Jennie Grabel was raised in Bisbee, attended Tucson's Rincon High School and earned her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies at the UA. Always passionate about music, Grabel took a radio-training course at KXCI FM 91.3 and became a volunteer DJ for the station; this led to her current position as a morning-show host on KWMT FM 92.9, aka The Mountain. Her favorite things about the gig? Interviewing artists like Sarah McLachlan, and highlighting positive community action with programming like "Green Tuesdays."
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Stevie Wonder at the Tucson Convention Center Arena, age 7. My parents are the greatest. Sadly, I fell asleep and missed the entire second set.
What are you listening to these days?
I'm in love with Local Natives, Gorilla Manor; Mumford and Sons, Sigh No More; Band of Horses, Infinite Arms; and the new tribute compilation dedicated to Shel Silverstein, Twistable Turnable Man.
What was the first album you owned?
My first 7" was Mr. Mister, "Broken Wings." My first cassette, which I had to order from Atalanta's Music and Books in Bisbee, was Richard Marx, Richard Marx.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem tolove, but you just don't get?
I'm not an electronica girl at all. No techno for me. Even the more organic stuff eventually grates on me to the point of expletive.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Grateful Dead. I missed them by just a few years of concert-going.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Girly pop music: Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and Pink. Sorry, but I love to sing along.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Van Morrison, "Into the Mystic."
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Pearl Jam. I assume no explanation is needed.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Depends on my mood at the time of gun-to-head. One of the following: Van Morrison, Moondance; Pearl Jam, Ten; Dave Matthews Band, Under the Table and Dreaming.
