By Garry Moir
Winnipeg’s nostalgia radio station is celebrating a birthday. Community radio CJNU turns 20 this year. To kick off celebrations, the station is staging a Night of Nostalgia…a variety concert featuring music, dance, comedy and memories.
“We promise a night where everything old is new again,” says Garry Moir, who is helping organize and promote the event. “Winnipeg has some fabulous talent, and we intend to showcase it, because that’s what community radio does.”
The all-star lineup features a women’s quintet known as the Nostalgics, Broadway classics, the St. Charles Big Band and special guest artist…Juno Award winner Joey Gregorish. Also on hand will be “George and Gracie”, whose comedy routine was a smash hit at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
“Who knows, Groucho Marx might even put in an appearance,” says Moir. “It will be a night of surprises.”
CJNU General Manager Adam Glynn says the event will also be a chance to say thank you to the radio station’s loyal supporters over the past two decades. “We want this to be a gift for our listeners and supporters. It will also give us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our pioneers who launched the radio station 20 years ago.”
CJNU is also promising nostalgic pricing for the event. The cost of a ticket is just $25.
“The Night of Nostalgia” concert will be held at the Gas Station Arts Centre at River and Osborne, on Saturday, October 17, at 7 pm…rush seating.
Tickets can be obtained by going to the CJNU website or by calling 204-774-3190. Website tickets may be purchased with credit card…telephone tickets by cash or e-transfer.
If available, tickets may also be purchased at the door, cash only. CJNU can trace its roots back to 1995 when CKVN radio went on the air for a few days, bringing back memories and music of World War II. The station proved to be so popular that it continued broadcasting on a month-by-month basis.
While there were many twists and turns along the road, the station eventually evolved into a fully licensed operation known as Nostalgia Broadcasting Co-operative. CJNU was granted a community license in October 2006 and went on the air in December of that year.
You can contact Garry Moir at 204-774-3190
Ed Note: Garry Robertson, who revived the original attempt to make the station a staple on the air in Winnipeg, would be so pleased to see how far it has come. He passed away August 3, 2012, but as his obituary noted, “…he saw the establishment of CJNU as a permanent spot on the radio dial. He was truly delighted to be a part of this, and his contributions were recognized when he became an honorary board member of the station” just before he passed away. Please raise a toast to Garry at the reunion. – Dorothy
