Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 52

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 52

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 7/29/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:00 PM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 8/04/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

Hello again Winnipeg. Nice to see you here on week 52!

I hope you have all been enjoying your summer as much as I have been.

This week, was yet another big week for me as I made a couple of announcements on today's show that pertained to our city.

Before we get to that, I would first like to thank The Manitoba Museum for giving us the honor of visiting their laser shows, specifically "British N-Vasion".

As I mentioned on last weeks show, I had the opportunity to attend a viewing of the laser show and found myself completely flabbergasted at just how advanced laser technology really is.

When I hear laser, I think of that little red dot we all used to have back in our class rooms that we would use to distract fellow class-mates or at times our teachers.

But after witnessing my first 'real' laser show, I have to say. I am really excited and looking forward to seeing more while the planetarium has them.

The music chosen for this show was straight up brit-rock and featured all of our favorite mopped-topped English crooners, including of course my personal favorite. . . The Beatles.

But personal favorites aside, the show did exactly what it was supposed to do. Take the audience from the start of British rock right up to present day.

It was truly memorizing, and stunning.

Kudos go out to the designers and producers for putting together such as wonderful play list, and a eye catching laser show.

I look forward to hopefully seeing Laser Pink Floyd (The Dark Side of The Moon) in it's entirety soon.

After thanking Twist Cone and "Tuna Schmelt" for their assistance in filling a last minute show at Shannon's Irish Pub, I moved on to the two topics of the day which were both, in themselves, big announcements.


The first announcement I made on today's show, was the personal outing of a project I am taking he initiative in spearheading. This project will hopefully link our fair City of Winnipeg, to The City of Tucson, Arizona via the Sister City International program.

I announced my opinions and reasoning on today's show, advising that both cities have key similarities in the way they operate, and face similar issues and opportunities in which the population of both cities will benefit.

It was explained to you all, that I would be sending a e-mail to both mayors (Mayor Bob Walkup - Tucson, Mayor Sam Katz - Winnipeg) and The Sister City International group.

That e-mail was sent just after my show aired this evening.

As stated on the show, it was hard to describe in 30 minutes time how similar these two cities are, and I'm assuming that some of you have not had the opportunity to visit sunny Tucson Arizona.

To give you a better idea and understanding, here is a portion of the e-mail I sent to both mayors indicating the similarities and left it open to how both parties and their respected cities could benefit:

Similar Topics and Idea Generating Facts:
(As collaborated by Andru Valpy - 7/29/2010)

1) Community, Government Policy

Tucson: Population 541,811
Tucson City Council: 1 Mayor, 6 Council Members

13 designated neighborhoods

Winnipeg: 633,451
Winnipeg City Council: 1 Mayor, 15 Council Members

15 designated neighborhoods

2) Artistic and Community Spirit:

Tucson:

* 4th Avenue Street Fair
* Tucson Meet Yourself Festival
* Tucson Symphony Orchestra
* The Tucson Folk Festival
* The Tucson Rodeo
* The Fort Lowell Museum
* The Jewish Heritage Centre
* Ethnic Diversity - Hispanic, Native Americans

Winnipeg:

* Osbourne Village Street Fair
* Winnipeg Friendship Festival,
* The Royal Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
* The Winnipeg Folk Festival
* The Assiniboia Downs (Derby Days)
* Upper and Lower Fort Garry - Fort Gibraltar
* The Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada
* Ethnic Diversity - French, First Nations

3) Policing Ideas

Tucson:

Annual crimes ratings per 1,000 residents:

Violent Crimes 10.07
Property Crime 100.33
Total Ranking: 110.40

(As per: Neighborhood Scout: http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/az/tucson/crime/)

Winnipeg:

12,167 Criminal Code of Canada offences per 100,000 inhabitants

Winnipeg had the highest rate among centres with populations greater than 500,000.
(As Per: Statistics Canada 2004 Crime Report)

Both cities face difficulties facing ongoing problems with the following:

* High Automotive Theft
* Violent Crimes in city neighborhoods due to gang initiatives.

