theborderline.ca

To create expansive and improvised music, to awaken consciousness and to provide a Cosmic Musical Journey into the Unknown.

David Hickey is on a 60-day 60-show tour that starts on August 13th in Salmo, BC and heads all the way to Quebec and back. This is an epic journey that has never been done before. No band has ever played that many shows in two months of touring.

The provinces of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec will have an opportunity to experience the magic of Crystal Journey on a scale unmatched. Each show will build upon the previous show and the energy created will be monumental. The intention of the tour is to create a safe and harmonious environment for all participants. The world is at a Precipice and we must act accordingly. I have taken it upon myself to use the music of Crystal Journey to contribute to the change needed and steer away from fear and into harmony.

This tour is not about politics, opinion or judgement its about love of music, community, sharing, appreciation and enjoyment. What better way to achieve that than being in a room full of like minded people and be jetted away in sound, vibration and soothing frequency. Everything that Crystal Journey stands for and has for over 22 years.

Blessings And Light

David AKA The “Gongman”

Date:25 September 2025 .

The Speak Easy Podcast evokes the spirit of fearless conversation and honest debate. Like the hidden bars of the Prohibition era, this podcast creates a space for unfiltered political discourse – where ideas flow freely, perspectives clash respectfully, and nothing is off the table. With co-hosts Robert Peace and Josh Vierimaa offering both seasoned insight and fresh perspective, The Speak Easy invites listeners into a conversation that is as bold as it is accessible.

Episode 9 09/25 – Municipal Showdown

We turn a satirical eye on local politics. From the Downtown ShoeBus – a bright yellow double-decker bus that’s running but often empty to the wild hair-brained idea of a swimming pool in the river – we tackle the issues shaping city life. We discuss the deteriorating state of the roads, whether councilors should have the freedom to share personal opinions without consequences, and the early speculation about who might run for Mayor and Council next year.

Robert Peace is a longtime political strategist, media producer, and community advocate based in Sault Ste. Marie. With decades of experience advising leaders, running campaigns, and building grassroots initiatives, he brings sharp insights and a deep understanding of politics at every level.

Josh Vierimaa is an 18-year-old political consultant and rising voice in Canadian conservatism. As a strategist for both provincial and federal Conservative campaigns in Sault Ste. Marie, founder of the Conservative Youth at Algoma University and President of the Students’ Union, Josh brings sharp political instincts, a deep love of history, and a fresh generational perspective to The Speak Easy podcast.

Date:22 September 2025 .

I’m Jon Stone. An Air Force veteran, visual storyteller, and landscape painter. After serving my country, I discovered that art could be more than just creative expression — it’s a powerful tool for healing, growth, and connection. That’s why I founded the Veteran Artist Network.

About Veterans Artist Network (VAN)
VAN empowers veterans and service members to heal, skill-build, and thrive through art, music, and digital media—both online and in community. We combine mentorship, structured training, and creative opportunity to turn service into a new professional and personal purpose.

Passionate Creators, United for Change
Veterans Artist Network is a community of veterans, military members, artists, innovators, mentors, and supporters of those who have served to find strength, skills, and community through the benefits of art and creative outlets. We share the unique experiences of veterans to build impactful projects that inspire, heal, and uplift others.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or supporter, VAN provides the space and resources to connect, grow, and make a difference.

Running time: 19 minutes.

Date:21 September 2025 .

The ladies are joined by Volunteer & Guest Coordinator Jessica Laidley of the Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre, which is to provide services to encourage self-sufficiency and improve quality of life through reducing hunger and its effects.  And, further, to protect children and develop social skills through the Brighter Beginnings Children’s Program.

The Soup Kitchen strives to heighten awareness of the public’s responsibility to address and prevent poverty. This is accomplished in an atmosphere of compassion and respect as follows:

Building a healthy community through the power of food.

Date:19 September 2025 .

Running time: 61 minutes.

HOMECOMING … from MATT WARNOCK

I recently launched my debut solo jazz guitar album, “Homecoming.”

It reflects my 25-year journey back home to Northern Ontario.

The album’s tracks tell my story—reconnecting with my roots, family, and the charm of Northern Ontario.

“Homecoming” is available on:

Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music YouTube

I’d be honored if you’d take a listen.

