Tributes are pouring in from listeners, artists, and colleagues as CKUA celebrates the 30th anniversary of The Celtic Show, hosted by Andy Donnelly.
It seems fitting that the first wishes to arrive are from Tom Coxworth, one of Donnelly’s dearest friends and someone who has worked alongside him for decades. “Andy and I go back well, not quite a century, but close to it, it seems, and we have traveled to so many festivals. We have had lots of laughs, and shared lots of stories. It’s been wonderful and amazing to be a part of what he has been doing.”
Coxworth knows that Donnelly has changed the landscape of folk music, in Alberta and beyond. “He has opened up the world to his definition of Celtic music. He takes the spirit of the music, adding the odd bagpipe, and sends it out in ways that no one else is doing. Andy can bear hug an audience. He brings people in. He plays a wide range of music, including new music. Andy has created his own space, and the audience loves him for that.”
“Andy has always supported the folk clubs,” says Bill Werthmann, who, with his wife, Betty jo, runs Edmonton’s Northern Lights Folk Club. “He’s one of my closest friends and an amazing human being. We’ve always been there for each other, and I love him to bits.”
Werthmann says that Donnelly’s profile is both local and global. “He was always discovering artists, and he knew which ones were the real deal. He has a knack for finding authentic musicians who are real in their performance and in their humanity. He has a genuine desire to help these artists He plays their music and helps them find an audience.”
Werthmann adds that with Donnelly’s influence, the music clubs across Alberta collaborate instead of competing. “We learned from him how to help each other.”
Andy Donnelly, the man at the centre of the celebrations, remains humble. “When I started the show, it was only supposed to be a six-week run,” he laughs. “Monday nights, for an hour! It just took off, and I was so happy that it worked out. I just wanted to do a nice radio show that a family would love. When I grew up, people sat ‘round the radio. So I wanted to deliver good music and good thoughts. I had no expectation that it would last this long. I’m so lucky to have been able to do it for so long. It’s taken on a life of its own, and away we went.”
He mentions coming back on the air after the shutdown in 1997 as a remarkable memory. “That was an incredible evening. You could never re-create those emotions—or want to.” Beyond that, he feels grateful to have met people he describes as his musical heroes. “I’ve had them on the program. Everyone has been so kind and so generous with their time. And to work with Tom all these years, in the community, that’s been great. Supporting music across the province and across Canada, has been fantastic. Community is number one.”
We ask Donnelly for a wish for his audience, and his answer is both expected and perfect: “You are truly loved.”
Wishes for Andy Donnelly:
“Andy, you have been unsparing in your support of folk music throughout Alberta for many decades. That CKUA chose The Celtic Show on its return to the airwaves in 1997 is proof of the esteem you are held in. It is an honour to know you and thank you for all of your MC work at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Slainte, my friend and congratulations.” – Terry Wickham, Producer, Edmonton Folk Music Festival
“Andy, I liked Celtic music before I started listening to your show, but I had no idea of the depth of the genre. Thank you for these years of teaching and entertainment.” – Gary, CKUA listener from Calgary
“Andy Donnelly, my dear friend and colleague, happy 30th anniversary, and thank you so much for the magic and community you bring to the CKUA airwaves. I remember tuning in to The Celtic Show long ago. I was in my early 20s in my first basement suite apartment, my first place away from home. I felt welcomed, I felt safe, I felt included. I felt loved. And it got me hooked not only on having this beautiful community of fellow listeners and your beautiful voice and your beautiful song selections, but also it got me hooked on the power of radio to connect and inspire and be with people. Your show is essential and magical. It’s been a big part of my life and my work. The way you include everyone and the way you are friends with everyone you are speaking to through the airwaves has inspired me to try to do the same in in my own work.” – Amy van Keeken, CKUA host
“Congratulations to Andy! We found CKUA, and Andy, on a visit to Alberta shortly before we moved here in July of that year. Scan function on a rental car radio! Without Andy, we never would have discovered rock and roll bagpipes. Does it get any better?” – John, CKUA listener from Twin Butte
“I wanted to reach out and share my appreciation for The Celtic Show. It has been a wonderful way for me and my father to connect, and having common ground again is much appreciated. I’ve learned more about my family’s Celtic background (which I was unaware of) as a result of listening with my dad. Forever grateful for this program and for Andy’s fantastic accent. My dad listens live when he can in Reno, Alberta, every Sunday.” – Persephone Spurgeon, CKUA listener and staff-member on the Fund Development Team
“Andy, you are a treasure! I am so grateful for your voice, your programming and your beautiful community building on the airwaves with The Celtic Show for the past 30 years. As a musician, I am extremely grateful for your support and encouragement, and I know countless other artists who would say the same. As a dedicated listener and fan, I delight in the music, the joyful banter, the warmth and the kindness that you share — I feel that I am with family. Congratulations, my dear friend!” – Maria Dunn, JUNO-winning musician
Tune in to CKUA throughout the day on Friday, February 27 for a celebration of Andy Donnelly and The Celtic Show. You’ll hear well wishes from listeners, moments from past fundraisers, live shows from festivals, and more than a few unscripted moments!
Bonus Celtic Content (BCC): Folk Routes on Sunday, March 1 will feature some musical memories and interviews that include Andy.
