Donor Spotlight: Maura Hardman

KEXP Amplifier Maura Hardman is a Seattle transplant who moved here over 10 years ago with her husband, a Washington native. She works for a local brewery and cidery and first discovered KEXP while managing events for Lifelong AIDS Alliance. “KEXP has been a long time supporter of Lifelong and showed that support by sharing event info on air. Naturally, I had to check out the station and I was instantly hooked.”

Maura grew up in a household that valued music deeply and describes her childhood as having an ever-changing soundtrack. “We listened to everything from oldies to classic rock, and it wasn’t even a problem when I went through my punk phase.”

Live shows, in particular, always held a special place in their home life. “My family went to concerts together from the time I was very young,” explains Maura. That experience is one she is pleased to pass on to her son, Holden. “I take my family to every KEXP Concert at the Mural. It’s our favorite summer activity and a family tradition. My son and I take a quick dip in the fountain by the Vera Project while my husband sets up our blankets and snacks to get ready for the show.” 

Sharing this power of music with others is something that Maura finds especially meaningful. “Watching Holden dance and meet new friends on the lawn, rocking out under the Space Needle, I know that my monthly contributions help keep this a free activity for all families to enjoy.”

The sense of musical community Maura describes extends far beyond her hometown. “Two years ago, my husband and I went to One Big Holiday, a festival thrown by My Morning Jacket in Cancun. While there, we met a really nice couple from Australia and ended up talking about KEXP. For them, Midnight in a Perfect World streams in the middle of the day! Music really does bring people together.”

Amplifiers like Maura help music make its way to listeners across the globe. Make a gift during KEXP’s Fall Fundraising Drive to become part of this interconnected family of music lovers.