Radio show 'cracks' into morning with artsy guests

Doughnuts, orange juice and art for breakfast.

A new morning talk show about art on campus hit the airwaves last week on WKPS-FM (90.7), combining all of these elements. The show is called "Art on Crack" and, as the name implies, it is a little different and crazy.

The program, airing at 8 a.m. Saturdays, combines student arts groups with a wide variety of music that otherwise would not get airplay.

"Art on Crack" is hosted by Erika Gabela (junior-integrative arts) and Damian Sinclair (junior-integrative arts). Their goal is simply to get artists in the studio, they said.

"The open discussion setting gives us and our guests the chance to talk about what we love -- art." Gabela said about the show's debut broadcast.

"I want more publicity for student organizations and I want to encourage people to give art a chance," Gabela said. "I want things you just can't get on commercial radio."

The duo wanted a creative show that was different from the norm, Gabela said, adding that WKPS gave her that opportunity.

WKPS, the University's only entirely student-run, FM-broadcast station, gives a lot of freedom to its hosts to create shows that they think students will enjoy, Gabela said.

"I kind of get to be my own boss," she said. "I choose what music to play and who to have on the show. It's great."

For their first show, Gabela and Sinclair invited members of NOMMO Performing Arts Company to speak on the air. NOMMO is a traditional African dance and drum group which recently performed at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Dan Trevino, faculty advisor for NOMMO and leader of the drum ensemble, and Donna Charles (senior-biology) discussed dance as art on the air.

"I hope the show will help to get more students involved with the many different groups on campus," Charles said.

The hosts and guests spoke about NOMMO and dance for an hour, with musical interludes by Alice in Chains and songs from the Trainspotting soundtrack.

The hosts plan to continue holding live discussions and interviews on their program, Sinclair said.

"You never know what will happen on a live show," he said.

In addition to art discussions and music, the hosts also make announcements about upcoming art events around campus, including everything from dance to poetry readings to art exhibits.

"I want to share with everyone the general arts going on campus," Gabela said.