Tucson has used a police helicopter force for a while, while The City of Winnipeg will be launching theirs within the year.


4) Transportation:

Tucson: Sun-Tran Bus System (America's Best Transit System in 2005 and 1988 in the category of 4 to 30 million annual passenger trips).
38 routes, with a fleet of 206.

Winnipeg Transit: (Currently upgrading to rapid transit system and studying expansion of services)
88 Routes with 535 Busses in it's fleet with daily ridership totaling 110,000 +.

5) Sports and Recreation:

Tucson:

* The University of Arizona Wildcats

* The Tucson Toros Baseball Team
Golden Baseball Minor Leagues - Operating out of Hi Corbett Field

* Spring Training Grounds - The Arizona Diamondbacks, The Colorado Rockies)
* The Reid Park Zoo
* Tucson Botanical Gardens
* Five municipal golf courses with 19 private (according to Golf Gude USA)

Winnipeg:

* The University of Manitoba Bisons

* The Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Team
- Northern League Professional Baseball Team - Operating out of Canwest Park)
* The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL Football)
* The Manitoba Moose - (AHL Hockey Team - Operating out of The MTS Centre)
* The Assinibone Park, Zoo, and Conservatory
* Three municipal golf courses with 13 private (according to Golf Course Listings.ca)

5) Education:

Tucson

Post Secondary Education:

* The University of Arizona
* Pima Community College
* The University of Phoenix
* The Art Institute of Tucson
* Prescott College
* Northern Arizona University

Winnipeg:

*The University of Manitoba
* The University of Winnipeg
* Red River College
* The Canadian Mennonite University
* Menno Simons College
* Booth College

6) Military:

Tucson -

Davis Monthan Air Force Base is the American Air Force location in Tucson Arizona housing the 355th Fighter Wing.

Winnipeg -

CFB Winnipeg houses the 17th wing of the Canadian Air Force - The Fourth Largest Employer In The City of Winnipeg (According to http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/17w-17e/page-eng.asp?id=208)

As I announced it will take a while for anything to come from this, should my initiatives be successful, but I will definitely keep you posted should anything happen.


Finally, on this episode I aired the audio portion of my VJ/Reality show video documentary.

Expect a copy of it posted on The Aimless & Andy Show Youtube within the next few days.

So kids, that's what I got up to this week on Wake Up Winnipeg. A big thanks for all of your continued support on this show.

I look forward to catching up with you next week. In the mean time, watch out for those pesky mosquitos.

-Andru

Wake Up Winnipeg - Epsiode 51

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 7/22/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:00 PM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 7/28/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

On This weeks episode of Wake Up Winnipeg, I focused on recent events that have occurred both locally and nationally.

I briefly mentioned my visit to Bon Jovi with guests Kid Rock and Winnipeg Based artist Sierra Noble (who I've talked to on multiple occasions on Wake Up Winnipeg) and mentioned how fantastic it was that I was able to attend thanks to my friend Adam Taylor. Though I wasn't working that night, I will say my guest and I had a lot of fun listening to all of the artists perform. That, and it was nice to see Bon Jovi for a second time after seeing him back in ONE WILD NIGHT tour back in 1998 while living in Arizona.

I gave a pair of tickets away to the Manitoba Museum Planetarium Laser Shows which is on now and runs through September 6, 2010 on Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday nights. More information may be found by clicking here.

I gently asked you (our listeners) thought of our governments plan to make the census voluntary after the chief statistician Munir Sheikh stepped down from his post after the announcement was made. The question posed was "Do you think census should be mandatory? or voluntary?" Click the below button to e-mail us your answers. (Buttons will start a new e-mail)



On this weeks episode I once again touched on my visit to The Winnipeg Folk Festival and aired an interview Leonard from Winnipeg based band The Duhks who once again played on their "third or fourth" visit to the Festival. Following the interview, I played a track entitled Pretty Boy Floyd/Stoney Point from their album: Your daughters & Your Sons.

