Since 1990, TJ Wheeler has been bringing blues to the schools in the US and across the globe. Inspired by his Hope, Heroes and the Blues program, the Ottawa RBC Bluesfest has been engaging budding musicians through a not-for-profit residency program in local schools for 18 years.  That's how our beloved festival gives back to the community.

This year, more than 20 professional artists/educators are visiting 24 area schools during a 10-day program that will run through to March 11. TJ Wheeler will be part of the artist delegation along with an a-list of local artists.  TJ will be in the CHUO studio this week to regale us with his lore along with Alan Marsden, the Ottawa Blues In Schools program coordinator and artist.

There is a lot going on in town over the next few days. It's one of the busiest weekends of the year so far. Must be due to the longer days. (Have you noticed? I have!)  I will do my best to spin most of the following:

• Winchester Warm with Eamon McGrath and Lake Forest (Pressed Cafe, March 4)
• The Jivewires with Blast From The Sun (at Live on Elgin, March 4)
• David Francey (at NAC, March 4)
• Radio Radio with Alex Silas and the Subterraneans (at Ritual March 4)
• Amos The Transparent with Lost Cousin (at The Blacksheep, March 5)
• Charlotte Cornfield (at Pressed, March 5)
• Moonfruits (at The Branch, March 10)

Tune in at 5 pm today! Find us at 89.1 FM in Ottawa or online at CHUO.fm. You can also find us on iTunes radio under College stations and on #943 on Rogers HD.

anne-marie
Host/Producer, Hop The Fence
Fridays @ 5
CHUO 89.1 Ottawa

Canadian music lovers, unite!  We've got another great program prepared for you this evening.  Here's who I'll be chatting with:

FIVE ALARM FUNK
The band consists of 10 musicians including 4 percussionists who, as you might imagine, create a wild musical experience! Their fourth studio album, Rock the Sky, is almost as entertaining as their live show. Don't miss them at the Mercury Lounge this Sunday, July 14.

HALF MOON RUN
With an instantly recognizable hit (Full Circle) and critically acclaimed for their 3-part harmonies, this band with ties to Ottawa, has been gaining a lot of ground with their debut disc, Dark Eyes. They are appearing at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest tomorrow at 3 pm.

Tune in at 5 pm on 89.1 FM in Ottawa or online at www.CHUO.fm.
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anne-marie
Host/Producer, Hop The Fence
Fridays @ 5
CHUO 89.1 Ottawa

Once again, Ottawa is resplendent with a plethora of summer outdoor music, theater and arts festivals.  It truly is the best time to visit our fair city. The RBC Ottawa Bluesfest opened its gates last night, July 4 and runs until July 14.  It is a very eclectic festival featuring everything from mainstream pop, classic rock to roots, world, punk, indie and of course, blues! 

One of the aspects I appreciate most about this increasingly popular festival is that they continue to support local talent.  Appearances on these stages in front of throngs of music fans who may be seeing them for the first time is a huge boon for up-and-coming talent. On today’s program, I will be spinning tunes from local bands and other great Canadian independants that will be performing at the festival over the next 9 days including Hearts and Mines, Suzi Vinnick, Tara Holloway, Cold Specks, Neko Case, Diamond Rings, A Tribe Called Red.  Don’t know if I’ll have time to fit them all in!

There are also plenty of other events and gigs going on in town (e.g. Shannon Rose and The Thorns at the Blacksheep Inn).

Tune in at 5 pm to see what I manage to squeeze into one hour of programming!
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anne-marie
Host/Producer, Hop The Fence
Fridays @ 5
CHUO 89.1 Ottawa

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