Kevin Couch, a.k.a. Kevin Couche, was an Indiana kid who tuned in to 97X early and never looked back. He wound up working at the station, and later headed to Hollywood to work for the top ranked morning show, do interviews for other radio stations, host a comedy show on Sirius XM, do publicity for Death Row Records and a comedy club… the list is endless.
We had so much fun chatting with Kevin that we made it a two-parter. Check out both episodes as we talk to Couche about his 97X payroll windfall, the Dayton band Brainiac, his many gigs, plus-sized lingerie, Steve Baker, Robyn Hitchcock, Nerf Herder, the Rugburns, Hollywood Hamilton, Sirius XM Comedy, and his current gig in PR.
Couche with Bob Pollard of Guided by VoicesKevin (right) with John Schmersal of Brainiac
Aaron Borns started at 97X as a student intern (a.k.a. “co-producer”) for the Breakfast Club in 1993, then worked part-time shifts, answered the phones and worked with Julie Maxwell doing promotions. He wasn’t at the station long, but the lessons he learned there served him well during a 20-plus year career doing promotions and marketing at RCA Records. Dave and Damian talk to Aaron about his 97X days, his record label roles… and how he got a free car while he was at 97X.
Aaron is in the top row, far right, in this photo from the 1993 (or 94) Day in Eden concert featuring The Judybats and the Goo Goo Dolls. Promo t-shirt from the 1993 Modern Rock 500
Howdy kids, I’m back from the City of the Big Shoulders, the Windy City. I’d like to propose a toast to my wife, who ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday.
And I’d also like to propose a toast to my Chicago-dwelling friend Jessica, who hooked me up with an extra ticket to the Luna concert at Lincoln Hall last night, where they played their album Penthouse in its entirety.
OK, short week, short post.
Tuesday, Macy Gray plays Ludlow Garage. All That Remains and Lacuna Coil are at Riverfront Live. Capstan plays Top Cats and local musician Zapruder Point is at the Brew House.
On Wednesday, Just Friends, Save Face, the Sonder Bombs and Pool Kids play the Southgate House; Andy Frasco and the UN are at Madison Live; The New Mastersounds are at Ludlow; Sarah Asher plays MOTR with Mavis Guitar, Billy Alletzhauser and Beth Harris; and list member John Sandman’s Tye Dye Band plays Tina’s downtown from 4:30-8 p.m.
Della Mae is at Memorial Hall on Thursday, Charlie Parr has a CD release show in Southgate’s Revival Room, and Brit blues artist Joanne Shaw Taylor is in Southgate’s main room. Brand X is at Ludlow Garage that evening… not to be confused with Kroger’s old generic brand.
Mmm, tasty!
Friday, you can enjoy Cigarettes After Sex… at the Madison Theater. Or you can go to the zombie party hosted by 500 Miles to Memphis at Southgate, in the Sanctuary. The Minks and the Nailers are in Southgate’s Sanctuary, and Arlo McKinley & the Lonesome Sound play Madison Live.
Murphy’s Pub is celebrating 30th years with Dirty Thirty gigs on Friday and Saturday. You can read more in CityBeat.
Taking Back Sunday kicks off a two-night stand at Bogart’s on Friday. Apparently they are trying to corner the market on weekends.
Mmm, tasty!
On Saturday:
Warrick & Lowell play Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest
Rickie Lee Jones is at Ludlow Garage
the father-son duo of Ritt & Wilder Dietz plays the Parlor & Patio house concert in Ft. Thomas
Maurice Mattei is in Southgate’s Lounge
Rob Harris & Marcia Ramirez play a special Downtowne Listening Room show at Covenant First Presbyterian Church
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage are at Miami U – Hamilton
The Cliftones play MOTR
Comedian John Mulaney is at Miami’s main campus
Sunday, John Morgen plays Neltner’s Farm, the Aquadolls are at Top Cats, and the Q102 Bosom Ball is at Madison Theater, with Ingrid Michaelson as the headliner and Maddie Poppe, the Season 16 winner of American karaoke Idol, also on the bill.
