KRUU 100.1 FM Classical Gala

Fairfield's Grassroots Radio Hosts First Fundraiser May 10, 2008

by Kirsi Marcus

Lots of big things are starting to happen in our small town. For instance, on Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m., the Civic Center welcomes onto its stage some of the most talented musicians (and a dancer) connected with the Fairfield community. The event will be the first annual Classical Gala Benefit Concert, with all proceeds going to support the local KRUU 100.1 FM radio station, founded by Roland Wells in September 2005.

The Gala certainly proves to be a family affair—two of the performers are Roland’s sisters, Eleanor and Catherine, and his brother-in-law Dr. Charles Lee. This remarkable family, native to Australia but raised in Fairfield, represents some of the best talent this town has generated.

KRUU Radio has been running for just under two years now, completely on the basis of community donations and volunteers. In the short time since it transmitted its first radio waves, KRUU has become an important point of pride for Fairfield, which is home to some of the most interesting and diverse people that any small town can boast. KRUU has provided an excellent forum for talented people to share their thoughts and experiences, a passion for music, or expose our community to something a little different. In short, it has fulfilled its mission of providing a “voice” for the people of Fairfield.

“The amount of time that our hosts put into their shows just astounds me!” Roland says, with a smile on his face. “Our volunteers are so passionate about the station.” And for some, like Ari Berman, a Fairfield native who is now a journalist for The Nation in New York and host of the show Politicking with Ari Berman, KRUU has provided a great way for him to play an active part in the community in which he grew up.

Operating on a modest annual budget of $77,000, KRUU relies on fundraisers like the Classical Gala Concert to keep its doors open and its radio waves broadcasting. The station is hoping to bring in at least $6,000 from the event, with tickets priced at $20 (students $15, children under 10 free). “Fairfield has such an amazing gathering of creative talents,” says Catherine Wells, a dancer with Ballet Nouveau Colorado. “I always feel so supported by the community.” She is thrilled to be dancing at the benefit, and even more excited about doing her part to support the station.

No stranger to community projects, Roland founded a youth center (the Beatbox) in Fairfield at the young age of 19. During its five-year reign, he devoted countless hours to educating local teens, providing a safe haven from drugs and alcohol. It was during the Beatbox era that the station took its first steps, applying for its low power, non-commercial license. And the success of the station shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s ever had a conversation with Roland; it’s evident within seconds that he is a true leader.

“Honestly, I think the world of Roland,” says his sister Eleanor,” and I am constantly amazed by what he does for the community.” Eleanor, a cellist with the Boulder Philanthropic (among numerous other orchestras), will perform Mozart’s “Two Cello Sonata” with her husband Charles and George Crumb’s “Solo sonata for violincello” with her sister, Catherine. The night promises to be a beautiful event and a rare treat for Fairfielders.

Finally, let’s clear up a question about the radio station that has been under hot debate for some time. Is KRUU pronounced “crew”? Or “k-ru”? Roland laughs at the query, replying diplomatically, “It’s whichever you choose! Since the radio station belongs to the community, however people want to say it is fine by me.”

The event is co-sponored by the Iowa Source, and the Fairfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Out-of-towners can access archives and listen to "live streaming" online at KRUU FM.

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