Don’t miss this swinging benefit night for KMUW

Help celebrate 50 years of broadcasting for KMUW; grab your dancing shoes and hear the band Roomful of Blues at the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg, at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19. A vintage affair has been planned — the Cotillion will be transformed into a 1949 nightclub, the year KMUW went on the air. KMUW 89.1 FM is the public radio station at Wichita State University.

Tickets for this KMUW fund-raising event are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets are available at all Select-A-Seat outlets. Fifty percent of the ticket price is tax deductible.

Roomful of Blues is a highly acclaimed nine-piece band. They have had a strong influence on the now-burgeoning swing renaissance. They can boast of four Grammy and many W.C. Handy nominations and have appeared countless times on reader’s and critic’s polls around the country.

Over the band’s 30 years of performing, several great musicians have made their names with the band such as founders Duke Robillard, Al Coppley and Ronnie Earl.

One of the new faces in Roomful of Blues is especially familiar with Wichita’s live music fans. Hometown musician Kevin May plays tenor and baritone sax for the band.

People magazine said “If you are afflicted with podomotophobia — the fear of tapping your feet — stay clear of this band.”

In addition to the music, there will be auction items, desserts, coffee and trivia contests.

Roomful of Blues will entertain KMUW supporters during a Feb. 19 concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of WSU's public radio station.