On a night with horrible news coming out of Moncton, New Brunswick, we remember the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacres. Political protest songs in hour 2.
In hour 1: an interview with Ethan Caleb of young Victoria band The Archers. He called from a stormy evening in Calgary.
Hope you enjoy this evening's show, broadcast from stuffy studio A at CiTR-FM. Sorry if I whinged too much about the heat!!
Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the rest of your week.

cheers, val
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Hope you're all doing well...I know it's been a trying week for many. Hope this two hours will perhaps make you feel a little better.
This week's interview at 8:15 was with Toronto singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi, who embarks on her first musical tour of British Columbia in June. Welcome Shawna! The rest of the show covered the gamut from Indian ragas to Scottish accordion to western swing to Maya Angelou singing calypso. Yes, you read that right.
Thanks so much for listening, and please tell your friends about our station!

cheers, val
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Greeting podcast listeners! Hope you're enjoying a splendid week, wherever you may be. This week's phone interview was with "Old Folksinger" Bob Bossin. He's been an important part of the Canadian folk music landscape for over 40 years. He has just published a book and written a play written on the life of his father. See davythepunk.com for more details.

After that I was joined in the studio by Linda Bull, host of wonderful CiTR show "Give 'Em The Boot". Topic was Corsica and its culture - especially its music. Hope you enjoy the travelogue.

Enjoy the rest of your week and thanks so much for listening!

cheers, val
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Welcome to a warm, full moon evening. Full Flower Moon, as it's traditionally known. To celebrate: moon-based content, including a new track from the moon man himself, Mr. Bob Dylan. Near the top of the show I chatted with champion fingerstyle guitarist Don Alder, who had the pleasure of playing recently with Canadian celebrity-astronaut Chris Hadfield. Don will be at the Rogue Folk Club May 23.
The last track "Victoria" shorted out on me, so you'll not hear it on the podcast. Sorry about that! Thanks so much for listening, and happy Victoria Day to my fellow Canucks. Drive safe and, if camping, bring rain gear!

cheers, val
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First Wednesday in May 2014. How are y'all doing? It's a fine, warm spring evening here in VanCity. Tonight I chatted on the phone with Chris Prpich of Regina roots duo Brass Buttons. He, his wife, and their two young children are currently on tour in BC. He called from Ainsworth, BC where they'd just got out of the hot springs. (envy alert!!)
Tonight's vinyl feature was a 1985 release from The Blasters, in honour of the Alvin brothers upcoming Jazz Festival appearance. In the 2nd hour I also featured a set of Leonard Cohen songs: (yet another) Cohen tribute is coming up at the Rogue Folk Club May 9.
My ongoing throat travails are almost done! Blasted what turned out to be bronchitis with a short course of Zithromax. Antibiotics to the rescue..

Thanks for listening, take care of yourselves, and a very happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there.

cheers, val
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Happy last day of April! Today the lineup for the 37th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival was released. At the top of the show I chatted with Gwen Kallio, festival publicist, about what we can expect this summer at Jericho Beach. So exciting! Today's extended podcast includes all sorts of new releases. Mostly Canadian, but you'll hear tunes from Australia, Corsica, Austin, TX as well. Always eclectic and kumbaya-free. Hope you're enjoying spring. Take care, and thanks for listening.

hugs, val
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Anybody feel that 6.7 magnitude earthquake today? Was centered off the coast of Vancouver Island, doesn't appear to have caused damage or injury.
Tonight's live guests in the CiTR studios were Allen Forrister and Chris Ronald. They played some tunes and chatted about Takin' Turns at the Prophouse. This monthly series takes place at the Prophouse in East Van. takinturns.ca
After that I had a live phone chat with Andrew Penner of Toronto duo The Sunparlour Players. They do a great live show and will be back in Vancouver April 26.
Thanks for listening and please say hi when you get a chance: [email protected]

thanks/merci,
val

Holy Week, Passover, spring...a time of renewal. Lots of songs in that vein tonight, as well as a live session with Glenn Chatten. Glenn is a local singer-songwriter who was involved in the Ontario folk scene of the 1980's. With him in the studio, collaborator and good pal Ken Cade on violin. Keep an eye on www.soaringeaglemusic.com for upcoming gigs by Glenn and his band.
Two songs called "Easter Snow" for those of you who may experience it! We soggy Wet Coasters feel for ya.
Thanks, as always, for tuning in.

Have a happy long weekend and stay safe!
val [email protected]

Happy 14th day of spring -- day 8 or so of my cold, if you're counting. :-) With spring comes new CD releases and lots of tours, so you'll hear everything from Harlan Pepper to Soweto Gospel Choir tonight. For another edition of "Val's Vinyl Vault" I pulled out the Peter Case self-titled lp from 1986. He'll be playing a tiny club in Bellingham this weekend.

The phone interview near top of show was with Nelson, BC singer-songwriter James Lamb. He's in town for the Verses Festival of Words that continues this week.

Thanks as always for listening! Your feedback is much appreciated, so don't hesitate to get in touch. Even just to say hi.

cheers, val
[email protected]

Welcome to the 14th day of spring, and the 2nd day of my annual Spring Cold. Sorry for the extraneous sniffles and coughs tonight. Had a lovely phone interview with "The Bard of East Van", Geoff Berner. He'll be reading from his new novel "Festival Man" on Sunday at the Verses Festival of Words (http://versesfestival.ca). Find out how he came to be big in Norway!
After some parking shenanigans (welcome to UBC!) Joyce Island joined me live in the studio for some songs and chat.
Thanks for listening, and do please stay in touch! [email protected]

cheers, val