Shivering Songs team up with three community/campus radio stations for two-part series airing May 16 and 23.

A new collaboration between Shivering Songs and campus/community radio stations throughout New Brunswick offer something different for audiences to enjoy.

Matt Carter

After organizers were forced to postpone plans for a traditional festival in 2021, Shivering Songs have partnered with three New Brunswick community/campus radio stations to share a couple of past performances and related festival content with audiences across the province.

“Admittedly, we’ve gathered a little differently this year,” said Festival co-organizer, Kyle Cunjak. “Whereas Shivering Songs had been one of the last festivals to operate in 2020, we were unable to meet-up this year for our annual January edition. Still, we wanted to find a way to celebrate Shivering Songs that didn’t involve a Zoom link, or even an internet connection. We’re really pleased to partner with campus/community radio stations throughout New Brunswick, to bring folks some of our favorite moments from festivals past.”

The Shivering Songs Radio Hour will take place over two programs planned for May 16 and 23, airing on CHSR 97.9 (Fredericton), Local 107.3 (Saint John), and CHMA 106.9 (Sackville). Both installments can also be live streamed via any of the station’s websites.

On May 16, listeners can enjoy Mount Eerie and Julie Doiron’s performance from 2020 along with local historian John Leroux’s presentation on the history of Wilmot United Church recorded in 2013. The following week will feature the songs and stories of Rose Cousins, Owen Steel, Mo Kenney and Royal Wood recorded live during the festival’s 2013 Songwriters and Storytellers event.

“It’s no secret that Shivering Songs has always been my favourite festival, so of course, CHSR jumped at the opportunity to support Shivering Songs through broadcasting two evenings of performances,” said CHSR Station Manager Erin Bond.

“The goal of community radio is to support and reflect the community it serves and give marginalized voices a platform,” she said. “Throughout the pandemic, we have watched many local festivals and music venues innovate how they have to operate, and we are thrilled that Shivering Songs reached out to CHSR to partner on this project. CHSR has supported local festivals for many years, whether through airing limited series’ like SappyRadio, hosting live on-air performances and interviews, offering up studio space, emceeing stages, and of course volunteering for any festival we can. Community radio is about building community, and hopefully, we’ll always be there to support one another.”