Michael Sullivan

Civic Media
Madison, WI
5/3/2025

It’s another Saturday night, and that means Max Ink Radio is live on the air! The show features homegrown Wisconsin music for those brave enough to tune in and listen.

During each broadcast, DJs—real live people—create set lists, host live performances, and conduct interviews, which are rarities in an age dominated by pre-recorded content and AI. The show is hosted in the WMDX studio overlooking State Street in Madison.

Tonight, Jimmy K and Rökker are live in the Lair. This evening's special feature is twofers from bands performing at the "Rökker Jamboree," a benefit event to help cover Rökker’s medical expenses after he experienced a heart attack in December. The sold-out event took place at the Bur Oak in Madison.

As a longtime photographer for AtwoodFest, Jimmy K invited me to photograph the Rökker Jamboree—thank you! He also asked if I’d like to join him on the radio, but as a committed introvert, I had to decline. However, as a photographer interested in behind-the-scenes work, I decided to attend the show for a few hours to see how the magic happens.

In addition to the great local music on-air and the witty repartee between Jimmy K and Rökker, the live performance featured Cathy Couture, who was promoting her upcoming third album, Hard to Kill. Two other talented local musicians and close friends, Beth Kille and Jenna Joanis, accompanied Cathy in the studio and on the album.

Listening to Cathy sing and perform, one would think she had been doing this all her life. In reality, she only started singing in public in 2022 while attending Ladies Rock Camp in Madison. Despite being diagnosed with stage IV cancer, Cathy released her first two albums in 2024.

Tonight’s performance was truly an honor and a privilege to witness live! Cathy gave me a sticker that said, "You are AMAZING" and she certainly is!