Think and Drink: Why Public Radio Matters for Music Lovers
October 1 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT
Unlike commercial radio stations, 90.9 The Bridge is 100% programmed by Kansas City music lovers and funded by members, giving the freedom to include local, community, and undiscovered voices on their airwaves.
Michelle Bacon, Content Manager for 90.9 The Bridge, will discuss the station’s process of choosing music for playlists, as well as how the public radio model differs from other stations, and how their fundraising model is evolving. Attendees will experience first-hand their process of picking music for rotation by playing snippets of songs and having the crowd “vote” on their favorites.
Don’t miss this exploration of local public media and the work The Bridge does as a radio station to elevate local and underserved artists, while highlighting what’s happening in the community around us. This free Think & Drink lecture is open to all ESU members and the public, but RSVP is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you RSVP.
When: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6:00 pm
Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO
Tickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to October 1st to RSVP.
Parking: Street parking available but arrive early for best choices and for best non-reserved open seating.
About Michelle Bacon
Michelle Bacon has cultivated a career around her devotion to Kansas City’s music and arts scene. As 90.9 The Bridge’s Content Manager, Michelle spotlights music discovery and elevates artist voices through diverse digital content and on-air programming. From the award-winning Turning the Tables KC series on women in music to the Sound Minds series on music and mental health, she has facilitated vital discussions about the industry at-large.
A consummate musician and arts advocate, Michelle also provides the backbeat for prominent Kansas City acts on bass and drums. She also organizes and performs in one of the city’s most anticipated live music events – The Band That Fell to Earth’s annual David Bowie tribute concert weekend. In its nearly decade run, the sold-out January run of shows has raised thousands for local charity and arts organizations while spotlighting KC’s independent music scene.
About Think & Drink Lecture Series
Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.