a re-print from “The Record”
I remember when I was young, full of beans and ready to conquer the world. It’s somewhat bizarre that fifty years later I still feel the same. Has anything changed? To tell you the truth, I don’t think so.
Some crazy rock-band thing captured my heart a long time ago, and then came this radio project, CIDI 99.1 FM. I can remember being in my bunk bed listening to my crystal radio set and staring at the ceiling when I was just ten years old, dreaming of becoming a singer on the radio. Why?
It only stands to reason that music and radio belong together. The thing I don’t understand is why I should have imagined myself in this scenario as a child. Is it possible that I have some kind of mysterious attraction and innate connection to the world of broadcasting and performance as well as music? Possibly in a past-life experience. Oh boy, can I say that?
Talking about past lives can be like stepping on a landmine. But, for a large percentage of people living in the earth today it’s as common as catching a cold. Why is the divide between peoples’ philosophies so large? Probably for the same reason our tastes in music are varied. I think I’ll turn on the radio.
As usual, CIDI gives us variety. For example, Teen Life, hosted by Massey Vanier High School student David McGovern brings us a demographic slice of life not often heard on the radio, every Saturday and Monday at 5 p.m. The Burning Bush from the Hall of Flame (Ralf Bushenbaum) captures the best popular music in rock, country and blues every Friday from seven to nine p.m. and Tuesday night from nine to eleven, while Gordon Cameron’s Dufur Mountain Bluegrass show plays nothing but the best bluegrass music every Monday at 7 p.m. and Wednesday at 9 p.m..
It is now possible to stream CIDI live on the internet at rcmmedia.org, for those of you who aren’t yet able to tune in to the actual station until we manage to get a more powerful transmitter. We’re working on it, hang in there! In the meantime, you can listen to us on your computer if you can. We have traditional shows, community events and interviews, and some really different stuff as well. Check out “Planet Daddio” for example, which is currently beaming down to our little station in Knowlton from Mars, according to the host of the show, Robert Atyeo. Give it a listen on Friday night at 9 pm, Sunday night at 10 pm, and Tuesdays at 11pm. What a strange experience. We never know what planet he’ll be coming from next. Love it!
The world has changed actually, but only in the sense that we as people have bought into different systems of having our services and consumer products distributed. Where things are still the same is in our need to be fulfilled, to have our dreams realized. It could be said that people today are having a hard time feeling good about themselves, simply because they don’t understand who they are.
Radio, like other products and services shouldn’t be made to sound and look the same across the continent. We’re all different. That’s the way it is and the way it should be.
Being who we are is CIDI, lots of great shows, lots of wonderful hosts and terrific volunteers. Give us a listen, send us your comments and suggestions, we always want to hear from you all and play the stuff you want to hear.
Wishing a very happy and fabulous Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there, you deserve it. Have a good one! And by the way, my mother’s first name was Christle, Happy Mother’s Day wherever you are.
Maurice and Tanya Singfield are Radio Communautaire Missisquoi volunteers. Tel: 450-242-9873 / 1-888-539-2098
