Seems everything I've been listening to lately has been given the golden touch by the illustrious Jason Collett. Passionate about music, Jason has been paying it forward, taking on production duties for many budding Canadian independent artists. This week's guest on Hop The Fence has a brand new disc co-produced by Jason Collett and the inimitable Howie Beck. Wow! Carleton Stone is one lucky guy!

Carleton will be showcasing gems from his latest disc, Draws Blood, when he performs Friday at the NAC (opening for Matt Anderson). It is a lovely, delicately bound array of bittersweet melodies dedicated to his friend, veteran musician, Jay Smith. (Jay who was lead guitarist for Matt Mays, passed away unexpectedly last year.) We look forward to chatting with Carleton before he hits the stage.

Looking for something different to stimulate your cochlea? Tune in at 5 pm on CHUO at 89.1 FM in Ottawa or online at www.CHUO.fm.  Hop The Fence is here for you every Friday at 5 pm.

(Look it up! Cochlea is part of your inner ear... what did you think it was?)

Ukrainia!  Did you know Canada holds the world’s largest community of expat Ukrainians? Lucky for us!  The Ottawa-based band, Ukrainia consists of 4 seasoned musicians who have decided to capture the spirit of their Ukrainian background by merging it with contemporary rock`n`roll.  The result is a hilarious blend loud up-tempo beats and traditional marching band, Cossack-squatting tunes, perfect for pogo dancing (always my preferred style!) 

Ukrainia, the band are performing at the Blacksheep Inn Friday, Feb 21 along with the Hydrothermal Vents. It is sure to be a memorable if surreal evening in Wakefield!

My show rarely touches on political issues, because I prefer to bring joy to the world rather than pretend I understand international turmoil.  But  with the timing of the anti-government riots going on in the Ukraine at the moment, I do feel the need to take a moment to commemorate those who have lost their lives fighting for freedom.  Something we all seem to take for granted around here. (#endrant)

On that happy note, be sure to tune in at 5 pm this Friday (and every Friday) at 89.1 FM in Ottawa or on-line at CHUO.fm. You will also find us on iTunes radio listed under College stations.

anne-marie
Host/Producer, Hop The Fence
Fridays @ 5 - CHUO 89.1 Ottawa
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HopTheFenceCHUO
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hop-The-Fence/117638698322087

Toronto-based collective, New Country Rehab are at the Blacksheep Inn tonight - just what we need to either celebrate our love or cure our Valentine woes, As their name would imply, they're taking issue with "new country" and reshaping an authentic folk/country sound. But I'll let them tell you all about that this evening at 5 pm. Just back from a 9-country European tour,  they're back home and heading out across North America in support of their latest album Ghost Of Your Charms.

I've got a few other surprises queued up for you so be sure to tune in at 89.1 on the FM dial here in Ottawa or online at www.CHUO.fm

Happy VD to you all.  You know I love you!! xox
DJ Anne-Marie

Just back from a tour in some of the most beautiful cities of Europe, Ottawa's own singer/songwriter Kalle Mattson is back home and ready to unleash a new disc upon us next weekend at Zaphod's.  It's his 3rd studio album titled Someday, The Moon Will Be Gold.  It is about hope and death.  If you've ever grieved for the passing of a loved-one, this is for you... and for all of us.  I look forward to speaking with Kalle live in studio today at 5 pm.

I also want to send big congrats to all the Juno nominees announced earlier this week.  Very excited to see great Ottawa talent on the list as well as other fine Canadian artists who have appeared on Hop The Fence.  They include Amanda Rheaume, David Francey, MonkeyJunk, A Tribe Called Red, Lindi Ortega, Royal Canoe, Matt Mays, Arcade Fire, The Strumbellas, Tegan and Sara, Serena Ryder, Ron Sexsmith, ... oh dear the list goes on!  Like I've always said (tongue firmly planted in cheek), an appearance on Hop The Fence is a stepping stone to fame and fortune!

Tune in at 89.1 FM in Ottawa from 5 to 6 pm every Friday or catch us on-line at www.CHUO.fm.