Meet Ken Apperson
Ken took the reigns of Live Music Showcase in June. Here's the new host behind the mic and this staple:
Q. Live Music Showcase has a great history of amazing performances. What are your plans to maintain that while taking it up a notch?
Maintaining LMS’s amazing reputation will be easy because it relies on the Tampa Bay music scene. As long as the musicians in this town keep striving to be the best in the world, we will always have an amazing show. As far as how I intend to take it up a notch, well… I have plenty of ideas ;-).
Q. What is the most challenging aspect of hosting a show like Live Music Showcase?
This one is easy because I really haven’t had much trouble. I can thank the amazing management staff and volunteers who make the world go round around here. Learning to command the power of the studio equipment has been my only source of apprehension. Luckily it’s fairly straightforward, as has been the training to wield it.
Q. Do you have any secrets to getting laconic or shy musicians to talk more in interviews?
I do! I’ll share one of them: Get them talking before you go on the air. Nothing heavy that would be better to uncover on-air, but for me, making them feel comfortable as quickly as possible takes the interview from a Q&A to a conversation, which I think is always the goal.
Q. Live music itself was basically shut down last year. Halfway through 2021, how do you see it bouncing back?
I could write a book on this. I’m sure someone with more brains and hair currently is. Instead, I will just say if 2020 was the "Chrysalis", 2021 (specifically fall of 2021) will be the biggest, sexiest "Luna moth" the world has ever seen. Roaring 20s 2.0 anyone?
Q. Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
Yes. I have called this area home for 12 years. In that time I have fallen head over heels in love with the artistry that exists here. I want this show to be a vehicle that drives the listeners to love Tampa music the same way. If I can play some small part in that endeavor, well that would be worth all the doughnuts.
