A CBC journalist is looking to get some chatter going in Okotoks during a live broadcast at the local performing arts centre.
Russell Bowers is hosting a version of Daybreak Alberta called Daybreak@Night featuring singer/songwriter Tanya Ryan, acclaimed photographer George Webber and aboriginal writer and speaker Walter McDonald White Bear at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Those unable to make it to the show can tune into Daybreak Alberta weekends from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on CBC Radio One at 99.1 FM or listen online at cbc.ca/calgary
In the past year Bowers has brought the program to Banff, Lethbridge, Grand Prairie, Calgary and Edmonton.
“I work out of Calgary and my whole show is provincial so I thought it would be fun to take the show out of the office,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to not be this remote sound or this remote person on a radio. The idea is sometimes it’s fun to be in front of people and let them see how you make radio. People seem to find it interesting.”
Bowers said the show is an opportunity to bring communities to the rest of the province.
Foothills singer/songwriter Tanya Ryan said she plans to perform a couple songs she’s been working on, as well as some old favourites like Almost Famous – about the pains and struggles of being an artist.
The country singer plans to talk about some of her upcoming projects, including songwriting sessions in Nashville and recording this year, as well as her experiences as a certified yoga instructor.
Ryan said this will be her first time on the radio with a live audience.
Webber will talk about his upcoming exhibition Simply Put: Vernacular Alberta, which will be featured in the Okotoks Art Gallery next month.
The exhibition is a collection of colour photographs of architecture from 1979 to 2012 like service stations, water towers and drive-in theaters, as well as unique signage throughout small Alberta communities.
Next week’s interview will be a different experience for Webber who, instead of being in a studio, will be before a live audience.
“Having an audience present for me always enhances the experience and helps me with my storytelling,” he said.
He often gives presentations to high school and post secondary school students.
“It’s more interesting than speaking in the studio,” Webber said. “When you have other folks around it makes it more real and fun for me to do. There is more energy in the room.”
There is no cost to attend the broadcast, yet tickets must be obtained at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/daybreaknight-in-okotoks-tickets-30967945960
