KUAC celebrates volunteer's 40-year milestone

November 21, 2019

Photo by Nancy Tarnai. Ray Funk displays books he has written about music and culture. Funk is celebrating 40 years as a KUAC volunteer.

When Ray Funk made an unannounced call to the KUAC FM program “Any Old Time” in 1979, he had no idea it would launch a four-decade relationship with the Fairbanks-based public radio station.

After hearing the host mispronounce the word “zydeco,” Funk called in with a correction. The late John Beckler responded by inviting Funk to be on his show.

The retired judge has been sharing his eclectic taste in music with KUAC FM listeners ever since. Since 1979, Funk has hosted a variety of music programs, and for the past three decades his “Funk Roots” program has offered up a delectable mix of tunes from the early vaults of blues and gospel, island music, modern jazz and acoustic artists. KUAC is located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ main campus.

Raised in Illinois, Funk’s fascination with music began as a teen. He didn’t play any instruments or sing; he listened to everything from the Grateful Dead to Muddy Waters. He majored in English at the University of Notre Dame, spent a year in Ireland, got a master’s degree at the University of Chicago, then worked as a waiter in San Francisco before earning a law degree at the University of California, Berkeley.

It was law that brought Funk to Fairbanks, where he eventually became a criminal trial judge. He retired seven years ago but continues to work across Alaska as an on-call pro-tem judge. He has no plans to stop hosting “Funk Roots.”

“The show has evolved,” he said. “I used to play more folk, fiddle and western swing. Now it’s half jazz, some Caribbean stuff and some Irish/Scottish/British folk songs.”

Lori Neufeld, who coordinates the KUAC volunteer program, said Funk's vast knowledge of music is truly amazing.

“It's been such a privilege to have Ray on the airwaves for 40 years,” Neufeld said. “In the 15 years I've been at KUAC, it's been fun getting to know Ray and teach him a thing or two about tech while absorbing way more than a thing or two about the story behind the music. His enthusiasm has burned brighter with each decade of hosting ‘Funk Roots.’”

Music is always on Funk’s mind, and his travels are centered on musical opportunities. For years he has gone to Trinidad for Carnival and recently has been researching Trinidad’s calypso music on a Fulbright scholarship. He has also published several books about music and co-produced a film.

While his courtroom duties can be sad and difficult, music research gives Funk an entirely different perspective that he is passionate about.

“There is nothing like live music. I don’t have to think about the state of the world or my work when I’m listening to music,” he said. “Writing about and celebrating music and culture keeps me entertained.”