!earshot Top 200 of 2021

Folk, Bluegrass and Country - Small Towns and Big Dreams

Nancy McCormack and some friends in the
studio at CFRC 101.9FMThere are a lot more folk, bluegrass and country shows to be heard on community radio across Canada these days than you might expect. They may not get as much attention from the music press as some other genres but those who love them are passionate. Nancy McCormack is one of those people and she has found a way to share that passion on Kingston, Ontario’s CFRC Radio.

“I have a rule that I only play what I like,” says McCormack. “I don't play things merely because they are popular or trendy. That way, I'm having fun and enjoying the show. I think [it] works because people tell me that they listen faithfully and like my taste in music.” She started her show Small Towns and Big Dreams after talking to a friend who hosted a jazz program. Inspired, she signed up and has never looked back. “I absolutely love it.”

If you have to think of the things that give you joy in your life, I can't think of too many things higher up the list than music As a librarian at Queen’s University and a former English major, she tries to fit a little literary content into the show each week as well. Inspired by US public broadcaster Garrison Keillor, she reads a poem each week and talks a bit about the author. “There isn’t enough poetry anywhere in the world anymore,” she explains.

Music remains her passion, however. “I listen to music all the time,” McCormack says. “I often think I should be doing more reading, but music always comes first. If you have to think of the things that give you joy in your life, I can't think of too many things higher up the list than music.”

Small Towns and Big Dreams can be heard on Sunday mornings from 10 am to 12 noon on CFRC 101.9FM in Kingston, Ontario or online at www.cfrc.ca.

Check out Nancy picks and pans for 2005.

More folk, country and bluegrass shows across the land:

Freewheelin' Folk Show/Smokin'Bluegrass on CFMU 93.3FM in Hamilton, ON
Saturday from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. ET
Online at http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca

Bluegrass Fiesta on CHSR 97.9Fm in Fredericton, NB
Sunday from 7.A.M. to 8 A.M. AT
Online at www.unb.ca/chsr/home.html

Melodies in Mind on CJSF 90.1FM in Burnaby, BC
Tuesday 8 P.M. to 9 P.M. PT
Online at www.cjsf.ca

Pickin' and Grinnin' on CJLY 93.5FM in Nelson, BC
Saturday from 9A.M. to 12 P.M. PT
Online at www.ckuw.ca

For the Folk/Hardcore Country on CHRW 94.9 FM in London, ON
Wednesday from 8:30 P.M. to 12 A.M. ET
Online at www.chrw.com