Radio Free Kaslo — with host RG Morse: Recent Episodes
RG Morse
Host RG Morse delivers news, musings — and music from Alpine Nirvana, aka Kaslo, British Columbia, a tiny, ridiculously picturesque village situated on the shores of fjord-like Kootenay Lake.
Live from Buddy's Pizza!
Here's a selection from Kootenay Co-op Radio's first-ever attempt at a live broadcast, from Kaslo's venerable pie + music hangout, Buddy's. Featuring John Cathro, Buddy's co-owner Aaron Mathers, and music by Gabriel Palatchi, members of the Mountain Weather Band, and Andrew Mathers.
It wasn't perfect, but the scene was warm and inviting, everyone had fun — can there be more live broadcasts looming?!
On today's show host Randy Morse spins his own tunes, including:
- Let's get naked in the Kootenays
- Open landscapes
- Africa bound
- The meadow
- It's up to you
And a performance of Warren Zevon's Carmelita, featuring the short-lived but always entertaining band, The Spotted Owls, recorded live in Kaslo's historic Langham Theatre on Canada Day, 2019. Enjoy!
Lots of summer music today, from Yo Yo Mah to Sabrina Carpenter; from Cara Luft to RFK host Randy Morse. Plus a complete rundown of the upcoming (July 30 — August 2) Kaslo Block Party. Enjoy!
On today's show, Waterproof Tonight, the world's silliest late-night TV talkshow (the pilot was filmed in Kaslo) is set for a revival. Work is underway to produce a series based on Link Lafleur, Max Morgenstein, and their wacky attempt to put tiny Waterproof, British Columbia on the map — and perhaps save Canada in the process!
On Saturday, July 4 in Houston, Canada takes on heavily favoured Morocco in a Round of 16 World Cup match. The men's soccer team has never made it this far before. Do they have any chance at winning?
Speaking of the Fourth of July, RFK host Randy Morse bumps into two visiting Americans at the bar at Kaslo's Buddy's Pizza, and has a chat about... well, listen in and find out!
On today's show, Shakespeare rolls in to Kaslo with an extended run at the venerable Langham Theatre of one of the Bard's great comedies, As You Like It. Then host Randy Morse eavesdrops on the laughter and non-stop reminiscing among five women who have been friends since their school days in Kansas — four of whom travelled thousands of kilometres to visit their Kaslo-based pal, Janet Mayfield.
If you are a soccer fan; if you love your country; if you plan on watching Canada's first match in the 2026 World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina, you'll definitely want to listen to today's show!
Juno award winning singer-songwriter-musician Cara Luft is that rare artist steeped in folk and traditional roots music almost from birth, yet willing to alter the fabric, stretch the boundaries and fearlessly bend genres and styles. A founding member of Canadian folk super-group The Wailin' Jennys and the brainchild behind Winnipeg's acclaimed powerhouse duo The Small Glories, Cara deserves her solid reputation as one of Canada’s finest live performers, armed with amazing tenacity, vision, energy and a contagious hilarity. To quote the roots magazine No Depression, “Luft has a rich tradition in folk music – it’s safe to assume that she knows her stuff – and upon listening it becomes quite clear that she is indeed a formidable songwriter and performer... [The] lovely Ms. Luft sets the bar for the talented few who’ll follow in her footsteps.”
Cara was recently in Kaslo, for an amazing concert (accompanied by the uber-talented, Cranbrook-based Clayton Parsons), and to celebrate a dear friend's birthday. RFK host Randy Morse sat down with Cara the morning after the show at Kaslo's Blue Belle Bistro to chat about her new album, the forthcoming My Heart Will Always Be, her first solo effort in over 13 years.
As thunderstorms keep rolling through our region, accompanied by flood warnings and evacuations, the theme of today's show is.... rain.
(With a final tip of the RFK hat to newlyweds Katie & Doug, who had the great good taste to decide to get married today at Fletcher's Falls)!
Today's show includes conversations with young & old participants in Kaslo's venerable May Days parade, and a stroll along a sketchy stretch of the Kaslo River that could become our only access to lovely South Beach, if a developer has his way.
On today's show, host Randy Morse wanders around Kaslo (and down to the beach), checking out buskers on Front Street, the uber-cool new Mexican restaurant, Taqueria Tiburon, and a lovely trio of side-by-side shops selling fresh-cut flowers, wares by local & regional craftspeople, artists and artisans, plus fabulous vintage clothing (Jewel + Joy, and Honeybucket Vintage). He then stumbles upon Craig Tucker. Craig and his wife, Cindy, are opening Fletcher's Chill, 10 minutes south of Kaslo across Highway 31 from the Fletcher's Falls turnout — a great spot to pull over, grab a submarine and a milkshake before wandering down to the spectacular falls & beach! The next morning, he and the dogs stroll down to Kootenay Lake, where they encounter a group of swimmers, a log raft, and some novel ideas on what to do with it.
Ahh, life in Alpine Nirvana.
On today's show, host Randy Morse visits Kaslo's very own (possibly superior) version of Muscle Shoals — Propel Studios — and chats with musician and founder Marty Lynch, and audio engineer Hunter Stanway. The hills — or in this case, the mountains — are alive with the sound of music!
British Columbia's West Kootenay region is rife with musical talent. Intriguing musicians, many of them not well known, are seemingly everywhere.
Allie Kane is one of them. And now, thanks to a grant from Columbia Basin Trust, and the support of the Langham Cultural Society and Propel Recording Studios, Allie and her band, Allie Kane & the Local Legends, have hit the studio at Propel.
Working with sound engineer Hunter Stanway, she and the group have crafted some intriguing songs, available on Bandcamp. On today's show, host Randy Morse sits around the Radio Free Kaslo kitchen table and has a conversation with Allie, and bandmate Greg Brown.
Missed an show? Every episode of Radio Free Kaslo is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Buzzsprout.
"It is with books as it is with libraries: a few good ones make all the difference."
— Voltaire
There aren't a lot of villages with a population of barely 1,000 that can boast of its own public library.
Let alone a really good one.
Kaslo is an exception.
On today's show, host Randy Morse visits Kaslo's 21st century information hub (situated in a decidedly 19th century building), and has a lively conversation with library director Darlene Edwards and trustee Hilary Schroeder.
Live long enough and... you'll become, well, old. You know. An elder. A senior.
Turns out roughly a third of us who live in Kaslo and the North Kootenay Lake region fall into that category.
It's a time of life that brings with it both blessings and curses, opportunities and challenges.
With that in mind, a truly useful-sounding expo is happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Kaslo Legion called AGING TOGETHER. Offering us a chance to wander around and learn about the amazing array of organizations and services that are available to us, all of them designed to help folks age with as much grace, comfort, and dignity as possible.
Kaslo Community Services Co-Director Patrick Steiner provides a helpful rundown of what to expect this Saturday.
On Saturday, April 11 (2PM at Castlegar's Brilliant Cultural Centre), five outstanding musical acts will take to the stage.
They include two outstanding choirs, Castlegar's Family of Friends Doukhobor Choir and Nelson's Cottonwood Singers, ukulele-wielding singers extraordinaire Jasmine Popoff & Julie Johnson ("Pretty Notes"), Nelson-based band APB&J... and Gates.
Gates, headed by Tasha Taylor — formerly of the acclaimed pop-rock band LILLIX — and Tamara Umlah, former front woman of the alt-pop project, Familia — will knock you out with their soulful, retro-inspired R&B. Tasha and Tamara write and produce songs that draw on the timeless warmth of classic soul and rhythm & blues, creating a sound that is, as they describe it, “as heartfelt as it is holy — worshipful, honest, and full of hope.
Five of their songs are featured on today's show — enjoy!
As the world continues to spiral down into anger, distrust, and war, there are some voices among us who speak out against the madness. Who remind us there is another way of being, a path lined with kindness, empathy, and love.
Voices like Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert, who gently, thoughtfully suggest that in times like these, we must find ways to remind ourselves of how much we have in common. Of the importance of recognizing that all of us clinging to this small blue orb, hurtling through the cosmos, are as one.
The founders of the non-profit Global Symphony for a United World share the story of how they met, their art and writing, and the upcoming Global Symphony concert, slated for April 11, 2 PM at Castlegar's Brilliant Cultural Centre, with Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse.
A conversation with Cottonwood Singers conductor Noemi Kiss, and Family Of Friends Doukobor Choir conductor Jasmine Popoff.
Both outstanding BC community choirs will be performing together at “Global Symphony,” a concert organized by the Slocan Valley-based non-profit, World Symphony for a United World.
Saturday, April 11, 2 PM, at Castlegar’s Brilliant Cultural Centre. Admission by donations, kids under 12 and seniors free.
Lennart Lovecraft Larsson was a dog.
He had long, very white fur with large black eye patches and long, lynx-like ears with tufts of hair at the ends. One eye was brown, the other blue. He was the size of a Labrador retriever, loved howling at passing ambulances, and was hypoallergenic. He enjoyed peeing on fire hydrants, chasing cats, and barking at strangers. He was smart, mischievous, and loyal to a fault.
And, oh yes, he was a lifelong Democrat.
‘How might this be?’ you may ask.
Well, to be clear, Lennart hadn’t always been a canine. No, for much of his life he had been L.L. Larsson, son of Rachel Slovic, a nice Jewish girl from Lincoln Park, a leafy neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, and Lars Larsson, a Swedish graduate student from the lovely village of Leksand, in the historic Dalecarlia region, working on his PhD in political science at the University of Chicago....
On today's show, host Randy Morse reads Chapter 12 from his novel-in-progress, The Man Who Became a Dog.
Lennart, newly arrived at Quirk Press, a boutique publishing house in Manhattan, has dinner with the firm's editor-in-chief, Zelda Gibbons.
What do you do when you're a radio host and the power suddenly goes out?
I was faced with this dilemma yesterday. So I decided to grab a hand-held recorder, leave the studio, wander down to the beach, then stroll back via Kaslo's Front Street and simply describe what I was seeing.
If you've never been to our fair village, this is a nice introduction to one of — if not the — loveliest small towns in the country. If you do live here, or are a frequent visitor, it's always nice to be reminded what a great place this is.
(And be sure to send this to friends and family, to give them a small taste of what they're missing)!
On today's show, host Randy Morse chats with members of Oh Pray Tell — Shayna Jones, Sally Titasey, and Betty Supple, mothers all — a British Columbia-based band that has just released its first EP — the self-titled Oh Pray Tell — a beautifully crafted, haunting 4-song compilation.
Featuring gorgeous three-part harmonies woven with banjo, stomp-clap-Cajon rhythms, and spoken word, rooted in Gospel, rhythm & blues, folk traditions, and poetic storytelling, the EP moves from hush and swell, to ritual and release.
Band members talk about how they came together, and introduce each EP track —
- The Rain It Falls
- Come In,
- Poor Black Woman Blues
- I'm Done
If you've ever listened to an album you love, and wondered what the artists were thinking when they wrote and recorded it, you're not going to want to miss this show!
As a trio of three mothers, our lived experiences shape the music
Unlike the Prairies and much of Eastern Canada, the winter of 2026 has — at least so far — been relatively mild down here by the shores of fjord-like Kootenay Lake.
Ah, but that doesn't keep the hardy, outdoor-loving denizens of the tiny mountain village of Kaslo from flocking to Winter in the Forest, held every Family Day (in February, for those of you unfamiliar with the holiday), at the Kaslo Aerodrome.
This year, Mother Nature decided to go along with the general theme of the event, providing a steady fall of snow to ensure that no attendee wondered if it was actually Spring.
Host Randy Morse wandered around, doing his best to stay warm — no easy feat, given his gloveless hand holding a recorder — chatting with folks as they enjoyed the festivities. Subjects ranged from soup to wildlife; from tourism to housing.
Listen in, and enjoy!
Our village punches way above its weight class when it comes to smart, creative — and dogged — citizens, willing to go the extra mile in contributing to Kaslo's well-being.
