Mornings have a new sound on KWAX Classical Oregon: the voice of distinguished announcer Kimberly Powell.
The newest member of the KWAX crew, Kimberly Powell comes to Eugene from Oklahoma City, where she was Director of Programming at Classical KUCO.
We were impressed by her resonant voice, polished personal style, repertoire knowledge, and broadcasting accolades. She was profiled in leading Oklahoma publications, received an Oklahoma Governor’s Media in the Arts Award, and was honored by the Oklahoma Legislature.
In addition to hosting our live, in-studio broadcasts 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each weekday, Kimberly will interview local arts and culture influencers for our new segment, “KWAX Connects.” A savvy and thoughtful interviewer, her KUCO guests included many of the world’s leading musical artists as well as the esteemed radio broadcaster Bill McGlaughlin.
Kimberly arrived in Eugene in late January and is thrilled with the warm welcome from the community.
“My wonderful new colleagues at KWAX, as well as members of UO Communications, have been most welcoming and supportive, offering major help and advice,” she said. “I have been contacted by a number of the station’s listeners, warmly embracing the start of my tenure as a new host. To be here now, getting to know this community, and with the opportunity to bring my experience, skill set, and passion for radio to the mix is both exciting and rewarding.”
Musically, she enjoyed a 25-year career as a professional pianist, though her listeners can expect to be pleasantly surprised by the range of her programming choices.
“My approach to programming aligns well with that of KWAX; to honor composers by playing their works as they envisioned, and to offer, within any playlist, some pieces known or even beloved by listeners generally,” Kimberly said. “The station possesses a large and diverse library of recordings offering an enormous range of choices certainly, much for me to discover! KWAX also values the personalities, experience, and tastes of each of its hosts, giving the daily local presentations a multifaceted and enriching nature that distinguishes the station both regionally and nationally.”
A certified foodie, Kimberly has already toured Eugene’s many fine grocery options and plans to be a regular at the farmer’s markets. She also finds inspiration in the visual and literary arts and with her charming cat Cecile.
With Kimberly now slated for mornings, Rocky Lamanna returns to his familiar 1- 5 p.m. afternoon slot, and will cue up film scores for “Out to the Movies” on Thursdays at 2 p.m. “I’m excited to welcome Kimberly on board,” Rocky said. “As your program director I know she shares our same vision of programming. And we are looking forward to producing more local content and information for our listeners.”
Audiences can still hear KWAX alumnus Peter van de Graaff on his syndicated program “Through the Night.” KWAX also continues to broadcast a full menu of syndicated programs including opera productions, symphonies, and specialty offerings. See the updated, full schedule.
Please join us in welcoming Kimberly Powell to KWAX. Listen each morning and call 541-345-0800 during one of her programs or send an email to kwax@uoregon.edu.