Welcome to River Valley Sessions! Recorded live every Wednesday evening at Edmonton’s Dogpatch Bistro Pub, it’s a new series in which local musician, producer, and DJ Aladean Kheroufi takes you on a journey with the help of CKUA.
It’s a collaboration between CKUA and Edmonton’s River Valley Co., designed to shine light on the many hidden gems within the CKUA library. Hand-picking vinyl records from the library, Kheroufi spins 90 minute sets, creating an eclectic mix of music, all on wax.
“It’s whatever I think is the right mood, stuff that has a heavy sense of groove in it, soul leaning, African music, a lot of reggae,” he says.
Having a live DJ on site creates an of-the-moment musical experience.
“There’s a misconception that going to see a DJ is a big party,” says Kheroufi. “But it’s a listening environment, you’re having a mellow meal, you’re having some drinks, and the music is an educational experience, opening your mind.”
Production intern Brett Holden agrees. “It feels retro, and vintage, when you see the vinyl. And it’s happening at a cool, good restaurant, too.”
If you’re thinking, “Well, this does me no good, I’m not in Edmonton,” take heart! River Valley Sessions are not limited to the physical space. You can also tune in every Saturday at midnight when that week’s session is played on CKUA. And lastly, watch the River Valley Co,’s YouTube videos, sharing the sessions interspersed with vignettes showing Edmonton’s vibrancy and natural beauty.
“It’s a way to collaborate with our neighbours who are excited to find a way to share the treasures that CKUA has with a new audience,” says Arianne Smith-Piquette, CKUA’s interim content director.
To choose the music, Kheroufi heads to CKUA’s Edmonton headquarters on a regular basis to sift through the endless stacks of records in the basement library. “It’s kind of like browsing in a record store,” he says. “The most fun part is just going through and finding something I might not know myself. I’ll pepper in a few records from my own collection but the point is using this amazing extensive collection that CKUA has.”
He adds, “I grew up in Edmonton so CKUA has been a part of my life, my entire life. It just feels really nice, really special to be closer to it and be a part of it.”
Here’s how to get in on the fun:
Live
Dogpatch Bistro Pub
dogpatchyeg.ca
10158 90 Street, Edmonton
Every Wednesday night, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
On CKUA
Saturdays, Starting March 30, 2024
Midnight – 1:30 am
Or OnDemand for one week after each broadcast: ondemand.ckua.com
On YouTube
www.youtube.com/@EdmontonRiverValley
Also, Grant Stovel will be in conversation with our collaborators from River Valley Sessions, just after 8:30am on Thursday, March 28’s edition of Alberta Morning.
Learn more about River Valley Sessions:
