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KSQM sets Aretha Franklin special, mini-concerts at radio station

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 22, 2023

By Matthew Nash

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Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ A series of in-person concerts inside KSQM Radio celebrate Aretha Franklin and a recently donated piano that was commissioned for a benefit auction by actress/singer Jennifer Hudson.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Tama Bankston, KSQM volunteer coordinator, readies to snap a photo of Rich and Lindzee Langsford, who recently donated the “Respect” piano they purchased from Jennifer Hudson’s Julian D. King Gift Foundation at a benefit auction. The radio station starts a series of public mini-concerts on March 25
The “RESPECT” piano was recently donated to KSQM 91.5 FM and features more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals and custom designs inspired by singer/actress Jennifer Hudson’s home.

While kicking out the jams on a daily basis, organizers with KSQM Radio 91.5 FM plan to share some “Respect” with the community for a series of “mini-concerts.”

The station hosts a VIP event at 5 p.m. Friday, March 24, at 609 W. Washington St., Suite 17, to dedicate the station’s new “RESPECT” piano, which honors the late-Aretha Franklin and helped support children with school supplies at auction.

Then for seven days (at 5 p.m. March 25-31), KSQM offers free, one-hour, in-person mini-concerts of local musical artists using the piano. Organizers offer a suggested donation of $10 per person at the door.

Artists include:

• March 25 Jean Lenke, Sarah Shea celebrating Aretha Franklin’s birthday

• March 26 Dawn Marin and her students

• March 27 Linda Dowdell

• March 28 Tess Teel

• March 29 Bread & Gravy duo

• March 30 Open Piano Night

• March 31 Amanda Bacon and Todd Ortloff of Black Diamond Junction

KSQM will broadcast a one-hour program dedicated to the music of Aretha Franklin at 6 p.m. March 25, too. It will feature her solo hits and duets, some earlier soul music that influenced her career, and some music from the movie “Respect” about Franklin’s life.

Respect

The “RESPECT” piano came to existence after singer/actress Jennifer Hudson commissioned mural artists Menace Two and Resa Piece to paint a Steinway & Sons piano for auction to benefit her Julian D. King Gift Foundation. Hudson’s sister Julia lost her 7-year-old son Julian and the foundation helps underprivileged children with school supplies and Christmas presents in his honor. The piano went to auction Aug. 13, 2021, the same day Hudson’s biopic “Respect” about Franklin opened in theaters. Rich and Lindzee Langsford, then of Tacoma and now Sequim, bid and won a month later.

After downsizing and moving to Sequim, the Langsfords were considering a suitable new home for what they call the “Diva Piano.”

Rich Langsford, a retired IBM customer engineer, said they considered donating to an arts organization along the I-5 corridor but couldn’t find the right connection.

However, during the Sequim Sunshine Festival March 3-4, the couple connected with KSQM Radio, and took a station tour the following Monday.

“Something just clicked,” Rich said.

“Lindzee and I were impressed by the way the station connects with the local community, which is important to us as new residents of Sequim. The station seems to be in touch with its listeners, and addresses their needs in music, community information, and news.”

They then offered to donate the piano to the station, which will go in its Community Room, host to hundreds of community group meetings each year.

The piano was delivered to the studio on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

Studio tours are offered during weekday business hours by calling the office at (360) 681-0000.

For more about KSQM 91.5 FM, a nonprofit 501(c)3, visit ksqmfm.com.

For more about the Julian D. King Gift Foundation, visit juliandkinggiftfoundation.com.

Bill Penczak contributed to this report.

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