My Favorite Record Label
Merge Records was founded by Mac & Laura from Superchunk, so naturally I’m biased, but they have a stellar stable of artists. This year, they were celebrating their 30th anniversary and I subscribed to their “Born Under A Good Sign” promo, which got me a quarterly shipment of surprise/limited edition tunes and some other swag. This quarter, it was a Polvo reissue on green vinyl and a Holiday Sampler on peppermint vinyl.
Mmm, tasty!
Dude to follow on the socials
Speaking of Superchunk, if you’re not following Superchunk drummer Jon Wurster (also drummer for Bob Mould and The Mountain Goats and co-star of The Best Show), you’re missing out. On Insta, he does a “new worst friend” thing when someone sends him a weird photo:
The latest episode of the 97X “Rumblings from the Big Bush” podcast features our chat with Rik Helton, the former owner of CD World, who used to promote his record store by attending indie rock concerts dressed in superhero tights. We also play some other throwback commercials from the 97X airwaves.
97X had dozens if not hundreds of part-time DJs over the lifetime of the station, but no one else can top the tenure of “Gentleman” Jim Mercer, who worked weekend and vacation fill-in shifts for a whopping 14 years, from 1990 through 2004. His dedication and professionalism made him the ultimate weekend warrior. Dave and Damian talk to Jim about his day job, how he got the DJ gig, and how he made his shifts sound so smooth.
Jim nearing the end of a Saturday shift in 2004. This photo was taken by Luann Gibbs.
Like most radio stations, 97X typically had five full-time shifts: mornings, midday, afternoons, evenings and overnight. Having Jim as a part-timer for more than a decade was a luxury. He could — and did — handle any weekend shift, and was always willing to fill in on the evening and overnight shifts to cover vacations.
The NBA gives out a Sixth Man of the Year Award for someone who is the best performer coming off the bench. Gentleman Jim was the 97X equivalent of the Sixth Man of the Year for 14 years running.
Left to right: Jim Mercer, Julie Maxwell, Bakerman, Sledge and Kathy Lucas, at a 97X reunion in 2009.
When Bakerman did the final break on 97X, he gave a special shout-out to Jim.
Jim and Steve Baker in the press box for the Miami-UC game in 2016.
97X was a small but mighty station in many ways. Being in the outskirts, in the fringes, left of center, off of the strip (to paraphrase Suzanne Vega) with a small (but dedicated) listener base allowed us to get away with stuff that other stations couldn’t or wouldn’t do. Not just with our music playlist (or lack of a playlist, really), but also with the other stuff that made its way to our airwaves, like having a 5th grader do the weather report…
… doing live “remote” broadcasts from the lobby, throwing birthday parties for Abe Vigoda, and sharing secrets from romance novel cover model Fabio.
Sexier than Fabio
In this episode of the 97X Rumblings from the Big Bush podcast, Dave and Damian chat with the 5th grade weatherperson, play some bits, and also announce the winner of the 97X 10th Anniversary “Name the 4th Band” contest.
“Others”?
Congrats to Colin Miller for winning the trivia contest by correctly identifying the 4th band: Sleep Theater.
You can listen to the latest episode via the player above, and you’ll find all the episodes on Podbean, Spotify and iTunes.
John “J.J” Jesser worked side by side with The Bakerman on the original Breakfast Club morning show in the early days of 97X… and he’s got the coffee mug and t-shirt to prove it.
JJ started out as a part-timer during his Miami University undergrad days, and did news, DJ shifts, production… and played in local bands like The Vagrants as well.
JJ on the left, his friend, roommate and bandmate Mr. K on the right
In this podcast episode, Dave and Damian talk to him about those early days, find out what he’s up to now… and discuss his “metal name” and pet poop.
