from Coachella to underground clubs – and having them all in one place is a truly special experience.

They’re joined by UK DJ Bonobo, Les Sins, which is the dance music alter-ego of Chaz Bundick (Toro y Moi), and up and coming NYC house star Chris Malinchak.

See more on this artists, including exclusive remixes, song debuts and more on the KCRW Music Blog.

We’ll host a live performance from one of London’s most enigmatic and exciting musicians, Tom Vek, as well as LA’s own world music mashup Fool’s Gold, who have a new album on the way. Hollie Cook will bring her reggae-infused sound to the Haunted Dancehall.

Gypsy jazz collective Noah and the Megafauna will roam the halls as our traveling band.

A spectacular feast for all the sense, there is absolutely no party like it in town. From stilt walkers, aerialists, and burlesque dancers to ghost stories, food trucks, and some of the most creative costumes you’ve ever seen thanks to our imaginative attendees themselves, Masquerade goes far beyond a traditional dance party.

It all takes place at The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel inside five themed rooms and around the property.

A members-only pre-sale recently ended and advance tickets are now available for $100.

They include a one-year KCRW membership (with eligibility to win ticket giveaways and a Fringe Benefits card) for non-members. Proceeds for the event support the public radio station’s programming.

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the night of the event for $125.

Masquerade is 21 and over and all tickets are general admission.

WHAT: Masquerade: A Halloween Costume Ball & Dance Party for KCRW
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2014
WHERE: The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel in Downtown LA– 607 South Park View Street
TIME: 9pm to 2am
DETAILS: http://www.kcrw.com/masquerade

Rachel Reynolds
Music Publicity Director
KCRW 89.9FM
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-4625 DIRECT
rachel.reynolds@kcrw.org
http://twitter.com/RachelRkcrw
http://blogs.kcrw.com/musicnews/

About KCRW:

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Programming, Station Announcement

KCRW Strengthens Santa Barbara Area Signal With New Broadcast From 88.7 FM

KCRW Strengthens Santa Barbara Area Signal With New Broadcast From 88.7 FM

KCRW Announces New Board Members,
Santa Barbara Residents Dr. Victoria Riskin and Scott Brittingham

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 8, 2014) — Today, KCRW begins local programming on its new frequency in Santa Barbara at 88.7 FM. The new frequency, which greatly increases KCRW’s signal strength in the region, launched as a simulcast on August 28th.

The launch follows KCRW’s successful bid to acquire KDB from the Santa Barbara Foundation, which was approved by the FCC and finalized in June

Along with the acquisition, KCRW welcomes Dr. Victoria Riskin and Scott Brittingham, both Santa Barbara residents, to the Foundation Board to provide guidance in the visioning of KCRW’s expansion in Santa Barbara.

“Since announcing our interest to increase KCRW’s presence in Santa Barbara, we have been met with the warmest welcome by area listeners, arts and culture institutions, philanthropists, and the business community,” said Jennifer Ferro, KCRW President and General Manager. “We look forward to working closely with Victoria and Scott, the Santa Barbara Foundation, and other trusted partners, as we expand our coverage of Santa Barbara public affairs, culture and arts.”

Through a partnership with Antioch University, KCRW’s Santa Barbara studio will be located on campus starting Fall 2014, and will provide opportunities for students to gain insight into storytelling and broadcasting through internships.
KCRW has also partnered with The Santa Barbara Independent in the launching of local editions of NPR’s popular morning newsmagazine Morning Edition and afternoon news show All Things Considered.

The on-air schedule will also include over 100 weekly hours of KCRW’s originally produced, award-winning content, ranging from flagship music program Morning Becomes Eclectic with music director Jason Bentley to news and culture show “Press Play“ with Madeleine Brand, nationally-syndicated “To The Point“ with Warren Olney, and cultural programming on art, film, architecture, food, literature, and politics. The schedule is available online at www.kcrw.com/schedule.

As a result of KCRW’s acquisition, Santa Barbara listeners will benefit from an increase in programming across the spectrums of news, culture, and a variety of music genres. KCRW broadcasts from 88.7 FM, while KUSC will combined its broadcast (previously at 88.7 FM) with KDB to preserve 93.7 FM as a high quality source for classical music with Santa Barbara-focused programming. KCRW’s previous Santa Barbara frequency at 106.9 FM will soon broadcast KCRW’s all-music station Eclectic24.

Committed to supporting local cultural institutions, KCRW is building on its already established partnerships with the Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and other organizations. In addition, KCRW has formed a Santa Barbara Advisory Board, including philanthropic, arts and culture, and academic leaders from the community.

KCRW is also expanding its Fringe Benefits program to Santa Barbara, bringing a curated collection of discounts from local businesses to residents, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (15% off specialty ticketed events), Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (two-for-one tickets), Lobero Theatre (20% off tickets), Municipal Winemakers (10% off), American Apparel (15% off), Italian Pottery Outlet (10% off), Santa Barbara Sailing Center (two-for-one tickets), and Santa Barbara Zoo (15% off), among dozens of others.

About KCRW:

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Events, KCRW Music Announcement

Country in the City Comes to a Close with Nikki Lane and Wynonna & The Big Noise

Country in the City Comes to a Close with
Nikki Lane and Wynonna & The Big Noise

Saturday, August 2 at Century Park, Century City

*Free with RSVP*

**REPLY TO THIS EMAIL FOR
EXPRESS PRESS CHECK IN**

SANTA MONICA, CA (August 1, 2014)The final concert in the Country in the City series takes place THIS Saturday, August 2 with one of the biggest names in modern country music, Wynonna Judd.

Performing as Wynonna & The Big Noise, the five-time Grammy winner closes the trio of free, all ages shows brought to you by KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation to celebrate their 25th anniversary and the Annenberg Space for Photography’s “Country: Portraits of an American Sound” exhibit. She’ll follow the show with an appearance at Dodger Stadium singing the national anthem on Sunday.

Opening the show is rising Nashville chanteuse Nikki Lane. Her recent album “All Or Nothin’” was produced by The Black Keys’ frontman Dan Auerbach and has garnered critical acclaim.

In describing her sound, Rolling Stone said…“If Kris Kristofferson and Loretta Lynn had a baby; raised her on Motown, Lesley Gore, and The Clash; then let her join an all-girl hotrod gang at 15 (not that she would have asked permission.)…”

She also performs live on Morning Becomes Eclectic this Thursday, July 31, followed by her television debut on Conan two days after the concert.

Doors open at 5pm with a DJ set from Gary Calamar and live music begins at 7pm. Early arrival is encouraged to ensure entry as the event is free with RSVP.

The shows feature an array of food selections, including eight popular food trucks and local cafes, multiple beer gardens, late night museum hours, a photo booth and even some lessons in lassoing!

Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars.

See photos from previous Country in the City shows with Sturgill Simpson and Gregg Allman as well as Jamestown Revival and Shelby Lynne.

Media Contact:
Rachel Reynolds
Music Publicity Director
310) 314-4625
rachel.reynolds@kcrw.org

About KCRW

The Annenberg Space for Photography is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting photography. The Space serves as an expression of the philanthropic work of the Annenberg Foundation and its Directors. The intimate environment features state-of-the-art, high-definition digital technology as well as traditional prints by both world-renowned and emerging photographers. Annenbergspaceforphotography.org