The Current Names Jade as the Station's Music Director
Jan 28, 2021
ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 28, 2021 — The Current is pleased to announce Jade as the station’s new Music Director. Jade has been a part of The Current’s team since 2008, getting her start as an overnight host. She can be heard on The Current weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will continue hosting her regular midday shift in addition to her responsibilities as Music Director.
As Music Director, Jade will determine The Current’s overall sound through management of its music library, incoming music to the station, relationships with record labels and the selection of music for airplay.
“Even before I worked here, I was a fan of The Current because it’s always been a place to commune and discover. This station values musicians and works to develop relationships with both established artists and those just starting out,” said Jade. “I look forward to cultivating the audience we’ve established these last 16 years as a station and exploring ways to deepen our connection to our community of music lovers in Minnesota and around the world.”
Jade earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism at the University of Kansas and interned for 2024 Records. After graduation, she returned to Minnesota and promoted independent musicians with Tinderbox Music.
A Minnesota native, Jade has demonstrated a commitment to the local music scene both on and off the air. She has curated musical events around the Twin Cities, including the Summit Backyard Bash and Wing Young Huie’s University Avenue Project. She also established the Minnesota Music Summit during her tenure as a producer at Minnesota Music Coalition. As a co-founder of a local event planning company, Jade applied for and won a Knight Foundation grant to organize art-themed pop-up art events in St. Paul.
In her 13 years with The Current, Jade has covered many positions outside of on-air hosting, including special event coordinator, Morning Show producer and host of the Music News podcast and videos. After an extensive search to identify the station’s new music director, The Current’s Managing Director David Safar said Jade’s experience and connection with Minnesota music made her a clear choice for leading the station’s sound.
“Jade has been a huge champion of amplifying independent artists and helping our midday audience discover new music,” said Safar. “From supporting local artists to hosting events in Minnesota and broadcasting from festivals across the U.S., she brings to the role a commitment to connecting listeners with emerging artists. I'm excited to have her as part of the programming team at The Current.”
Jade’s first official day as Music Director will be Feb. 1.
“I believe that music isn’t just something with which we have a casual relationship – it fits into our moods and is a part of our memories,” she said. “And it’s wonderful working at a place that values passion, storytelling, and education – discovering music new and old.”
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About The Current
The Current is an all-music, noncommercial, member-supported station from Minnesota Public Radio. Since it began broadcasting in 2005, the award-winning station has grown into a far-reaching community, boasting members and online listeners from around the world. From local to legendary, indie to influential, The Current plays the best new music next to the artists you already love. Part of The Current’s mission is to champion emerging artists, support civic and cultural organizations, and give a platform to important voices that shape our community and make the Twin Cities a great place to live. Learn more and listen at thecurrent.org.