It’s that feeling. Walking into fresh air after an evening of transcendently good live music. Hearing a song over the airwaves that speaks directly to your soul. You’re invigorated and energized, like an elevated version of yourself. The possibilities of life feel endless.
Ah, inspiration. It’s such a good state of mind, such a spectacular feeling.
And we all need it. It nourishes the mind and the human spirit. CKUA is committed to bringing that to you, the listener, every day.
“We live in a world where musical choices are abundant,” says Leo Cripps, host of Discoveries. “Our listeners can find music on a multitude of streaming platforms but they choose to listen to CKUA. Why? They are inspired by what our hosts bring to them. The stories, the personal connections, the feel of ‘family,’ the choice of music and the sheer mutual respect for each other. In short, everything CKUA does is to inspire our listeners.”
Edmonton singer-songwriter Jessica Heine was introduced to CKUA in high school. “I thought, ‘this is incredible,’” she says. “A lot of my original inspiration for songwriting came from CKUA. To have this whole new world opened up to me was a gamechanger.”
Not only does CKUA bring the music and art to the ears and eyes of so many, our work to ignite creativity helps keep the arts sector of Alberta (and beyond!) stay strong.
It’s not easy to be an artist in this hyper-digital era and we often hear how much CKUA means to the artists we elevate.
“CKUA has been so supportive of me and so many artists,” says Albertan jazz artist Ellen Doty. “CKUA provides such a supportive environment for artists – for artists worldwide and especially in Alberta. It’s such an important part of our community.”
The work of CKUA ensures artists can not only survive but thrive. Our hosts connect audience to art. CKUA programming and interviews provide exposure, boosting the arts sector by helping to sell tickets, filling venues and keeping humans flocking to art events they might never have heard of otherwise.
“I have often said I owe my little career to CKUA,” says Lethbridge-based folk musician John Wort Hannam.
A strong arts sector is an essential component of a prosperous community. In 2023 we provided $710,000 in promotional value to artists and directly featured over 50 festivals and events. We played the music of over 3,000 Canadian and Albertan artists in the same year.
“We proudly support CKUA because it is relevant to the sustainability of the arts and culture community in Alberta (and beyond),” says Matthew Kramer, owner of Horizon Heating.
Inspiration keeps us all going, in both small and big ways.
“Whether a track gives you the energy to do your dishes, or helps you focus when you’re on the road, it’s that meaningful connection between us that matters,” says Shayne Giles, host of This Music Changed My Life. “In that moment, we might be worlds away, but we share that time together. CKUA is the soundtrack to my life, and through the music I hear, I’m inspired to try new things, new artists, new projects and techniques.”
CKUA brings so much truth, beauty and inspiration into our lives every day.
CKUA supports the musicians, artists, and arts sector that bring so much vibrancy into the world.
If you love what CKUA does for your spirit, donate now. Keep the inspiration alive.
CKUA’s Fall Fundraiser runs October 18 – 27. Tune in, and support CKUA by donating.
We gratefully acknowledge Alberta Blue Cross for their presenting sponsorship of the 2024 CKUA Fall Fundraiser. Alberta Blue Cross has been supporting Albertans’ health and wellness for over 75 years.
