Some musical requests are singalong favourites, or heartfelt dedications. Other suggestions take us back to fundraisers of years past. There’s always a story behind the music. This week, CKUA’s hosts tell us their favourite fundraiser requests.
“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac
“My grandmother passed a couple months before my first fundraiser, and my mom requested I play ‘The Chain‘ in her memory. It was a beautiful moment for us both!” – Shayne Giles, host of This Music Changed My Life
“Smokes ‘n Chicken” by The Perpetrators
“This one pops up on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I like it because it has energy and it’s kitschy and unforgettable.” – Cam Hayden, host of Friday Night Blues Party
“In Spite of Ourselves” by John Prine & Iris DeMent
“I think a lot of folks can relate to this one, Martyn and I included. I always get multiple requests for it, as well as for John and Iris individually.” – Allison Brock, host of Wide Cut Country
“Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667” by Franz Schubert
“Someone always seems to request Schubert’s Trout Quintet at fundraiser. Such joyful and familiar music.” – Aaron Au, host of Classical Connections and From Stage to Screen
“Barrett’s Privateers” by Stan Rogers
“Stan Rogers brought people together from the Prairies to the East Coast. He could bear hug a large audience as he did at his last performance at the Edmonton Folk Festival. ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ could also be seen as a holler against the hard jobs with few rewards.” – Tom Coxworth, host of Folk Routes
“Try” by Blue Rodeo
“Blue Rodeo always shows up. Its Jim’s selling of the song. You know he loves to sing it as much as we love to hear it.” – Terry David Mulligan, host of Mulligan Stew
“Mundo Nuevo” by Alex Cuba
“Alex Cuba is the one artist that is always requested and one that is a must-play.” – Leo Cripps, host of Discoveries
“Cows With Guns” by Dana Lyons
“It’s gotta be this one. It’s a bit twisted by definition…” – Baba, host of Mid Morning Mojo
“Call Me” by Blondie
“For my show, I feel like the first hour always sees requests for William Prince and John Prine, and the second hour always has requests for Blondie and The Sadies. I’m happy to play all of ’em, every time.” – Keri Rak, host of The Wake-Up Shake-Up
“All Together” by Dougie MacLean
“It’s always a big listener favourite!” – Andy Donnelly, host of The Celtic Show
“Phonetic Punctuation” by Victor Borge
“The Great Dane’s comedic solution for better comprehending spoken English.” Oskar Zybart, host of In Our Neighbourhood, The Score, and Maestri
CKUA relies on donor support to keep the music playing. Will you become a monthly donor today, and make your musical request?