Finally on this weeks episode I talked about an article I posted earlier in the week on The Aimless & Andy Show Blog in which I share my views on the impact music makes on a child and why I feel it is important to share music from a young age.

YOU MAY READ THE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE.

This article was inspired while voluntarily hosting the children's stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, with help from all of the artists I had crossed paths with during my three days on stage.

I also wrapped up the show with a track from Aaron Nigel Smith that he recorded with Ziggy Marley entitled Everyone Loves To Dance which comes from the album of the same name released in 2009.


As always, I thanked you all for your individual contributions and support on Wake Up Winnipeg which is hosted, created and put together weekly by myself...but with the help of people like you.

So, until next week...enjoy the summer...watch out for the rain, and remember...You only live once!

Rock it!
-Andru

Wake Up Winnipeg - The Importance of Music in A Child's Life

The Importance of Music in A Child's Life.
By: Andru Valpy - Wake Up Winnipeg & The Aimless And Andy Show

I had the opportunity to host the Chickadee Big Top family stage at the 2010 Winnipeg Folk Festival from July 7 through July 11th 2010 in Winnipeg's Birds Hill Park.

Though I have Em-Cee'd and Hosted many stages in my life, none of them have made such an impact on me as the one I walked away with during this festival.

Immediately upon stepping up to the microphone, and looking down on a tent full of little eyes, big smiles, and happy parents, I was put into a child like zone where I could be goofy and silly and not worry about what people would think. . . an effect I'm sure most people who have been exposed to children can appreciate. Hey, let's face it. . . we're all kids at heart.

But what I valued the most is the fact that the parents and families had a place to bring their children to be entertained. . . and that they were.

I had the chance to see some wonderful and creative talents, based locally and internationally.

Some of the artists I crossed paths with and came to know over the weekend include:

• Lulu And The Tom Cat (Winnipeg)
• Aaron Burnett (Winnipeg)
• Aaron Nigel Smith (L.A. California)
• Flying Bob
• Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Nap Time Players (Chicago Illinois)
• Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion (Massachusetts)
• Wide Open Puppetry (Saskatchewan)

Each one of these Artists or groups were very creative in their deliverance to the families and children in attendance.

But It wasn't until Aaron Nigel Smith invited me to play drums with him and his own family during his show that I came to really appreciate just how important music can be for children.

While I was drumming with Aaron, it suddenly reminded me of all of the music I was exposed to as a child growing up in Vancouver.

After really listening and exploring the rest of the music that was being played on the stage from the above mentioned artists, I understood just how important music was to me as a kid..and how much of a impact was being made not only on me that weekend, but on the beady little eyes looking up excitedly at these 'not so grown up' entertainers.

It was then that I had decided to write this review, and remind those of you just how important music is the eyes of a child.

It is my opinion that being continuously exposed to positive music at such a young age can really shape the future growth and development of an individual.

I have come to appreciate child entertainers all over again and have an understanding that they act as messengers to our children and their futures.

Some of the lyrics I heard encouraged children to "nicely stand up to bullies", dream as much as they can, use their imagination, and dance for the sake of dancing.

I encourage you personally to help your children grow musically.

In doing so, you will be opening their ears and expanding their minds which will allow them to grow up creatively and will help them develop their own understandings of the universal language of music.

Please take a moment to review some of the artists I've mentioned above...you just might find yourself drumming and dancing along too.

-Av.

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 50

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 7/15/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:00 PM
Download Location iTunes.
Rebroadcast: 7/21/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

On this weeks episode of Wake Up Winnipeg I had the chance to talk to some amazing artists.