With that in mind, here's an intriguing conversation with tech whiz and seniors healthcare advocate, Tyler Dobie.
On today's show, a conversation with Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce Administration Manager, Alana Jenkins, along with Chamber member, Kaslo Building Supply's Jeff Davie. We chat about what they love about Kaslo, its virtues, its challenges — and a bit of business!
With music provided by Shred Kelly and Bachman Turner Overdrive.
A musical tribute to my dear friend, Lynn van Deursen, on the occasion of her 65th birthday.
With apologies to Lennon & McCartney!
Today's show is dedicated to the people of Minneapolis.
Featuring a new song, The Streets of Minneapolis, by Bruce Springsteen, and classics by two towering Minnesota musical geniuses, Prince and Bob Dylan.
Anne Malik is a prairie transplant who racked up corporate experience in Toronto before fleeing back West. She loves to garden, and always finds time to engage with local civic issues. Kaslo’s sewer system has been under her eagle eye for years.
Anne's husband, Vladimir Malik (aka Laddie), hails from the former Czechoslovakia. He’s a jack of all trades who has worn many hats, and at one time hosted the most charming coffee house in Kaslo. Laddie doesn’t let an obstacle stand in his way from moving forward.
Russell Precious grew up in Vancouver and graduated from UBC and UC
Berkeley. A BC organic pioneer and natural foods entrepreneur, Russell most recently developed the Nelson Commons project, and designed and oversaw Nelson's new Kootenay Co-op. A Kootenay resident for nearly 40 years, the last three in Kaslo, Russell considers this his ultimate home base.
Host Randy Morse sat down for coffee and a a lively conversation with Anne, Laddie, and Russell recently at the Maliks' lovely home across the street from Kaslo's historic SS Moyie.
There's an assumption that everyone in a small town knows what everyone (else) is thinking.
Like most assumptions, this one has some serious holes in it.
That certainly became evident during last year's controversy surrounding the (ongoing) saga on the fate of Kaslo's South Beach.
What do locals really think about their village? What do they appreciate about their home town? What do they wish would change? What do they hope remains as it is?
Host Randy Morse sets out to answer these questions through a series of conversations with local residents over the course of 2026. In this first instalment, recorded live at Kaslo's Blue Belle Bistro, he sits down over a coffee with BC Rural Centre Executive Director and Kootenay Lake Historical Society Chair, Sarah Sinclair, together with Historical Society Treasurer and SS Moyie Project Manager, Kit Ashenhurst, for a lively conversation on their views of the place they call home.
Enjoy!
On today's show, host Randy Morse muses on the need for more "compassionate competence" in the world as he walks along the Kootenay Lake beach in Kaslo with his dogs. He tosses in some new year's poetry, a little woodchopping, and an all-Canadian playlist by artists that include Caribou, The Fugitives, Bruce Cockburn, and the one-and-only Guy Lombardo & the Royal Canadians!
The first show of the new year finds host Randy Morse musing on 2025, and includes a moving essay by Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert, a suggestion that we measure the passage of time all wrong, courtesy of Justin R. Joffe, and some suitably seasonal songs by Loreena McKennitt.
Happy 2026!
Here's a look back — waaay back — featuring family matriarch Charlotte Morse, and Sue & Merle Williamson. Recorded on September 13, 2022, in Portland, Oregon.
This recording is especially dedicated to Charlotte's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Listen — and learn!
On today's show, host Randy Morse and pal Harel Challmie wander down to the Kaslo Adventure Store on Christmas Eve, to sing some carols and chat with co-owner Daphne and some patrons. Happy Holidays!
Today's show features a conversation with Hilary Schroeder, director of the Kaslo Library Association's production of A Christmas Carol, a theatrical reading by local spoken-word actors at the venerable Langham Theatre, as well as an inside look at Kaslo Food Hub's Christmas hamper program, and a performance by Kaslo's Kuimba Choir from the ensemble's recent Songs for a Winter's Night concert, recorded at Kaslo's historic St. Andrew's church.
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Solstice, and a very Merry Christmas to you all!
For 182 years and counting, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, has touched the hearts of generations around the world.
On Friday, December 19, 7 PM at Kaslo's historic Langham Theatre, the Kaslo & District Public Library's New Library Project is hosting a theatrical reading of Dickens' immortal seasonal story of redemption.
Randy Morse, host of Kootenay Co-op Radio's long-running Radio Free Kaslo, sat down with the show's director, Hilary Schroeder, to chat about Dickens, the story, and the upcoming event.
Tickets @ $20 at Sunnyside Naturals, and the Kaslo & District Public Library
The holidays are upon us.
Here in tiny (but oh-so lovely) Kaslo, we've put the Christmas Market at the Canadian Legion and the Lightup Parade down Front Street behind us.
Next up?
On today's show, host Randy Morse reminds listeners that Songs for a Winter's Night, Kaslo's Kuimba Choir's holiday concerts, happen Friday December 12, at 7 PM, and Sunday December 14, at 2 PM — both at St. Andrew's United Church. Tickets available at Sunnyside Naturals and at the door.
He ventures west to the snowy Slocan Valley, where he visits the annual Linden Lanes Farm Christmas Fair, and chats with the third generation farmer who makes it happen.
Then he heads north, to Argenta, to a magical workshop where craftspeople and artisans are building gigantic, fire-breathing wooden dragons.
And finally, he sits down with Hilary Schroeder for a conversation focussed on the most famous holiday story in the English language. Hilary is directing a dramatic reading featuring over a dozen locals, of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the venerable Langham Theatre on Friday, December 19, at 7 PM. Tickets available at Sunnyside Naturals and the Kaslo library.
Throw in holiday-centric songs by brilliant Canadian artists Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt, and Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and you have a half-hour of seasonal listening guaranteed to get you in a celebratory state of mind — and heart!
There aren't many tiny, isolated mountain villages that can boast of having a vibrant, long-running community choir like Kaslo's Kuimba!
Come and join your friends & neighbours for the annual Kuimba Choir holiday concert — Songs for a Winter's Night — this Friday, December 12th, 7PM at Kaslo's historic St. Andrew's United Church, and/or this Sunday, December 12th, 2PM, also at St. Andrew's.
Tickets are available at Kaslo's Sunnyside Naturals, or (if there are any left!), at the door.
Come join your friends & neighbours, and usher in the festive season in style!
A team of intrepid artists, artisans, and craftspeople, tucked away in the forest in Argenta, British Columbia, are creating astonishing — and very large — wooden sculptures, all of them ultimately destined to go up in flames. Metaphors for the fleeting nature of life? Or simply really cool sh*t? Or perhaps both? You be the judge!
Winter is here. And for those of us who live in Kaslo, British Columbia that means a Kuimba Choir concert must be just around the corner!
Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse sits down with Kuimba conductor Tamara Sunsong for a conversation that covers Tamara's musical background, and some of the highlights of the choir's upcoming Songs for a Winter's Night performances at Kaslo's St. Andrew's United Church, Friday December 12 (7 PM), and Sunday December 14 (2 PM).
Enjoy!
Lennart muses about what it might be like to be a dog; he muses on what it takes to be a man; he meets alluring English librarian Delilah Freemantle.
Enjoy!
On today's show, American Thanksgiving and Chapter Nine of The Man Who Became a Dog are featured. Enjoy!
On today's show, a conversation with Zia Fehrenbach about the upcoming Kootenay Roots Artists Showcase, and Chapter 8 of The Man Who Became a Dog,
Enjoy!
A conversation with Zia Fehrenbach, Program Manager at Kaslo's Langham Cultural Centre and organizer of the upcoming Kootenay Roots Emerging Artists Showcase (Saturday, November 22, 7 PM at the Langham Theatre).
On today's show, how to help save a brave and indispensable weekly newspaper, The Valley Voice, and Chapter Seven of the RG Morse novel-in-progress, The Man Who Became a Dog.
On today's show, host Randy Morse muses on the role the arts could play in rural revitalization, and reads Chapter Six of his forthcoming novel, The Man Who Became a Dog.
Perhaps the world would be better off if it went to the dogs....
Lennart Lovecraft Larsson is a round peg in a world of square holes.
From his boyhood in first Sweden, then Oregon, through his career as a publisher, first in New York, then Portland, Lennart nurtures his uncanny ability to communicate with canines.
Meanwhile, as America spirals down the MAGA drain, his faith in humanity begins to wane. Faced with the prospect that things will never get better, he does the only sensible thing: he becomes a dog.
This is his story.
On today's show, Chapter Five from Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse's forthcoming novel, The Man Who Became a Dog. Plus a conversation with the very funny Lucas Myers, who brings the latest version of his wildly popular character, Randy from Creston, to the stage at Kaslo's venerable Langham Theatre, November 7-9.
As (the hilarious) Lucas Myers prepares to bring his latest one-man edition of Randy from Creston to Kaslo, BC's venerable Langham Theatre November 7-9, Kootenay Co-op Radio's Randy Morse sits down to chat with Myers about the upcoming show.
LUCAS MYERS, in Randy from Creston
Friday, Nov. 7
Saturday Nov. 8
Sunday November 9
All shows 7 PM, at the Langham Theatre. Tix available at Sunnyside Naturals, Willow Home Boutique, and online at thelangham.ca.
Remember when there was no internet? Not even TV? Only radio??
The answer, for most of you, is "No. Of course not!"
Well, here's a taste of what it was like back in the 1950s. Today's show consists entirely of host RG Morse reading Chapter Four of his novel-in-progress, The Man Who Became a Dog. Get all cozy, curl up in front of your device, and be transported to the slightly skewed world of Lennart Lovecraft Larsson, just like folks did back in the mid-20th century!
"It is always said that however many wonderful and happy years a dog lives, you know that one day — the die he dies — your dog will break your heart."
— James Herriot
Unless one happens to be a billionaire oligarch, the world is becoming an increasingly hostile place.
Reactions to an unraveling of civility and common sense vary from joining cult-like reactionary movements, to donning frog costumes and taunting angry but bewildered ICE agents.
For the majority of us, we just want to hunker down, mind our own business, and live our lives.
Ah, but in times like these, that is a luxury few can afford (see "billionaire oligarchs" above). A realization that can easily lead to despondency, despair, and desperate attempts to escape the madness.
In the puzzling case of one Lennart Lovecraft Larsson, the answer is to leave the human race behind, to join a far more sensible and caring species: he decides to become a dog.
This is his story — or at least it is the first three chapters of his tail — er, tale.
Enjoy.
On today's episode: the next wave of No Kings protests are slated across the U.S. this weekend, the final instalment of Jim van Horne's annual live old-time music concerts take place in Kaslo's historic Langham Theatre on Friday October 17th and Sunday the 19th, and Chapter Three of RG Morse's novel-in-progress, The Man Who Became a Dog. With music by Bob Dylan, Weird Al Yankovitch, Green Day, and Hawksley Workman.
Enjoy!
On today's show, a follow-up on the recent South Beach meeting hosted by Anne Malik, apple juicing the old-fashioned way at Vimy Park, courtesy of the Kaslo Food Hub , and Chapter Two of The Man Who Became a Dog.
Enjoy — and Happy Thanksgiving!
On today's show, host Randy Morse wonders why local governments in small towns so often seem to lack any sort of animating vision for the future of their communities. He plays some outtakes from this week's disastrous speeches by U.S. defence secretary Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump to a stony-faced and silent crowd of 800 of America's top military leaders, and shares the first chapter of his current novel-in-progress, The Man Who Became a Dog.
Tech can be wonderful, right?
For example, Apple's new AirPods, when enabled by an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence (Apple's AI), have a feature called Live Translation — and that's just what they deliver. Wonder what on earth that taxi driver in Paris is saying to you? Not if you have these new AirPods in your ears!
