News from Davis Media Access - February 2012

 

News from Davis Media Access - February 2012

DMA is the community media center for Davis and surrounding areas. DMA operates DCTV public access channel 15 and Educational Access Channel 17 (in partnership with the Davis Joint Unified School District), and low-power community radio station KDRT 95.7 FM. info@davismedia.org or (530) 757-2419 for more info. DMA is located at 1623 Fifth Street in Davis.

To opt out of receiving this message: Click here

Contents

  • A note from the Executive Director
  • DMA highlights both sides of Measure C
  • Registration open for summer kids' camps
  • Next Orientation Feb. 21
  • DMA to participate in Americorps program
  • In the Studio resumes regular production
  • Program notes: DCTV, DJUSD and KDRT
  • Thank you to our newest underwriters
  • Car Donations Benefit KDRT
  • Donate to Davis Media Access

A note from the Executive Director

My mantra as I talk to folks about Davis Media Access is "DMA builds community." The more we know about each other, the better informed and more compassionate we'll be. It's the touchstone I return to, and it's what keeps me doing this work. This newsletter brings you information about local election coverage; digital literacy opportunities for kids; capacity-building grants for our community; and a host of programs designed to educate, entertain and connect us. Thank you for reading, and for your participation and support. Please help spread the word about the good news that's DMA!

I would also like to announce that Ron Clement has been seated as the new Chair of the DMA Board of Directors. Ron has served on the board for two years and brings with him a wealth of experience in non-profit and foundation management. We thank him very much for taking up this mantle.
                                                                              --Autumn Labbe-Renault

DMA highlights both sides of Measure C debate

Davis Media Access (DMA) invited the Yes on Measure C and the No on Measure C campaigns into the studio in January to record brief campaign statements. The resulting short programs are airing on DCTV Channel 15 on the Comcast system, on Menu 99 on AT&T’s U-verse system, on KDRT 95.7 FM and online at http://dctv.davismedia.org through March 5th.  DMA does not take a position on any election and offers its services free of charge to local candidates and campaigns in a fair and balanced manner.

Annual Report & Warm Wishes from Davis Media Access

Contents

  • Annual Report Now Online
  • Taking on Hunger at UC Davis
  • Warm Fuzzies for Even the Biggest Grinch
  • New Board Member Kate Snow
  • Donate to Davis Media Access
  • You Make a Difference!

Ah, December--one of those months in Davis where our community life overflows and everyone is intensely busy. That's certainly been the case at Davis Media Access. December has seen us finalize the new TV studio and begin to resume training and schedule productions; record winter performances in the schools, as well as a variety of community events; ramp up for grant-related outreach; and apply for new grants.

It was lovely to see some of you at our holiday mixer on Dec. 1, and if we missed you then, we promise many more opportunities for participation in 2012. Please note that DMA is closed from Friday Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

In the meantime, and in the midst of holiday chaos, I always try to create a quiet, still space where ideas can germinate, and dreams, incubate. I'm looking forward to resting and recharging for the work that lies ahead in January, and on behalf of all of us here, send warm wishes and gratitude to all of you, DMA's friends and supporters.                                                                              -

    -Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director

News from Davis Media Access - October 2011

Contents

  • Next General Orientation
  • DMA consumer education grant
  • Thanks to Karen Vanderford
  • Why does the CAP Act matter?
  • Volunteer nets award for short documentary
  • Wrapping up the Backlot
  • Check out these local media productions
  • You make a difference!

Right now the question DMA’s staff is hearing most often is:  “when will the new studio be ready for me to produce shows?”

Backlot Thanks!

Thank you to the many businesses and individuals who made Sept. 17's "On the Backlot" celebration at Davis Media Access successful. We had a wonderful time unveiling our newly revamped community TV studio, celebrating KDRT's seventh birthday and highlighting local musicians. We also dedicated our recently built ramp to the memory of longtime volunteer George Moore.

Nat Lefkoff, Tha Dirt Feelin', Belle Francisco, Hardwater and special surprise guest Dave Nachmanoff all graced the stage. We thank them for their generous donation of time and talent. Thank you also to the Fire Performers of Davis for their impromptu performance.

Thanks to our generous business sponsors: Foley Jones & Associates; Strelitzia Flower Company; Chamberlain Farms; Linda Liu at Noodle City; and Soroptimist International of Davis. We'd like to give a nod to Carlos Barajas at Hibbert Lumber for his problem-solving skills and willingness to help. Thanks also to Watermelon Music, Redwood Barn Nursery, Kimo at A Grand Affair, Cleaning Pros, the Department of Motor Vehicles in Davis, and Hsui Young for generously helping us out.

Thanks to Mayor Joe Krovoza for performing the ribbon-cutting for the new studio, and for richly summarizing how communities with community media are more connected than those without.

Thank you to recent UC Davis grad Emily Miller for her donation of graphic design services.

Finally, DMA's many volunteers and supporters, and its wonderful board and staff, showed up in force to help, to experience and to enjoy. Former DMA Board President Andrea Jones co-chaired and should take a bow. Her leadership these past many years has been remarkable. We look forward to next year's event!

Next up On the Backlot...Hardwater

And finally, our closing band On the Backlot is Hardwater. Hardwater's practically family, at this point. They played at benefits during our Save KDRT campaign, and closed out the show at DMA's 20th anniversary party in 2008. They've been incredible boosters of KDRT and DMA, and we're grateful they're coming back to play for the Backlot crowd. Hardwater's a fixture around town, playing at many community events. We thank them for their generous spirits.

Hardwater mixes original music with covers from Grateful Dead to Dave Matthews Band, playing a melange of folk rock, blues, jazz, reggae and Cajun, with some North English, Irish and Canadian folk tunes blended in. Bob Lindley plays violin/baritone violin/electric mandolin; John Swann provides vocals and plays acoustic guitar. Eve West Bessier handles vocals/Word/percussion, with Rob Gonzales on bass and Johnny Flores on drums and hand percussion. They'll play during the 9-10:00 hour, wrapping up what is sure to be a stellar evening...On the Backlot.

You can find more info here, and here's a clip to get you started

 

Next up On the Backlot...Tha Dirt Feelin

I will not embarass Mr. Marque Cass by relating the story of how we became friends over his concussion. Instead, I'll say that Marque--youth media advocate, UC Davis student, poet, Davis Media Access volunteer and so on--is better known these days as front man and lyricist for Tha Dirt Feelin, and that Tha DF is heating up things all over town.

Marque is joined by Colin Borges on guitars and flute; Colin also produces the band’s work. Evan Daly plays guitar and composes;  Ali Sakkal plays saxophone and percussion; and Kevin Martinez plays drums, percussion. To a man, they're all students, grad students and educators, and in fact met through school here in Davis about two years ago. The music started as random jam sessions and turned into shows at bars, restaurants, farmers' markets and large festivals.

Tha Dirt Feelin’s music is a positive and upbeat blend of soulful singing, thoughtful raps and musical accompaniment that always has a solid dance beat, but ranges from acoustic to jazz to funk and rock in style. Music clips and more information available at http://thadf.com, and here's one to get you started. They'll be playing in the 8:00 hour ... On the Backlot ... and I want to thank them for joining us.  Enjoy!

 

 

Next up On the Backlot: Belle Francisco

With a backing band, Belle Francisco plays what she describes as acoustic/progressive folk rock. She says, “My songs are an exploration of justice, human bonding, truth seeking, love and loss all in support of soul transformation.”

Belle has been playing the area a lot this past year, including shows in Folsom and most recently, the Davis Vibrations Music Festival. You can find Belle  on Facebook or ReverbNation,  and here’s a clip of some music: