News Release

July 7, 2006

KBSU Alumni Step in to Aid Private Idaho Host Battling Cancer
Boise Co-op hosts benefit concert for un-insured radio host

Victor Pacania, longtime KBSU music host and host of Private Idaho, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing a schedule of chemotherapy treatments.

Pacania has hosted a music show on KBSU for nearly 30 years. His current show, Private Idaho, is a live, eclectic music radio program featuring music as diverse as rock, folk, musical theater, jazz and blues. It is heard from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays on KBSU.

While he continues to host his Saturday program, Pacania will be joined by a number of longtime friends and former KBSU music hosts. These former hosts have gone on to other careers, but their appreciation for Pacania and Private Idaho remains. Each has volunteered to spend one or more Saturdays with Pacania, ready to step in should his strength or health require.

At the time of his diagnosis, Pacania (a part-time employee of Boise State Radio) had no health insurance. To help, the Boise Co-op will host a benefit concert featuring Idaho musicians such as Curtis Stigers, Rosalie Sorrells, the Frim Fram Fellas, Ned Evett, Rebecca Scott and others. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Big Easy. Tickets are $20 and are available at all TicketWeb outlets and online at www.ticketweb.com;  all proceeds benefit Pacania’s medical expenses.

In addition, the Co-op has set up a bank account at Farmers & Merchants Bank for his benefit. Donations to “the Boise Co-op account for the benefit of Victor Pacania” can be made at any branch.

Talking about why he wants to support Pacania, Boise native and nationally known pop and jazz musician Curtis Stigers said, “He’s given us so many (wonderful radio shows). Long live Private Idaho!” Stigers hosted a radio program on KBSU until 1987. Stigers is scheduled as a guest host for Private Idaho on August 19.

Rick Overton, who hosted a radio program on KBSU in the mid-1980s, said, “There’s just nothing quite like Private Idaho, and I’ll do just about anything to help again in any way I can … Who am I kidding, I've already started making more Saturday-ready playlists.”

Marla Leggette credits Pacania with teaching her about radio. “He taught me so much about the diversity of music,” she said. “ He was always a great example of how to ‘be’ on the radio and how interesting and fun music could be. I love it when he plays pop remakes of old songs.”

“It’s a testament to the commitment that Victor has given to Boise State Radio that many of his former colleagues are coming forward to help host his show,” said John Hess, Boise State Radio general manager. “Victor’s Private Idaho is far more than just a radio show. People tune in to the program to hear what has turned into a weekly ‘conversation with Victor,’ carried out through the music that he chooses to play.”

For his part, Pacania said he is extremely grateful for the support and positive energy he has received from everyone.

The schedule of guest hosts for the summer includes:
June 24 — Rick Overton
July 1 — Bob Lily
July 8 — Samantha Wright
July 15 — Michelle Hicks
July 22 — Marla Leggette
July 29 — Michael Zuzel
Aug. 5 — Rick Overton
Aug. 12 — Samantha Wright
Aug. 19 — Curtis Stigers
Aug. 26 — Marla Leggette

KBSU is the classical and arts station for Boise State Radio. KBSU 90.3 FM, Boise, is also simulcast on KBSM 91.7 FM, McCall, and from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays on KBSW 91.7 FM, Twin Falls. Information on the Boise State Radio network, including KBSU-Arts and Cultural Programming, Idaho Jazz Station and NPR News 91 is available at http://radio.boisestate.edu.

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Contacts: John Hess, General Manager, Boise State Radio, (208) 426-1984, johnhess@boisestate.edu;  Jim East, Associate General Manager, Programming , (208) 947-5659, jeast@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications (208) 426-3275, kraven@boisestate.edu

July 12 is the deadline for undergraduate academic degree-seeking students to submit admission materials to Boise State University for the fall 2006 semester. Students must meet the deadline if they plan to take more than seven credits or apply for federal financial aid. For more information, call (208) 426-1820 or go online at http://admissions.boisestate.edu.

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007