Inspired by an article about this clearly positive new technology, host Randy Morse found himself contemplating the darker side of tech — specifically, social media algorithms that reward anger and vitriol, the stampede among AI leaders to see who will first develop Super Intelligence, the emergence of what Morse refers to as "Structural Nihilism," and the inevitable comparison to the chilling thesis of that classic film directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix — that humanity is a virus that must be eradicated.
Today's show is rescued from utter darkness and despair(!), by Morse's anecdote about love blossoming at the recent Argenta Fall Faire, and the fabulous music of the jazz duo of Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (aka ES:MO), with 17 JUNO nominations to their name, who this week performed twice at Kaslo's historic Langham Theatre to appreciative crowds.
Hope springs eternal at Radio Free Kaslo!
On today's show, Anne Malik discusses details of her fresh new proposal for Kaslo's South Beach area.
Be sure to attend the Open House, hosted by Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse, on Sunday, September 28, at St. Andrew's United Church's Heritage Hall, at 7 PM. Anne will present her vision for a fair and reasonable future for South Beach, and field questions & comments from the audience. All are welcome!
On today's show, thoughts on America in the wake of the Charlie Kirk murder, the vendor lineup for this weekend's Saturday Market, the Kaslo Laundromat reopens, a new proposal for South Beach, and a reminder that the Kaslo Bonanza Slo-Pitch tournament is upon us (Sep. 12-14)!
On today's show, thoughts on Kaslo's South Beach and recent devastating Russian attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Canada and Sweden announce sweeping new collaboration across a wide range of areas. Could this be the first concrete step toward the creation of a Democratic Northern Alliance — "Cananavia"?
On today's show, host Randy Morse chats with the organizers of an upcoming Slo-Pitch tournament intended as a fundraiser for the Kaslo Community Services expansion project.
He then features an article from the August 14 edition of the Valley Voice written by Local Journalism Initiative reporter Rachael Lesosky on Kaslo Village Council's recent in-camera meeting regarding correspondence received from local citizens regarding the proposed South Beach strata RV development.
Summer means music — and music festivals.
On today's show, host Randy Morse looks back on last weekend's Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival, and features a couple of artists slated to perform at this week's Edmonton Folk Festival.
Performers featured include Stone Face Kid, Moses Mayes & the Funk Family Orchestra, Yasmin Williams, The Roots (with Erykah Badu), and Stephen Wilson Jr..
Enjoy!
Today marks the start of the 32nd instalment of the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival. On today's show we feature several artists who are slated to appear at this year's festival, including Sarah Orton, Moses Mayes & the Funk Family Orchestra, Kim Churchill, Frase, The Free Label, Apollo Suns — all of them appear on the Holland Stage — and Corb Lund.
And speaking of Corb, "The Hurtin' Albertan' Lund, toss in a conversation between host Randy Morse and Edmonton-based Kaslo visitor Doug Piquette,and you have a worthy kickoff to another season of music and fun in Kaslo Bay. Enjoy!
Things are changing out there — especially in the USA.
On today's show, host Randy Morse chats with his American family on their recent visit to Canada. They cover everything from being greeted by heavily armed agents (Homeland Security? ICE?) on the American side of the border before crossing into the True North, to life in rural Kansas nearly 100 years ago, to the glories of listening to Andrea Bocelli while sitting on a deck staring across at Mt. Loki as the sun sets.
A perfect reminder that there are wonderful people everywhere. Enjoy the show!
"There's floods in the desert where the cacti used the grow, tornadoes in the Empire State. I've forgotten all the weather that I thought I used to know, could be worse but it still ain't great."
— Let's Get Naked in the Kootenays
Severe rain events are causing increasing numbers of catastrophic flooding events, around the world and right here in our mountainous backyard.
Today's show tackles this issue, against the sobering backdrop of recent tragedies in Texas Hill Country, North Carolina, Illinois, Iowa, France, Italy, and Uganda — as well as Johnsons Landing, Grand Forks, and elsewhere in BC.
Surely anything that can be done to mitigate potential flood risk in a municipality like Kaslo, many of its homes and virtually all its businesses built on an alluvial fan created over the centuries by the Kaslo River, is a no-brainer.
Research from First Street Foundation points to “large” jump in risk for catastrophic flooding in the northwestern U.S., and by extension, BC. The way humans have developed natural landscapes, both inland and along rivers and coasts, means more rainwater remains unchecked and unabsorbed at the surface, turning life-giving rains into devastating floods. Our roads, sidewalks, buildings, , dams, agricultural practices — and strata RV parks — have eliminated many natural landscape features that would otherwise slow rainwater’s path across the land and absorb it deeply underground.
Kaslo's South Beach area is a floodplain, serving as a natural outlet for any flooding that may occur on the Kaslo River — in other words, a vital safety valve for Lower Kaslo, with its many homes, stores, and services.
If the current site of Lower Kaslo was untouched terrain and a developer came along and proposed to build houses and a downtown core here, it wouldn't be allowed. It's 2025. We know better today. But that urban development horse left the barn 125 years ago. All we can do now is anything and everything in our power to mitigate what appears to be a growing risk — and certainly refuse to allow any actions that increase that risk.
On today's show, host Randy Morse visits the historic Langham Theatre, and visits a rehearsal session for the upcoming performances of Hamlet at that storied venue, then wanders down the street to a celebration marking an important fundraising campaign for Kaslo Community Services. Listen Local!
Summer Solstice — or if you happen to be Swedish, Midsommar — is upon us.
Today's Radio Free Kaslo celebrates summer, in words and music. Thanks to Jill Holland and Steve McGrath for being such good sports!
Today's show highlights the upcoming G7 summit in nearby Kananaskis Country, and features a commentary on the reference to "passive recreation" in two crucial sections of Kaslo's Official Community Plan — and why that matters.
Plus we take listeners to Kaslo's Angry Hen Brewery for a conversation with Hen co-owner Rogan East, and master kayak builder, Steve Anderson.
Toss in a few classic Canadian tunes, and you have a nice chunk of informative, entertaining listening here — enjoy!
"It may seem that only those already in power are the ones with the ability to make change, but democracy is a participation sport, and if we all take on one small part, we can make big changes."
— Sami Sage, Democracy in Retrograde: How to make changes big and small in our country and in our lives
Long-time Kaslo, BC resident Anne Malik takes Sage's advice quite seriously.
For many years, Anne has monitored the deliberations of successive Kaslo Village councils, holding elected officials and municipal staff to their word — and occasionally, their feet to the fire.
Without bias, Anne has emerged as a reliable, detailed, conscientious chronicler of Village council debates, motions, and actions. She closely followed the process that led to the adoption of Kaslo's current (2022) Official Community Plan, as she has the proposed South Beach strata RV park.
With all this in mind, Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse sat down with Anne Malik for a conversation, during which she shares her views on the controversial proposal that would see Village land sold and a 72-lot RV strata development occur on the south bank of the Kaslo River.
As substantive peace talks fail to materialize, thanks to the cruel intransigence of Putin's criminal regime, the illegal — and devastating — Russian invasion of a free and independent Ukraine continues unabated.
Few have done more over the past three years to graphically convey the unspeakable horrors of Putin's brutal war than VR journalist, Nickolay "Mikola" Omelchenko.
Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse spoke recently with Omelchenko, from Nashville, Tennessee.
A wide-ranging conversation with Kootenay BC Real Estate — the Kaslo branch of Fair Realty's — Kul Nijar, Emily Early, and Danny Schell.
Canadian Folk rocks — and here are eight artists to prove the musical point!
Plus a chat with the ever-enthusiastic Pizza Mike.
Enjoy!
You could stagger through your day bummed, depressed, simply sad... OR you could drop by Thor's Pizza in Nelson, grab a pie or a slice and (always) a big heap of fun and enthusiasm, all of which is guaranteed to make things better!
For example, you could win a totally rad skateboard.... Let Pizza Mike explain.
When I found myself in Nelson this week, feeling a little down, what with all that's happening around us, I wandered into Thor's Pizza, for decades Nelson's go-to place for a pie, a slice — and a hearty pick-me-up of optimism, kindness, and humour — delivered daily, by owners Annie & Mike Garbula. I had a chance to have a conversation with Pizza Mike himself, and captured it for you to enjoy!
The upside to all the craziness sweeping the planet right now? Canadians are discovering — or in some cases, rediscovering — how lucky we are to be living in such an astonishing country.
For example, when it comes to music, we all know Canada is, with no hyperbole, a world leader. Toss around names like Joni, Neil, Leonard, and Céline in a London pub or a Delhi market, and people will nod knowingly.
But we also rock classical music.
I've always been a huge fan of Glenn Gould, and have featured his piano virtuosity many times on this show. Today, I'm delighted to introduce three other towering Canadian classical music talents: composer Harry Somers, pianist Angela Hewitt, and violinist James Ehnes.
Ah, but no Radio Free Kaslo episode would be complete without at least a little Kootenay contact.
So when I found myself in Nelson this week, feeling a little down, what with all that's happening around us, I wandered into Thor's Pizza, for decades Nelson's go-to place for a pie, a slice — and a hearty pick-me-up of optimism, kindness, and humour — delivered daily, by owners Annie & Mike Garbula. I had a chance to have a conversation with Pizza Mike himself, and captured it for you to enjoy!
Today's program, like an audio version of an episode of Seinfeld, is "a show about nothing."
Or to be more accurate, it's a conversation between two friends over morning coffee at a small town eatery on a blustery, bleak late-March morning.
Enjoy.
On today's show, we discuss a moving — and important — exhibition featuring VR content from war-ravaged Ukraine, gut-wrenching photographs from the battle of Mariupol, and a display of moving artwork by Ukrainian children displaced by Putin's savage invasion with Ukrainian-Canadian activist, Olga Hallborg.
Host Randy Morse also sits down and has a conversation with his buddy Harel Challmie, over coffee at The Parlour, a charming java joint in the tiny alpine village of Kaslo, where they chat about everything from the Enlightenment to movies.
You're definitely not going to hear anything like this on commercial radio!
No Canadian doubts the country's prowess when it comes to hockey.
But for decades most of us haven't considered the True North a particularly "big" power.
Oh, sure, we know we're physically enormous, second only to Russia in terms of landmass. Ah, but now that the Trump regime has arbitrarily decided to take us into the economic and geopolitical corners, we're quickly coming to the realization that we have some sharp elbows — and are starting to use them.
The USA may have the world's largest economy (Number Two China isn't even close). But make no mistake, Canada is no economic slouch. Our US$2 trillion + GDP is nothing to smirk at. We are awash in the natural resources the world is clamouring for. We have a largely healthy, well-educated population, bolstered — not threatened — by a sensible immigration policy.
And while the Canadian military has suffered from generational neglect, that can change on a dime — or a loonie. Over 1.1 million Canadians fought in World War II. That's from a country with a 1945 population of 12 million! We are over 40 million today. And to give all this a bit of perspective, Canada's GDP is nearly identical with that of... Russia.
Then there's culture. When it comes to literature, film, theatre, art, dance — and music — Canada is a global heavyweight.
The general point is there are few — if any — other nations on earth with as much pent-up power and potential as Canada. While we haven't always behaved as if we understood this, the times, they are a' changing.
Today's show, with its emphasis on music (with a little political commentary thrown in) celebrates this fact.
On day's show, a conversation with the articulate and ever-engaging Carolyn Whittaker, producer of the new documentary film, Animal Pride: Nature's Coming Out Story, produced by Handful of Films and CBC, set for release this May 29.
On today's show, an interview with Olga Hallborg, a Ukrainian-Canadian living in Castlegar, BC. Originally from Mykolayiv in southern Ukraine, Olga and her daughter, Liza, work tirelessly with the Vancouver based Maple Hope Foundation, providing desperately needs humanitarian assistance to war-ravaged Ukrainians.
Also a conversation with BC Rural Centre executive director Sarah Sinclair, and Russell Precious, a member of Kaslo's South Beach Working Group.
With music from the Kyiv Symphony and Chorus, Chris Stapleton, and Van Morrison.
Slava Ukraini!
