Radio Connects Us All

This morning, May 4, KPTZ received an email from Debbie, The Briceman’s wife and best friend. She writes: “On Sunday, the Briceman left this world into whatever is next, peacefully at home with me and his cat. I want all of you at KPTZ to know that there were three things he loved to do more than anything in his life. Stained glass, table tennis and, most of all, his music, with music being number one.”

Debbie continued with this: “Music is and has always been a huge part of our lives . I remember him asking when we first met, ‘Hey Deb, what kind of music do you like?’ I said I’m big into jazz , like Carlton and Ritenour , he said, ‘ever heard of David Sanborn?’ And I said , ‘I love Sandborn, in fact he’s my favorite!’ The Briceman proceeded to tell me all about the bands and session work David Sanborn had done. I was impressed!”

The Briceman’s nickname for Debbie was The Deb-ster. She is now the Deb-ster to us here at KPTZ also, and she shared this memory: “Before IPhones and cell phones, there were albums and CDs . In our home the stereo was always on and the music was always on and always different. Jazz of course then blues, rock, soul, sixties and more. That’s what we did – play and listen to music .”

“Tomorrow, May 5, is the 15th Anniversary of The Briceman’s first time on air as a DJ at KPTZ. He was so nervous, but the minute the on-air sign lit up and he slid the mic volume on, the Briceman was in his element.” Debbie closed her message with this: “He loved listening to music…. getting just the right songs for each special set he had planned. And he could tell his listeners info and facts on air with such ease, he was truly one of a kind..”

Speaking for KPTZ, Taylor would add that we were honored to have The Briceman as our DJ, holding down Monday afternoons and playing great music. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].

The Briceman, aka Brice Embree said, “My love for music goes back to early childhood and I am grateful to share my diverse collection with the listeners at KPTZ. From rock & roll to blues, jazz, bluegrass, world music and yes even some country thrown in I try to enhance your listening pleasure with my Boxed Chocolates show on Mondays afternoons

Don says, “When I was nine and lived in New York, my mother took me to my first Broadway musical. It was Oklahoma. It was thrilling. I fell in love with musicals. I went to more, and fell deeper in love. When we moved to Los Angeles, I used to go to the the national tours when they came to town. When I was old enough I used to usher at them so I could see them free. They are still pure magic for me. When the house lights go down and the overture starts, I’m carried away. I hope my listeners are carried away, and feel that same magic.”

Don is also a past chair of the Port Townsend Arts Commission and has served on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Port Townsend Economic Development Council, The Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and as President of Port Townsend Friends of the Arts. He first became involved with KPTZ when he began reading stories on Phil Andrus’ Tossed Salad some years ago.

Listen to Broadway Showtime Sundays 1-2pm

All Over the Map airs Thursdays 8-9pm Says Kurt, “There’s a lot of music out there; I try to share the music that moves me. Listen for interesting rhythms and strong emotions. You’ll hear a wide variety of music on my show: New Orleans; world; blues; gospel; jazz; funk; folk; bluegrass; klezmer and more. Thanks for supporting KPTZ, your community radio.” Email Kurt.