707-786-5104
In 1996, founders Cliff and Amy Berkowitz decided they’d had it with the over-corporatization of radio and the big city. Like so many of us, they wanted a life that was more about living and less about the rat race. So, they picked up stakes and moved to Humboldt.
Cliff had this crazy idea that in a place like Humboldt--a place where we don’t always (or often) hue to the rules--he and Amy could really build something special. They got some friends together from the community and built a radio station that for over 20 years has reflected the eclectic tastes and unique styles of our home in the big trees--in a way that isn’t always about making money but is consistently devoted to serving the people here. A station that plays whatever it feels like as long as it’s good.
So what is KHUM? A way of playing music that is free and unfettered. A beacon of education and information for and about our community. Freeform radio for a place that loves its freedoms.
Put simply, KHUM is the “Voice of Humboldt County”.
MEET THE DJs.
Midge
Mon-Fri 6AM-12PM
Midge is a Midwestern tumbleweed currently rooted in the redwoods of California.
Penny, her doghter (dog + daughter), takes after Midge in more ways than just looks. Both adore beach walks, the backyard, and both have a heightened interest in whatever anybody else is eating around them. But don’t be fooled, they have their differences. Penny despises a swap meet and dreads a garage sale, while her mother has never met an antique she wouldn’t ponder over endlessly and ultimately, buy.
Midge is committed to only a few things in life. The top of that list is generally populated with the best noodle houses and dumpling shops, but somewhere towards the top lies a commitment to quality music and radio. This, more often than not, means digging through dusty and oft overlooked files for the music left under the radar. The hidden treasures, the ones you find for a bargain but keep forever. These are the best bits.
It also means working hard at never swearing on air.
So far, so good.
Education: BA Broadcast Journalism from Humboldt State University
Radio Experience: 2 years
Hobbies: Golf, bowling, wood carving, antique hunting
Personality: Wordy, animal lover, hard worker
Amy Berkowitz
Mondays 6-7PM
Tuesdays 6PM-12AM | 6-7PM | 9PM-12AM
Thursdays 6PM-12AM
Fridays 6-7PM | 10PM-12AM
Like so many people in Humboldt County, Amy has a number of jobs. In addition to being a radio DJ, she is also a licensed landscape architect, a mom, lecturer at HSU in journalism & mass communication, and a teacher of stained glass as an art form. She has been in and around radio since 1979 when she and her husband, Cliff (yes husband-wife duo), got together. Amy is the Co-founder of KHUM.
On Amy’s show, one can hear everything that makes KHUM the station that it is. Focusing on the core of the KHUM sound, she plays Folk, Pop, Soul, and Americana with just enough quirk to keep things interesting. Amy places a special emphasis on community wellbeing and always has an encouraging word for her listeners.
Education: MA in Landscape Architecture, Cal Poly Pomona
Radio Experience: 40 years
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, reading, and hiking
Personality: Hard working, chatty, strong willed
Chas Lewis
Fridays 7PM-10PM
has been on North Coast airwaves since 2001 and a part of KHUM for the last ten years.
Chas brings you the best in Blues, Soul, R&B, and as he puts it, “whatever it takes,” on The South Side each Friday night. With a superb knowledge of all things Bluesy, he educates and informs the listener as to the historical context and relevance of the music, creating a down home atmosphere and an engaging show.
Education: N/A
Radio Experience: 18 years
Hobbies: Playing the harmonica and singing the blues
Personality: Smooth and relaxed, extremely informative
Darren Weiss
Mondays 7PM-9PM
Darren Weiss loves mandolins, and tenor guitars, and the entire family of fretted instruments tuned to major fifths. Outside of the studio, Darren is a card-carrying registered Professional Engineer.
The Chicken Scratch Show is a showcase of Darren’s extensive collection of all things twangy. From Bluegrass and Appalachian music to Texas Swing and Honky Tonk jukebox tunes, his humorously and lovingly curated show is sure to teach you something new about traditional American music.
Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Arizona University, MS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Massachusetts
Radio Experience: 9 years
Hobbies: Playing mandolin, tenor guitar, and records, cooking, eating, drinking
Personality: A wry sense of humor, and endless enthusiasm for Country and Western music
Goldylocks
Wednesdays 7PM-9PM
Jay Collins, aka Goldylocks, is a Humboldt raised turntablist. With a large collection of vinyl spanning from rock n roll and blues to hip hop and soul, his goal is to please. "I'm deeply inspired by all the artists and natural beauty that surrounds me here in Humboldt" Jay has been DJing at community events, local taverns and parties for the past decade. Goldylocks brings hip hop, soul and jazz, live interviews and performances from local artists, authors and poets for 'Just Right.' Let your hair down and vibe out with Goldylocks Wednesday nights from 7-9p on KHUM.
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Lyndsey Battle
Sundays 10AM-3PM
Lyndsey Battle is a little quirky… no doubt about that. Her sincere appreciation of the unusual shines through on her afternoon show to bring you music that may not have otherwise made the trek to KHUM. On any given day, Lyndsey likes to write songs about her love for the simpler things in life. She spends time with her daughter in the garden, hoards a variety of homegrown canned goods in the garage, and enjoys teaching others how to play ukulele.
Lyndsey’s show is marked by her love for the community and the music. She makes a special point to only play music that she loves, creating a sonic environment that feels both handcrafted and polished. Listening in, one can’t help but feel that Lyndsey is simply a friend sharing her favorite songs.
Education: University of West Florida, College of the Redwoods
Radio Experience: 6 years
Hobbies: Calling square dances, playing and recording music, brewing cider, and community building
Personality: Engaging and kind, with an easy and relaxed style