A big shout out to the Donald Trump regime for encouraging me to ensure that from here on in, ALL musical programming on Radio Free Kaslo will be curated according to the following criteria:
-
When humanly possible (this is an AI-free show), make it Canadian!
-
If not, anything but American, thanks very much.
I do this regretfully — the USA is of course full of amazing musicians, not all of whom support in any way their current government's actions — in fact I suspect most don't.
Until things change, c'est la vie.
The main upside (for me, at least) is that I am already discovering homegrown talent I either hadn't heard or played in a long while, or, even worse, had no clue existed. I'm delighted to bring them to your attention. Today's playlist includes songs by:
— Juno Award-winner Sarah Harmer
— Nova Scotia's Joel Plaskett
— Guelph, Ontario's Constantines
— Montreal's Stars
— Winnipeg's The Weakerthans
— Halifax's Thrush Hermit
Today, world-class, all-Canadian indie pop. Next week? Stay tuned!
Enjoy, 'eh!
First of all, Happy Valentine's Day. I hope love, in some (healthy) form or another is an integral part of your day today. I mean, if not now, when, right?
Including love of one's hometown. And on that topic, a big shout out to Kaslo's local council for doing the right thing and putting the brakes on a potentially disastrous proposal to pave paradise, and slap a huge strata RV park onto a prime pice of land on the south bank of the Kaslo River.
Speaking of love, I'd like to thank Donald Trump, on behalf of all Canadians regardless of political stripe, for viscerally reminding us how much we love this country. And for jolting me into realizing we may need to look elsewhere for friends we can trust, friends with whom we share crucial values — and geography.
Welcome, Bienvenue, Välkommen, Velkommen, Velkomin, Velkomst, Tervetula to the DNA, folks — that would, of course, be the Democratic Northern Alliance, made up of Canada, Iceland, Greenland (and with it, Denmark), Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
DNA has to be one of my best brainchildren ever. And it's all thanks to our increasingly obnoxious southern neighbour's Great Leader.
I love it!
On today's show, a conversation with Kallee Lins, candidate for the NDP nomination in the new federal riding of Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies.
Kallee, the Executive Director of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, is bright, articulate, and full of enthusiasm and interesting insights. If you're a voter in her riding, or simply interested in Canadian politics generally, this program is worth a listen!
Well, here we go. Time to strap in for a wild ride. Chaos, with a dollop of authoritarian fascism, is on the rise. While ostensibly implementing moves like slapping a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods is supposed to be good news for working Americans — this is known as populist nationalism — it's going to do the polar opposite.
Indiana University professor David Honig lucidly lays out Trump's approach, as clearly as I've ever seen. Have a listen and see if this makes sense to you.
Tomorrow is February 1st. The first day of the second month of the 25th year of the 21st century.
It's also the day Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and services crossing the US border. All while continuing to publicly muse on the notion of annexing Canada, bringing it into the US MAGA fold.
Today's Radio Free Kaslo features 11 reasons why this is not going to happen, taken from a Youtube video series (@rgmorse) being created by host Randy Morse called, "51 Reasons Why Canada Will Never Become a US State." Together with a conversation with NDP candidate for his party's nomination in the new federal riding of Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies, Keith Page.
This is an entertaining, and for some likely provocative show — happy listening, 'eh?!
Keith Page is vying for the New Democratic Party (NDP) nomination in the new British Columbia federal riding of Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies.
Page grew up on a working cattle ranch near Three Hills, Alberta. After building a successful small tech business in Nelson, he stepped into public service, serving as:
- City Councillor, Nelson (currently in his second term)
- Nelson Director, Regional District of Central Kootenay
- President, Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments (representing 31 local governments)
- Kootenay Boundary Rep, Union of British Columbia Municipalities
His political and community accomplishment include:
- Co-developed Nelson Next Climate Action Plan (75% GHG reduction by 2032)
- Established cross-jurisdictional non-profit housing partnerships, putting hundred of units into the pipeline
- Led local government team to successfully advocate medical travel support for rural residents
- Modernized district regional recreation services to improve rural access, youth and senior supports, and transformation of management structure
- Successfully led UBCM emergency resolution on carbon pricing reform for local governments
NDP riding members will choose between Page and West Kootenay Regional Arts Council Executive Director Kallee Lins in an election February 27 that will determine the NDP candidate in the next federal election.
On today's show, Fauquier, British Columbia-based author CJ MacKinnon discusses her life and her charming series of short stories, The Margo Chronicles.
In this brief (8 1/2 minute-long) podcast, Village of Kaslo Chief Administrative Officer Robert Baker answers a couple of questions posed by me regarding whether Council had taken Kaslo's Official Community Plan into account in its South Beach deliberations to-date.
His candid answers are illuminating.
There are plenty of reasons why a proposed strata RV park development on the southern bank of the Kaslo River where it flows into Kootenay Lake should not proceed.
Here are (quite) a few of them!
On today's show I muse about politics, international, national, and local — from Trump to Trudeau, to the fate of Kaslo's South Beach. Toss in some tunes from the likes of Randy Newman and Neil Young and you have today's Radio Free Kaslo!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As we kiss goodbye what for many was a tumultuous year, I thought it might be nice to start 2025 with a hit of total relaxation.
For that I reached out to one of my most popular 2024 guests — Mahalia Michael (aka Mahalia the Mermaid). Collaborating with Live & Let Liv, the two have produced some amazing music, including a 20 minute-plus work called Distant Mermaid, designed to stimulate your brain and soothe your soul. Here's what they have to say about it:
*Step into the radiant paradise of Lemuria, an ancient crystalline island oasis bathed in heavenly sunshine and vibrant hues of pink, turquoise, and sea foam blue. Awash in divine energy, this mystical realm is a sanctuary of high vibrations, where golden pyramid temples and sacred geometry reflect luminous light and a sense of
Godly wonder.
The ancient civilization of Lemurian is rising for all to see through the heart of compassion. Dolphins and whales grace Lemuria's gentle teal shores, their loving presence a hymn to divinity. Among fragrant plumeria and hibiscus blooms, the flow of Goddess energy infuses every ripple with peace, sweetness and the timeless beauty of a celestial oasis.
Melt into sublime states of sound healing harmonics for brain and body bliss with our nourishing holographic energy medicine, 432 Hz tuning & ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response is designed for your well-being, accomplished with our scientifically orchestrated instrumentation and vocals).
For your listening pleasure this cymatically nutritious sound healing track is best experienced with stereo headphones.
Disclaimer: For your safety we recommend not driving or operating heavy machinery while listening to ‘Distant Mermaid'.*
Today's show is heavily laden with Christmas music, most of it selected by my Mom, Charlotte, who celebrates her birthday 72 hours before we whoop it up for baby Jesus!
Mom, sharp as a tack and a huge fan of Michael Bublé and the Kelce brothers, will be 96 this year.
Mom, this one's for you. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Preserving beautiful land for present and future generations is a huge challenge for many rural communities, desperately seeking ways to stimulate economic activity, and often outflanked by deep-pocketed developers.
On today's show, host Randy Morse has a conversation with three members of Kaslo's South Beach Working Group, on the fate — and future — of South Beach, a 15-acre parcel that cries out to be left in its wildest possible state.
PS: Don't miss the opportunity to let Kaslo's Municipal Council know where you stand on the future of South Beach. Attend Council's upcoming public meeting on the subject, Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM Pacific. If you can't be there in person, join in via Zoom — just click on the link below on Dec. 17 at 6 PM!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4857930110
Pablo Picasso, no slouch as an artist, once said, "I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."
There's no doubt that theatre — whether a West End London musical, a performance of Hamlet at Stratford, or a one-act comedy performed by a plucky group of amateurs in a small-town auditorium — can be transformative.
On today's show I sit down with actor and director Lynn van Deursen, who has blessed the tiny mountain village of Kaslo with many outstanding theatrical moments over the years. We talk about her effort to put together a community theatre group, the recent plays staged at Kaslo's venerable Langham Theatre, and chat about Lynn's take on theatre generally, and Kaslo community theatre in particular.
If you like your entertainment live and in person, you don't have to be a Kaslo resident to enjoy our conversation!
As November rolls unstoppably toward December, the combination of suddenly too-short days and bone-tingling chill can be depressing for some.
On the other hand, this is the season when a light in a store window, the sound of music, laughter and enticing smells spilling out of a warm and inviting coffee shop, restaurant, or pub on a dark, cold night can dispel the gathering gloom, at least for a while.
That's the focus of today's show, featuring music by Caroline Says, Hozier, Loreena McKennit, Pentatonix, and Joni Mitchell. Cozy up to your phone, tablet, or laptop, and enjoy!
Well, we're halfway through November. The US election and Remembrance Day have come and gone. American Thanksgiving is creeping up (I'm actually glad not to be a fly on the wall at some of the family feasts down there this year. Why? See "US election" above). Leaves are falling fast and furious, the snowline is creeping down the mountains toward the lake — and us.
And then there's the annual November cold & flu season, which I, for one, am a current victim of. Thank God for college football — Go Ducks (we're #1 — no, really)!
On today's show, I highlight some local Kaslo news, showcase a couple of Canadian musicians, and play some November-themed tunes, all while doing my best not to cough my lungs up.
Enjoy!
Donald Trump's victory this week is sure to roil global politics in the years ahead, in ways both expected and unexpected. Clearly Kamala Harris and her party misread a large swath of the American electorate. Change is in the air, in the USA and globally.
Meanwhile, for those appalled by Trump the man, and alarmed at many of the MAGA movement's positions, his victory has come as a bitter blow. On today's show I share the immediate reactions of a few family members and friends, from the US and abroad, who fall into this camp.
Yesterday was, of course, Halloween — one of my favourite holidays.
I'm in charge of doling out the goodies, which is a completely delightful task. This year I chatted with some of our trick-0'-treaters, asking them what they like best about this spookiest of nights.
And here is what they had to say!
Move over, Portlandia. Here comes A Beginner's Guide to Kaslovia, featuring the ridiculously gifted (underscore ridiculously) — and extremely funny — Lucas Myers.
That's right, Myers is back, ready to poke good-natured fun at the quirks and characters that make Kaslo, shall we say, unique!
After a considerable hiatus, he returns to Kaslo's venerable Langham Theatre for three-day run — Friday October 18 through Sunday, October 20th — with a one-man show that anyone who frequents, let alone lives in, Kaslo won't want to miss.
Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse talks with Myers about the upcoming show, and much more on this highly entertaining 30-minute podcast.
Kaslo is a lovely village in British Columbia's West Kootenay region, surrounded by stunning nature.
To the east looms the Purcell Range, to the west, the Selkirks. Situated on an alluvial peninsula, lower Kaslo juts into fjord-like Kootenay Lake, pointing like an arrow toward the Purcells. The town is flanked on the north by Kaslo Bay, the largest inlet on the lake, and to the south by the Kaslo River.
The parcel of land on the immediate southern bank of the river, where it flows into the lake, is known by locals as South Beach. It's prized for its expansive beachfront with beautiful lake and mountains views, it's flatness (a rarity in a part of the world that is far more up & down than level), and its proximity to Kaslo.
A good portion of South Beach is privately held. The owner has signalled a desire to turn much of it into a trailer park — a proposal many in the village find alarming.
Like so many rural communities, Kaslo suffers from an acute lack of affordable — never mind innovative — housing. It also struggles, as do most small mountain towns these days once reliant on either long-gone or dwindling extractive industries, to create new, well-paid jobs for locals, shore up its tax base, and generally, to create new economic opportunities for the town and region.
The trick is how best to do that, in a way that offers local young people a chance for more-then-decent jobs, pays attention to rapidly emerging 21st century challenges, supports existing small businesses — and does all that without paving Paradise.
Could a South Beach trailer park be part of the answer for Kaslo? Or....
On today's show, host Randy Morse chats with Jill Holland, from Florence, Italy about, well, the wonder of it all!
