Starting February 1, The Current will have a new Music Director, and it's a name — and voice — you know: Jade. Heard weekdays on The Current from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jade will continue her regular hosting duties in addition to her new responsibilities as Music Director.

As Music Director, Jade will determine The Current's sound through management of the music library, incoming music to the station, relationships with record labels and the selection of music for airplay.

"Even before I worked here, I was a fan of The Current because it's always been a place to commune and discover," Jade says. "This station values musicians and works to develop relationships with both established artists and those just starting out. I look forward to cultivating the audience we've established these last 16 years as a station and exploring ways to deepen our connection to our community of music lovers in Minnesota and around the world."

Jade has been a part of The Current's team since 2008, getting her start as an overnight host. Prior to working at The Current, Jade earned a journalism degree at the University of Kansas, then returned to her native Minnesota to intern at 2024 Records, and later worked to promote independent musicians with Minneapolis-based Tinderbox Music.

Jade has demonstrated a commitment to the local music scene both on and off the air. She has curated musical events around the Twin Cities, including the Summit Backyard Bash and Wing Young Huie's University Avenue Project. She also established the Minnesota Music Summit during her tenure as a producer at Minnesota Music Coalition. As a co-founder of a local event planning company, Jade applied for and won a Knight Foundation grant to organize art-themed pop-up art events in St. Paul.

In her 13 years with The Current, Jade has covered many positions outside of on-air hosting, including special event coordinator, Morning Show producer and host of the Music News podcast and videos. After an extensive search to identify the station's new music director, Managing Director David Safar said Jade's experience and connection with Minnesota music made her a clear choice for leading the station's sound.

"Jade has been a huge champion of amplifying independent artists and helping our midday audience discover new music," Safar says. "From supporting local artists to hosting events in Minnesota and broadcasting from festivals across the U.S., she brings to the role a commitment to connecting listeners with emerging artists. I'm excited to have her as part of the programming team at The Current."

"I believe that music isn't just something with which we have a casual relationship — it fits into our moods and is a part of our memories," Jade says. "And it's wonderful working at a place that values passion, storytelling, and education — discovering music new and old."