Hi there! I’m Matt, a passionate jazz guitarist and dedicated educator. I’m thrilled to guide you on your jazz guitar journey. I’ve played over 2,000 gigs worldwide, including Canada, US, Brazil, England, France, Belgium, Latvia, Estonia, Nepal, and New Zealand. I’ve shared stages with jazz greats like Slide Hampton, Darmon Meader of New York Voices, Stefon Harris, and Randy Brecker.

But teaching has always tugged at my heartstrings. I taught my first jazz guitar lesson at 17, and it kindled a lifelong passion. Since then, I’ve led over 8,000 one-on-one lessons and 500+ workshops. I’ve also taught at institutions like Western Illinois University, University of Illinois, and Western Michigan University. The total? A whopping 12 million online students and counting.

I’ve dedicated my career to simplifying complex jazz concepts and breaking musical barriers. I hold degrees from McGill University (Bachelor’s in Jazz Guitar Performance), Western Michigan University (Master’s in Jazz Performance), and University of Illinois (Doctorate of Musical Arts).

Each has shaped my understanding of jazz guitar.

As for you, whether you dream of a career in music or enjoy playing for fun, I’m here to help. Each learner is unique, and so is each hurdle. But together, we can chart a rewarding path through the world of jazz guitar. I want to help you unlock your potential and reach your musical goals. Your journey will be filled with excitement and hope. And if you’ve yearned to learn jazz guitar, I’m ready to guide you.

Thank you for your support. I can’t wait to start our musical journey together!

Date:18 September 2025 .

From the creator of Hurt: A Tribute to the Legend of Johnny Cash comes a new show, The Highwayman Live Forever tribute, a concert style theatrical show written and produced by Jeffrey Wright. The show boasts an amazing cast and crew from the Algoma region.

The Highwaymen: Ryan St. Pierre (Willie Nelson), Greg Callaghan (Waylon Jennings), Jeffrey Wright (Johnny Cash), and Bill Priddle (Kris Kristofferson). The Band & Crew: Jaime Jacques (drums), Adam Fahrer (guitar), Harley Syrette (bass), Todd Kidd (harmonica), Michael Yurich (keyboard), George Wright (narrator), Hayden Jackson (sound), Kayla Bishop (lights), Meggy Lee (stage director).

Jeffrey Wright is a musician, singer, songwriter, author, artist, and the founder of LEAP. He is a devoted husband and father of two. Classic country has always held a special place in his life. Growing up, his family would spend hours playing music together, learning classics by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, John Denver, Willie Nelson, and more. This lifelong passion led to the creation of the successful show Hurt: A Tribute to the Legend Johnny Cash, as well as the upcoming production The Highwaymen: Live Forever.

Jeffrey Wright Music is an entertainment business that creates, hosts, and participates in Festivals, Concerts, Music Events, Community Events, Theatre Performances, fundraisers, and expanding further into recording and production. Jeffrey Wright is working at bringing the best entertainment to any venue.

Running time: 65 minutes.

Date:18 September 2025 .

Frank Donnelly entered high school in 1945, and Dan Carmichael more than a decade later in 1958, as students. After graduation and post-secondary life they became teachers and coaches at legendary Sault Collegiate. Mr. Donnelly went on to be the principal from 1972 to 1979.

Sault Collegiate Institute was the the first high school established, at the turn of the 19th into the 20th century, in Sault Ste. Marie. It had an incredible 8o+ year run developing teenage students into productive citizens in the working world, some directly from the school on the hill and others via post-SCI university or college education.

Frank and Dan share memories of their respective tenures, relating stories of individuals that attended the school and in so doing give the listener somewhat of an oral history of the city of Sault Ste. Marie. It’s an amazing legacy and helps explain what they say about the Black & Gold – that “SCI will never die”.

Contact: www.facebook.com/groups

 “Go Wildcats!”

Date:17 September 2025 .

Running time: 53 minutes. (This interview took place in Sept. 2024 and is about that festival. However, much of the interview still relates to the 2025 festival.)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz guitar at The Loft as part of the 2025 MWG Jazz Guitar Summit!

Now in its second year, this event is quickly becoming a can’t-miss annual tradition—celebrating jazz guitar with guest appearances by top players, rising stars, and beloved local musicians.The Jazz Guitar Summit Story

In the spring of 2011, I hosted my 2nd annual International Jazz Guitar Festival at WIU, where I was a professor.

The festival was a huge success, but unfortunately for the festival, and fortunately for me, I moved to Brazil shortly after and left my position at the University.