These days, John works for a company that makes an app that connects patients with doctors for live online visits. He’s still rocking too, playing guitar and singing in the Cleveland band Verve Daddy.
Barb Abney spent more than a decade at 97X and woxy.com, starting in the summer of 1994 and doing middays from 1998 through 2006, when she moved to Minneapolis to work for The Current for 8+ years as woxy.com moved to Austin.
In this podcast episode, Dave and Damian talk to Barb about dressing for success, her collection of 97X paraphernalia, stalking the Afghan Whigs, and lessons learned in the station’s bathroom.
Barb continues to play great music and support local bands as the morning show host at KFAI-FM in the Twin Cities. You can stream KFAI, so check out Barb’s show weekdays from 6-8 a.m. CDT (7-9 EDT). You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Barb on the air at 97XBrian J., Mike Taylor, Shiv and Barb on the final day broadcasting from Oxford. Here’s Barb in the outfit she wore to her 97X interview… which she described as “VIP at Lilith Fair”
In the second part of our chat with Dan Reed (a.k.a. “Danny Crash”), he tells more hilarious stories from the early 97X years, including tales about his band Chem-Dyne, his friends Mr. K and Greg Dulli, working at Bogart’s, and learning life lessons (sometimes the hard way) from 97X owners Doug and Linda.
Here’s a video of Big In Iowa, a local band featuring Mr. K and Bob Burns, who later gained fame via his always-entertaining “Blogger Bog” Instagram account for the TSA. Sadly, Bob also passed away suddenly last October.
Let’s get right to the tunes, because we also have a lot of non-concert ground to cover.
Monday, Amigo the Devil is at Southgate, with Cory Branan. And for all the phloppy Phish dancers, the Trey Anastasio movie Between Me and My Mind is showing at Bogart’s, and there’s a two-for-one deal on tickets. Please note that the showing is BYOFDGCSPFASHITPL… bring your own five-dollar grilled cheese sandwich purchased from a smelly hippy in the parking lot.
Tuesday, Los Lobos and The Mavericks are playing Rose Music Center. (Oh sure, Rose and PNC’s lineups are 99% identical but this is the one of the few shows that isn’t playing both venues… so unfair!) Emily Wolfe is playing Southgate, Matisyahu and Tribal Seeds are at Bogart’s, and Stanley’s hosts an all-star tribute to Dylan & the Dead (more grilled cheese for my tie-dyed friends!). Speaking of the dead, the man who has looked like a corpse since the 70s (and is now IN his 70s) will be playing Riverbend:
No more Mr. Vincent Furnier.
Halestorm is the opener.
Train rolls into Riverbend on Wednesday (see what we did there), with the Goo Goo Dolls and Allen Stone also on the bill. True story: Goo Goo Dolls nearly came to blows with the sound man at 97X’s “Day in Eden” concert in Eden Park back in 1993 (Superstar Car Wash era), but list member Mighty Joe Sampson intervened (all 140 pounds of him) and cooler heads prevailed. So basically, if not for Joe, Goo Goo Dolls would have wound up behind Si Leis’ iron bars instead of enjoying multi-platinum success. Also on Hump Day, Drivin N Cryin is at Southgate.
On the day of Thor, Conor Oberst is at Taft, Ben Levin Trio is playing The Phelps rooftop (close to where those stately trees used to be in Lytle Park), and the Cincinnati Music Fest (nee Kool Jazz Fest and Macy’s Fest) kicks off at Paul Brown Stadium with hip-hop night, featuring Slick Rick.
Friday is a feast for your ears:
Holly Spears plays Camp Springs Tavern (more on this venue later)
Angela Perley plays a freebie at Levitt Pavilion in Dayton
IDKHow is in Taft’s Ballroom (here’s a fun video from them)
Aztec Sun and Krystal Peterson & the Queen City Band are at MOTR
Fretboard Brewing hosts a Whispering Beard Preview with Chelsea Nolan (8 pm), Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle (9:10 pm) and The Winetree (10:20 pm).
