People have said some very nice things about us. To read full press articles, visit our press page.

Press

"Courtenay Hameister might just be the funniest person in the city. Her timing is impeccable, her wit caustic and smart, and hers is the perfect, most fitting voice to guide listeners through the show."   - Just Out 9/13/10

"For the unfamiliar, Live Wire! is like Prairie Home Companion, but less geriatric and far more daring. And the music is top shelf."  – Willamette Week 7/08

“Live Wire could be for Oregon what A Prairie Home is for Minnesota and St. Paul and Lake Wobegon.” -Garrison Keillor 1/07

“..the retro-hip kid sister of Saturday Night Live...a thrilling experience.
The fact that the show is being recorded, is live and is for radio
creates a near-addictive energy"
The Oregonian -- (10/21/04)

“March 16, 2004: "Live Wire!" -- a variety-hour-style radio show -- tapes its first episode for Oregon Public Broadcasting in front of an audience at the Hollywood Theatre. A side-splitting sketch called "Astrology Corner," in which a horoscope advice columnist erupts into relationship rants, unveils Courtenay Hameister as a comedic talent to watch.”
The Oregonian – “The Buzz That Was,” (12/31/04)

Past Guests

"As a listener and fellow citizen of Public Radio World I was an enthusiastic fan of Live Wire! as soon a I discovered it. But now that I've been a guest I am all the more impressed. It is an expertly produced, gratifyingly eclectic *and* coherent show. The music and other performance bookings are terrific and fresh and surpising. The interviewing is first-rate, to my mind in that perfect sweet spot of thoughtful-and-serious-but-also-good-humored. And it does that extremely difficult thing, comedy performance, as well or better as anyone else on radio today..."  - Kurt Anderson, Host of Studio 360

"I haven't been this proud of being part of a program since playing the eponymous role in Gammer Gurton's Needle in high school. What a cool, groovy and great thing you all are doing and I wish you continued success!"  - Musician Michelle Shocked (6/10)

"Live Wire! is my favourite radio show in America. And it's been a great influence on me, particularly with regards to my Cabinet of Wonders show in NYC. All radio should be so much fun."  - Author Wesley Stace aka musician John Wesley Harding

“I’ve never been to a show where the audience is exactly drunk enough.” – NPR’s Peter Sagal

Seriously: Live Wire is the smartest, funniest, coolest radio show I've ever listened to, let alone made an ass of myself on. I am but the fuse. Live Wire is the bomb. True.” – Author of Candyfreak and Not That You Asked, Steve Almond

I am very impressed with what you have created. I had a great time in the audience and on stage.   –Actor Catherine Coulson

When asked if given a budget today, what sort of show would he do, Chuck Barris answered  without hesitation, "This one...I'm not kidding...I would do this one. I really would. I'm telling you. It's the best. I can see it and I don't know why anyone else hasn't. It's just so great. It is.” – Chuck Barris, Producer of 70s greats The Gong Show, The Dating Game & The Newlywed Game

I AM BLOWN AWAY BY LIVEWIRE!!!  I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS SOOOO AMAZING!!   - Actor Wade McCollum

I had an absolutely delightful time at Live Wire!  !  (The second exclamation point is direct from me).   Thank you so much for inviting me to take part, it was a total honor to perform at the Aladdin, as part of such a well curated line up, in front of such a captivated audience. You guys set it up perfectly. Playing for full grown adults (and some of their children) was a rare treat.   -Khaela Maracich from The Blow

If I'd known how awesome Live Wire was, I would have been much more nervous
than I was. It was great fun to be a part of such an excellent show!  - Author and graphic memoirist Alison Bechdel

“[Live Wire] was one of the great nights of my life, actually.” – Musician John Wesley Harding

I’d like to mention that every time I come home from Live Wire, I feel happy I live in Portland.. more so than anything else I’ve seen in Portland, Live Wire reminds me that the best that is possible can happen right here. Other local institutions can now accomplish work that is as good as can be found anywhere, but Live Wire stands out as creating a product that is as good as can found anywhere, but could only happen in Portland.   – Author of How I Paid for College, Marc Acito

 

The People

"Live Wire is intelligent, thoughtful, interesting, insightful, well-written, and most of all HILARIOUS.  They host amazing guests, discuss alternate points of view and keep me interested in local authors.  I have actually  learned things from this show!" - Angela B.

"That was the most fun radio I can remember...but it was so good I’m embarrassed to say how much I loved it." - Barbara B., Portland, OR

"I first heard LiveWire! just over a year ago on the radio when I was going into a play.  I only got to hear the first ten minutes of it but it was so hilariously funny that I knew I had to go see it for myself and see what this was all about.  The next month I did go, I'm over an hour away, and I laughed so much and enjoyed the show so much, that I have been telling everyone I know around the Willamette Valley about it since.  One after another, they are now LiveWire! fans like me!  Going to LiveWire! is a highlight of mine every month." -Sarah H.

"I love the idea of Oregon having its own variety show, similar to Prairie Home Companion or E-town but uniquely northwestern.... It’s a great way for those of us in the hinterlands (I’m in La Grande) to stay connected to Portland, and it’s an opportunity for city folks to connect more with the state’s rural communities." - Brett K., La Grande, OR

"Snuggled in our sleeping bags in the nowhereland of central Oregon this past Saturday, my wife and I turned on the busted-up hand-held AM/FM radio to listen to E-Town on OPB. .. We tuned in to hear, not E-Town, but a witty, sharp and hilarious program-Live-Wire. My wife and I thank you for your humor, and hope that Oregon can produce a program that can rival those of other syndicated programs on NPR/PRI." - Erik H., Portland, OR