Dec 24, 2022
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays All
From 1974 to 1979 I was lucky enough to host Great Canadian Goldrush on CBC Radio National.
Every Christmas we had a Christmas Jam – in the studio. Produced by Susan Englebert. (with assistance from Claire Lawrence)
Except for the mixed drinks, it was nothing fancy but it was an hour of heart-felt stories and songs.
The artists included Roy Forbes and Shari Ulrich.
When Goldrush left the air Christmas Jam disappeared UNTIL Roundhouse Radio in Vancouver came on air and again I had a studio to capture this magic.
I talked to Shari, Roy, and Barney Bentall and they all signed on for a reconnect.
We got 3 years of Christmas in the Round recorded and then Roundhouse went dark.
Keeping the tradition alive, this year we present Year 3 of Christmas in the Round (2017)
The Lineup includes
Jim Byrnes
Shari Ulrich
Barney Bentall
Bill Henderson (Chilliwack)
Craig Northey (Odds and Steven Page Trio)
On percussion Geoff Hicks (Colin James, Barney, Cuddy, Byrnes, Northey etc)
Rob Becker (guitar/vocals)
Kirby Barber (guitar/vocals)
Roy Forbes was unavailable in Year 3 BUT I found him hiding in Year One
He brings with him two songs and the slide guitar of Shaun Verreault from Wide Mouth Mason.
And yes..he does tell the story and rolls out his Christmas Classic Mince Meat Tart