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4.16.24 Rom Ogaard
The tables turned for our podcast this week. Pioneer 90.1 Radio Host Ron West, whose actual name is Rom Ogaard, was interviewed by Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling. Ogaard will be receiving the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award on Sunday, April 21.
Ogaard has been a radio host at KSRQ 90.1 radio at Northland Community and Technical College and is retiring at the end of the month. As Ron West, he has partnered with the NWMAC to offer a weekly radio segment that promotes artists, the arts, and arts organizations. He also has segments that feature the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. These radio programs have brought news and information about the arts to our region and beyond and highlighted our regional artists.
This award will be presented on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
Listen to the interview to hear about what Rom has learned about the arts and much more!
5.9.22 Cathy Erickson
Cathy Erickson of Middle River recently received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Erickson on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the award, her musical background, and more!
Erickson is a well-known musician and radio show host in the area. She has been entertaining professionally in northwestern Minnesota and beyond, playing music for almost 50 years. Cathy plays the accordion, piano, organ, guitar, and vocals. She also hosts her own radio show Cathy’s Variety Show on Pioneer 90.1 FM. The live variety show consists of polkas, waltzes, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and local artists. Additionally, she hosts two other live weekly radio shows – Country Church and Live from the Farm.
The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. Listen to the podcast for an interesting conversation about Cathy!
3.14.23 Mark Johnson and Michael Hurley
Pioneer 90.1 Station Manager Mark Johnson and Michael Hurley (the son of It Ain’t Easy film writer and director Maury Hurley) spoke about It Ain’t Easy and its interesting history. This was the first feature film that was made entirely in Minnesota. Michael and his brother are flying in from California to watch the movie. The NWMAC provided a grant to help restore and digitize this film. It hasn’t been available to watch since it was initially released in 1972.
It Ain't Easy will be screening on Saturday, March 18 at 10:00 am at Falls Cinema in Thief River Falls. The public is welcome to attend. The documentary about the making of the movie is here on Pioneer 90.1: http://www.radionorthland.org/category/premiere-72-it-aint-easy/).