This is an ARCHIVE SITE for the Radio Show “On the Town” which aired on 88.5 FM KCSN – a National Public Radio (NPR) Station in the early 2000s. The show featured a literal WHO’S WHO of the Pop Culture movers and shakers and artisans of Los Angeles and the greater Southern California scene. “On the Town” is no longer on the air, but do take a moment to enjoy some of the show outlines at left and watch on our Never-ending Search for a Fabulous Array of Things to Do and Discoveries for Modern Happiness in Southern California and beyond.
Past Show Highlights
In 2001, “On the Town” began to brought you the Best in Modern Living. It was a new program that was part of the KCSN “California Focus” programming and featured a “never-ending search for a fabulous array of discoveries for happiness in Southern California!” This half hour weekly show ran every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 7 PM and promised to bring you the best of Los Angeles, the landmarks, events and personalities that are ingrained in our pop culture memory:
- swank cocktail lounges
- trendy theme restaurants
- classic movie palaces
- red booth restaurants
- big bands and swing dancing
- eclectic retro music
- the ‘tiki’ scene
- architectural landmarks
- black light bowling
- vintage clothing
- car clubs and culture
- plus so much more!
The Mid-Century Modern style scene of Southern California goes beyond ‘retro.’ There is a vibrant new hybrid scene alive and well in Los Angeles inspired by the artists and architects who revolutionized design in the postwar period.
“On The Town” ties the past and present together and will help you start exploring a world of urbane style:
calendar of kitschy events | eclectic & period music | interviews with artists
Created by Lotta Living Founder
The show was created by Mary-Margaret Stratton, a lifetime resident who pioneered the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee’s highly acclaimed “How Modern Was My Valley” self-driving architectural tour for which KCSN provided the on-air soundtrack. Mary-Margaret brings a fresh and creative perspective – a little bit Doris Day, a little bit Emma Peel, and a lot of enthusiasm for the City of Angels! The show was later co-hosted and produced by Jeff Stork. Jeff works in the automobile industry, and has a special interest in California Car Culture and roadside architecture.
The show’s content also featured contributions from the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee, a volunteer group that was formed in 1984 in response to the rapid destruction of a generation of Postwar buildings. The Modern Committee’s focus is 20th century architecture and related fields which reflect the heritage of Modernism and popular culture. Come along on a Never Ending Search for a Fabulous Array of Discoveries for Happiness in Southern California!
