eTown
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| Genre | Music, interview, storytelling (radio variety) |
|---|---|
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Hosted by |
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| Recording studio | Boulder, CO |
| Original release | April 22, 1991 |
| Website | Official website  |
| Podcast | itunes |
eTown is a 501c3 non-profit broadcast organization based in
eTown is recorded in front of a live audience at eTown Hall, a solar-powered theater in Boulder, CO, which also serves as a social hub for community events. eTown also records eTown on the Road which is taped on location in various cities across the country. The program and podcast can be heard on over 300 radio stations across the U.S. and around the world.
Since 1991, eTown has coupled music and entertainment with information and interviews about environmental and social issues like global warming, environmental justice, the viability of alternative energy, and the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. eTown's listener-nominated segment, the eChievement Award, highlights stories of individuals working to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
Background
eTown was founded in 1991 by host Nick Forster and his wife, Helen Forster who serves as co-host and executive producer of the show. eTown presents a wide range of roots music, conversation and examples of environmental and community activism to listeners around the world.
eTown host Nick Forster's involvement in music began as a teen playing guitar in various amateur folk and folk-rock bands in upstate New York. A job offer as a
eTown's co-host Helen Forster began her artistic career as a child studying and performing theater and music in
Format
eTown's broadcasts include a mixture of musicians who perform for the show's live audience in a variety show format. Two artists typically appear on the show each week. These musical performances are interspersed with informal interviews with show host Nick Forster. These conversations explore each artist's roots and influences, as well as their interests in social and environmental causes. eTown broadcasts also include the show's flagship eChievement Award segment, where individuals are showcased for their work on behalf of the greater good. These are people who have identified an environmental or social issue at the community, national or global level and whose efforts are effectively addressing the resulting need. Some of the shows also include an additional interview segment, featuring discussions with a variety of different authors, activists, scientists and policymakers about a range of social and environmental issues and their possible solutions.
Performers
Since its inception in 1991, more than one thousand visiting and local artists have performed for the eTown audience. The program's guest artists have included artists such as
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Keb'Mo (left), James Taylor (right) and Nick Forster (center) perform on eTown. -
Ben Harper interviews with Nick Forster on eTown. -
Ingrid Michaelson performs on eTown. -
Ray Bonneville performs on eTown. -
Irma Thomas and James Taylor perform on eTown with Nick and Helen Forster. -
Ray Lamontagne performs on eTown.
eTones
The eTown house band, the eTones, perform throughout various segments of the program, and often with the visiting artists featured on the show. Ron Jolly (keyboards), Christian Teele (drums), Chris Engleman (bass), and Helen Forster (harmony vocals) join Nick Forster (guitars/mandolin) as eTown's resident musicians.
Guests
In addition to the various musical guests, some of the eTown interviewees have included such guests as Dr.
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Nick and Helen Forster present Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with the eChievement Award during an eTown show at the Democratic National Convention. -
Nick and Helen Forster present the eChievement Award to environmentalist Lauren Sullivan (2nd from right) and her musician husband, Guster guitarist/vocalist Adam Gardner (2nd from left), of Reverb. -
President Jimmy Carter stands with Nick and Helen Forster after a discussion on eTown.
eTown Hall
In 2012, eTown celebrated its 21st anniversary and moved into the renovated eTown Hall building, its new permanent home. Purchased by the organization in 2008, this 1925 former church (located at 16th and Spruce Streets, right in the heart of downtown Boulder, Colorado) was converted into a performance hall, recording and production studios, eTown offices, and shared community space. The Denver Post wrote, "The completed eTown Hall will generate more than half of its own power with solar panels and an experimental heating and cooling system."[3][full citation needed][4]
eTown Hall is located at 1535 Spruce St. in downtown Boulder, Colorado 80302.[5]
References
- ^ "Nick Forester". 2 February 2018. Retrieved 2020-12-13.[self-published source?]
- ^ "Nick & Helen". Retrieved 2020-12-13.[self-published source?]
- ^ Denver Post May 23, 2010
- ^ "eTown Hall". Westword. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
- ^ "eTown | Downtown Boulder | Downtown Boulder, CO". www.boulderdowntown.com. Retrieved 2018-03-14.