Was there ever really a time "when men were men"?
What does it take to be a man these days? Are concepts like courage and truth, compassion and style, now simply the stuff of legend and old movies? What happened to the notion of leading an adventurous, creative, happy life — without being a total asshole?
In 2011, I set out to answer these and other manly questions, in a book titled Man Up in Ten Lessons. 13 years later, things haven't gotten better on the "what does it mean to be a man" front. Confused young men, unsure of their roles, lash out at a society they see as increasingly restrictive and disapproving. While many older men seem to have decided they have carte blanche to act out their most misogynistic tendencies.
Against that backdrop, I think it's time for a new book. While I turn my attention to that project, I want to make Man Up accessible for a new audience — this time in audio format. Here's a taste of what's to come — Man Up's first chapter, on courage. Be brave and have a listen!
These are strange and often alarming times we're living in. From the Afghan Taliban to Donald Trump and JD Vance, women — and their rights — are under increasing attack. What the hell is going on? Today's Radio Free Kaslo tackles this subject.
What on earth do the recent American presidential debate, and hiking in a remote Canadian mountain range have in common?
The answer is, of course, this episode of Radio Free Kaslo!
Who's going to win — Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? What's it like to wander around in the alpine and skinny dip in a frigid mountain lake? You're about to find out!
Have you ever wondered why you wonder? I wonder if you have. That would be wonderful.
Obviously, this week's Radio Free Kaslo is full of... wonder.
I wonder if you dare to listen?
What do Hampton Hawes, Lena Horne, Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, and Billy Taylor all have in common?
Well, obviously they are all American jazz greats.
And all of them worked with long-time radio producer, Tim Owens.
Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse sits down with Tim in a small town Canadian restaurant where they have a coffee, and chat about Tim's remarkable career in radio.
Do radio hosts ever grow old, really?
On today's show, host Randy Morse celebrates his 75th birthday, taking listeners on a music-infused tour of his life so far.
Featuring Number One hits from 1949, 1955, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1976, 1978, 1994, and 2005 (some of them may surprise you), Morse shares anecdotes that explain why those years are of particular meaning to him.
A 28 minute long musical autobiography, courtesy of Radio Free Kaslo!
Over a century ago, the Valley of the Ghosts connecting Kaslo with the booming silver/lead mining town of Sandon, teemed with thousands of men seeking their fortune in the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Selkirks.
When the price for silver dropped, the rationale for Sandon disappeared. Today, what's left of the town is populated by five permanent residents. Its remaining historic buildings include a fascinating museum, a general store, and a kiosk out of which Vida Turok somehow manages to produce some of the most delicious food and treats you're likely to come across anywhere in British Columbia.
But perhaps the most striking feature in Sandon is the Silversmith Generating Station. In continuous operation since 1897, Silversmith produces a reliable stream of the greenest possible electricity, 24/7, year after year. It was the first hydroelectric producer in western Canada to be awarded federal green certification, in 1999. In 2021, Silversmith became an inductee into the international Hydro Hall of Fame.
Yet for all that, the plant struggles to stay afloat, the victim of a political and bureaucratic landscape that seems to defy logic and common sense. After a recent visit to Sandon, Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse reached out to Hal Wright, the man who has worked tirelessly to keep Silversmith running, to talk about the plant's history, its challenges, and its prospects going forward.
Fascinating listening for anyone interested in history, and the murky machinations of energy politics in British Columbia.
Two pieces of good news on today's show.
1: The enormous wildfire that triggered an evacuation order for folks who live up the lake in and around Argenta, has been changed to an evacuation alert. This means they're now allowed to return to their homes. Welcome news indeed!
2: Kamala Harris chose her running mate this week, and so far at least, Minnesota governor Tim Walz looks like a winner. Comedian Trae Crowder (aka The Liberal Redneck) riffs on Walz's virtues, while Steve McGrath and I discuss which US presidential campaign has the Big Mo. In the end we agree the tandem with the most dogs is going to win in November.
Get ready for President Harris, Vice President Walz — and their dogs!
Mountains and music are on the menu on today's Radio Free Kaslo.
Take a break from the wildfire smoke and come with host Randy Morse into the alpine earlier this summer, when the skies were blue and views were endless.
Then listen to some of the outstanding musicians who'll be performing at this year's Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival. Featuring Trevor Hall, Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers, the Infamous Stringdusters, and The Cat Empire.
Enjoy!
Argenta. Johnsons Landing. Silverton.
Then there's Jasper, Golden, and a whole host of other British Columbia and Alberta communities either savaged or threatened by wildfire this summer. If this is the "new normal," then the status quo has to change — ASAP.
After having spent much of the day assisting, in any way he could, evacuees who pitched up in Kaslo in various states of trauma, shock, disbelief, and dread, host Randy Morse sat down with old friend — and one of the last to leave the tiny village of Silverton — Keith Liggett, to talk about Keith's harrowing experience as fire threatened to engulf his home.
In the absence of full-time, direct coverage in a deeply rural region that, as so many others, lacks that sort of communications & informational coverage , this is timely, important listening.
And now for something completely different.
After 600 shows or so, every one of them featuring RG Morse leading the interviews, the tables are turned.
Steve McGrath assumes the lead mic and sits down with Morse in an attempt to dig into what makes Radio Free Kaslo's host tick.
It's summer in the Kootenays — and that means music. Lots of music.
One of the highlights of the summer music season is "the other" celebration of all things musical on the shores of Kootenay Lake — the annual Starbelly Jam festival.
Join host Randy Morse for a taste of this year's Starbelly, recorded live at the event in Crawford Bay.
Enjoy!
And now for something completely different.
After 600 shows or so, every one of them featuring RG Morse leading the interviews, the tables are turned.
Steve McGrath assumes the lead mic and sits down with Morse in an attempt to dig into what makes Radio Free Kaslo's host tick.
On today's show we showcase the 2024 Starbelly Jam Music Festival.
This laid-back, chill celebration of summer and music takes place in the idyllic hamlet of Crawford Bar, a hop and a skip from the Kootenay Bay ferry landing on the east shore of fjord-like Kootenay Lake.
Check out Starbelly artists like Antidoping, Petunia and the Vipers, Chali2Na, Lion-S, Brass Camel, MonkeyDragon, and True Loves on today's RADIO FREE KASLO.
I associate three things with summer in this neck of the woods: the ability to scramble around in the mountains without the aid of a helicopter or snow machine; the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival....
... and gardens.
On that note, I joined three green-thumbed Kaslovians (Anne Heard, Sabrina Edwards, and Patrick Steiner), for a tour around Kaslo's lovely community garden. We talked about how it came about, who can use it, and how it works. We also chatted about the upcoming (July 14) Kaslo Edible Garden Tour, which sounds pretty awesome.
Listen in, wherever in the world you happen to be, and enjoy a little hit of small-town summer — a welcome break from politics and true crime, right?!
It's summertime — and the living is... easy?!
Well, to be more specific, it's time to celebrate Summer Solstice and Midsummer (or Midsommar, as they say in Sweden).
And that's just what we do on today's Radio Free Kaslo. We check out how folks whoop it up on the longest day (and shortest night) of the year in Bulgaria, Quebec, England, and Sweden (of course — no one does it better than the Swedes).
Toss in some appropriate music, and you have yourself the perfect accompaniment to a backyard feast this weekend with family & friends. The way the world is going these days, we need every chance we can get to enjoy ourselves and one another — right?
SKÅL!
As the old world seems to be unravelling at an ever-accelerating pace, what will replace it? Is there cause for optimism?
Jean-Marc LaFlamme says 'yes.'
On today's show, he discusses the Kootenay Resilience Festival with host Randy Morse.
Today's show is all Kaslo, all the time!
There's lots going on in our fair alpine village these days. Tonight it's a screening of two videos showcasing the long-defunct Kaslo Players and their performances (over 30 years ago) of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, and a farcical melodrama titled The Face on the Barroom Floor. Followed by some live improv, courtesy of Kaslo's improv troupe.
On Saturday (June 8), there are several events worth taking in.
The Kaslo Saturday Market launches for the summer season at the park next to the Kaslo Hotel. Open from 9 AM to 1 PM, look for all sorts of vendors — from fresh produce and croissants, to sausages and soap — and much, much more!
At 10 AM, celebrate Kaslo Pride 2024 with a celebration at Legacy Park. Then swing by the Angry Hen craft brewery to take in the Guns & Broes drag show (a family-friendly version Saturday afternoon, followed by an adult version in the evening).
Also Saturday, the Langham celebrates its 50th anniversary with a street festival, featuring live music, street performers, a food truck, face painting, short films in the theatre, gallery exhibitions, crafts, treats, and more.
Ah, but there's more to our hometown than culture — anyone who's been here knows how spectacular our physical setting is. One of the most convenient intros to our wild backyard is the Kaslo River trail system. Host Randy Morse takes you on a tour of this outdoor gem!
On today's show, local events are highlighted. Host RG Morse aslo launches what will become an irregular editorial commentary segment, called Fool on the Hill (That's right, he's already admitted to being foolish. That should take some of the wind out of critics' sails — clever, right?!).
In this inaugural FOTH, Morse muses on Donald J. Trump.
Stephen King has set dozens of stories in his rural Maine backyard. Alice Munro put small town Ontario on the map. Well, what about Kaslo and the North Kootenay Lake region?
This piece of the planet has it all — magnificent landscape, picturesque towns and villages, plenty of exotic flora and fauna, and, best of all, an endless cavalcade of colourful, quirky characters.
On today's show, host and author RG Morse reads a couple of chapters from Dodged, his latest work, a novel set in 2023 in and around Kaslo.
Think the Coen brothers meet Northern Exposure.
The start of the summer music season is upon us. To mark the occasion, RFK host RG Morse sits down with four fabulous musicians with local (Kaslo/North Kootenay Lake) roots. Tom and Derek van Deursen of the Vancouver-based Small Town Artillery Collective, are joined by Steven Lee and Kevin John of Kaslo band, The Strypes. It's a conversation fans of Kootenay music will not want to miss!
I know it's not Mother's Day yet. But I just don't care. I'm going to celebrate it right now, just because I can.
On today's show I reach out to a group of very special women and ask them each to select a song — and here, featuring artists that include the Cambridge Singers, Three Dog Night, the Celtic Women, Pretty Lights, Small Town Artillery, Clyde McPhatter, and Dusty Springfield, is the result.
Enjoy!
USA Today has called the Kaszlo Jazz Etc. Festival, "One of the 10 best outdoor summer festivals on the planet."
This year's 31st edition of Kaslo's gift to the musical world, as usual includes an eclectic — and stellar — lineup of artists.
On today's show, we feature a handful of them, including Trevor Hall & the Great In-Between, The Infamous Stringdusters, Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers, and Moontricks.
Enjoy!
A six song EP by RG Morse, recorded at Octavo Productions, Edmonton, Alberta, produced by Tomas Brabec.
It's Up to You (3:54) If George Harrison had written a song inspired by a plant medicine and a yoga class, this would be it.
Janet (full mix, 3:47) Everyone should (a) write, and (b) receive a love song. This is (a) — I'm still waiting for (b).
Africa Bound (4:32) Inspired by an expedition from South Africa to Tanzania with my buddy, Professor Hassan Kaya. An adventure that included a brush with George W. Bush and his Secret Service team. You really can't make this shit up.
Open Landscapes (4:59) My translation and Tomas Brabec's arrangement of Ulf Lundell's classic Öppna Lankskap, Sweden's unofficial summer anthem.
Let's Get Naked in the Kootenays (4:04) There are still a few places left on this beleaguered planet ol' planet of ours where life hasn't yet gone totally to hell in a handbasket. This is an anthem to one of them. Learn the chorus and sing it often — you'll be glad you did.
The Meadow (3:27) At the end of a long day in the studio, I pulled the lyrics of a Cat Stevens'-style song out of my jeans I'd written the week before, and suggested we quickly record it, intending to then come back and refine it. Record it we did, in one take. Still haven't refined it, alas.