Urban Artifact hosts an NPR Tiny Desk Concert preview night
The Cincinnati Music Fest continues at PBS with Maxwell and Earth, Wind and Fire
Terrapin Moon plays Stanley’s
The Sonny Moorman Group and Chuck Brisbin & the Tuna Project play a free show at Sawyer Point (6-10 pm)
Uncle Kracker is at the old Annie’s
Lizzo plays the Coliseum
Zedd plays a post-game concert at GABP
The Righteous Brothers & the Temptations are at PNC
Last, but certainly not least, Air Supply will be playing Rose Music Center
On Saturday, Heart plays Riverbend with Elle King, Sylmar has their EP release show at Woodward Theater, with This Pine Box also on the bill (with an asterisk), and Pop Empire has an album release show at Northside Tavern. At PBS, Ohio Players are on the bill.
You’ve gotta see the poppin’ and lockin’… it’s killer!
If you’re hankering for some fun instead of funk, Stanley’s hosts a standup comedy showcase from 6-8.
Sunday, Southgate is hosting the Cosmic Honky Tonk Review featuring Jim Lauderdale, Jason Ringenberg (from Jason & The Scorchers) and Chuck Mead (BR549). And the week winds down the same way it started, with a jam band: moe. is playing PNC Pavilion, with Blues Traveler and G. Love.
OK, now let’s move on to the TWILM mailbag. Dan “The Reds are wild card contenders!” Lewis would like everyone to know that the Avett Brothers are playing after the Reds afternoon game on Saturday, September 7th. List member Andy Block surely will be in attendance, as he is an Avett groupie and saw all three nights of their recent stand in Red Rocks.
Todd Butler sent in this rave review about the Camp Springs Tavern:
List members Ben Brawley and Joe Sampson are the new Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, they have been looking for clues to the whereabouts of the band Sons of Bill after we put out an APB in a recent post on 97Xbam.com. Joe says lead singer James Wilson has been focusing on his Faulkner studies, but Ben reports that James is playing a solo show in Charlottesville on August 7th, so there is hope of more tunes in the future.
So bad it’s good….
List member/proud papa Dave Tellmann informed us that his son Joe won’t be playing with This Pine Box at Woodward on Saturday… because he’ll be in Europe playing two shows at the Notodden Blues Festival in Norway, and attending a music class led by Little Steven. Not bad for a college sophomore.
Meanwhile, proud son Joe Tellmann would like everyone to know that his dad Dave co-hosts a podcast about the old days at 97X called “Rumblings from the Big Bush,” and in the latest episode the guest is Dan “Danny Crash” Reed, former 97X and WNKU DJ, and former Bogart’s manager, and former local band member (Chem Dyne, Dock Ellis) who is now the afternoon host and music director for WXPN in Philly, and the talent booker for World Cafe. Joe says it’s a very entertaining show, despite the fact that Dave’s co-host is an asshat (Joe’s words, not mine.)
Shout-out to list member Dave Roberto for hooking me up with a Hootie & The Blowfish/Barenaked Ladies ticket (and get-well-soon wishes to list member Kevin Sullivan, who was originally supposed to attend). It was like 1992 all over again:
Dan “Danny Crash” Reed is the self-described “Forrest Gump” of the music business. A proud native of Hamilton, Ohio and eventual grad of Ohio University, he was a young DJ at 97X when it changed formats in 1983, and later became program director (while also playing in local bands). After leaving 97X, Dan worked at Bogart’s, WNKU, WFPK (Louisville) and is now the afternoon host/music director at WXPN in Philadelphia and talent manager for the syndicated World Cafe program. He has 101 stories about the old days – which is why we had to make his interview a two-parter. You can follow Dan on Twitter and Instagram.
As a special bonus, here’s the world famous “Black Concert T-shirt” track from Dan’s band Chem Dyne, courtesy of 97X superfan Mark Griffin.
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