WDVX radio in Knoxville was recognized last week with a 2013 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
The station is popular throughout East Tennessee, and worldwide via online streaming, for its eclectic mix of traditional, bluegrass, old time and roots music programming. All funding is provided by listener donations, and a mix of live and recorded music is broadcast each day, with special features for local and regional artists.
Long time fans know the station’s storied history. They started broadcasting in 1997 on a low-powered FM transmitter, operating from a donated RV situated in a campground off I-275. In 2004, WDVX moved into a permanent facility inside the Knoxville Visitor’s Center, where they operate the station, and host daily concerts for their popular Blue Plate Special program.
The station broadcasts now at 102.9 FM from Knoxville, 93.9 in Seymour, and 89.9 FM from Clinton, their original frequency. But it has been their support from online listeners over the years that has really allowed them to continue and grow.
The awarded given to the station is the annual Folk Heritage Award, which is…
Presented to folk artists or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to artistic tradition. The award honors significant achievements within art forms that are rooted in the traditional or ethnic cultures of Tennessee.
General manager Linda Billman was on hand for the presentation on April 23, and lauded the many folks who dedicated themselves to seeing this station get off the ground and thrive this past 15 years.
“Many people, especially founder Tony Lawson, worked long and hard to bring WDVX into existence and continue to devote time and resources to keeping the grassroots station’s traditional music programming going.
They all share in this honor.”
Here is a copy of the WDVX story included in the 2013 awards presentation program (click to enlarge).
Congratulations to all the fine people at WDVX!
More information about the station – including links to listen live online and make donations – can be found on their web site. Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen will perform live on Blue Plate Special at noon (ET) on Wednesday, May 1.