The much anticipated new Taylor Swift album, The Tortured Poets Department, drops today.
So does RG Morse's new EP, coincidentally titled, The Tattooed Poets Department, recorded at Edmonton's Octavo Productions, produced by Tomas Brabec.
Today's RADIO FREE KASLO features tracks from that EP, including:
It's Up to You (3:54) If George Harrison had written a song inspired by a plant medicine and a yoga class, this would be it.
Janet (full mix, 3:47) Everyone should (a) write, and (b) receive a love song. This is (a) — Morse is still waiting for (b).
Africa Bound (4:32) Inspired by an expedition from South Africa to Tanzania with his buddy, Professor Hassan Kaya. An adventure that included a brush with George W. Bush and his Secret Service team. You really can't make this shit up.
Open Landscapes (4:59) Morse's translation and Tomas Brabec's arrangement of Ulf Lundell's classic Öppna Lankskap, Sweden's unofficial summer anthem.
Let's Get Naked in the Kootenays (4:04) There are still a few places left on this beleaguered planet ol' planet of ours where life hasn't yet gone totally to hell in a handbasket. This is an anthem to one of them. Learn the chorus and sing it often — you'll be glad you did.
The Meadow (3:27) At the end of a long day in the studio, Morse pulled the lyrics of a Cat Stevens'-style song out of his jeans he'd written the week before, and suggested they quickly record it, intending to then come back and refine it. Record it they did, in a single take. Refinement awaits.
Scott Galloway is one articulate dude.
He's also a a successful entrepreneur, a professor of marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business, host of the Prof G podcast, co-host, with Kara Swisher of the Pivot podcast, and author of the forthcoming book, The Algebra of Wealth.
Galloway sat down recently with CBC Radio's Matt Galloway (no relation), host of The Current, to discuss his views on masculinity, the root causes of today's enormous wealth gap, the need to break up 21st century mega corporations the ilk of Meta, Alphabet, and Apple, and his mission to bring profanity — and humour — to the left!
Why do Canadians seem to care so much about "place"? They write about it. They sing about it. And it matters when it comes to choosing a place to live.
So what does it take for young, city-dwelling Canadians to contemplate a move to a small rural town — like Kaslo, BC, pop. 1,000?
Easter is almost upon us.
Then it's April — which is, of course, as any civilized person knows, National Poetry Month!
To celebrate, an evening with five outstanding poets is being held on Saturday, April 13, at the Silverton Memorial Hall, at 8 PM — nothing in this life is free, with the exception, apparently of poetry — there is NO CHARGE for this fascinating gig!
On this episode, poetry by three of the poets who will be in attandance in Sliverton on April 13 — Slocan Valley authors and poets Tom Wayman, Sean Arthur Joyce, and Keith Willett are featured.
Enjoy!
Spring, that happiest, most hopeful of seasons is upon us.
This week the UN marked the International Day of Happiness, which set the stage for the release of this year's World Happiness Report.
The World Happiness Report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board. It's become an annual marker, letting us know who's happy and who's sad around the world.
In 2012, the first year of the Report, Canada ranked fourth. 12 years later, we've sunk to 15th — with Canadians under the age of 30 ranking a dismal 58th.
What gives? That's the subject of today's Radio Free Kaslo — with plenty of happy music to cheer you up!
Electronic music — what is it, and why is it cool?
Host RG Morse chats with producer/performer Sami S. — thisissami — on this episode of Radio Free Kaslo!
On today's show, audio excerpts from novel-in-progress, Dodge.
Swedish developer, Lars Lindvall, proposes to build a new ski resort in the Selkirk Mountains, west of Kaslo, BC. While a number of locals are enthusiastically supportive of the resort, many are not.
In the first two of three segments of this podcast, we're introduced to Jemima Kiss and her partner, Achilles Bergstein, the leader of the proposed resort's opposition. He and Jemima live on Icefall Creek — it, and the surrounding ecosystem, will be severely impacted should the resort go ahead.
In the third segment, a crowd has gathered at a local retreat centre to hear Lindvall and Bergstein lay out their positions. English Gardner, the centre's director, describes the folks who have gathered....
The surf is UP!
Today's show features a conversation with the fascinating Mahalia... the Mermaid!
Park your cynicism and treat yourself to just under 30 minutes of uplifting listening!
On today's show, a veritable smörgãsbord of content, including Facebook & Putin, Kaslo's Winter in the Forest festival (Monday Feb. 19, 10AM to 3PM at the Kaslo Aerodrome), and today's Kaslo Community Acupuncture Clinic (St. Andrews Heritage Hall, from 1PM to 5PM). Plus music by Bill Withers, Sister Sledge, and the Beatles.
Enjoy!
An involuntary shut-in due to foot surgery, host Randy Morse riffs around his kitchen table on subjects that include this year's Grammys, Valentine's Day, North Kootenay Lake as the personal transformational capital of North America, and cats up a tree.
Featuring tunes by Grammy Award winners Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, and Taylor Swift, Chet Baker, Serge Gainsburgh & Jane Birkin, and Morse.
Some people just have excellent taste.
Take, for example, Jill Holland, who splits her living and working time between Kaslo, British Columbia, unarguably one of the loveliest mountain villages in North America, and Florence, Italy, spectacular birthplace of the Renaissance — possibly the world's most beautiful city
On today's Radio Free Kaslo, host Randy Morse reaches out to Jill for a conversation centred on what life is like in the city of Dante, Michelangelo, and the Medicis.
John Gottberg Anderson is a widely published American travel journalist and educator. A former news editor for The Los Angeles Times and a senior editor for the Michelin Guides, he has written or co-authored 23 books, and hundreds of feature articles for magazines and newspapers around the world.
Anderson studied journalism at the University of Oregon and did graduate work in Asian culture and history in Seattle and Honolulu. He is perhaps best known for his work in Asia, beginning in the 1980s, when he served as managing editor of Apa Productions’ Singapore-based series of Insight Guides. He has lived in Vietnam and Cambodia since 2019.
His work is frequently honored by the North American Travel Journalists Association, twice including “self-illustrated story of the year.” In 2022, his popular blog "Travels in Vietnam" (www.travelsinvietnam.com), was chosen as one of the top five independent travel blogs in America.
He joins Radio Free Kaslo host Randy Morse from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to talk about his life, and in particular his current sojourn in Southeast Asia.
This week's RADIO FREE KASLO features a conversation with Rossland, BC-based Australian singer/songwriter, Peter Reed.
Familiar to festival and club fans for his work with the band, Dirt Floor,
Reed's music draws inspiration from the likes of master musical storytellers Guy Clark, Townes van Zandt, and Paul Kelly. His songs feature tales of everyday life, love, longing — and laughter — delivered through a roots/folk lens.
Reed discusses his music — and performs a few tunes with a borrowed acoustic guitar — in this session with RFK host Randy Morse, recorded live at the Sentinel Retreat & Wellness Centre, just outside Kaslo, British Columbia.
Join host Randy Morse on an ascent of Mt. Loki, a striking, 9,200' high peak in British Columbia's Purcell Range. Dominating the eastern skyline of north Kootenay Lake, Loki's beautiful steeply pyramidal shape, it's prominence, and its relative proximity to Morse's hometown of Kaslo, make it a must-climb for locals, lungs and legs allowing!
It's Springtime at Radio Free Kaslo. Invite the robins to join you & enjoy this musical tribute to all things spring!
If ever there was a stark reminder that short term gain can lead to long term pain, then surely the fact that less than three percent of British Columbia's old growth forests remain intact, is it.
Physician and conservationist Dr. Dan O'Connell joins host Randy Morse in a conversation on the fate of BC's few remaining great trees — how we've allowed the wholesale devastation of this irreplaceable planetary resource to happen, the complex interrelationship between successive governments and industry, and the role elders — those of us of a certain age — might play in affecting change.
On this week's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse welcomes Dustin Murray East into the studio for a conversation that ranges from Murray's Sun Temple Sanctuary, nestled on a mountainside west of Kaslo, to Double Radiance, an upcoming conscious breathwork + ecstatic dance workshop. Always optimistic, exuding kindness, Dustin East — aka "Captain Moonbeam" — is downright inspirational. If you'd like to feel better about yourself, or the world, generally, this is a podcast you'll want to be sure to listen to!
In a RADIO FREE KASLO first, guest host Harel Challmie mans the mic and interviews RFK's RG Morse. The subject? The upcoming pilot filming of a new satirical late-night TV talk show, Waterproof Tonight!
Discover the whys and whats behind this, the first-ever TV show produced smack dab in the middle of Alpine Nirvana!
Pizza.
If there is a global food, pizza is it. Here in the isolated West Kootenay we're blessed with some of the finest pies in the land, crowned by Nelson's Thors Pizza, and Kaslo's Buddy's Pizza.
Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse pulled on his parka (a must when trudging through temps approaching -20) and headed down through the late-February darkness to the warmth and hospitality that awaits customers at Buddy's. Once he'd plunked down at a table and ordered a nice glass of red, he proceeded to have the following conversations with fellow pizza-lovers.
Enjoy a warm slice of small town life in rural British Columbia!
When it comes to communications, truly small, isolated towns like Kaslo would appear to be have-nots, on the face of it.
Independent daily newspapers are almost unheard of. There are no TV stations, and when it comes to radio, save for the occasional tiny public broadcaster, what's available originates somewhere else.
Ah, but small towns have a communications ace up their sleeves — locally owned, charming, friendly, coffee shops. Places where locals can — and do — gather to catch up on everything from Chinese balloons and the war in Ukraine, to bear sightings and ski conditions.
Kaslo, with a population of 1,000, has several sweet java joints, including Theresa's and The Parlour.
Of course big cities have coffee shops, too — zillions of them. But they don't play the same central, connective role in the Vancouvers and Edmontons of this world as they do in places like Kaslo.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, we take you to the town's charming Blue Belle Bistro, where host RG Morse is joined by his pal, Harel Chalmie. This is your chance to eavesdrop on a small town coffee shop conversation in the raw — no rehearsals, and no editing.
Pass the cream, please, and enjoy!
Today is, of course, National Friends of Cheese Day.
To mark this auspicious occasion, RADIO FREE KASLO host, RG Morse, marched down to Kaslo's (population 1,000) bustling Front Street, and checked in with the proprietors of two fine local establishments — Eric's Meat Market and Cornucopia Health Foods — both of them offering cheesy specials in honour of this day of the Big Cheese. Enjoy!
First there was Radio Free Kaslo....
.... Next? WATERPROOF TONIGHT, a televised, satirical late-night talk show, shot in the historic Langham Theatre in the tiny mountain village of Kaslo, British Columbia, population 1,000.
The brainchild of RFK host Randy Morse, WT is explained in this podcast — and YOU are invited to help make the new show rock!
Send Morse you suggestions for WATERPROOF TONIGHT guests, musical or otherwise! You can find him on Facebook and Instagram. Or email him, at:
lyrakaslo@gmail.com
A look back at the early days of the Morse & Williamson clans.
Featuring Charlotte Morse, Sue Williamson, Merle Williamson, and Randy Morse.
Recorded live at the Williamson home in Portland, Oregon.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, a conversation with outstanding musician and music educator Jay Danley. Jay brings a large dollop of Afro-Cuban and jazz heat to the music scene here in Alpine Nirvana — Toronto's loss is most definitely Kaslo's gain!
This part of the physical world is dominated by two features: mountains (lots of them), and a deep, 100 km+ fjord-like body of water called Kootenay Lake.
So perhaps it's not a total surprise that, in a region famous for its musicians, artists, thespians, authors, yogis, and healers, it turns out we are also home to... a mermaid.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse chats with Mahalia, bliss conductor, founder of the Academy of Brain Bliss, and... mermaid.
RFK — radio that goes deep!
