Paul Stanley was in Charlotte for his art exhibit, and stopped by the Bahakel Communications Fox affiliate during its Fox News Rising program. As the show ended at 8 a.m., so too did analog broadcasting for WCCB. The anchors counted down from 10, and Stanley flipped the switch. “It was historic,” Stanley told (digital) viewers seconds later.

Wonderful work from Karen Gibson Roc — part singer, part poet — with a style that’s as hip as you might expect from such a blend! Karen’s approach is a bit like that of Ursula Rucker, although somewhat warmer overall — deeply personal in its lyrical content, and delivered over soulful backings that are heavy on keyboards, and a bit less so on beats — a setting that’s as rich in sound as Karen’s themes, often with a funky undercurrent that nods back towards hip soul poetry records of the 70s! Titles include “Some Other Place”, “Looking For The Light”, “Painted Room”, “Stranger Are The Days”, “It’s Time For Less Talk”, and “Live Awake”.