Paxton joined the station in March 2022 as a part-time host and later adding hosting duties for their 1970s-90s Classic Alternative show “Teenage Kicks”. Prior to joining KCMP, she was programming manager and talent buyer for the Parkway Theatre in Minneapolis and spent 13 years at Full Service AAA “The One” 1080 KYMN/95.1 K236CO Northfield MN.
With the addition of Paxton, the station is also stretching the afternoon drive show to run from 2-7pm as opposed to 3-7pm. The Current’s morning show hosted by Jill Riley will move from 7-11am back to its pre-pandemic 5-10am timeslot, with midday host Jade sliding up to 10am-2pm.
The Current, an all-music, noncommercial, member-supported station from Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR), today announces its next weekday afternoon drive host, Jessica Paxton. Paxton joined the station in March 2022 as a part-time host, and in the fall she became the host of Teenage Kicks, The Current’s weekly retro show which features music from 1970s punk to ‘90s grunge. She will begin hosting afternoons on April 10.
“This is my dream job. I love music and being able to share what I love with listeners,” Paxton said. “I’ve been a supporter and member of The Current since its inception, and I’m so excited for this opportunity with this incredible team that shares my same passion for bringing great music to this community.”
Before joining The Current, Paxton was the programming manager and talent buyer at the historic Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, where she booked live music, comedy, films, podcasts and author events since the venue reopened in September 2018.
Prior to her role at the Parkway, she was the drive-time host on Northfield’s independent station, KYMN Radio for nearly 13 years. While there, she built a reputation for her love of power pop and passion for supporting Minnesota musicians. While in Northfield, she also booked music at local venues, ran a popular house concert series and wrote a monthly column inspired by her love of music for Southern Minn Scene magazine. She also represented southern Minnesota for several years as a board member of the Minnesota Music Coalition.
Jessica’s appreciation for musicians and music of all genres runs deep. As a life-long Minnesotan and founding member of The Current, she appreciates the important role played by public radio and said she values MPR’s commitment to connecting communities and amplifying voices.
“Jessica’s passion for music and ability to connect with people jumps out of the radio every time she’s on air,” said Lindsay Kimball, program director at The Current. “She’s a team player that will be an incredible complement in her new role to the awesome team at The Current.”
“I’m delighted that Jessica will be stepping into the afternoons, bringing her deep knowledge of music and experience working in the local community to the airwaves,” added David Safar, managing director at The Current.
Also beginning April 10, The Current will roll out several programming schedule changes to better serve audiences. These will include an adjustment to the afternoon program hosted by Jessica Paxton, which will change from its current 2 to 6 p.m. schedule to a 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. run, Monday through Friday.
