And to celebrate that success the public radio triumvirate of KTOO, KXLL and KRNN will put on a bash Friday, Jan. 18, at its studio at 360 Egan Drive. Juneau residents are encouraged to drop by from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for station tours, live music and refreshments.

Since the formation of K3, each station has developed its own unique identity, Levitt said. News junkies love KTOO, 104.3, which also added such popular shows as "Talk of the Nation" and "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me"; KRNN, 102.7, has grabbed an audience with its daylong mix of eclectic music hosted by local volunteers; and KXLL, 100.7, has generated a lot of buzz with its youth-oriented programming, Levitt said.

"We've received a few different e-mails from folks who have said Excellent Radio (KXLL) has restored their faith in radio," she added.

Excellent Radio is perhaps K3's biggest innovation. It caters to the 18 to 30 demographic with a unique mix of Top 40, alternative, hip-hop and classic rock, as well as giving an outlet to Juneau artists. But in its first year, the station has managed to grab a sizable teen audience, said Andy Kline, KXLL's programming manager.

"I always thought I'd aim a little bit higher - the 20-something crowd," Kline said. "But it's hitting even younger. That's the type of person we want to be introduced to local radio."

Part of that success may be due to the fact that local bands are given airplay. Songs from high school bands such as The Ends and Missed by a Long Shot run next to music by The Shins, the Wu Tang Clan and the Rolling Stones. Additionally, Juneau artists such as DJ AstronoMAR, DJ Smack, The Bastards and What Remains are also part of the mix.

"I hear from these guys," Kline said. "They love to hear their stuff on the radio."

KXLL has evolved a bit since its launch, Kline said. Originally the emphasis was more Top 40, but listener response has subtly shifted the station toward more alternative, hip-hop and college rock.

Kline also has been playing mashups, which are two or more songs from different genres blended together to form a unique composition, put together by professionals and locals. AstronoMAR has produced a couple that have impressed Kline.

"I'd put AstronoMAR on a national level," he said. "He's really a talented guy."

For KXLL's second year, Kline mentioned improving the depth of the station's library as one of his key goals. He added that he'd like to host more events like last year's popular '80s prom.

"The first year, the focus was on getting it so it's working," Kline said. "My goal now is to really try to get to the identity of the station."

Listeners who visit the station Friday will have the opportunity to see Kline in action as he puts on his live show "An Excellent Afternoon." Some visitors may be lucky enough to join the broadcast and have their friends hear them on the radio, Kline said.

Visitors also will get to listen to a live performance by BRAVEmonkey, whose performance will be broadcast over KRNN.

"I wanted a local band that's fun and also appeals to both KRNN and KXLL listeners (and KTOO News listeners, too)," Levitt said about the decision to invite BRAVEmonkey to the party. "They came to mind as a fun, talented group who could help create a great party. I contacted them and they immediately agreed - they are all fans of the stations and were happy to help out."