Winter has arrived in snowy Alpine Nirvana! And with it, Kaslo's Kuimba Choir's annual Christmas concert, at historic St. Andrews United Church.
RADIO FREE KASLO host RG Morse sits down for a lively chat with Kuimba conductor Tamara Sunsong, and plays a few songs from the choir's holiday repertoire on today's episode.
Enjoy!
Music brings us together.
We wander into the snowy woods of British Columbia on today's RADIO FREE KASLO, to a cozy home where a few friends (and family) come together, chat, have some laughs, and play some tunes after a multi-year hiatus.
Thanks to Tina McLaren, Marilyn Roberts, Eric Moon, and Maggie Oliver for a fun gathering!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, trumpet player, entrepreneur, and all-around nice guy Eric Boudreault joins host RG Morse in the studio for a lively conversation.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse wanders downtown with his pal, Harel Chalmie, for a latte. That's it. That's the podcast. Enjoy!
Kaslo, a tiny, isolated mountain village nestled along the shores of magnificent Kootenay Lake in British Columbia's rugged West Kootenay region, punches way above its weight class when it comes to music.
The venerable Kaslo Jazz Festival, with its stunning setting and floating main stage, has been called one of the 10 best places to enjoy summer music in the world by both USA Today and Reuters. The Kuimba Choir, the Langham music series, Kaslo Hotel and Angry Hen open mic nights, and bands ranging from Small Town Artillery to Moontricks ensure that the beat is always going on in this village of 1,000.
The latest example of Kaslo's civic musicality? Propel Studios.
Situated directly above the lake, in the heart of the town, Propel is a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art recording studio. On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse visits the studio, has a conversation with musician Steven Lee, there for a recording session, and takes in some live tunes, "in the raw."
Great music is great music, wherever it's found.
On this episode of RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse introduces listeners to some talented musicians who are making waves far from their home base, a remotely rugged corner of mountainous SE British Columbia. Truly music by — and for — the adventurous!
Kaslo attracts a wild assortment of fascinatingly colourful, creative characters. On today's show, host RG Morse sits down for a chat with wilderness guide, life coach, and world traveller, Steve McGrath.
A conversation with Dawn Lang, candidate seeking re-election as a trustee for School District 8.
Voting for SD 8 trustee occurs Saturday, October 15, at the following locations:
Ainsworth Community Hall
Argenta Community Hall
Kaslo Legion
Lardeau Community Hall
A conversation with Rob Lang, candidate for Kaslo council in the 2022 election.
Voting will be held Saturday, October 15, from 8 AM to 8 PM, at the Kaslo Legion.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse takes us back to 1967, as he hangs out with some former classmates celebrating the South Eugene (Oregon) High School Class of '67's 55th reunion. The people may be getting old, but the music from that year never does!
On this one-hour RADIO FREE KASLO SPECIAL, a look back at the 2022 Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival — an event both Reuters News and USA Today agree is one of the 10 best outdoor summer music festivals on the planet!
Host Randy Morse was an MC at this year's Festival, giving him a bird's eye view — and microphone access — to a wide array of outstanding musicians.
The result? A very personal account of one of the world's best — and quirkiest — music festivals, Enjoy!
Today's RADIO FREE KASLO is all summer music. Featuring The Motels, The Hold Steady, The Kinks, The Beatles, Seals & Crofts, Jesse Winchester, and The Fountains of Wayne. Dedicated to the amazing women and men risking their own well being to keep our communities safe from wildfires this summer!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse chats with Kaslo Jazz Fest managers, Pizza Mike, and Tattoo Josh — about the festival, manhood, and culture in the Kootenays. With music by Ella Fitzgerald, Mungo Jerry, The Foundations, and Carlos Santana. Enjoy!
On today's podcast version of RADIO FREE KASLO, host Randy Morse wanders down to Kaslo's charming Front Street, and has a lively conversation with a group of tourists — big fans, it turns out, of Alpine Nirvana! Toss in tunes by Populous, Sinatra, Mungo Jerry — and Morse — and you have just under half an hour of summery public radio, from one of North America's loveliest villages!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse plugs the upcoming Kaslo Slowpitch 2022 Tournament, a massive sporting event that launches on Friday July 22, at 8AM at what has to be one of North America's most scenic ball diamonds. He goes on to play some classic summer tunes by John Fogerty, Sheryl Crowe, Sam Hunt, and Justin Timberlake. And as a tribute to everyone's favourite summer pastime — that would of course be reading trashy novels on the beach — he reads the first two chapters from his novel-in-progress, DODGE. A little summery something for everyone this week, on RADIO FREE KASLO!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse, with no clue what the show is going to be about, wanders down to the Angry Hen Craft Brewery to clear the audio cobwebs. The rest is, as they say, history.
Thanks to the extended Whittaker family, Sarah Heard, some good sports from Seattle and Vancouver Island, and of course the fabulous staff at the Angry Hen for rescuing today's show,
With a little help from the Beach Boys, Cara Luft and the Wailin Jennys, Alex Cuba, and Blue Moon Marquee.
HAPPY CANADA DAY! On today's Radio Free Kaslo, host RG Morse tips his toque to Canada, discusses the virtues of summer generally, looks back at summers past, and suggests no one does summer quite as well as the Swedes. With music by the likes of Michael Franti, Nat King Cole, Keith Urban, and James Taylor, this is one sweet summer podcast!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse features nine pieces of movie music that move him, from films that include:
Star Wars
Bridge on the River Kwai
Dr, No
The Pink Panther
A Hard Day's Night
2001: A Space Odyssey
Lawrence of Arabia
Out of Africa
Shirley Valentine
If you're a film buff, you'll want to listen in!
There's hiphop — and then there's conscious hiphop. There are hiphop artists — and then there's Kosmic T!
A Pachakuti Medicine Carrier, Star Nation ambassador, and outdoor educator hailing from Nelson, British Columbia, Kosmic T's songs have been described as empowering, uplifting, and inspiring. In its review of his 2021 album, Rise of the New Earth, the New Age Music Guidesaid:
"Rise Of The New Earth” is a rare bird, so special and beautiful that I had to pinch my arm to see that I was not dreaming it all. It is that good.If you only add one album to your playlist in 2021, make sure it's Kosmic T's Rise of the New Earth. It is exceptional!
On the eve of the release of his much anticipated new release, Freedom Fire, Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse reached Kosmic T at his Star River Sanctuary home, and discussed the inspiration behind Freedom Fire, the creation of the Sanctuary, his connection with the Star Nations, and much more.
A cosmically cool conversation, right here on Radio Free Kaslo!
It has been said that choral music is not one of life's frills — that it goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls. You express, when you sing, your soul in song. And when you get together with a group of other singers in a choir, it becomes more than the sum of its parts.
All that is magnified when we're talking about a choir in an isolated mountain village of barely 1,000 souls.
Kuimba is such a choir — and the tiny British Columbia village of Kaslo is such a place.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, Kuimba Choir's conductor, Tamara Sunsong talks about her musical journey, how she became associated with Kuimba, and references the choir's upcoming concerts. Toss in some lovely choral music, and you have the makings of a delightful half hour of listening!
It was 50 years ago that Crosby, Stills & Nash released their seminal album of the same name. On today's show, host RG Morse spins three pop classics that defied the "3 minutes and a cloud of dust" approach to song structures up to the late '60s — the Moody Blues' Nights in White Satin (1967), CS&N's Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (1969), and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
Three classics, all in one neat, tidy, public broadcasting package — enjoy!
This classic song has become a staple in British Columbia's remote — and beautiful — Kootenay region.
Written and performed by RADIO FREE KASLO host, RG Morse, "Let's Get Naked in the Kootenays" is a wry look at why people choose to flee the city to move to a place like Morse's beloved hometown, the isolated mountain village of Kaslo.
Full of clever lyrics, a big hook — and oh, what a tuba — "Let's Get Naked in the Kootenays" is the perfect anthem for one of the world's truly special (if slightly quirky) places!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host Randy Morse highlights the 130th edition of Kaslo's venerable May Days celebration, complete with a brief history of this three-day, small town extravaganza with no equal, and some appropriate accompanying tunes. Enjoy!
This episode of RADIO FREE KASLO features a conversation between host RG Morse and British Columbia-based writer, Maureen Brownlee, author of Cambium Blue. A newly published novel set in the British Columbia Interior, Cambium Blue is an homage to resource towns, independent women, and local newspapers.
Brownlee and Morse discuss her background, how her experiences growing up and living in the BC Interior have shaped her work, her approach to writing, and, of course, her latest book, recently released by Harbour Publishing.
Here's a taste of what Cambium Blue is all about:
In 1994, at the outset of the bark beetle epidemic that will decimate millions of acres of pine forest in western North America, a fiercely independent lumber town faces a bleak future when its only sawmill is shuttered. Encouraged by a provincial government intent on transitioning the region from timber to tourism, the town council embraces a resort developer as their last, best hope. A failure to anticipate the human cost of that choice ignites a struggle for the very soul of the community.
Cambium Blue’s narrative alternates between three viewpoints. Stevie Jeffers is a timid, 24-year-old single mom who stakes her future on the town after a traumatic break-up. Nash Malone is a reclusive Spanish Civil War veteran who supplements his pension with salvage from the local dump—an occupation that puts him on a collision course with the town’s plan to beautify itself. At 54 years old, cash-strapped and short-staffed Maggie Evans is treading water while waiting to sell her dead husband’s newspaper, the barely solvent Chronicle. As the characters’ lives intertwine and the conflict heats up, they will each be challenged to traverse the ambiguous divide between substance and hype, past and future, hope and despair.
Rich with unforgettable characters and set in the Interior hinterland of British Columbia, Cambium Blue is a masterful and compassionate illumination of the human politics of a small town, and the intersection of individual lives with political agendas and environmental catastrophes.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, RG Morse is joined in the studio by long-time Czech-Canadian friend, Jan Novotny. Together they explore the notion that men are generally terrible about getting together and chatting with one another (about anything other than sports and politics). Whether you agree or disagree, you'll find this an entertaining conversation.
ON this edition of RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse spins some 21st century Canadian R&B, featuring artists that include Zaki Ibrahim, Majid Jordan, Tarika Charles, Allie, David Caesar, and Jahkoy — with a dollop of Diana Krall tossed in for good measure. Enjoy!
After a two-year hiatus, Kaslo Jazz Etc. — the festival USA Today and Reuters have called one of the best summer music festivals on the planet — is back, July 29-31 in Kaslo Bay Park!!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host R.G. Morse spins songs by some of this year's Kaslo Jazz Etc. performers, including Greensky Bluegrass, The Dead South, Moontricks, Ocie Elliott, The Slocan Ramblers, Shred Kelly, Circus Acts Insomniacs, and Jon & Roy.
Enjoy!
The state of North America's boreal forests is volatile, to put it mildly. A combination of past practices, complex management challenges involving multiple stakeholders, and climate change have created a perfect storm — in this case, firestorm.
John Cathro has been dealing with these challenges for many years. An independent who works with First Nations, communities, companies, and governments across BC and globally, he joins host RG Morse for a conversation on wildfires — why they are so numerous and intense, barriers to properly dealing with the situation, and things folks can do at the local level to help protect themselves and their communities.
Must listening for anyone living in or near the Deep Woods!
On today's show, host RG Morse zeroes in on hope and love, featuring the poetry of Maya Angelou, and music from Yo Yo Mah, the Gimnazhia Kranj Symphony & Chorus, Israel Kamakawlwo'ole, Cat Stevens, Emmy Lou Harris & Rodney Crowell, and Enya.
Blessings on the people of Ukraine!
radiofreekaslo
alpinenirvana
freeukraine
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, we wander in the Deep Woods for a fascinating conversation, focussing on protecting British Columbia's remaining old growth forests, with long-time environmental activist, Tommy Treehugger. Enjoy!
On today's show, host RG Morse features a call to protect BC's remaining old growth forests, a review of the proposed Liberal-NDP national dental care plan, and the likely influx of folks to BC who are fleeing the carnage wreaked by Russia's ruthless invasion.
