Sedge Thomson
Sedge Thomson was on the phone with me and I was sweating through my shirt. It was back in 2004 and I’d called Thomson to ask some questions about his popular public radio program, “West Coast Live.” (The show helped kick off the Cascade Theatre’s grand opening that year.)
But Thomson, being the extremely well-read, inquisitive fellow that he is, had turned the interview around on me. He was asking all manner of questions about Redding’s history, economic structure, social culture, ethnic complexities, you name it. I was struggling through answers and realizing just how little I know about the place I call home.
Thomson and his crew are bringing the nationally broadcast radio show back to the Cascade for a 4 p.m. taping on Sunday. Tickets are $25 (click here or call 243-8877).
Thomson’s thoughtful observations and his genuine interest in people make it a joy to listen to “West Coast Live.” The show airs at 3 p.m. on Saturdays on Jefferson Public Radio’s Rhythm & News Service (89.7 FM). Thomson’s interviews are consistently entertaining because he’s truly fascinated with a variety of topics subjects and he tends to gather good background. I was a background provider that year and it was a tough job. (I’m sure he called around and got better information from others.)
Former Shasta College instructor and award-winning author Tony D’Sousa will be on Sunday’s program (A News Cafe’s very own Steve Brewer was an excellent guest last time the show came to town). Other guests will include Grammy-nominated New Age musician Gentle Thunder from Mount Shasta, and the Enterprise High School marching band. Some of these guest names ran together on the “West Coast Live” website, but the program will also feature Robert Girardi, Poets for Peace, and One Horse Shy.
The Biospherical Digital-Optical Aquaphone is a trademark portion of the show. It’s worth it just to watch audience members “get in the water,” as it goes, on Sedge’s version of radio.
The last time the show was here, it was an excellent way to help the Cascade launch and a completely entertaining show. I imagine it will be again.
