Don Ashford

Owner, 97.5 FM K-ROOT

Twisp, WA

8/20/22

Tucked into the upper story of a building in downtown Twisp, WA, Don Ashford broadcasts KTRT “The Root” to the Methow Valley. We managed to cram all twenty-four of us into the slanted-ceiling studio where Don spends his time on radio. He has created his own wallpaper of music posters, maps, and other paraphernalia. At the center point of the room sits Don, wearing a shirt that says, “Nature is my religion, and the earth is my church”, and the backs of his hands are tattooed with bear paws. He walks us through his ethics on playing music to match the time of day, moving from high energy songs while at work to slower tempos before dinner. Don has been officially managing The Root since 2008. Before he moved to the TwispWorks campus, he ran the radio from a barn behind his house in Mazama. Don left us enchanted by the passion he exudes towards music, connecting communities, and intention. For the remainder of our time in the Methow Valley, 97.5 “The Root” streamed through our car speakers as we drove to talk with other locals. Nat, a student, asked every guest if they listened to the station and was repeatedly met with “of course! Don is awesome!” or something similar. Although we inevitably left the radio range of “The Root”, Don’s influence has stayed with us, his name continually coming up in conversation.

By Thomas McElfresh