THANKS to everyone who participated in THE GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2009!
More than 250 walkers joined us as we hiked down Adams and Washington Boulevards, from Downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach. Read the recap (and see pics -- including a cameo by Magic Johnson!) here!
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Radio Waves: Nic Harcourt Departs KCRW, and New Time for KROQ's Kevin and Bean
KCRW's Nic Harcourt is departing KCRW's signature "Morning Becomes Eclectic" program after ten years.
Harcourt joined KCRW in 1998 to replace Chris Douridas; before that, he spent 8 years at WDST in Woodstock, N.Y. He'll continue on KCRW with a three-hour Sunday night show at 6 p.m. -- where Kurt Andersen's one-hour "Studio 360" and Harcourt's weekly two-hour national "Sounds Eclectic" now air; no word where "Studio 360" might relocate.
Harcourt departs at the end of the month. KCRW is already searching for a new music director and "Eclectic" host -- any ideas?
"As a parent of two young children, I believe it’s time for me to explore new career opportunities and expand upon my other activities in movie, television, voice over work, advertising and the Internet," Harcourt said in a statement. "My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to KCRW, the staff and volunteers who have supported my work through the years, but most of all to the listeners. I’ve always said that I couldn’t do what I do without them and I hope they will join me on Sunday nights."
Harcourt had an enormous influence on Hollywood; his music picks influenced shows such as "The O.C." and "Grey's Anatomy," and he was an early champion of artists such as Dido, Damien Rice, Norah Jones and others. Some of Coldplay's first play in the U.S. also came via Harcourt.
But Harcourt also faced criticism from listeners who thought "Morning Becomes Ecelctic" had become far less eclectic under his reign. It'll be interesting to see what the next host brings to the show -- and whether "Eclectic" morphs into another direction.
Meanwhile, in quite an unusual move, KROQ has sliced its top-rated morning show, Kevin & Bean, by an hour in the morning. The morning drive time show will now air from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. (it had formerly aired until 10). Instead, KROQ will now air an hour of Kevin & Bean at 5 p.m., in the heart of afternoon drive time.
Rate-A-Restaurant
Franklin Avenue's complete list of restaurant reviews, plus links and more.
Lemon Tart
Maria's collection of cooking tales and recipes. Yum.
The Great Los Angeles Walk
Complete coverage of our 2009 hike down Washington and Adams, our 2008 hike down Santa Monica Blvd. and our 2007 hike down Pico Boulevard.
Choice Cuts
Mike's music playlists, from 2001 to present.
