Sunday 10am-12pm
A song journey through time and place: Early Appalachian along with regional folk-blues, jazz and gospel music presented by original artists and modern performers.
DJ: John O
A note from John Oliver, Host of American TraditionsAs the world turns and the seasons change, the beat goes on. Fortunately for Tucson, KXCI has been the community avenue that drives the beat, strums the rhythm and makes connections. Those connections worked for me when, in 2000, I took the DJ class and submitted a demo for a Music Mix. The late Afternoon Music Mix slot on Fridays was open, and I got it. The shift followed DJ Susie B.
My morphing from a guy listening to the music on the radio to a guy playing music on the radio was life-changing. The Tucson music community is diverse and well supported, and I felt welcomed right away. It’s a pleasure to play songs from local performers and go to the shows around town. Decades later, I have a few good friends and have met so many wonderful people.
In proper Boomer fashion, I have a pretty good album and CD collection. “Good” meaning diverse and a bunch of them. This was way before KXCI and DJ-related music. The collection included my teen years’ LPs and my parents’ records. I picked up a lot of music while stationed in Germany in the mid-70s. So, when I got the chance to apply for an open slot, I submitted the idea and music selections and waited. Not long, though. I got the time slot. On September 11th, 2005, I created the American Traditions Show on Sunday mornings from ten to noon.
During these 20 years as an on-air programmer, I was able to showcase the music from my collection and also find hidden gems in the KXCI stacks. There is so much music. Even more now with online sources. Remember to support real music produced by real people!
I’m retiring the American Traditions Show after 20 years because it’s time. I have no doubt that KXCI will be around another 40-some-odd years. Because the Station is DJ driven and community-based it will always progress and unite.
I’m not leaving Tucson but I will be out and about. In the words of John Prine, “I wish you all the best.”See ya around town. Come on down.
