By Esther Lerman Freeman | Contributing Writer
Have you ever wished you could just walk down to Alberta Street and see nationally recognized musicians, writers and intellectuals while also having some belly laughs and being in the company of a great audience? Poof! The genie has granted your wish with the Live Wire Radio show at the Alberta Rose Theater (3000 NE Alberta St.).
Live Wire Radio is an independently produced radio show that blends conversation, live music, original comedy, interviews with authors, and features all kinds of creative talent. It’s been recorded live at the Alberta Rose ten times a year for over 20 years and has just announced that it is in danger of shutting down due to $150,000 in funding shortages.
The hosts Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello are real livewires. Guests have included Pink Martini, Hari Kondabolu, Sam Sanders, Karen Russell and Cheryl Strayed, among many other notable people. I’ve been a Live Wire regular for over a decade and leave each show feeling grateful to have my brain fed, my funny bone tickled and my ears filled with music. Often, I attend a Live Wire taping and hear an author or expert I’ve never heard of, only to then see them splashed across the media the very next week. If you’ve never seen Live Wire, check it out and you’ll see why it’s so important to keep it alive.
Live Wire has initiated an emergency fundraising campaign called “Fully Charged” and rather than chase big money funders, Live Wire is building a sustainable model powered directly by our community. The two ways to support Live Wire are to become a season ticket holder, and/or, to become a member. There are shows both at the Alberta Rose and at Revolution Hall (in SE Portland). Season tickets pay part of the cost of producing this show but membership helps more. You can become a member for a contribution of $5, $10, $25 (you get it, whatever you can afford) per month.
This shift represents more than financial survival. It’s about changing who they answer to: the listeners who’ve supported Live Wire for two decades. If you value independent arts journalism and community-centered media, please consider becoming a season ticket holder, a monthly sustainer or even making a one-time gift—every single contribution claims ownership. You’re saying: I’m keeping Live Wire alive. To support please visit livewireradio.org.
Esther Lerman Freeman is a Concordia resident who is passionate about all the many local arts nonprofits and the good works they do.