“Its!…ITS!…” the host exclaims. And the audience enthusiastically answers, “LIVE WIRE!!!” That’s the Saturday Night Live-esqe opening of the Portland based public radio show Live Wire Radio. Saturday the 12th of September I had the pleasure of watching this action packed and informative show in a beautiful historical venue.
Nestled on a block in downtown Salem sits the majestic Elsinore Theater. Inside, the intricate details of the theater overwhelm your sight, but in a very good way. Surrounding the historic theater is a mix of eclectic restaurants ranging from Mexican grill to Italian fine dining to Ukrainian comfort food. After having attended a few concerts at the Elsinore, I knew the event featuring Live Wire Radio would be a memorable event. My husband and I were greeted at the door to the Elsinore Theater by a mysterious man in a cape. Seconds later, Pat and Mary took our tickets, handed us a packet of papers and we were on our way to writing our own Haiku, laughing at the Faces For Radio Theater players, and soaking in some Oregon culture.
The array of guests, musical and non, were varied and entertaining. Its too difficult to pick a favorite. Each speaker was strong and engrossing from the Salem essayist Stacy Bolt to former Governor Roberts. If I had to pick 3 segments I enjoyed the most they would have to be, in no particular order, the Willamette University a capella group Headband, the barefoot pixie with a voice like silk – Mira, and the regular cast of Live Wire. This includes the host, Courtenay Hameister, house band The Mutton Chops, house poet Scott Poole, the Faces For Radio Theater and each writer and producer that gives this show its quirky liveliness and witty intelligence.
Did I mention the largest chip crunch in history? Probably the oddest segment of the show was the Kettle Chip sponsored synchronized chip crunch. Every audience member and cast member shoved a hand full of potato chips in their mouth and we all bit down at the same time. I think my ears are still ringing, but it just added to the fun evening.
I had a chance, after the show, to talk a bit to Live Wire’s host Courtenay Hameister. Though Courtenay has been working with the show since its beginnings in 2004, she did not start out as their host. She has also been a writer and player in the Faces For Radio Theater. Courtenay looks comfortable as the host of this energetic show and I couldn’t imagine the show any other way. Also, kudos to Salem! Ms. Hameister told me that the Salem audience was very receptive and the Elsinore was a beautiful venue.
Oregon’s own variety show can be heard on a radio near you, or from archives on the web. The first of two Salem shows can be heard on Live Wire’s website and the second will be broadcast at 7pm this coming Saturday on OPB station 91.5 FM.
