In 1978, KFAI Radio began broadcasting from the belfry of the Walker Community Church near Powderhorn Park, with a 10-watt antenna atop the Seward Co-op.

Thirty years later, the station is stronger than ever — literally. In late October, KFAI announced it would convert its frequencies (90.3 FM and 106.7 FM) to digital and increase the power at 90.3 FM from 30 watts to 900 watts, thereby expanding its broadcast range.

“To celebrate this anniversary while boosting our power and serving even more people is a poetic accomplishment,” said KFAI Executive Director Janis Lane-Ewart in a news release.

The station will ceremoniously “Flip The Switch” on Saturday, Nov. 8, 3– 8 p.m., at a 30th anniversary party at the Minneapolis Eagles Club, 2507 E. 25th St.

The event will feature a “mini-sampler” of the station’s broad range of musical offerings, including an “acoustic music summit” with Dakota Dave Hull, Sherry Minnick, Bob Douglas, Charlie Maguire and others; New Orleans-style R&B with Mister Rolls; the International Reggae All-Stars, featuring Lynval Jackson and Tony Paul; and more.

The event is potluck and will serve as a fundraiser for the station; admission is free but donations are encouraged. For more information call 612-341-3144 or visit www.kfai.org.

last revised: November 6, 2008

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