David Stafford, best known as the longtime host of the Friday Folk Off program on KKUP Radio-Cupertino, died following a heart attack on March 21, 2023. He was 72 years old.
Stafford was a key player in making the community broadcaster the leading folk (including bluegrass) radio station in the Bay Area and Monterey Bay Areas. He joined the station’s volunteer staff as an engineer in 1990, went on-air in 1992, and did his last show a few weeks before his death.
Although best known for hosting his weekly Friday afternoon folk show, he began his tenure with a classical music show and was also doing a jazz program on the station in 2023.
He served on both the KKUP Board Of Directors and the Program Committee (which he helped initiate), was Station Manager for several years, and was the station’s Studio Engineer for over a decade. He was a hard-working volunteer and fundraiser for the non-profit station.
The popular Friday Folk Off featured both recorded and live in-studio performances by folk and bluegrass musicians. Dave supported music events throughout the South Bay & Santa Cruz areas.
Thank you, Michael and NCBS, for letting us all know. This is extremely sad news, and quite a shock. I have listened to Dave for many years, and I enjoyed working with him at KKUP. Several months ago when I had a procedural question about programming he discussed it with me in person, then very kindly followed up with a phone call in case I had any more questions. It sounds like a small thing, and I suppose it was to him, but it was very helpful to me. I will miss him.