Jackson Allers, a Houston native, has led a life filled with diverse experiences, from war reporting to DJing, always driven by his passion for music and social justice. This article explores his journey, starting from his early love for radio, his work with migrant farmworkers, and his involvement in the LA music scene, to his time as a war reporter in Lebanon and his current role as co-founder of Ice House Radio.
You might not expect this from a guy who’s generally known for spinning records as “Brother” Jackson Allers. He DJs a monthly, two-hour set called, a Houston-based web radio station he co-founded in 2023. “I wanted to incorporate all my different musical interests, from punk to ambient to outlaw country to hip-hop, jazz, whatever,” said Allers, during an October Zoom call from his Spring Branch home.
Once in La La Land, he got to know the city’s Armenian community, studying Armenian history and language and hanging out with Armenian Angelenos who were deep into jazz and hip-hop. He struck up a friendship with a Pacifica radio station host, and the pair formed Working Class Productions in 1997, booking shows featuring acts that played the eclectic-but- soulful music they were into.
By 2000, a burned-out Allers moved back to Houston, where he began working at KPFT. “I really wanted to be doing more powerful work in terms of the media and decided that I would be a radio reporter,” he said. Along with multimedia investigative reporter Renee Feltz, Allers started the station’s news department in 2002.
Allers is still working on getting back to Beirut, where his record collection sits in his old home. Though the death and destruction Israel recently brought on a daily basis has stopped directly threatening the capital city , he’s well-aware of what could await him and of the impact of the broader conflict.
Allers fights off the helplessness and hopelessness by raising awareness of what’s going on over there, whether it’s playing music online or on. “I feel like I’m leading a schizophrenic existence witnessing friends and chosen family directly affected by all of this,” he said. ”I’m doing everything I can, helping out in whatever way I can.”
Journalism Activism Music Radio Journalism War Reporting Activism Social Justice DJ Lebanon Palestine
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jonathan Majors to Play Joe Jackson in Michael Jackson BiopicThe upcoming Michael Jackson biopic will feature Jonathan Majors as Joe Jackson, exploring the complex life and career of the late King of Pop. The film promises a truthful portrayal of Jackson's father, delving into his motivations and the conflicting public opinions surrounding him.
Read more »
Colman Domingo Transforms for Joe Jackson Role in Michael Jackson BiopicColman Domingo unveils the extent of his physical transformation for his portrayal of Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael'.
Read more »
Colman Domingo Transformed with Prosthetics for Joe Jackson Role in Michael Jackson BiopicColman Domingo revealed extensive use of prosthetics to portray Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael'. He details the changes made to his appearance, including lighter skin, hairpieces, and a altered nose, to accurately represent the Jackson family patriarch. Domingo also emphasizes the meticulous attention to costume, reflecting Joe's aging and personality evolution.
Read more »
Colman Domingo Transformed for Joe Jackson Role in Michael Jackson BiopicActor Colman Domingo underwent extensive prosthetics and costume changes to portray Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, 'Michael'. Domingo revealed that he uses lighter skin, prosthetics for his nose and head, and costumes reflecting Joe Jackson's different periods in life.
Read more »
From Radio Interview to Lasting Friendship: Former President Carter's Bond with Pennsylvania Radio HostThis article tells the story of the unlikely friendship between former President Jimmy Carter and Harrisburg radio talk show host John Resnick, which began with a cold call interview request in 2003 and blossomed into a decades-long connection.
Read more »
MJ the Musical: Jordan Markus Embraces the Legacy of Michael JacksonThe Tony Award-winning show 'MJ the Musical' premiered at the Academy of Music, starring Jordan Markus as Michael Jackson. Markus dedicates himself to embodying the character, drawing similarities between himself and Jackson's experiences. Costume designer Paul Tazewell recreates iconic Jackson looks throughout the show, while Rich and Alfonso Talauega, Jackson's former dance partners, choreograph the production and ensure authenticity.
Read more »