Since that spring, I’ve been intent on hosting another international jazz guitar festival, and in 2024 I’ve decided to take the leap and bring my vision to life.

To make things affordable for local guitarists and traveling attendees, the weekend workshops & Friday jam session are totally free to attend. There’s a small cover charge on Saturday night to cover room costs.

It’s been a long 13 years since my last international jazz guitar festival, and I’m excited to begin a new chapter in 2024 with the all-new MWG Jazz Guitar Summit!

Music on this podcast:

Matt Warnock – SJDR
Miles Davis – John McLaughlin
Wes Montgomery – Tune-Up (Take 9 – Alternate)
Count Basie – The Count Steps In
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
John Philip Sousa – The Quliting Party
Charlie Christian – Swing To Bop
Emily Remler – Blues For Herb
Ella Fitzgerald – All That Jazz
Duke Ellington & Django Reinhardt – I Got Rhythm
Stephane Grappelli – Swing 42
Charlie Parker – Rocker
John Coltrane – Just Friends
Miles Davis – Cool Jazz
Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue
Wes Montgomery – A Day In The Life
George Benson – On Broadway
Tito Puente – Oye Como Va
Jose Merce – Vengo De Donde No Estuve
Jazz In The Cafes – Ipanema Walk
Jazz In The Cafes – Begin The Beguine
Miles Davis – So What

Date:16 September 2025 .

The Great Lakes Odyssey Radio Hour is broadcast on NPR (National Public Radio)

s3.e2. GREAT LAKES ODYSSEY Radio Hour – Underground Railroad

Escaping for the north terminus to freedom, African American slaves of the mid 1800s risked their lives on the Underground Railroad to reach the safety of the Great Lakes basin.

The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a train. Instead, it was a brave network of heroic people working together to do the right thing.

Dr. Richard Smith and Leslie Strong Williams, of the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society, dedicated to the research and preservation of African-American history.
Duane Blackburn of the Blackburn Brothers, descendants of freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad, delivers a powerful message with their soul funk blues music.
Bruce Kemp, award-winning writer of The Fugitive’s Son, a seldom told story of the people that made history in an unseen side of the Civil War.

Featured music: Kingston Trio
Music beds: Pierre Schreyer & Ian Clark. Rusty McCarthy.
Theme music: Ray Bonneville. Rusty McCarthy.
Painting: Field Hands by Graham Thomas

s3.e2. GREAT LAKES ODYSSEY Radio Hour Music Credits

Title – Big Five Water (GLO Theme)
Artist / Composer – Ray Bonneville

Title – Sneaky Train
Album – Behind The Times
Artist / Composer – Redwood Central

Title – Took A Train
Album – Fork In The Road
Artist / Composer – Andy Chillman & The Chillmen

Title – St. Mary’s River Fantasy (GLO Theme)
Album – Nocturnes
Artist / Composer – Rusty McCarthy

Title – Road To Freedom
Album – The Kingston Trio #16
Artist – Kingston Trio
Composer – John Stewart

Title – Leaving Lerwick
Album – Heat Of The Moment
Artist – Pierre Schryer & Ian Clark
Composer – Willie Hunter

Title – Cape Clear
Album – Heat Of The Moment
Artist – Pierre Schryer & Ian Clark
Composer – Traditional

Title – Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Artist – Fisk Jubilee Singers
Composer – Traditional

Title – My Train
Album – Brothers In This World
Artist / Composer – Blackburn Brothers

Title – Freedom Train
Album – SoulFunkn’BLUES
Artist / Composer – Blackburn Brothers

Title – Talk To Me
Album – Brotherhood
Artist / Composer – Blackburn Brothers

Title – Thank You Mother
Artist/ Composer – Eugene Smith

Title – Bobby’s Blues
Album – SoulFunkn’BLUES
Artist/Composer – Blackburn Brothers

Title – Hey Hey
Album – Brothers In This World
Artist/Composer – Blackburn Brothers

Title – Old Jim Comfort
Album – Skin & Bones
Artist / Composer – Whiskey Jack

Title – Southbound Passenger Train
Album – Skin & Bones
Artist / Composer – Whiskey Jack

Title – Big John McNeil
Album – Skin & Bones
Artist / Composer – Whiskey Jack

Title – Fiddle Medley
Album – Stories and Songs of Stompin’ Tom
Artist / Composer – Whiskey Jack

Title – Cryin’ Holy
Album – Skin & Bones
Artist / Composer – Whiskey Jack

Title – Farm Song
Album – Skin & Bones
Artist / Composer – Whiskey Jack

Visit: raybonneville.com

Visit: rustyandmaja.com

Visit: alwoodblues.com

Visit: fhwgs.org

Visit: blackburnbrothersmusic.com

Visit: whiskeyjackmusic.com

Visit: brucekempphotography.net

This program produced by GLOW Radio Partners in venture with The Borderline Events Co.

Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Great Lakes Odyssey is a multi-national effort to strengthen and explore our relationship with the natural wonders known as the Great Lakes.

In this part of the project, we have created a multi-part audio series looking at the way the Great Lakes shape our lives, our livelihoods, our health and our culture.

50 years ago, folks in the media and elsewhere were ready to declare the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie “dead.”

The thought so appalled citizens in Canada and the United States, they forced their national governments to act.

Because, of course, the Great Lakes shape the life of both Canada and the United States. And, of course, the Great Lakes are a single system stretching from Duluth to Ottawa and down the St. Lawrence seaway. What happens to any of the Lakes will soon happen to the others.

So, the politicians of 50 years ago negotiated the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, “for the purpose of restoring, protecting and enhancing the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes basin.”

50 years later, we can see the agreement worked. We see more fish, cleaner water, and less pollution. Unlike the early settlers and colonials, who mostly saw the Lakes as a resource to tap, we now recognize, like the First Nations, the Lakes are part of our identity. They shape our relationships, our songs and celebrations of place, the way we eat, how we play, and what we make, or sell, or harvest.

50 years since the wake-up call of a burning river, Great Lakes Odyssey wants to learn how we live and love, hurt and restore the incredible gift which is the Great Lakes.

We will explore Great Lakes art and artistic expression, and meet the artists, writers, musicians who make it. We will also dip into Great Lakes history and lore – and learn from the people who have been here the longest and know it the best: The People of the Three Fires, the Anishinaabek.

On our Odyssey around the Great Lakes, we will also hear from people working to prevent poisonous algal blooms or stop the spread of invasive species. We will meet visionaries undoing decades of development that hardened shorelines, emptied marshes and wetlands, and destroyed critical spawning grounds. We will talk to people working to ensure all beings have access to pure drinking water.

Because none of us can live without pure drinking water.

In this wondrous place we call the Great Lakes, we know we are blessed by these Sweet Water Seas. We claim them as our H.O.M.E.S. as the emotionally accurate mnemonic says. They are Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, and they are our HOMES.

As long as humans have lived in, and of and through the Lakes, people have told stories about them, sung about them, and gloried in this great gift of the long departed Ice Age. Left by glaciers thousands of years ago, they are the World’s storehouse of fresh water. If they are drained… or ruined… or damaged, they can never be replaced.

So, as we travel around the Great Lakes basin, we want to see how we are doing – what we are doing – how we’re feeling and what we’re learning as we try to live as lovers and restorers – and children and family – of the being whom the Anishinaabek call Nayaano-nibiimaang Gichigamiin, the five freshwater seas.

We hope to galvanize, inspire, and motivate you to strengthen, support and steward the Great Lakes to a beautiful and healthy future.

So please join us on this magical, dare we say “magical mystery tour” of the Great Lakes basin and Great Lakes culture.

Date:13 September 2025 .

Zonta Club of Sault Ste Marie Area is one of over 1,300 clubs of Zonta International, a worldwide service organization.  Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, Zonta takes its name from the Lakota Sioux Indian word meaning “honest and trustworthy.”  Zontians volunteer their time, talents and energy to local and international service projects that are designed to advance the status of women.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations and a
global threat. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace
and in open spaces, and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and conflict. It includes
psychological, physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as rape, female genital
cutting, child marriage and human trafficking.
Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress, and prevents
women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and
their families.
Zonta International’s ongoing service efforts are demonstrated through numerous local
projects and programs and through partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies.
Our ongoing advocacy efforts are built around the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women
campaign. Launched in 2012, the campaign has raised awareness of the global pandemic of
women’s rights violations and has united Zonta clubs worldwide in conducting impactful
advocacy actions to fight violence against women and gender inequality.
During the 16 Days of Activism, 25 November–10 December, all Zonta clubs and districts
are encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and
to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation
of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against
women and girls.

Date:12 September 2025 .