It was a year ago, January 2025, when we announced changes to the CKUA schedule. Included in those changes were the launches of six new programs: Very Early Music, Julian Taylor’s Jukebox, The Cookbook, This Just In, The Wild Card, and Wax & Wane.
The new programs were introduced after a listener survey that invited audience feedback and input. Content Director Arianne Smith-Piquette said, “We considered the overall flow of each day of programming for consistency and momentum.”
A year later, we have trouble imagining the CKUA week without these unique and eclectic programs. Each host has a distinctive voice and perspective, and these programs have reached new audiences. We checked in with these hosts to look back and look forward.
Lark Clark, host of Very Early Music, marked the first anniversary with the special music. Clark says, “I want to thank everyone who has helped launch Medieval and Renaissance music into a regular CKUA orbit. This is music you rarely hear elsewhere, even among the many genres represented on CKUA.” Clark shared music she loved discovering over the past year, including pieces by Hildegard von Bingen and Bach.
Very Early Music 1st anniversary program
OnDemand
Jasmine Vickaryous, host of The Wild Card, says that hosting donated hours has been a highlight over the past year. She also enjoys hearing from listeners who reach out to share stories or kind comments about the music. “More than anything, I’ve loved discovering new tunes and getting to share them with the CKUA community.”
As for the future, she says, “I want to keep digging deeper, more musical discoveries, more classics, and more new tracks. I’d also love to explore artist features and spend some time diving into the history of country music.”
Vickaryous says her anniversary celebration show will include a look back at some of the standout tunes from the first year of the show. She says, “You’ll hear some real barnburners that made their way onto the playlist. Expect a mix of classics alongside some of the best releases from 2025.”
The Wild Card 1st anniversary program
Friday, January 30, 6pm – 7pm MT
Joe Hartfeil, host of Wax & Wane, says that his highlight of the past year was hearing Allison Russell share a spirited reading of “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll during a conversation at Edmonton Folk Music Festival. He also loved interviewing Julianna Riolino and Jennifer Castle.
Looking ahead, Hartfeil says, “Earlier in my career, David Ward generously spent some time reviewing my on-air work and picked up on a latent theatricality he didn’t feel I was putting to sufficient use. I do have a background in the theatre and feel that the next year of Wax & Wane will present a wonderful opportunity to bring that more to the surface. I also hope to learn and share much more about Luna herself.”
During his anniversary celebration program, Hartfeil will welcome two guests. Frank Florian of Telus World of Science will offer conversation and music about the moon in the first hour. In the second hour, CKUA’s own Tom Coxworth will shine a spotlight on folk music haunting, haunted, wayward, and wild.
Wax & Wane 1st anniversary program
Friday, January 30, 7pm – 9pm MT
Julian Taylor’s Jukebox is an award-winning syndicated radio show that has fit right in on CKUA’s weekend schedule. Host Julian Taylor offers a mix of soul, folk, hip hop, pop, rock, country, blues, R&B, reggae and everything in between. When asked to reflect on the past year, Taylor says, “Wait… wow. Has it really been a year already? Time has flown. It is such an honor and a privilege to be part of the CKUA family. In my book, this is easily one of the best stations in the world—a place that truly cares about sharing incredible music with listeners here in Canada and across the whole global community. I’m so stoked to hit this milestone. Huge thanks to everyone for the support and for tuning in!”
Julian Taylor’s Jukebox 1st anniversary program
Sunday, February 1, 7pm – 10pm MT
Jeff Kynoch, host of The Cookbook, will celebrate his program’s one-year anniversary with an all-vinyl playlist. He’ll spin choice cuts from his own personal record collection which includes some rarities and first pressings of some classic jazz records. Kynoch says, “The connection and conversations with CKUA listeners over the past year has been fantastic, and makes putting the show together every week so fun.” In the future, The Cookbook is going to continue to shine the spotlight on jazz music that’s “off the beaten path.” Kynoch says. “My goal is to explore and bring even more new, interesting sounds to listeners’ ears, as well as interviews and live performances.”
The Cookbook 1st anniversary program
Thursday, February 5, 8pm – 10pm MT
Amy van Keeken, host of This Just In, loves talking new music with guests. Over the past year, she’s spoken with artists, CKUA hosts, and CKUA’s library assistant (whom she calls the “library wizard”) Daniel Goodridge. For her anniversary celebration show, she’ll welcome CKUA’s Tony King. He’ll join Amy with some new release picks and fun. The text line will be open and Amy’s looking forward to connecting with listeners, live on a Friday morning.
This Just In 1st anniversary program
Friday, February 6, 9am – 11am MT
