Last week's big news for the Seattle music community was the announced partnership of KCMU and EMP. Shock waves went out on March 30 after a press release revealed that Paul Allen and his Experience Music Project would help subsidize the UW-based, non-commercial, listener- supported radio station with annual financial support and that its call letters would be "updated" from KCMU to KEXP 90.3 FM--"Where the Music Matters." It's obvious what's in the deal for EMP: indie cred, a cachet the big-pantsed EMP has been unable to attain despite its tributes to local music, all-ages live shows, and over-21 DJ nights in the museum's Liquid Lounge. A signed-and-sealed connection to the city's most indie-supporting radio station might go a long way toward lending EMP more respect, and word of its events will go out to KCMU's dedicated audience. But what's in it for KCMU, er, KEXP?

Details of the partnership include annual financial support from EMP to help subsidize the radio station's ongoing operations, rent-free use of a new high-tech studio in Seattle, and up to $600,000 over four years for the University of Washington from the Allen Foundation for Music. Through collaboration between the school of music and other UW departments, KEXP 90.3 FM, and EMP, the foundation's grants will be used to support music education and public programs, including the following: artist residencies; symposia on American popular music; technology research projects; interdisciplinary awards in American popular music for students, faculty, and staff; and internships and scholarships. Additional KEXP 90.3 FM and EMP public programs may include concert series, programs for visiting performers, and more.

The station continues to rely on community support from organizations and listeners, building upon its long history of membership drives. Many who learned of the merger feared it meant that KEXP was now the property of EMP (and who wouldn't, given the name change?), but the University of Washington remains the license holder and continues to control station programming, as it has since KCMU's first broadcast three decades ago.

The station will relocate to a state-of-the-art studio near downtown Seattle, enabling KEXP's signal to nearly double from 400 watts to 720. New equipment includes (warning: geek speak to follow) an AudioVAULT; a 16-track studio for live performances and broadcasts, including a Mackie digital 8-bus console with 2 DA-88 recorders; AirWave digital consoles in the main on-air booth; and an improved phone system to support multiple-line listener call-ins. A "musician-friendly" performance lounge should make for better interviews and live performances. Also, KEXP will be directly attached to Internet2, a new technology that links the nation's top 180 universities.

Despite the Baby Huey imagery the partnership conjures, everyone involved claims that nothing about KCMU, except its call letters, will change. But history proves an influx of money and support often leads to revisions and policy change in the long run. Despite its often tedious programming, KCMU has provided our music scene with passionate dedication and faithful promotion. Hopefully the financial shot in the arm will augment the station's efforts as well as its wattage.

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Olympia's six-day talent showcase Ladyfest 2000 has inspired Ladyfest Midwest Chicago. The four-day festival showcasing the work of women artists, performers, musicians, filmmakers, and activists will take place August 16-19 in Chicago and will feature several Northwest artists, including the Butchies, Le Tigre, the Need, and Bratmobile.

kathleen@thestranger.com