thecommentary.ca

The guitar virtuoso Aaron Larget-Caplan discusses his new album Guitar American 250: Revolutionaries and Rockstars (Navona Records, 2026), with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Aaron Larget-Caplan joins me now. The celebrate guitar virtuoso and composer has just released a new album, Guitar America 250: Revolutionaries and Rockstars. In the album, he and guest musicians and poets mark more the American semi quincentennial with songs that span the life of the republic from traditional songs from before the Civil War through the two World Wars, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and “Over There,” among others. There are songs from the 20th and 21st century, like Bernstein’s “America” from West Side Story, Van Halen’s “316” and Paul Simon’s “America.” Also represented on the album are the arrangements of John Cage, Alan Hovhaness, Ian Wiese, and Florence Price. And the words of Francis Harper, Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and John Cage are represented on the album with guest artists reading stirring and historical words. Aaron also provides a reading on the album, an amended version of the Bill of Rights that is not only inspiring but urgent. I’ll ask Mr. Larget-Caplan about the album, his work as a musician and educator, and what the album represents as he views his country, its past, and this momentous anniversary. It’s doubtless harder for people outside the United States to like America at the moment, and I’ll get Aaron to address that. But the music as rich and varied as it is on this album, representing so much of what America has meant, makes for a great album. Visit www.alcguitar.com for more. The new album is available for streaming and download on all the usual sites. It is a Navona Records release. We spoke three weeks ago, with Aaron joining me from Boston. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Aaron Larget-Caplan; Mr. Larget-Caplan, good morning.  

The post Aaron Larget-Caplan first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The bestselling author, political consultant and columnist Warren Kinsella discusses his new book The Hidden Hand: The Information War and the Rise of Antisemitic Propaganda (Signal, 2026), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Hidden Hand

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Warren Kinsella joins me again. The bestselling author, lawyer, pundit, political consultant and columnist has just published a new book this week The Hidden Hand: The Information War and the Rise of Antisemitic Propaganda. The book looks at the propaganda campaign against Israel, and at the rise of antisemitism. One of the problems I’vefound in the discourse especially after October 7th 2023 is too many people of all sorts of persuasion conflate antisemitism with being anti-Israeli. It’s like, as I tell Warren, you can’t be critical of the Netanyahu government without being considered antisemitic. Mr. Kinsella chronicles in the book the elaborate apparatus that spreads propaganda. There’s a lot of money involved, and Warren follows it. I’ll ask Warren what Israel’s own campaign to fight the narrative war is like. He’s been there and can tell us what it’s like on the ground. And as I begin the interview, I’ll point out Warren has long fought against hate in his life let alone his work as a lawyer and political strategist, but at this time when he’s such a controversial figure in the political discourse, I wonder if he’s the right person to be making this case. The website for more is at www.warrenkinsella.com. The book is published by Signal, which is an imprint of Penguin Random House. We taped this interview one week ago, with Warren joining me from Toronto. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Warren Kinsella; Mr. Kinsella, good morning.  

The post Warren Kinsella first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The journalist, broadcaster and author and 56th Viceregal consort Whit Fraser discusses his new memoir From Ragged Ass Road to Rideau Hall: Stories of Canada (Douglas & McIntyre, 2026), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: From Ragged Ass Road to Rideau Hall

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Whit Fraser joins me again. The journalist, broadcaster and author has a new memoir out this week, From Ragged Ass Road to Rideau Hall. The subtitle says it all, “Stories of Canada.” In the book he recounts stories of connecting with Canadians he encountered as a journalist, as well showcases memorable Canadians that he’s met more recently as the fifty-sixth viceregal consort, as his wife Mary Simon has been Governor General since 2021. We forget that in a previous career, he was a reporter on Parliament Hill, covering politics and stories about our North in the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the first anchors on CBC Newsworld, now CBC News Network. He’s made friends high and low, and it’s these gifts of connection and communication that makes this book highly readable. He also calls out various media outlets in this country for the kind of reporting on Rideau Hall that’s unlike the sort of journalism he practiced. He also takes us into the rooms where various office holders or heads of state gather, like the Speech from the Throne in 2025 that wasn’t delivered by his wife, but rather King Charles III. It’s a delightful story he tells from his front row seat. Whit Fraser was founding chair of the Canadian Polar Commission (1991-1997), and executive director of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (2001-2006), He is the author of True North Rising, and the novel Cold Edge of Heaven. This new book is published by Douglas & McIntyre. We spoke last Thursday with Mr. Fraser joining me from Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Whit Fraser; Your Excellency, good morning.

