Sunday, March 2, 2008

Nostalgia Radio

Yesterday, I told you about my love for the music of the big bands and standards. Many large cities have a radio station that is devoted to this music and there are several options on line to listen live or download syndicated programs.

If you are lucky enough to live in the city of Winnipeg, then you may have heard of my favourite radio station. CJNU 104.7FM which broadcasts on 40 watts of power for up to 28 days/month in support of various community organizations. The station is Manitoba's FIRST cooperative radio station. It is owned and operated by it's members.

The following is a quote from the "About CJNU" page of the web site;
"We operate with a special events broadcast license issued by Industry Canada. Meeting our license terms, each broadcast is 3 to 4 weeks long and is in support of a non-profit event or organization"

Nostalgia radio has been around Winnipeg for a number of years, under various call letters and numbers on the dial, but it's listeners are very loyal and vocal in their support for the wonderful music and programing that the very knowledgeable and entertaining announcers provide. The on-air personalities include veteran announcers like; Lee Major; Brett Buckingham; Gren Marsh; Don Milne; Craig Krastel; and Garry Robertson. The youngest of the more than 20 on-air folks is 18 year old Scott Best who has an incredible knowledge and obvious passion for the music he plays. He is definitely introducing the younger generations to the nostalgia format.


Although Big Band and Standards is the main musical focus, CJNU also plays the early Rock & Roll music of the 50's and 60's and even into the early 70's with artists like; Buddy Holly; Ray Charles; Dusty Springfield; Etta James; The Temptations and The Mama's and The Papa's.. You'll also hear a bit of country with artists such as Patsy Cline, Don Williams, Crystal Gayle and The Statler Brothers. You'll hear cross over artists like Eddie Rabbitt; Roy Orbison and John Denver. Canadian artists include Diana Krall; Michael Bublé; kd lang; Holly Cole;and Gordon Lightfoot.

Weekday evenings, from 9 - 10:00PM, (repeated at 2:AM the following morning) CJNU presents "Frank Liebzeit's Radio Classics". Theater for the mind! Every night has a theme.

Monday is theater and drama night. The most frequent program to air in this time slot is "Lux Presents Hollywood" where stars recreate the popular movies of the time for radio broadcast.

Tuesday is western night, with shows such as; "The Lone Ranger"; " Have Gun Will Travel"; "The Cisco Kid"; "Gunsmoke"...

Wednesday night is comedy and probably has the widest selection of shows that include; "Our Miss Brooks"; "Fibber McGee and Molly"; "Burns and Allen"; "Jack Benny"; "Ozzie and Harriet" and many more.

Thursday is mystery and suspense and offers such classics as: "The Shadow"; The Green Hornet"; "Boston Blackie"; "Sam Spade"; "The Thin Man" and many more.

Friday night is variety which offers a little bit of everything. You may here: "Kraft Music Hall"; "Fred Allen"; "Bob Hope" or any number of other shows in any genre.

On Sunday nights from 8 - 10:00PM you will be treated to "Denny Farrell and the Original Big Band Showcase". Denny Farrell plays a lot of rare pieces that you may not hear elsewhere.

Over the last year or so, CJNU has broadcast on behalf of; Winnipeg Harvest; The Winnipeg Humane Society; Goodwill Industries; Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba (SAM); Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba; Rainbow Stage; and many more.The March broadcast is in support of the MS Society of Canada, Manitoba Division.

CJNU is a breath of fresh air in a land of rock and talk radio stations. You may hear a song that stirs a memory or starts your foot tapping. You'll discover/rediscover singers, performers and programs from the golden age of radio!

So whether it's a trip down memory lane or the beginning of a new journey in listening pleasure, set your radio dial to 104.7FM. If you like what you hear - and why wouldn't you - then please consider becoming a member of "Nostalgia Broadcasting Cooperative". It really is the best radio station in Winnipeg!

For more info on the station, membership, programing, sponsors and advertising rates, please go to:
http://www.cjnu.ca/

dn

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