Last week, I found myself in the cozy hum of the KSUT studio — microphones glowing, guitars tuned, that shared hush of anticipation before the music begins. KSUT’s own Chris Aaland, always calm, thoughtful, and genuinely curious, was preparing to go live with two remarkable artists: Grace Pettis and Natalie Price, in town for the Community Concert Hall’s Backstage Pass Concert Series.
It’s an intimate setting — a few chairs and a handful of cables — when the red light came on, the energy in the room expanded. Grace and Natalie took turns performing stripped-down versions of their songs, laughing between takes, and speaking candidly about the stories behind their music.
As I watched them share their craft, I was reminded why these moments matter so deeply — for artists, for listeners, and for the creative ecosystem we’re all a part of.
For many touring artists, small public radio sessions like this are an essential part of the journey — a chance to connect with local audiences, reach new ears, and share the “why” behind their work. KSUT has made that connection part of its mission for nearly five decades.
Beyond spinning records or airing NPR news, the station serves as a bridge — linking the artists who create, the venues who present, and the communities who listen. These in-studio opportunities give musicians a platform to be heard in real time across the Four Corners, and they allow local organizations like the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College to share the creative programming that makes our region so vibrant.
When those airwaves light up, the connection is more than broadcast. It’s emotional. It’s local. It’s alive.
As someone who’s spent a lifetime telling arts stories and working alongside venues and performers, I know how rare this kind of access is. KSUT’s commitment to authentic, locally focused coverage gives voice to artists who might otherwise remain unheard — and, in turn, keeps audiences engaged, informed, and inspired.
Whether it’s a conversation with a singer-songwriter, a feature on an upcoming arts festival, or a spotlight on creative collaborations, KSUT continues to prove that public radio is one of the most powerful storytelling tools our region has.
Take a look at a bit of the “raw” in-studio session with Grace Pettis and Natalie Price, hosted by Chris Aaland, on the Arts Perspective YouTube channel to experience the music and conversation that filled the room that morning. It’s a beautiful reminder of how art and community come together when the mics turn on.
To everyone at KSUT, thank you for your dedication to connecting us through sound — for giving artists a place to share, and for helping venues and organizations reach hearts and homes across the Four Corners. Your work amplifies far more than music. It amplifies belonging.
