Kacky Walton
Classical Music HostI owe my radio career to the Ford Motor Company. My daddy had a Ford dealership in our hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and he thought it would be cute if his 7-year old daughter did his radio commercials. The pay wasn't great, just a pack of Wrigley's gum, but I was hooked on radio from then on.
I majored in Theater at Ole Miss, and really enjoyed the stage, but I always came back to radio. Now I have the best of both worlds: Everyday I get to create and host a classical music show and talk to fascinating people from the art world, and I get my theater fix when I host previews of Playhouse on the Square's musicals on Friday Live Lunch. Who could ask for anything more?
When I'm not doing radio, I love hanging out with my sweet rescue dog, who got his name from The Kinks song, “Do You Remember Walter”, from the album “Village Green Preservation Society”. I have to thank my late husband for that one. Walter is, without a doubt, the most handsome boy on the planet, and completely deserves having his own theme song. I also love putting on loud music and having my own little throw-down dance party from time to time. Not sure is Walter is so keen on that. He gives me funny looks sometimes.
I started playing the piano at age 2, and began classical training at age 5. Having gone without a piano for a large chunk of time has made me pretty rusty, but now that I have it again, I'm working on getting the old chops back. Things that I can't do without: TV, a good movie, and yummy food and wine. Also any book by John Irving. And Tab.
I don't get paid in gum anymore, and I don't make big bucks either, but I do get to wake up in the morning excited about working for a radio station that matters. I get to work for public radio! How did a girl from Clarksdale get so lucky?
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Lightwire Theater brings its glow-in-the-dark production of "The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare," featuring puppetry, technology, dance, and music, to the Buckman Performing & Fine Arts Center on Sunday, September 27. -
Advance Memphis Marketing and Grants Manager Jacob Steimer and featured artist Noelle Holler joined Kacky Walton to talk about the 16th annual Art for Jobs fundraiser, which features original works from more than 100 Memphis artists. -
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art marks its final weeks at its longtime Overton Park home with free admission for Shelby County residents, special events, and three final exhibitions before moving downtown. -
Director John Maness joins Kacky Walton to preview Theatre Memphis' production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," a classic comedy filled with mistaken identity, clever wordplay, and romantic misadventures. -
Up in Arms Collective brings together more than a dozen artists for "Response 6," featuring original works that explore today's America while raising funds for local advocacy organizations. -
The next offering in Creative Aging's Concert Series is an evening preview of Theatre Memphis' production of "Million Dollar Quartet," slated for Wednesday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. -
The legendary roots rock band BoDeans have embarked on a nationwide 40th Anniversary Tour that celebrates a remarkable legacy, featuring iconic hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites that have resonated with audiences for generations. -
Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" is a powerful drama that explores truth, integrity, and the cost of standing alone. -
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, and Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group is celebrating with a free family event, "Theatre in the Park," held at four city parks from Saturday, September 12, through Saturday, October 10. -
Jimmy Crosthwaite talks about his evolving art, his exhibition "Medallions, Magic, and Micro-Worlds," and his upcoming performance at the Overton Park Shell.
