It’s difficult to argue that KCRW, 89.9 FM, isn't one of the better things we, the citizens of Los Angeles, get to experience firsthand. Yeah, the station offers podcasts and streaming radio, but it’s not the same as actually living in the city the station is broadcast from.

Not only does the station play some of the most innovative and unique music in the world, but broadcasts daily news and cultural information unable to be found anywhere else. You can start your day off with Nic Harcourt’s worldly renown Morning Becomes Eclectic, get your dose of news with Arianna Huffington’s Left, Right, and Center and get your night going with Chris Douridas' New Ground, playing some of the best new artists from around the world.

KCRW also sponsors cultural events throughout Southern California, (and in major cities around North America). For example, this week in LA, the station is sponsoring Skin + Bones at MOCA, Magritte at the LACMA, Cold War Kids at the Silverlake Lounge, and Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary at the REDCAT. KCRW is also involved with many of the summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and the movie screenings at Hollywood Forever cemetery.

Basically, without KCRW, LA would be lacking much of the cultural capital that makes this city great.

The station’s Winter Pledge Drive will be held from January 26th until February 2nd this year. Volunteers can sign up on their website to help answer phones, and listeners are encouraged to donate whatever amount possible and sign up as a KCRW member to help support the station. Depending on the amount donated, becoming a member means eligibility to participate in daily event ticket giveaways, receiving a Fringe Benefits Card to over 700 participating businesses, KCRW CDs, and clothing.

So keep the station in mind beginning next Friday, and think of everything KCRW has done for us.

After the jump enjoy some live performances from the station...

Arcade Fire performing "Intervention"

Nouvelle Vague doing "Bizarre Love Triangle"

Le Tigre doing "TKO" and "Hot Topic"

Cat Power!

MIA performing "Amazon"

Arcade Fire "In The Backseat"