North Texas Daily

Sadia Saeed | Staff Writer

Hundreds from Denton and beyond gathered for a night of music and mayhem at Harvest House to raise funds and publicize the newest addition to radio broadcast, KUZU 92.9 FM. The local radio station aims to be a non-profit station fueled by the community.

The event, KUZUthon, is just the first of many instances when radio stations offer an outlook on what’s in store. Sponsored by Harvest House, KUZUthon aimed to connect to the city musically.

“Peter Salisbury [founder of KUZU], asked us and we said yes,” said Matt Quenette, the general manager of Harvest House.

Quenette has been witnessing growth in Denton, and the addition of a radio station will be a comfort for the city of Denton, he believes.

“KUZU team has been absolutely phenomenal to work with,” Quenette said. “Organized, thoughtful, creative, considerate, enthusiastic and visionary.”

KUZUthon has been a team effort in the works for a month-and-a-half, Quenette said. The effort that all the employees on both sides made allowed for the event to come alive.

A vital part of the KUZU 92.9 is its dedication to the community. Made for the public, KUZU aims to be cultivated by the community – what the people say goes.

Board members of new incoming radio station KUZU 92.9 FM pose for a photograph in front of the donation laptops at the KUZUthon event at Harvest House. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer

“Anytime a community uses their voice is a good thing,” Quenette said. “Amplify that voice and that voice becomes even more productive. KUZU has the potential to reach the entire greater Denton community. KUZU is for, about [and] by Denton.”

A long line-up at Harvest House gave the audience a taste of what will be played on KUZU 92.9. KUZUthon showcased a variety of local music, from Pink Moon to Pearl Earl, reflecting the sense of community KUZU hopes to bring.

“We supported KUZUthon because it’s a really cool thing for Denton to have a new radio station that features what we are all about,” said Ariel Hartley, the lead vocals for Pearl Earl. “Not only local music, but music you don’t get to hear every day on the radio and the people behind KUZU are our friends, and we love to support [them].”

Formed two years ago, Pearl Earl understands the wide range of different styles from Denton. Hartley hopes that the creative personalities of Denton will finally be revealed through KUZU.

Electronic or cash donations were being taken for the new radio station, KUZU 92.9 FM at KUZUthon. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer

“Denton has a bunch of weirdos like myself and we all can appreciate a radio station that provides something more than a typical radio station,” said Hartley. “It creates a voice on the radio that all Dentonites can tune into.”

The reception towards KUZU has been positive as many turned to social media to commend the great work KUZU accomplished at KUZUthon. While some commented on the skills of guitar players present, others remarked on the bliss atmosphere KUZU put on.

“The show was amazing and every band held their own. I’m glad KUZU will help spread more Denton music, because we have talent,” Denton resident Sara Day said.

Their first broadcast will be in July 2016, and KUZU does not plan on slowing down as they work on ramping up support. On May 6, the Denton community is hosting another fundraiser with all proceeds going to KUZU’s Kickstarter campaign. An album release for Ethereal & the Queer Show awaits as well as performances by FILTH, Pleasure Principle and Vulgar Fashion.

Featured Image: Electronic or cash donations were being taken for the new radio station, KUZU 92.9 FM at KUZUthon. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer