jeromemartin.ca

I Want My CBC

CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) employees have been locked out for nine days because of a labour dispute, with no sign of an agreement. As a result, some of the most talented and dedicated journalists and broadcasters in this country are walking picket lines while the rest of us are listening to re-runs of regular programs with virtually no local news. The BBC International News is being shown on CBC TV instead of regular CBC TV news.
CBC– especially CBC Radio – is the glue that keeps this country together. People across the country miss it greatly, especially those in remote and rural areas.
Todd Maffin, one of the bright lights on CBC Radio, has used his interest and skills in blogging and podcasting to bring us news and podcasts from CBC employees and free-lancers as well as responses from CBC management.
In the meantime podcasts and other fine radio networks such as CKUA will attract greater audiences. Let's hope that this situation is resolved as soon as possible and that the creative people on both sides of the dispute will again be able to share their skills and commitment.

Sing Along With Steve

It's folk music time here in Edmonton, Alberta. Starting Thursday night I and 17,999 other folk music fans will sit on tarps on Gallagher Hill to hear famous musicians such as Steve Earle, Alison Krause and Union Station, and John Prine, as well as musicians who are not as well-known.
We'll also attend workshops at seven small stages where a variety of musicians play separately, then often join in with the others. That's when the magic happens. Musicians from different genres, different countries, often speaking different languages, find common ground in notes and rhythms.
Several years ago, Steve Earle and his son were part of one of these workshops. Earle said 'Back in Nashville we'd call this a guitar pull.' The small stages are intimate, outdoor venues where those who are particularly keen can sit just a few yards away from the performers.
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is probably one of the best such events in North America. It's run primarily by volunteers who come out, year after year, in heat or rain, to make this festival a success.
It's a family event, with special entertainment for children. In many ways we'll all be children this weekend, sitting on the grass, singing along, enjoying wonderful food and great people.