The post Whit Fraser first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The artistic director of Ballet Vancouver Joshua Beamish discusses the company’s inaugural performance, After the Rain & Other Works (23-25 April 2026 at the Vancouver Playhouse), with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Joshua Beamish joins me now. The inaugural performance of Ballet Vancouver, the city’s first professional ballet company is at the Vancouver Playhouse 23-25 April 2026. I’ll ask Mr. Beamish about After the Rain & Other Works, which features the Vancouver premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s After the Rain, a work commissioned by New York City Ballet, and beloved by companies around the world. I’ll get Joshua to tell us about Ballet Vancouver and the vision they all have for creating a home for the classical art form, so that the many artists that have long come from Vancouver need not leave for other companies around the world. The performances will also feature a world premiere co-created by Mr. Beamish and Gitxsan Indigenous fashion designer Yolonda Skelton, with a score by Cree composer Cris Derksen. Visit www.balletvancouver.com for tickets and information. We taped this interview two weeks ago, with Joshua joining me from here in Vancouver. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Joshua Beamish; Mr. Beamish, good morning. 

The post Joshua Beamish first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

Ahead of its world premiere (17-19 April 2026 at The Annex), composer Roan Shankaruk discusses her chamber opera adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s The Fox, and more, with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Opera Unbound has a world premiere this week of a chamber opera, The Fox. Based on the 1922 D.H. Lawrence novella, the opera is composed by Roan Shankaruk, who joins me now. I’ll ask Roan about what inspired her to write this piece, and the complexities depicted when it comes to relationships and power dynamics, as well as diverse sexualities. The operatic stage makes the Lawrence work ripe for an adaptation, and I’ll ask Roan why. The opera will be staged at The Annex starting this Friday, 17 April 2026, through to Sunday, 19 April 2026. Visit www.operaunbound.com for tickets and information. Roan Shankaruk is a composer, singer, instrumentalist, visual artist, and actor. Her website is at www.girl-in-boots.com. The production is directed by Christopher Lam. We spoke ten days ago, with Roan joining me from here in Vancouver. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Roan Shankaruk; Roan, good morning.  

The post Roan Shankaruk first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The artistic director of the Royal City Musical Theatre Chris Adams discusses Shrek: The Musical playing at the Massey Theatre (17 April to 03 May 2026), and more, with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

The Royal City Musical Theatre is a tradition for so many not just in and around New Westminster, but throughout Metro Vancouver. Since 1989, their award-winning productions have been the highlight of the spring for theatregoers. It’s no different this year as they premiere Shrek: The Musical starting this Friday, 17 April and running until 03 May 2026 at the Massey Theatre. Making its Broadway debut in 2008, the show had a life before as an award-winning and critically acclaimed animated feature. On stage, the show has taken on a new life delighting audiences for nearly twenty years now. Chris Adams was recently named the permanent artistic director of the Royal City Musical Theatre; he’s been serving as the interim director for the last couple of seasons. He joins me now to preview the show, and to talk about the musical that features the beloved characters of Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, among others. I’ll ask Chris about the hilarity in the show and the themes of self-acceptance and inclusivity. And I’ll get Chris to tell us about the David Lindsay Abaire and Janine Tesori score. Chris is also involved with Raincity Theatre, and I’ll ask him about their upcoming production of Sunday in the Park with George. Visit www.royalcitymusicaltheatre.com for tickets and information. We spoke two weeks ago with Chris joining me from New Westminster. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Chris Adams; Mr. Adams, good morning.  

The post Chris Adams first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The legendary singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark talks to Joseph Planta about her career, activism, her Inuk roots, and an upcoming concert at the Chan Shun Concert Hall, Sunday, 12 April 2026 with PIQSIQ.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Susan Aglukark joins me now. The legendary singer-songwriter will share the bill, Sunday evening, 12 April 2026 at the Chan Shun Concert Hall, with acclaimed throat-singing duo PIQSIQ. Part of the Chan Centre’s Made in Canada series, this evening featuring Inuit artists, who on their own have captivated Vancouver audiences previously. I’ll ask Susan, who I spoke to earlier this week, about coming to Vancouver, and her storied career. She was the first Inuk artist to ever win a JUNO Award, and last year, celebrated the 30th anniversary of her album This Child, which featured the hit O Siem. I’ll ask her about her music, and about writing and performing. Last year, she also released her memoir Kihiani, co-written with our old friend Andrea Warner. That was released to great reviews. I’ll ask Ms. Aglukark about her activism as well. As the founder of the Arctic Rose Project, she’s worked to provide Inuit and Northern Indigenous youth safe spaces for arts and literacy programs. Visit www.chancentre.com for tickets and information. Since This Child, Susan Aglukark has gone on to write and record ten albums and win three more JUNOs. Other than her memoir, she’s authored two children’s books, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement. Visit www.susanaglukark.com for more. Again, the concert is Sunday, 12 April 2026 at 7.30pm. We spoke this past Monday, with Susan joining me from Oakville, Ontario. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Susan Aglukark; Ms. Aglukark, good morning.  

The post Susan Aglukark first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

Rob and Laurel Bailey of the YouTube channel Global Feast talk to Joseph Planta about their reviews of restaurants in Metro Vancouver and beyond.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

There is no shortage of food influencers on social media as well as vloggers on food online on platforms like YouTube. But how many good ones are there? I found myself curious about what I felt are the good ones, you know the ones that actually know what good food is, likely because they know how to cook or at the very least their way around the kitchen; and aren’t just consumers for the sake of aesthetics or what’s trendy. An important thing for me in my viewing of the type of video, is whether the people reviewing actually pay for their own meals. We’ve all heard the stories of Instagram personalities shaking down restaurants, or exploiting their perceived influence in other ways. As I continued to watch the regulars I enjoy, I figured I should invite them on the program to find out why they do what they do, what places they enjoy eating at, how they navigate the waters of ethics when it comes to filming and paying, and how they’re able to find good places to eat that provide good value even in this economy. I reached out to seven longtime duos or personalities, but have only heard back from two, one which declined. Four haven’t even responded. I’ll give them the benefit of doubt that it’s likely an email issue like a spam filter. But if they’re listening, they’re welcome on the program in the coming weeks. Joining me now are Rob and Laurel Bailey of Global Feast. They’ve written and blogged about travels around the world, as well as experiences in their own kitchen in their home on Bowen Island, where I reached them last week. They’re often in Vancouver, especially on Kingsway in Vancouver and Burnaby, as well as in Richmond trying all sorts of cuisines, showcasing good food, often mom and pop operations, or holes-in-the-wall, eschewing chains. I ask them about what they’re looking for when they go out and eat, and their recent travels to Southeast Asia. See their weekly videos on YouTube. The channel’s called Global Feast, or Global_Feast. They’re funny, and you’ll often get great tips as to places to go. As well, visit their website atwww.real-food.ca. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Rob and Laurel Bailey; Mr. And Mrs. Bailey, good morning.  

The post Rob and Laurel Bailey first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The former journalist Sunny Dhillon discusses his new memoir Hide and Sikh: Letters from a Life in Brown Skin (Wolsak and Wynn, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Hide and Sikh

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

I was a fan of Sunny Dhillon when he was a reporter at the Globe and Mail based out of the bureau here in Vancouver. In 2018, he leaves the paper, and in a public piece that got a lot of attention at the time, cites the difficulties of being a journalist of colour, and how that seemingly didn’t matter to his editors. The episode and its fallout are written about in his new book, Hide and Sikh: Letters from a Life in Brown Skin. It’s an often-touching memoir, that’s also funny. It’s a series of letters to his daughter where he recounts what it’s been like living in Canada as somebody who isn’t white. I could relate to a lot of the experiences Mr. Dhillon writes about growing up, and as he moves through life as an adult. The anecdotes about being a parent are moving, and more painful moments about experiencing prejudice or being stereotyped are important to read about, even if they seem bewildering. I remain a big fan of Sunny’s because he writes about tough subjects with an honesty that’s refreshing. There’s also some optimism, even if we’re finding it tough at times. Sunny Dhillon is a former news reporter, who has also appeared on television and radio, and spoken at conferences. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of British Columbia. He is currently attending law school. The book is published by Wolsak and Wynn. He joined me from Ottawa ten days ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Sunny Dhillon; Mr. Dhillon, good morning.

The post Sunny Dhillon first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The composer and writer Rob Rokicki discusses writing the music and lyrics for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, whose Original London Cast Recording has just been released by Center Stage Records, with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, based on the Rick Riordan novels is one of the most popular musicals produced today. It is the top licensed musical in the Concord Theatricals catalog since its premiere in 2014. Since then, the show’s opened on Broadway, and has had productions throughout the world, including an Original London Cast Recording that’s out now from Center Stage Records. The new album features fifteen minutes of musical material not on the original cast recording, and it brings to life the record-breaking West End production. Rob Rokicki, who wrote the musical’s music and lyrics joins me now to talk about the album, writing the show’s score, and the life this show has had beyond the 2014 run off-Broadway, two US tours, another off-Broadway run in 2017, and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019. I’ll ask about how he came to write the score, as well as how he writes. Visit www.robrokicki.com for more. We spoke ten days ago, with Rob joining me from New York City. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Rob Rokicki; Mr. Rokicki, good morning. 

The post Rob Rokicki first appeared on thecommentary.ca.