Our interviews started with NEeMA live from the West End Cultural Centre on July 6th, 2010 just before her show. In our conversation that was aired today, we touched on her new self titled album earlier that week.

(Thanks D.S!)

It was during this conversation that I learned a little more about NEeMA's musical journey and what it was like to work with Leonard Cohen and other wonderful talents that she had the blessings to work with in the Montreal area.

Due to time constraints, I only had a chance to air a portion of our conversation but I anticipate posting the entire interview in iTunes shortly.

In the mean time, my review of NEeMA may be found BY CLICKING HERE.

After talking to Neema on this weeks episode, I started to air the first of our Winnipeg Folk Festival interviews with some awesome artists who I am super happy to have met.

I started it off with the full interview with Rock Plaza Central who are based in Toronto Ontario, Canada.

I had learned about them thanks to King of Co-Hosts Aimless Paul (from The Aimless & Andy Show and UMFM's Drifter in The Dark) earlier last year as I was heading down to the 10,000 lakes festival in Detroit Lakes Minnesota.

While I was at 10KLF, I had a chance to see the band in action which was just plain awesome.

It wasn't until the interview that I learned a little more about their 24 hours at 10klf which you heard on Today's episode.

It was awesome getting to know them and as stated in my interview, I look forward to following their band.

(Thanks Jim!)

Next up, I had the opportunity to hit up Australian artist Harry James Angus who is from the band The Cat Empire.

We had an awesome discussion in which we talked about this years festival, and how he as an Australian felt about the Canadian Music Scene and what the perception of it is like down in Australia.

Turns out he knows our friends from Blue King Brown who played at last years Jazz Winnipeg Festival. I definitely told him to give a shout-out and hello to our dear friend Jess Harlen who he was familiar with.

During this interview, I learned what it would take to get The Cat Empire to tour in Canada again....you should probably tune in to find out!

Last, but certainly not least was our interview with Hot Tuna which is composed of former Jefferson Airplane members Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen along side friend Barry Mitterhoff.

During this interview, I asked about the spirit of festivals from Woodstock to now, and also learned about the evolution of Hot Tuna, where the name came from, and also a little more about a teaching initiative the members have started at Fur Peace Ranch.

It was great to hear that the overall spirit of festivals have not changed since that famous day in upstate new york.

Over all, I am quite pleased with the beginnings of our Winnipeg Folk Festival exploration and look forward to posting all of the interviews in full in iTunes at a later date.

Realistically, we will be posting them once they have aired exclusively on my home station of CJUM 101.5 FM before I share them to the world.

All and all, there were many a great story that have come from volunteering at this years festival and I look forward to sharing them with you all on our blog, fan pages, on air and online in the upcoming days.

Until then, a BIG thank you goes out to all of the volunteers, organizers, promoters, labels, and artists that helped support this weeks episode...the big 50.

I look forward to talking to you all next week and on upcoming podcasts on the Aimless & Andy Show iTunes library.

Until then, peace, love, and rock & roll.

-Av

Wake Up Winnipeg - Her Royal Majesty's Visit to Winnipeg

"A Visit Fit For A Queen"
Story, Video and Photo's By: Andru Valpy


On Saturday July 3, 2010, Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, made a 6 hour stop over in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada as part of the 2010 Royal Canadian Tour.

With Winnipeggers still coming buzzing with spirit from Canada Day on July 1st, Queen Elizabeth was welcomed with smiles and red and white flowers at the new James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

Her Majesty was the first passenger to walk arrive at the still- under- construction airport as her Canadian Air Force plane taxied into gate 7.


Greeted by Lt. Governor of Manitoba, His Honour Philip S. Lee;, Provincial Premier, Greg Selinger;, City of Winnipeg Mayor, Sam Katz,; and other state officials, Her Majesty and Guests took a brief walk about through of the new terminal while onlookers watched in awe of the radiant Queen.


