You’re invited to tune in to On the Rise on Friday, May 9. It will be the last episode hosted by Dawn Pemberton. We’ve always known that she is a busy and talented musician, teacher, and director, so even though we’re sad to see her go, we understand the reasons behind her decision. She will, however, stay on as host of Get On the Good Foot, so CKUA listeners will still be able to hear her voice and enjoy her musical choices.
Pemberton has been hosting On the Rise since 2022. She loves the fact that the program celebrates new music. She says, “It’s important to have a place where people can look for new music, and see what’s happening with artists, specifically in Alberta. It has been an opportunity to showcase artists and albums.”
She remembers many fun and meaningful moments on the program. Few compare with telling an artist that their album is #1 on the CKUA Top 30 chart. “Oh man, that is my favourite thing,” says Pemberton. “Sharing that news, especially with emerging artists who are working so hard, is great. For them to have the recognition, that moment of affirmation, is so important.”
She recalls her conversation with Shaela Miller as a particularly memorable one. “There were a few weeks in a row when her album After the Masquerade was #1, and she was sharing a story about a friend who had passed away. It was so touching that we both ended up weeping in the interview. It was so vulnerable, but there was a moment of celebration as well. That was really lovely.”
Pemberton mentions CKUA’s Content Director, Arianne Smith-Piquette, and Library Assistant, Daniel Goodridge, as being central to the program’s reach as well. “The CKUA library is curated to highlight what’s new. The station does such a good job of seeking out and highlighting albums that are worth a listen. The amount of new music is staggering, so there’s always an opportunity to listen to new stuff!”
Dawn’s colleagues have glowing words about what it’s been like to share the On the Rise timeslot with her.
CKUA’s Production Services Supervisor, Brendan Cross, who served as producer of the original On the Rise broadcasts before taking on more of a co-hosting role, says, “We started OTR in the middle of the pandemic.” They were asked to create a Top 30 chart show that included interviews.
Cross says, “If my memory is correct, Dawn hadn’t even interviewed anyone before On the Rise started, but we believed in Dawn. It wasn’t a surprise to us that she was immediately a natural at the craft. The show was originally three hours long and required a lot of production: last-minute, late-night interview recording sessions, re-takes of voice overs, editing interview audio.”
He notes that Dawn had no trouble with these demands, despite her extremely busy schedule. He adds, “Not everyone can do what Dawn does. She’s is so open and kind, talented, and humble. You couldn’t ask for a better co-host, and you couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
Joe Hartfeil, who has co-hosted On the Rise with Dawn Pemberton since 2024, says, “As soon as I met Dawn, we were immediately co-hosts and friends. The conversations we had off the air while the music was playing are particularly special to me; I deeply appreciate the glimpses these chats have given me into her rich inner life and knack for oddball humour. I’ll always be your friend and fan, Dawn.”
Thank you, Dawn, for all you have done with this program!
Catch Dawn’s last episode of On The Rise on May 9, 1pm – 3pm MT.
After May 9, On the Rise will continue with Joe Hartfeil and guest co-hosts.
