cassady
Started by
suunshine
, Aug 02 2009 12:41 AM
67905 replies to this topic
#53952
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- VibeGuide
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- 15,961 posts
VibeGuide
Posted 24 February 2012 - 04:42 PM
Without going into too much detail, I've been suspended from WPKN for six weeks over a mishap with some equipment. This has resulted in my having to cancel two Sunday Brunch Concert bookings, including one with our own GoPlastic. He posted a nice letter of protest on Facebook. Read it before it gets scrubbed.
Someone needs an ass kicking and this time it is not you.
#53953
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- VibeGuide
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- 15,961 posts
VibeGuide
Posted 24 February 2012 - 04:44 PM
Dear WPKN staff, listeners, and friends of 89.5 FM on our radio dial,
Hi, this is Colin Kasprowicz. Many of you may know me as the bassist for Multiple Mono, The Point, and Ravalias. The former two bands played on David Golden's Sunday Brunch Concerts twice in the past 3 years, and i've know David personally for nearly 5 years through the Gathering of the Vibes message forums, and as a friend who i speak with on a regular basis. Ravalias is scheduled to perform on March 18th's Sunday Brunch Concert, in promotion of our upcoming EP release and as a favor to WPKN as you raise funds for your coming year's programming.
This morning i was saddened and surprised to hear that our performance has been postponed as a result of David's suspension from WPKN due to "gross negligence" regarding the theft of a PA amplifier following a Sunday Brunch Concert in December. I'd like to make a few points regarding both the theft of equipment/David's resultant suspension as dictated by both the program director at WPKN.
First, i want to make it clear that i know absolutely NO details about the theft in question. But having been a professional musician for over twenty years, i can safely say that equipment theft is, unfortunately, a daily occurrence in this business. I've seen everything from guitar picks to full drumkits intentionally and unintentionally go home with the wrong person - that is, not their rightful owner. Unless David smilingly held the door open for the presumed thief in question while knowing that the amplifier was leaving the building in the wrong hands, it's unreasonable to punish him for an act of thievery or case of mistaken equipment load-out which is in no way his doing. This is NOT "gross negligence"...this is either the evil side of human nature or a mistake which has yet to be rectified.
Secondly, i'd like to point out that this programming suspension will directly impact the touring schedules of at least two performing acts, my group Ravalias and solo artist Avi Wisnia. Ravalias is planning on using our 3/18 appearance to promote our brand-new recording to the greater CT/NYC/LI area, and using it as a springboard to invite new fans to our upcoming local shows in later March and April. Mr. Wisnia will be broadcasting his live show from New Haven as the final day of a 4-show New England tour, during which i'm sure he'll be promoting the WPKN broadcast heavily. This means that David's unreasonable suspension is, in fact, punishing the ARTISTS, RADIO LISTENERS, and WPKN ITSELF - by preventing these two concerts, as well as David's always-entertaining and popular Sunday morning programming from being broadcast around the world.
Finally, i implore you, the Program Director and General Manager at WPKN to reinstate David Golden to his usual position as Sunday morning DJ and host of the Sunday Brunch Concert series, without delay. On both a personal and professional level, i've never known him to be anything short of an upstanding, honorable individual who works tirelessly to promote WPKN and artists such as myself for the betterment of musicians and artists across the broadcast area. From The Point's first appearance on a frigid Super Bowl Sunday in 2008, to the Martha Clara Vineyards WPKN benefit The Point played later that August, to Multiple Mono's abbreviated yet memorable live performance in the unfinished live room in October of 2010, he's always treated my bands, my family, and WPKN's listeners with the utmost respect and love of non-commercial, listener-supported radio. All i'm asking is that be taken into consideration in the wake of this unfortunate turn of events.
Yours,
Colin Kasprowicz
Hi, this is Colin Kasprowicz. Many of you may know me as the bassist for Multiple Mono, The Point, and Ravalias. The former two bands played on David Golden's Sunday Brunch Concerts twice in the past 3 years, and i've know David personally for nearly 5 years through the Gathering of the Vibes message forums, and as a friend who i speak with on a regular basis. Ravalias is scheduled to perform on March 18th's Sunday Brunch Concert, in promotion of our upcoming EP release and as a favor to WPKN as you raise funds for your coming year's programming.
This morning i was saddened and surprised to hear that our performance has been postponed as a result of David's suspension from WPKN due to "gross negligence" regarding the theft of a PA amplifier following a Sunday Brunch Concert in December. I'd like to make a few points regarding both the theft of equipment/David's resultant suspension as dictated by both the program director at WPKN.
First, i want to make it clear that i know absolutely NO details about the theft in question. But having been a professional musician for over twenty years, i can safely say that equipment theft is, unfortunately, a daily occurrence in this business. I've seen everything from guitar picks to full drumkits intentionally and unintentionally go home with the wrong person - that is, not their rightful owner. Unless David smilingly held the door open for the presumed thief in question while knowing that the amplifier was leaving the building in the wrong hands, it's unreasonable to punish him for an act of thievery or case of mistaken equipment load-out which is in no way his doing. This is NOT "gross negligence"...this is either the evil side of human nature or a mistake which has yet to be rectified.
Secondly, i'd like to point out that this programming suspension will directly impact the touring schedules of at least two performing acts, my group Ravalias and solo artist Avi Wisnia. Ravalias is planning on using our 3/18 appearance to promote our brand-new recording to the greater CT/NYC/LI area, and using it as a springboard to invite new fans to our upcoming local shows in later March and April. Mr. Wisnia will be broadcasting his live show from New Haven as the final day of a 4-show New England tour, during which i'm sure he'll be promoting the WPKN broadcast heavily. This means that David's unreasonable suspension is, in fact, punishing the ARTISTS, RADIO LISTENERS, and WPKN ITSELF - by preventing these two concerts, as well as David's always-entertaining and popular Sunday morning programming from being broadcast around the world.
Finally, i implore you, the Program Director and General Manager at WPKN to reinstate David Golden to his usual position as Sunday morning DJ and host of the Sunday Brunch Concert series, without delay. On both a personal and professional level, i've never known him to be anything short of an upstanding, honorable individual who works tirelessly to promote WPKN and artists such as myself for the betterment of musicians and artists across the broadcast area. From The Point's first appearance on a frigid Super Bowl Sunday in 2008, to the Martha Clara Vineyards WPKN benefit The Point played later that August, to Multiple Mono's abbreviated yet memorable live performance in the unfinished live room in October of 2010, he's always treated my bands, my family, and WPKN's listeners with the utmost respect and love of non-commercial, listener-supported radio. All i'm asking is that be taken into consideration in the wake of this unfortunate turn of events.
Yours,
Colin Kasprowicz
#53979
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- VibeTribe
- 7,915 posts
- LocationQuiet Corner
Posted 25 February 2012 - 10:53 PM
Last post 2:01 AM? Weak sauce.
Sorry was bit busy! Glad the show went well. 12 more hours before I can relax at home. Will be an interesting shift as we are doing a plant cleaning(last major one llike this was 2003).
#53982
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- VibeTribe
- 23,359 posts
- LocationShoreline, CT
Posted 26 February 2012 - 04:27 PM
No, but I had today off anyway. I traditionally yield the last Sunday in February to my morning air neighbors for a Black History Month special.Nice letter, GoP! Are you back on the air yet, Dave?
WPKN deleted GoP's post and its comments from their Facebook group. This is what I sent to the folks who reposted his message, or wrote on of their own.
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Dear Friends,
Thanks for the kind words of support in my current WPKN drama. It's heart warming to know that you have my back. I noticed that WPKN deleted Colin's original post from their Facebook group. It's their page and their rules. If you're interested in making any further statements, the best way is probably to call the station directly at 203-331-9756 or email wpkn@wpkn.org. It's entirely up to you—I'm not asking anybody to take any action on my behalf.
The Program Director wants me to come in for a hearing with the Board of Directors. Considering that they voted unanimously in favor of the personnel committee's recommendation to suspend me, it does't seem like it would be a productive meeting. I may just decline the invitation and sit out the six weeks, spending the time with my family.
What this means for Radio Vibes is anybody's guess.
Thanks again for the support. It means a lot to me. Hopefully I'll be back with you on the air soon.
Dave
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#53986
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- VibeTribe
- 23,359 posts
- LocationShoreline, CT
Posted 26 February 2012 - 05:17 PM
heh heh ... another message appears in their face(book)
My lawyer suggested that I take the hearing.
A couple of friends at the station advise me not to give them the satisfaction. Essentially, it would be me groveling, them them beating me up, then magnanimously reinstating me.
Some friends and listeners also suggesting that I take the hearing. I'm undecided.
There's a staff meeting today, and the disciplinary policy—whatever that may be—is on the agenda. I'm walking the town nature trails with my son. If I have to take time off, I'm going to enjoy it. Nyan.
My lawyer suggested that I take the hearing.
A couple of friends at the station advise me not to give them the satisfaction. Essentially, it would be me groveling, them them beating me up, then magnanimously reinstating me.
Some friends and listeners also suggesting that I take the hearing. I'm undecided.
There's a staff meeting today, and the disciplinary policy—whatever that may be—is on the agenda. I'm walking the town nature trails with my son. If I have to take time off, I'm going to enjoy it. Nyan.
Hope all is well, we miss you over here! 