After accepting a welcoming gift from the Manitoba Government, and signing a letter to future generations, Her Majesty and Prince Philip were whisked away to Winnipeg's Government House located on the grounds of the Provincial Legislature Building.

The Queen paused on her way into a luncheon inside Government House to look at a copy of the Magna Carta that is on loan to Manitoba.

Two scarlet-clad RCP officers stood guard on either side as she and the Duke of Edinburgh discussed the historic British document briefly with Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee.

The couple then entered the room where they dined with invited guests that included Premier Greg Selinger, former Gov. Gen Edward Schreyer, who was also the first NDP premier of Manitoba, former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy and other current and former Manitoba and federal politicians.

She was welcomed by Lee and Ron Evans, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, gave a blessing before the meal.

After the royal luncheon, Her Majesty was invited to unveil the newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth II statue made by Winnipeg artist Leo Moithat was relocated to the Government House garden grounds.

During her garden walk about, Her Majesty planted a fresh beautiful Amber Jubilee Ninebark (Physocarpus Opulifplius 'Jefam) that was bred exclusively in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.


This plant was made created in spirit of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee in 2012 and will be distributed across Canada to celebrate this soon- to- be historic event.

After accepting flowers from her onlookers and visiting a friendly Welsh corgi at the Government House, the royal party visited Winnipeg's french district of Saint Boniface where The Queen and Prince Philip privately strolled across the Louis Riel Esplanade privately.

The royal couple were then invited to reveal the cornerstone to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights which is the first federal museum built outside of Ottawa.

A copy of the famous Magna Carta was also displayed as part of this historic event and was shown while Her Majesty visited.

After thanking Her Majesty for her support in the museum, Prime Minister Stephan Harper and Premier Selinger led the tour group into the Scotia Bank Pavilion located at The Forks Market Place, which is internationally known as a historical site for peace keeping and trade.

After watching stunning performances from The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg and Montreal based vocal quintet Chic Gamine and Singer-Songwriter Chantal Kreviauk, The Queen addressed the nation in front of a silent and tentative crowd:

"Prime Minister, Premier, Ministers, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Jeudi dernier, des milliers de Manitobains se sont réunis ici pour
souligner la Fête du Canada, fête qui est l’occasion, pour les Canadiens de
partout au pays, de célébrer l’identité et les réalisations canadiennes
ainsi que les valeurs chères à ce pays.

A few moments ago, I unveiled the cornerstone of the new Canadian Museum of
Human Rights. This building will, in due course, rise up to take its place
on the Winnipeg skyline. But it is also a symbol of the importance which
Canada attaches to human rights and its own role in promoting them at home
and throughout the world.

An integral part of this cornerstone is a smaller stone taken from the
meadows of Runnymede in England where Magna Carta was signed in the year
1215. That document was itself the cornerstone of democratic rights and
gave rise to the rule of Constitutional Law that now flourishes across the
English-speaking world.

Here at the Forks, the symbolism of Magna Carta is now joined to the
historical importance of a site where aboriginal peoples gathered for
thousands of years to exchange views and resolve conflicts. Ce sont là des
bases précieuses qui sauront sûrement inspirer le Musée national, auquel je
souhaite bon succès.

In this, Manitoba's 'Coming Home Year', I hope that today will be a special
and memorable time for each and every one of you."

After her majesty spoke, the royal party bid adieu to their excited crowd and departed towards the 17th Wing of the Canadian Forces Base.


It was there that the 17th Wing personal personnel mounted a Departure Guard upon Queen Elizabeth and The Duke, Prince Philip and the Royal party said farewell to Manitoba's Capital City en-route to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for the continuation of her tour.

Tune into CJUM 101.5 fm on Thursday July 8th, 2010 for audio recap on "Wake Up Winnipeg", hosted by UMFM volunteer Andru Valpy.

Additional Photographs and videos may be found on The Aimless & Andy Show blog, YouTube and Facebook Fanpages.

(WITH FILES FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS)