On Friday, Oct. 3, the sound of live music echoed through Beauvoir Park long before you could see the stage — a sure sign that College Radio Day was back and better than ever.
College Radio Day is an annual event hosted by KLSU, with the recent addition of The Bluff, to spotlight local musicians, artisans and, of course, radio.
As an outdoor venue, Beauvoir Park is a fitting space for an event like this. The Crosscut Stage is the first thing you see when you make it in; the wooden platform is decorated with license plates, murals and LED lights, creating an eclectic but cozy vibe. Two rows of park benches provided seating for spectators, making the concerts feel all the more intimate.
In the open grass, several groups, including the KLSU staff, gathered on picnic blankets. Soft chatter and laughter provided a natural accompaniment to the live music.
Surrounding the exterior of the space were the vendor booths, including KLSU, LSU’s Gumbo, Southern University’s The Bluff, as well as artists, thrifting pop-ups and food from Sushi Iku.
Art vendor Gianna Militana has been attending the KLSU event since 2019, when she worked for the radio station as an undergraduate student. She is the creator of Art By Gianna.
“Honestly, it’s been very cool to see so many new musicians come and get to know new bands that form, you know, new DJs that come in, all the people that enter this little creative community that we have,” Militana said. “You know, I feel like it is a cool community to have little reunions for.”
Militana shared that the turnout for her business is always good when she does pop-ups at College Radio Day.
“I feel like this event specifically has so many fun, artsy, young people that really resonate with what I do,” Militana said.
René, the creator of Godchild Jewelry, found out about the event through Militana this year.
“I just went down this huge rabbit hole, like going through [KLSU’s] stuff and looking at the music [they] play on the station,” René said. “I didn’t even know College Radio Day was a thing, so I was like ‘Let me get on board and see what it’s about.’”
First to perform at 5 p.m. was Acath, a synth-y punk rock band from Lafayette Louisiana. Its ethereal sound was captivating, and as band members plucked their last few chords in the rays of the setting sun, its moody sound became even more otherworldly.
Next to take the stage at 6 p.m. was Whisper Party! Transitioning the event into the night, this NOLA-based band brought all the dreamy rock vibes. Whisper Party! welcomed the growing crowd with a vibrantly pulsing sound and violet-toned stage.
As the night started to wind down, NeoSoul500 brought up the energy with their eclectic jazzy R&B music at 7 p.m. As the Baton Rouge group performed, you could practically feel the crowd stilling to watch the jam session.
Last up was Southern University student DDR Rage at 8 p.m. The Louisianan rapper delivered an intimate yet lively performance, bringing the event back to its community roots.
KLSU chief announcer Ruby Nethercutt (DJ Ziggy) shared that College Radio Day is an opportunity to support local music and uplift radio to the larger Baton Rouge population.
“It’s such a good local event,” Nethercutt said. “KLSU has been my favorite place to make new friends, find new music and just have new experiences.”
KLSU marketing director Elaya Newman appreciates College Radio Day for the exposure it provides to radio, saying the medium often “gets overlooked.”
Southern University made their College Radio Day debut this year with its newly founded radio station, The Bluff. Jodeci Ashford, also known as FxreverMyLady, is the first host of The Bluff.
“It’s our first time sharing the spotlight with KLSU,” Ashford said. “It is super amazing, so I’m just so excited to be here and, of course, meet so many people.”
Caitlin Russell, KLSU’s station manager, mentioned that the feeling is mutual.
“Collabing with Southern was such a huge deal for us and we’re so excited to be here with them,” Russell said.
Alex Sheesley, a sports reporter and specialty DJ known as DJ Junior, described the community that the annual event draws in.
“We have a bunch of people here: fans of the station for one, but also alumni of KLSU,” Sheesley said. “Obviously everyone on staff currently is talking to each other, but it’s someone who graduated last year, two years ago being like, ‘Hey how are you? How have you been?’ And I think that’s something really special to see.”
Sarah Rice was one of many students manning the table for Maison Du Tigre, LSU’s fashion magazine. Rice shared that a vital part of college is finding a place where your creativity can shine.
Reagan Wheeler, KLSU’s content manager, says that the station may be the very place to inspire you.
“If you want to expand your music taste or you want to get more into alternative music, we’re your people,” Wheeler said.
With another successful College Radio Day wrapped, it is clear that college radio continues to be important to locals and students alike in Baton Rouge.
