KBPI Really That Great?

Congratulations on establishing the "Editor's Desk" column, which I think could provide a beneficial forum for readers on the local scene. I was dismayed, however, to read the ebullient accolades to KBPI in the October 26 issue (Volume 2, Issue 23). While programs like "The Pit" are much appreciated, they are at best a good start toward demonstrating significant support of the rich musical talent to be found in Colorado. At such time as KBPI or any other station heard here begins to air local music in regular rotation during peak hours will they deserve the "heartfelt thanks of every musician" that I believe you were premature in affording them. In the interim, I recommend Radio 1190, the AM Revolution, to those seeking a more creative playlist, and particularly the "Local Shakedown" program aired during drive time on Fridays.

I found Judy B's "Sound Check" feature to be exemplary as written and was saddened by the retraction of her accurate statement that "our radio stations do a pitiful job of representing the local market." The "call of duty" of radio stations heard in this area is to present listening material on behalf of we the people, the public-- you know, the owners of the airwaves-- and I for one do not feel local music is getting its fair share. I am optimistic that we can effect positive change in the dismal radio programming scenario by applying pressure on stations to become more inclusive with regard to our own homegrown talent, and then demonstrating support for those who do so. -- Dolly Zander

If you missed the ever-controversial "Sound Check" cover story, you can read it at www.gogomagazine.com/0222/soundcheck.html.

MODERN DAY GRAVE ROBBER

I sit here with the grief of losing my eight-year-old son Azi due to complications from a bone marrow transplant. I have waited a few days to write this letter. I am writing this to the public, the mayor and the magazine that I also write for. Azi had been fighting cancer for five years. Since he was three years old he had to live a life that was different, yet outstanding. I saw him fight the toughest battles and watch his spirit change from warrior to angel. He was a small messiah in our lives. Our family lives less than a quarter mile from the Louisville Cemetery. "No sweat," we thought, "we can bury him close to home, take walks to talk at his graveside and feel some comfort that he is not far away." Unfortunately, we have a Lafayette address. I was cordially informed that the price to bury my own eight-year-old son would be four times the usual amount. We went from wanting to buy four plots next to our son to only being able to afford one. $700 if I was a "citizen" of Louisville. $2,800 to have one because I live less than a quarter mile away from the city border. We, as a family, have to figure out how to be buried with our son because we know the plots around him will be taken by the time we are laid to rest.

I spoke to the director of the City of Louisville Parks and Recreations Department, Mr. Steven W. Baysinger, about this very quandary. I was told that he didn't care if I lived across the road from the cemetery, that if I didn't pay the Louisville taxes then our family was just out of luck on the fee of the plot. And sadly enough, out of luck to be buried with our son when the time comes. My wife even asked him if he was a citizen of Louisville, to which he replied, "Yes." She then proceeded to ask him to pay for the plot and we could pay him the Louisville price. In turn, he flatly said, "I will not do that." We shop, work in and frequent Louisville as much as any other town we live near. We now feel like that is a moot point. I give many thanks to the Darrel Howe Mortuary for trying to talk some sense into Steven Baysinger on possibly bending policy, or letting us buy four plots for the exorbitant fee for the hole in the ground. Real estate prices really matter to this guy. Every one else we worked with gave us care and compassion since we lost our child. I told Steven Baysinger that I would write about this and what an insensitive person he was being. He simply told me, "Go ahead." You, kind sir, Steven Baysinger, I hope you enjoy the sunshine that you are lucky enough to have shine upon your loved ones. Soak it in, because in the end we all need a break and we reap what we sow.

Just a little advice-- I am not an expert at what you do, but I am sure what you have done has been expertly marked on you. I would like to get this point across to all who read this. We have some money, and we are not complaining about needing handouts. We just thought when we needed compassion alone, we were treated like the dirt that Steven W. Baysinger sold to us with a cowardly look on his face. Keep your chin up Steven W. Baysinger.

--The Knapp Family

You can e-mail Steven W. Basinger at Baysins@ci.louisville.co.us

SHIVELEY WILL PROVE IT

Thanks for the review of my album Everything Is Good (Volume 2, Issue 24). To be sure, I didn't claim my album is "the best local album (you've) ever encountered." Rather I said it's one of the three best local albums of the year (a claim with which my mother agrees, but she doesn't get out much). And while Cherry Bomb Club is a great album, I think there's a bit too much emphasis in Denver on style rather than songwriting. If you print this, you can add that I'll mail a free album to anyone who doesn't believe me or agrees the writing is a bit thin around here. They can e-mail me at desertairport@yahoo.com --Eric Shiveley

Our review of the album is on the web at www.gogomagazine.com/0224/music.html#ericshiveley

AND NOW A WORD FROM THE TOP

I'll be honest with you. I hate writing about myself. Yeah, so I can sit in a bar and drone on about all the little adventures I have had during my 32 years, but put me down in front of a computer and I find it's more fun rattling off about other people. The only thing I will say here is I'm Sean, the new publisher of Go-Go Magazine.

So I'll take the easy way out and write about other people. First, let me talk about the staff at this magazine. They rock. Any publication would dream of having a group of dedicated people. I'm glad they're here.

Second, let me write about you, the readers. I know some of you have been reading Go-Go from the get go, while others have just added us to their list of reading materials. Hey, we love you just the same. We have a lot of great stuff in the works for you. And yes, Mike, we plan on being here for a while.

--Sean Weaver