On today's podcast, long-time educator Jill Holland reflects on things pedagogical as she approaches the end of a 32-year career teaching at one of British Columbia's few remaining K-12 schools, Kaslo's JV Humphries. Toss in songs by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, and Crowded House, and there's plenty to enjoy on this episode of Radio Free Kaslo!
The storied Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival — heralded by USA Today as one of the 10 best summer music festivals in the world — is back this summer, after a Covid-imposed two year hiatus.
On today's show, artists who will be performing on the Festival's fabulous floating stage, on Kootenay Lake below the charming village of Kaslo, set against a backdrop of soaring peaks, are featured. Including songs by Greensky Bluegrass, Slocan Rambler, Frazey Ford, Moontricks, Ocie Elliott, and The Dead South. Enjoy!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse talks about the Russian media crackdown, relates a recent encounter involving a Canadian flag-draped pickup truck, and plays some Ukrainian music for good measure. God bless the people of Ukraine!
Kaslo is located in the heart of the remote, thinly populated North Kootenay Lake region of British Columbia. For all its isolation and scarce population, "Alpine Nirvana" cranks out way more than its fair share of talented artists, authors, actors, dancers — and musicians.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse is joined by talented young singer, songwriter, and producer, Aline Deanna, to chat about her music, and perform some tunes from her forthcoming album, live in the studio.
It's mid-February in Alpine Nirvana. The heli-skiing choppers continue to chug overhead, whisking powder hounds to epic snow in the Purcells and Selkirks. The streets are still slippery, the trails remain icy, and the firewood is rapidly dwindling. All in all an excellent time to turn one's thoughts to summer — and baseball.! On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse chats with the founders of Kaslo's wildly popular summer softball league, Jo Davie and Josh Noble. Toss in some tunes by the likes of Tom Cochrane, John Fogerty, and Bruce Springsteen, and you've got the makings of a warm podcast toddy in the middle of a chilly Canadian winter. Enjoy!
As noisy protests strangle downtown Ottawa, and truck blockades at the vital Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario and Detroit drag on, amidst all the flag-waving, horn honking, and cries of "freedom," Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse takes a step back and offers some personal anecdotes and thoughts on Canada, and what, historically, makes Canada and the USA different, Whatever one's view of the protesters and their motives, one thing seems clear: their views run counter to the founding precepts Canada is built on. That, in and of itself, is neither a good thing nor a bad thing — it's simply a fact. This is a time to step back for a moment, take a deep breath, and remember who we are, how we got here, and why, regardless of our views on governments of the day, we love our country. And if we want to change it, do so with a clear-eyed understanding of what those changes may lead to.
Fascinating people tend to wash up on the shores of beautiful, isolated places like Kaslo, British Columbia. People like Pris Davis. Born in Indonesia, Pris went to college in the US, ran a boutique hotel near Interlaken in the Swiss Alps, worked in the UK, and ended up in Kaslo, and now runs a baseball concession operation out of a '68 VW van — like 'ya do! This is a fun listen — enjoy!
On today's show, it's all about Canadian music, featuring Buffy Ste. Marie, The Weeknd, Avril >Lavigne, Neil Young, Drake, Alanis Morisette, and Shawn Mendes. Quite the lineup of artists, who collectively have sold approximately 13 gazillion records, and counting. Enjoy!
Today's RADIO FREE KASLO, is all about winter. Appropriately, given all the snow that's pounded down on Alpine Nirvana this year. Host RG Morse shares some frosty anecdotes, tosses out a few pithy quotes, and plays tunes by John Denver, Trent Severn, Tom Waits, Bruce Cockburn, and Simon & Garfunkle. Enjoy!
There's a little story behind today's podcast.
For those of you who don't know, Kaslo is a tiny (pop. 938 or so hardy souls) village tucked into a mountainous corner of southeastern British Columbia. It's both small and remote. Early in January we experienced an extraordinary dump of snow — we're talking feet, not inches. And now, down here at lake level (less than 2,000') things have suddenly gotten milder, and all that snow has started to melt — fast. Which among other considerations means that roofs are in jeopardy of collapse.
A couple of evenings ago, two youngish men showed up at our door and declared their intention to climb up onto the (flat) roof above our entrance deck and shovel off the approx. 20 tonnes of increasingly wet and heavy snow that threatened to crush it.
To be clear, they weren't doing this for money.
Thanks to them, the roof was saved. We sat around afterwards, out on the now-safe deck and had a marvellous conversation — about nothing, and everything — you know, the best sort of conversation, right?
As we chatted, it occurred to me the rest of the world needs to hear these guys. They live well to the north of Kaslo — 50 or 60 km north — off the grid, in an area that for most folks in the world looks like a scene out of a Jack London or Farley Mowat novel.
So I invited them — Alex Cox and Jaeden Woodland — to join me for an episode of Radio Free Kaslo. I think you'll enjoy our chat — especially if you live in a city... and wish you didn't.
On this first show of 2022, RADIO FREE KASLO host Randy Morse looks back on a string of disasters that befell British Columbia in 2021, and plays tunes by the likes of Buffy Sainte Marie, Ella Fitzgerald, Dianna Krall, Dan Magnan, Bruce Cockburn, and the Spotted Owls. Enjoy!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse talks about the recent natural disasters in Kentucky and British Columbia (and lets listeners know how they can help), touches on being in jail over the holidays, and plays some fantastic tunes by Loreena McKennitt, BB King, The Secrets, Paul Kelly, John Prine, and the Wailin' Jennys. Enjoy!
The holiday season is upon us! Join Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse as he introduces listeners to the Swedish tradition of Lucia — including lots of (Swedish) music (if you hate ABBA, don't listen!!).
RADIO FREE KASLO host RG Morse delves into what the world press is saying about the Omicron Covid variant, tells a story that suggests what we focus on may actually materialize, and plays some fine tunes on today's podcast (which aired live on Nelson, British Columbia's Kootenay Co-op Radio on December 3, 2021).
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse talks about recent trials in the USA that tell different stories about the current state of American society. He reminisces about boyhood Thanksgivings, and takes listeners to a sunny vineyard patio in BC's Okanagan Valley where he talks sports over beers with two top young Canadian winemakers.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse asks locals how they ended up in the tiny mountain village of Kaslo, British Columbia, then has a chat with Karen Pidcock, board member of the Hospice Society of North Kootenay Lake, about the Society's upcoming annual Tree of Remembrance initiative, and something called "green burial." Radio that takes you to the Great Wide Open!
RADIO FREE KASLO host RG Morse zeroes in on Remembrance Day (or Veteran's Day for American listeners), and what it means to the girls and boys, men and women of tiny, isolated, Kaslo, British Columbia. +A moving listening experience from the very heart of Alpine Nirvana.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse features the anti-vaccination scene in Trieste, Italy, shares his opinion of current travel requirements between the US and Canada, puts a shout out for Kaslo's JV Humphries School's drama program fundraiser, and plays tunes by the likes of Beethoven, Diana Krall, and Sean Rodman — enjoy!
It’s a proven fact that singing is more fun when we are surrounded by friends, belting it out at the top of our lungs.
Maybe that doesn’t seem like a proven fact, but according to recent research, it actually is. Humans are wired for rhythmic togetherness — from choral singers to musicians, the science is coming in that we bond best when we are making music with each other.
Why?
Studies show that choral singing improves our mood, with a decrease in stress, depression and anxiety. These effects are often attributed to the deeper breathing associated with singing, that is also used in meditation. Thes ebenefits are enhanced in a group setting, compared to singing alone. Singing in a group offers us a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. It helps us feel that we are needed by the larger community. In that light, choral singing programs are beginning to make big strides at senior centers, as a way to improve the quality of life for the older members of our society.
Beyond these psychological effects, our physical health is also impacted for the better: lower blood pressure, increased blood oxygen saturation, elevated immunity, higher pain threshold, stronger respiratory muscles, and less stuttering. Music-making produces measurable changes in the brain!
People who live in rural communities instinctively get this. Music is woven into the fabric of everyday life from the hollers of Appalachia to the townships of South Africa. While the isolated mountain village of Kaslo is tiny (with a population of fewer than 1,000 souls) it boasts plenty of singers and musicians — and a mighty community choir — Kuimba!
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse introduces listeners to some of Kuimba's repertoire, featuring choral arrangements of songs ranging from Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," to Thomas Morley's "Now Is the Gentle Season." Enjoy the podcast — then go grab someone, whether in-person or virtually — and sing!
Global warming, the pandemic, wrenching economic and demographic changes have all played havoc with the global ski industry. Against this backdrop, a new backcountry initiative is being proposed for the Goat Range, in British Columbia's Selkirk Mountains.
The man behind the Zincton project, Valhalla Pure founder David Harley, refers to his brainchild as "the Tesla of ski resorts," notes that it will be carbon-neutral from Day One, and will provide a much-needed economic boost to the nearby villages of New Denver and Kaslo.
Opponents argue that Zincton would impede crucial wildlife corridors, threaten already-stressed grizzlies and wolverines, and overwhelm existing infrastructure, particularly in New Denver.
On today's RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse shares an overview of the position of Zincton's advocates and detractors, courtesy of The Narwhal. He also tips his turban to a clever mountain rescue, reminds listeners that not everything on Facebook is vitriolic garbage, and spins a few lively tunes. Enjoy!
Is space "the final frontier"?
Are companies like Space X, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin laudable efforts to further humanity's future prospects? Or are they grotesque displays of massive personal wealth, being squandered by men determined to prove who has the biggest... rocketship?!
Wherever you come down on these questions, spurred by William Shatner (aka Captain James T. Kirk)'s recent space flight (at age 90), this is the subject of today's RADIO FREE KASLO.
Enjoy some inter-galactic radio, beamed to you from the space port in the heart of Alpine Nirvana!
Covid hangs heavily over the upcoming holiday season. On this episode of RADIO FREE KASLO, host RG Morse debunks Ivermectin as a Covid cure, shares some of the concerns and recommendation of the president of the Canadian Medical Association regarding the pandemic and its impact on healthcare workers, and lets listeners know what British Columbia's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has to say about how to safely celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Toss in some sweet tunes performed by KD Lang, Neil Young, Ian Tyson, and Mary Chapin Carpenter and you've got almost half an hour of informative, enjoyable public radio — straight from the very heart of Alpine Nirvana!
Stuck in the studio with a nasty case of Covid, Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse plays selections from two of his all-time favourite Canadian albums — songs featuring insightful songwriting, spare arrangements, tunes oozing the sort of atmosphere found only north of the 49th parallel!
On this episode of Radio Free Kaslo, host RG Morse tackles issues ranging from bears in the 'hood to an upcoming "Kids Hike for Climate" — from the start of a new school year to the issue of vaccine passports. Toss in a few tunes and you have the makings of an informative and entertaining half-hour of thought-provoking public radio from the tiny village of Kaslo — aka "Alpine Nirvana." Enjoy!
Radio Free Kaslo host RG Morse refers to his neck of the planetary woods as "Alpine Nirvana" for good reason.
In this episode he takes listeners on an outing to climb Mt. Loki., a striking peaks in British Columbia's rugged Purcell Range.
At over 9.000' tall, Loki towers over all the surrounding peaks, It is to Kaslo what the Matterhorn is to Zermatt.
Whether you're a climber, a hiker, or simply an armchair adventurer, here's a an audio expedition you'll enjoy!
Kaslo (pop. 932) is a tiny mountain village. Argenta, 50 km north of Kaslo, tucked into a mountainside on the NE corner of massive Kootenay Lake boasts more like a hundred or so souls — a collection of colourful, creative, wildly independent characters.
Argenta punches way above its weight class when it comes to producing talented musicians.
One of them, Tenise Marie, is featured in this episode of Radio Free Kaslo. Tenise chats with about her latest release, "Storm," while host RG Morse spins a few tunes from the album.