What is Black History Month?
Let’s start by talking about what’s it’s not. It’s not a requirement or an empty gesture. It’s a celebration. At CKUA that means thinking about music and artistry in new ways. Appreciating the musicians we already know and love. Sharing music by some lesser-known artists. Inviting the community into conversation and appreciation. Here’s what’s planned for February!
Thursday, February 1
All Black artists 6am – 6pm
with a special feature on Dominique Fils-Aimé during Alberta Morning with host Grant Stovel, 6-9am
Saturday, February 3
Classical Connections with host Aaron Au, 6am – 8am
Learn about R. Nathaniel Dett, a Canadian-American composer, organist, pianist, choral director, and music professor.
Saturday, February 3
This Music Changed My Life with host Shayne Giles, 1pm – 2pm
Learn about Judi Singh, Edmonton’s own jazz songbird in the late 60s and the 70s.
Sunday, February 4
Sunday Breakfast with guest host Joe Hartfeil, 6am – 9am
Spend time with a few outstanding Black composers, including the trailblazing Chevalier de Saint-Georges and the prolific Florence Price, plus Fela Sowande‘s remarkable progression from the church to the jazz club to the concert hall.
Monday, February 5
Catch and Release with host Kerry Clarke, 6pm – 8pm
Dive into the life affirming music that is soul, born of the African-American experience that sprang from blues clubs, churches, and street corners where R&B, gospel and doo-wop rang out in chorus. Kerry explores the genre’s history, plus contemporary artists and sounds.
Monday, February 5 – Thursday, February 8
The Upload with host Kate Stevens, 11am – 1pm
Hear the work of pioneers of the Motown sound. Don’t forget the Motor City!
Wednesday, February 7
All Black artists 6am – 6pm
With a special feature with Shemekia Copeland and Dawn Tyler Watson during Discoveries with host Leo Cripps, 9 – 11am
Wednesday, February 7
Far Out with host Amy van Keeken, 6pm – 8pm
Amy’s got a playlist of all Black artists, including featured artist Amythyst Kiah.
Saturday, February 10
Classical Connections with host Aaron Au, 6am – 8am
Learn about British composer and conductor Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15
The Upload with host Kate Stevens, 11am – 1pm
Quincy Jones and other producers shape the sound of songs we know and love. Hear the work of some of the industry’s best.
Wednesday, February 14
Far Out with host Amy van Keeken, 6pm – 8pm
Amy’s got a playlist of all Black artists, including featured band Love, led by Arthur Lee.
Saturday, February 17
Classical Connections with host Aaron Au, 6am – 8am
William Grant Still was an American composer of nearly 200 works. Find out more about his symphonies and operas.
Monday, February 19 – Thursday, February 22
The Upload with host Kate Stevens, 11am – 1pm
Key figures in hip-hop are Kate’s focus this week, including Russell Simmons and Missy Elliott.
Wednesday, February 21
Far Out with host Amy van Keeken, 6pm – 8pm
Amy’s got a playlist of all Black artists, including featured artist Pharoah Sanders.
Friday, February 23
All Black artists 6am – 6pm
With a special feature during Traffic Jams with host Lisa Wilton, 3-6pm. Marcus “AllFace” Starks is a multi-talented artist whose career paths have included acting, modeling, MCing, singing, and songwriting. He’ll be Lisa’s guest in conversation, and with a live acoustic performance.
Saturday, February 24
Classical Connections with host Aaron Au, 6am – 8am
Hear from such musicians as Kaneh-Mason Family, Stewart Goodyear, Randall Goosby, Xavier Foley, Wynton Marsalis and many more.
Sunday, February 25
Bluegrass Hour with host Darcy Whiteside, 1pm – 2pm
Darcy’s got a playlist that celebrates Black artists in bluegrass, and old-time musicians.
Monday, February 26 – Thursday, February 29
The Upload with host Kate Stevens, 11am – 1pm
Key figures in Canadian music will fill Kate’s show this week. Hear music by contemporary artists and industry leaders.
Wednesday, February 28
Far Out with host Amy van Keeken, 6pm – 8pm
Amy’s got a playlist of all Black artists, including featured artist Sharon Jones.
Thursday, February 29
All Black artists 6am – 6pm
With a special program on writers and music, featuring the work of Titilope Sonuga, Esi Edugyan, and Michael Ondaatje during Thoroughfare with host Tony King, 1-3pm
